Help choosing first sub

[Stefan Antic]

I have a budget of 400$ and I want to install a sub in my car. I've looked around in my local stores and I'm currently looking at the Pioneer TS-WX1210AH active subwoofer and the JBL Stage 1200S passive one. The pioneer one has an RMS of 500W, but I have heard that active subs have bad amps and aren't as good. The JBL sub is 250W RMS and the shop suggested I pair it with the Alpine MRV-M250 amp. I'm open to other suggestions that would fit my budget. I would also like to mention that my car is a hatchback and that there aren't a lot of options in my country.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

I have a budget of 400$ and I want to install a sub in my car. I've looked around in my local stores and I'm currently looking at the Pioneer TS-WX1210AH active subwoofer and the JBL Stage 1200S passive one. The pioneer one has an RMS of 500W, but I have heard that active subs have bad amps and aren't as good. The JBL sub is 250W RMS and the shop suggested I pair it with the Alpine MRV-M250 amp. I'm open to other suggestions that would fit my budget. I would also like to mention that my car is a hatchback and that there aren't a lot of options in my country.

To help you decide between the Pioneer TS-WX1210AH active subwoofer and the JBL Stage 1200S passive sub paired with the Alpine MRV-M250 amp, let’s discuss a few key points:

### 1. Budget Consideration
With a budget of $400, you’ll need to consider the total cost of both subwoofer setups (including wiring, enclosures, etc., if applicable for passive subs).

### 2. Active vs. Passive Subwoofers
- Active Subwoofers (Like Pioneer TS-WX1210AH):
- They come with a built-in amplifier, making installation easier since you won't have to buy a separate amp or build a box.
- Traditionally, they take up less space since they are often designed more compactly.
- The downside perceived by some is that built-in amps may not provide the same power and quality as standalone amps, but many active subs perform very well within their intended use.

- Passive Subwoofers (Like JBL Stage 1200S):
- They often deliver better sound quality when paired with a quality amplifier, like the Alpine MRV-M250.
- They require more space for an appropriate enclosure and a separate amplifier, which can complicate installation.
- Installation may also take more time and careful planning, especially in a hatchback with limited space.

### 3. Performance

• The Pioneer TS-WX1210AH has a higher RMS power rating (500W), which means it can potentially deliver more volume and deeper bass. If you like a louder or bass-heavy sound, this might be the better option.
• The JBL Stage 1200S with a 250W RMS means it might be less powerful, but with an adequate amp, it can still produce good sound quality. Keep in mind, the quality of tuning and enclosure will affect its performance.

### Recommendation
Given your situation, if space is limited and you want a straightforward installation, the Pioneer TS-WX1210AH might be the better choice. However, if you desire better sound quality and can accommodate the installation needs of the JBL setup, then the JBL Stage 1200S with the Alpine MRV-M250 amp could be the way to go.

### Additional Suggestions

• Check if you can listen to both options in a demo setting to compare sound quality.
• Make sure there’s enough installation space and consider the enclosure if you opt for the JBL.
• Consider budget for installation costs unless you plan to do it yourself.

### Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific preferences for sound quality vs. ease of installation and what other components you may need to fit within your budget.

Feel free to ask for more advice, or if anyone else in the forum would like to chime in with their experiences or opinions!

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

I'd go with the JBL.

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

Provided you have access to the signal, that is I assume you do, fromn the factory head unit, shipping to Macedonia, consider these options.

Eton MOVE12-400AR - Aktiver 30cm Subwoofer im Bassreflexgehäuse - 200 Watt RMS - integrierter Verstärker - 2 x 2 Ohm Impedanz: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

Eton MOVE12-400AR - Aktiver 30cm Subwoofer im Bassreflexgehäuse - 200 Watt RMS - integrierter Verstärker - 2 x 2 Ohm Impedanz: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

www.amazon.de

ESX SIGNUM SXB10A - 10“ (25 cm) aktiver Subwoofer | Aktiv Gehäuse-Subwoofer mit ALU-Membran : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

ESX SIGNUM SXB10A - 10“ (25 cm) aktiver Subwoofer | Aktiv Gehäuse-Subwoofer mit ALU-Membran : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

www.amazon.de

This VERY efficient subwoofer (93db) would be quite nice paired with a decent amplifier.

ESX SIGNUM SXB10A - 10“ (25 cm) aktiver Subwoofer | Aktiv Gehäuse-Subwoofer mit ALU-Membran : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

ESX SIGNUM SXB10A - 10“ (25 cm) aktiver Subwoofer | Aktiv Gehäuse-Subwoofer mit ALU-Membran : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

www.amazon.de

Paired with this amp, which produces 500 watts at 4 ohms (the impedance of the ESX passive sub).

VEVOR Monoblock Autoverstärker 2000 W RMS MAX 1/2/4 Ohm, Audioverstärker (Klasse D / 1-Kanal) mit ferngesteuerter Subwoofer-Pegelregelung Tiefpassfilter Bassverstärkung Lautstärkeregler : Amazon.de: Gewerbe, Industrie & Wissenschaft

VEVOR Monoblock Autoverstärker 2000 W RMS MAX 1/2/4 Ohm, Audioverstärker (Klasse D / 1-Kanal) mit ferngesteuerter Subwoofer-Pegelregelung Tiefpassfilter Bassverstärkung Lautstärkeregler : Amazon.de: Gewerbe, Industrie & Wissenschaft

www.amazon.de

The amp list that it has an adjustable signal input, but you might want to consider using one of these to convert the OEM speaker level to low-level output converter.

Ciare CLOC2 2-K-Line-Ausgangskonverter, hoher zu niedriger Lautsprecherpegel auf Cinch-Adapter mit Ferneinschaltung, Verstärker oder Subwoofer-Verstärker zum werkseitigen Autoradio hinzufügen : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

Ciare CLOC2 2-K-Line-Ausgangskonverter, hoher zu niedriger Lautsprecherpegel auf Cinch-Adapter mit Ferneinschaltung, Verstärker oder Subwoofer-Verstärker zum werkseitigen Autoradio hinzufügen bei Amazon. Große Auswahl an AV-Eingangsadapter in Elektronik & Foto zu günstigen Preisen.

www.amazon.de

- OR -

Eminchu Auto-Line-Ausgangskonverter-IC-Schaltkreis mit REM-Funktion für die Konvertierung von Musikdaten, Langlebige Aluminiumlegierung, DC12V, 2 in 4 Out : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

Eminchu Auto-Line-Ausgangskonverter-IC-Schaltkreis mit REM-Funktion für die Konvertierung von Musikdaten, Langlebige Aluminiumlegierung, DC12V, 2 in 4 Out : Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

www.amazon.de

- OR -

This unit is one of my favorites, does what you need it to do, accepts high-wattage (55-watt) speaker-level signal leads, is very celan/quiet/noise free, and uses the speaker signal voltage to create the remote amplifier turn-on, negating the need to wire one up from the OEM head unit or the ACC lead from the fues box.

SNUNGPHIR Kicker 46KISLOC2 K-Series Stereo Line-Output Converter w/Remote Turn-On Output: Amazon.de: Elektronik & Foto

SNUNGPHIR Kicker 46KISLOC2 K-Series Stereo Line-Output Converter w/Remote Turn-On Output - Kostenloser Versand ab 29€. Jetzt bei Amazon.de bestellen!

www.amazon.de