Good Free or limited air subs for an E36

[bimmeracer 10+ year member]

I want to remove my box and redo my system with a good freeair or small box setup. I currently have a JBL 1200.1 amp that i plan to use for this new system. Can anyone recommend some subs that have good SQ and SPL, with SQ being more important.

The reason why i plan on changing the system is for performance purposes, such as allowing me to install a rear strut brace and save some weight.

I would like to keep my budget on the subwoofers around $250 or less, maybe $300.

Thanks

here are a couple of links of setups that i like.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258107&referrerid=&highlight=freeair

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product.php/II=364/_cid=196

http://oldmary.lqhome.com/~jordansarette/coppermine/albums/e36Project/2006/September2006/090206-008.JPG

Click to read more...

 

[SQBubble 10+ year member]

I think you should be looking for a subwoofer with a high Qts for free-air.

Also, are you lookin' for a 6.5", 8", 12", 15" sub?

 

[bimmeracer 10+ year member]

what range should i be looking for for my setup?

i would assume 70+

What are some recommended subs for this setup?

also, what db sensitivity should i be looking at for sq?

I would hope to get 12's but I could do 10's too. I just dont like the way my RF HE2's 10 hits.

Thanks

 

[bimmeracer 10+ year member]

Ok, i have done alot of reading and have decided to go with the bavarian setup since most ib and freeair setups lack spl.

Does this look like a hard box to replicate?

Is it possible to port them?

also, if possible, would it be better for me to port the subs through the rear lid or leave it sealed?

 

[grnbimmer28]

Bump

 

[mike dressure 10+ year member]

look into the elemental designs sq10. it is a space saver and has good sq and has potential for some output

 

[mike dressure 10+ year member]

they are 70 buck's with free shipping from ed

 

[jdawg 5,000+ posts]

can you live without your backseat folding down? Put a baffle there and put a 15 there.

 

[Fi Car Audio 10+ year member]

Free air applications are all about volumetric displacement. Since you do not have a true enclosure to reinforce the bottom end, you need more cone area or overall swept volume.

With your vehicle, as there is no ski pass through, it is more difficult to use larger drivers on a baffle. Otherwise Id say, pick up a couple of higher qts low Fs 15s and you would be good. Rear deck mounting is about the only real way of getting more of the pressure into the cabin. Opening up the deck a little will help as well (although for that car I definitely wouldnt want to take the plasma or sawzall too //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif ) You will really have to damp the rear deck well to keep vibrations and noise to a minimum.

Thanks...

Scott