Help needed, picking my first subwoofer

[Fontnel]

Hello,

This will be my first time installing a subwoofer and I am trying to spend ~$200 on a subwoofer. After doing some research I think I have narrowed my search down to 2: Soundqubed HDS312 or the Sundown SA-12. I know the SA-12 is a little more, but if the sound is better then I will happily spend the extra money. So which one would you pick? Also, if anyone has any other suggestions, I will be glad to look at a few others. I drive a Ford Fusion and I often need the back seats, so I am worried that one sub will not be enough since my trunk will always be enclosed. Will one 12" sub be enough? Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks

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[The Camry]

Sa-12 /thread

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[BCotrell]

One takes 1200 rms the other takes 750(sa-12). Your available power would best dictate your decision, not your sub budget ceiling.

 

[Fontnel]

By available power are you referring to the electrical system in my car or the amp that I would buy? If you're talking about electrical system, I have a 150 amp alternator and I would do the big 3 if needed. The amp I am thinking about is the SoundQubed q1-1200. Do you think this would work or would I need a bigger alternator/extra battery?

 

[BCotrell]

I meant amp. That amp will be plenty for either of those subs

 

[BCotrell]

Do big 3 for sure

 

[mastershake575]

SSA GCON GCON-12 Sound Solutions Audio 12" 750W GCON Series Subwoofer - SSA STORE (motor and voice coil are built in the USA, rest of the sub is assembled in house).

Not going to find a better sub (the only con of the sub is since its hand built your going to have to wait a month for it to ship).

If you can't wait then your local american bass dealer should sell the American Bass XR 12 for just under $200 (it has a bigger magnet than the HDS3 and it uses better soft parts).

The SSA GCON and AB XR are both good choices for the amp you listed (Q1 1200)

 

[Fontnel]

Ok thanks, and my stock electric system should be fine with a 1200w amp right? Just saw that you said to do the big three, do I need another battery?

 

[dsw1204]

You are going to need an enclosure for your new sub, right? Why not check out the DD Audio LE-M12. The subs are built specifically for those enclosures so you don't have to worry about building the box correctly.

 

[dsw1204]

Ok thanks, and my stock electric system should be fine with a 1200w amp right? Just saw that you said to do the big three, do I need another battery?

I really don't think you need to worry about the wattage of your amp, so much. Rather, look at what amperage your amplifier draws. A 1200-watt Class AB amp will draw more amps than a 1200-watt Class D amp. Look at the back of your amp and see what fuses you have back there. If, for example, you have 4 25-amp fuses, then your amp will draw a max of 100 amps. Then see how many amps your alternator generates. If it is only 80 amps, then you will need to upgrade your electrical...for example. And, yes, I agree with the Big 3. Do that, as well.

 

[Fontnel]

Thanks, I will look into the fuses and alternator later. Just as a general question, will one SA-12 be enough in an enclosed trunk (I often use the back seats)?

 

[dsw1204]

Thanks, I will look into the fuses and alternator later. Just as a general question, will one SA-12 be enough in an enclosed trunk (I often use the back seats)?

Well, that's really a personal preference. Some would say yes. Some would say no. Only you can answer that.

 

[BSchrowang]

Thanks, I will look into the fuses and alternator later. Just as a general question, will one SA-12 be enough in an enclosed trunk (I often use the back seats)?

For an average person 1 12 in a trunk is plenty. Ive got a 12 in a terrible box in an awfully designed trunk and it still has a decent output.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

pair of 12s would be my minimum in a trunk(that can hold a proper box for two 12s). Single 12 is nice but two 12s makes you feel alive.

 

[BSchrowang]

pair of 12s would be my minimum in a trunk(that can hold a proper box for two 12s). Single 12 is nice but two 12s makes you feel alive.

There is definitely a noticable difference. The kicks are harder and the lines are smoother. But in my case it wasnt a crazy amount louder in the car, but outside the car is completely different. When i had 2 you could hear me for miles ( rural area) but now with 1 its much quieter.