help me figure out which is better for spl...

[redlinese-r 10+ year member]

One 15" square sub or 4 10" round subs?

If SPL = more moving air, which would be caused by more moving mass (surface area) and higher excursion (but only worrying about moving mass for now)

Then this would be correct (?):

area of a 15" square sub, given that all dimensions are at 15", in actuality, its not, but given that it is 15" AND flat, then LxW = 15x15 = 225 in^2

and

area of a 10" subwoofer assuming that the surface area of the sub is at 10" AND flat = 3.14 x r^2 = 3.14 x 5" x 5" = 78.5 in^2

4 10" subwoofers

78.5 x 4 subwoofers = 314 total in^2.

so, would the 4 10"s be louder than the single 15" looking at surface area only? Did i do this correctly?

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[Volenti 10+ year member]

Assuming the X-max and motor strength are similar then more Sd=more spl. You also have 4 motors to share the power which leads to less power compression.

 

[Eugenics 5,000+ posts]

It depends on the subs, by only using those calculations you assume that only cone area determines volume. But that is far from the truth. Beyond that we do not know what subs to consider. There are many 10" subs that could out do a say 15 inch kicker Solo X in the same quality install. And there are many 10" subs that would be out done by a L5 in a comprable install as well. There are many variables. You have alot of research to do, but i can already tell you that you've definatly got the head for it and rational. Stick around and we (along with other forums) will turn you into an expert.

 

[redlinese-r 10+ year member]

this was just a thought...i probably wont go through with it...not right now anyways. i was just wondering whether i was on the right track or not...thanks for the replies though.