Don't Like L7s, Need More SQ

[tj1320 10+ year member]

Here is my current setup.

'98 Dodge Ram Quad Cab, no rear seat

Pioneer DEH-2000MP head unit

KnuKonceptz 1/0 power and ground wire, big 3 completed, factory 136 amp alternator

JBL GTO 1200.1 amp

2 Kicker 0612L74 subs, 12"

This enclosure - http://www.hifisoundconnection.com/Shop/Control/Product/fp/vpid/1632899/vpcsid/0/SFV/30046

I used 2x6s for "legs" to make the subs fire down so there is roughly 6" between the surrounds on the subs and the carpet on the floor in the quad cab area. The enclosure takes up most of the back seat area and it is anchored against the cab.

Now to my complaint. The L7s get pretty **** loud but the sound quality just isn't there. It is hard to describe (not really distortion) but these subs just don't have the sound quality I'm used to hearing. By that, I mean that my friends have had WAY better sounding subs than these. They were just as loud too.

For example, my friend had 2 10" PPIs in a ported box with a 700 watt Soundtstream amp in his '95 Z28 a few years ago. I almost felt sick and I couldn't see straight when I rode with him with the volume cranked up. This setup gave me a headache. The subs looked like these but they would be around 9 years old now. Not new like these. http://www.precisionpower.com/subwoofers/PROseries.asp

Then there was another friend that had 2 12" Audiobahns in the trunk of his Intrepid and they were loud and clean just like the setup mentioned above. I don't know what kind of amp or the model of Audiobahn he was using though.

Anyway, please help me choose some subs that will get loud enough to give passengers a headache, yet have substantially better SQ than these L7s. So far I've read some about the Phoenix Gold RSd12D and the IDMAX subs and they seem to be highly recommended. Thanks for any ideas.

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[KickerSoItBump 10+ year member]

Well if you really don't like the L7's get something else, but you might want to consider a different box. Sure the L7 isn't the best "SQ" sub, but that box doesn't look like its really that well suited.

It doesn't say where its tuned to, and the port looks so tiny... Cereally think you should consider a new box. your subs should blow away the audiobahns in terms of loudness, and as far as SQ i'd expect them to be a bit better lol.

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Get a pair of MB Quart RWE-352s. They're 15s, but only take 1.5cf sealed. They'll do perfect on your JBL. I have mine on 1200w and they sing. They are very quick and are low-end monsters.

I used to have a 15" L7, and the MBQs aren't as loud as it, but they're close (albeit, they're getting 800w less). But both MB Quarts are in a sealed box, smaller than the ported box for a single L7.

Best part of the deal... you can get a pair of em for ~$200.

 

[15nissen 10+ year member]

that box is a POS. Considering everything is basically by the install, that would be your problem.

 

[MikeyB 5,000+ posts]

Im sure you could just change up the enclosure to better suit your needs. Make a new enclosure tuned lower or try sealed. The L7's can sound very good much to the despise of most peoples opinions on their sq.

 

[Juice0723 10+ year member]

well that box for one is tuned high. Make your own box and tune it low. Probably like it better.

 

[tj1320 10+ year member]

Thanks for the responses guys. I just purchased that box a few weeks ago so I hate having to get rid of it but I guess I'll try to build a nice sealed box for them for better SQ. I assume that sealed is the way to go for more SQ and a little less "boom".

Now that that is out of the way, and I have the entire rear seat area for a box, what kind of volume should I give them to get better SQ and still be loud? Also, is downfiring them the best choice in an extended cab truck? Maybe firing them toward the bed would be better. Hmm...

EDIT: I know what Kicker recommends for sealed volume but what is the consensus from you guys?

 

[Juice0723 10+ year member]

You will have more output if you go ported. You just need to build a large low tuned box.

 

[Enellz 10+ year member]

its your box, not the subs.

 

[MikeyB 5,000+ posts]

I would just stick with the kicker specs for the enclosure and try them sealed if your looking for more sq. If you want more output though make a ported enclosure to spec and tuned lower.

 

[60ndown 10+ year member]

plug the ports in your current box (with some scrap wood screwd over the ports) = sealed box //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif = maybe some sq //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

Not to beat an old drum, but is the box. Could seal it up like 60 said, but I would just build a new box to specs, rather it be sealed or ported. Will have more output ported, but I have heard a few people get get response from their sealed boxes. I have a CVX Kicker, which most people will say it is a Round L7, which it really isn't. I have it in a 1.5 sealed enclosure and it sounds good off 750rms.

Plus sealed you save some room. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[ampresearch 10+ year member]

fire them up in your cab. ports facing forward. big *** box around 10 cubes. lots of bracing sound proff your cab big time and you will be very happy with your current subs. 99.9 percent of the complaints about the sq of an l7 is due to install issues.

if you want a super loud sub and CAN sound great doing it you have made a good choice. there may be better but you can get great sound out of what you already have. my truck can prove that to anyone.