Ford Explorer feels underpowered...

[nuklehed]

I currenlty have an MTX 421D fueling 2 Audiobahn AWC10T's wired in parallel and against the tailgate of my '97 Explorer. After about 6 months with this config, I am not too impressed with the output. I went with the Audiobahn's because a relative gave me one out of a car he sold. I like MTX and have never had a problem with their amps.

Am I underpowering the subs with the 421D? The Audiobahn's looked good for the price but I'm not opposed to getting a pair of 12" Type-R's to make my entire system Alpine with the exception of the amps. What would be a comparable upgrade to the amp or subs that could plug-in to the existing wiring? The subs are currently in a pre-fab sealed box.

Thanks!

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[iceteebone 5,000+ posts]

build a good ported box if you want louder. shoving another set of subs in that prefab sealed box will yeild just about the same results.

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

definately go ported... and i don't know if u r underpowering them but i definately think you are...

 

[nuklehed]

I guess it makes sense to try a ported box first. If it still sounds bad, I'll have to step up the amp. When matching subs for an amp are there any rules-of-thumb to look for?

 

[mrray13 10+ year member]

I guess it makes sense to try a ported box first. If it still sounds bad, I'll have to step up the amp. When matching subs for an amp are there any rules-of-thumb to look for?

impedence and rms rating....keeping the rms really close (or actually haveing a bit more on the amp) is a decent way to assure sub life (assuming proper gain setting)

and of course, making sure ur subs are capable of being wired to get the best from the amp.

but definitely go ported, subs up, port back....explorers have a natural ability to get loud..lol....

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/peace.gif.2db28b618ed8d1964ebbe2f5021d2c39.gif

 

[nuklehed]

My MTX is rated at 420W x 1 @ 2 ohms and the AWC10T's have a recommended rating of 400W. They are wired in parallel so I think this is a good match. Do you have any enclosure recommendations since I probably won't be building this myself?

Thanks!!