Ok, I think I'm done for now...

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

That is the reason you are getting a beating from everyone. It is not an even swap at all. The XXX would be the much better choice.

The xxx is only the better choice if you try to apply YOUR priorities to this situation, rather than listen to what the OP wants. Smaller, lighter, smaller box (presumably), less wattage... sounds like the W7's are the right choice... but he needs to be realistic about the performance differences. Well he doesn't 'need' to be, but we are damn sure trying to make him. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif
I know you have good intentions here, and my hat is of to you for that. But it sounds like the W7's are the better choice for the guy. Not everyone is willing to make the sacrifices many of us do, for the sake of stereo performance.

 

[SHOemup233 10+ year member]

The xxx is only the better choice if you try to apply YOUR priorities to this situation, rather than listen to what the OP wants. Smaller, lighter, smaller box (presumably), less wattage... sounds like the W7's are the right choice... but he needs to be realistic about the performance differences. Well he doesn't 'need' to be, but we are damn sure trying to make him. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif
I know you have good intentions here, and my hat is of to you for that. But it sounds like the W7's are the better choice for the guy. Not everyone is willing to make the sacrifices many of us do, for the sake of stereo performance.

Ha, yeah. I'd much rather have the XXX. I understand exactly what you mean though. Everyone asks me to design them a system, and when the system I design them is 800-1200 bucks, they say never mind. You pay for what you get.

To OP: maybe you should hold off on selling the XXX until you get the 8's installed. I agree that it sounds like the best fit for you, but if you wait until you have them installed you will know for sure. If it isn't what you were looking for, you can sell them and put the XXX in. If they are, just sell the XXX, no biggy. Well...and buy a different amp, and electrical. You get my idea though, no harm in waiting.

 

[bamaster 10+ year member]

Its not an even swap, must we draw you pictures? the only reason you are taking a beating is because you ask our advice, but then dont seem to be open to listening to it. If you have made up your mind, why are you wasting our time trying to help you decide?
Purchasing a 2000 watt sub with the intention of running 400-500 watts on it is not the recipe for a successful system. I dont think anyone would blame you for chosing the W7 setup, it sounds like it fits your needs better. But stop trying to blow hot air up our skirts that the two systems are equal. You downsized. That certainly doesn't bother any of us here. Maybe... its bothering you? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

haha... ok, I didn't ask for one opinion about the XXX. I won't buy a bigger amp or build a bigger box to reach its beloved potential. I don't want it. I won't install it. If it wasn't en route, I would cancel the order.

I just asked if there was something I was missing. Such as a capacitor, which I'd rather not get into, but this is the time for the opinions... before it's installed, right?

And certainly, I agree that underpowering the XXX would only make me unhappy. I realized that after I bought it. In that case, I would have picked up the SAZ1500. but I don't consider this a downgrade at all. I realized the XXX was simply too much sub.

 

[bamaster 10+ year member]

To OP: maybe you should hold off on selling the XXX until you get the 8's installed. I agree that it sounds like the best fit for you, but if you wait until you have them installed you will know for sure. If it isn't what you were looking for, you can sell them and put the XXX in. If they are, just sell the XXX, no biggy. Well...and buy a different amp, and electrical. You get my idea though, no harm in waiting.

Hmmm... ok that's a good idea. Although I'm starting to think that my next step is full-car sound deadening. My car is louder than stock and I think think that'll make a substantial difference. We'll see... I might have to **** it up and do it when I'm getting all this gear put it.

 

[SHOemup233 10+ year member]

haha... ok, I didn't ask for one opinion about the XXX. I won't buy a bigger amp or build a bigger box to reach its beloved potential. I don't want it. I won't install it. If it wasn't en route, I would cancel the order.
I just asked if there was something I was missing. Such as a capacitor, which I'd rather not get into, but this is the time for the opinions... before it's installed, right?

And certainly, I agree that underpowering the XXX would only make me unhappy. I realized that after I bought it. In that case, I would have picked up the SAZ1500. but I don't consider this a downgrade at all. I realized the XXX was simply too much sub.

I suppose that telling a forum, that is all about SPL/SQL subs, that your downgrading is asking for problems. Sorry man. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

 

[SHOemup233 10+ year member]

Hmmm... ok that's a good idea. Although I'm starting to think that my next step is full-car sound deadening. My car is louder than stock and I think think that'll make a substantial difference. We'll see... I might have to **** it up and do it when I'm getting all this gear put it.

Sorry for so many posts, christ.

Deadening your whole car, if done correctly, will be a huge difference. It is also a very big commitment though. I would start with the front doors where your components are, then the trunk, then floor, and move on from there. That's just me though. You'll notice a huge difference in midbass if you deaden the doors correctly.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

haha... ok, I didn't ask for one opinion about the XXX. I won't buy a bigger amp or build a bigger box to reach its beloved potential. I don't want it. I won't install it. If it wasn't en route, I would cancel the order.
I just asked if there was something I was missing. Such as a capacitor, which I'd rather not get into, but this is the time for the opinions... before it's installed, right?

And certainly, I agree that underpowering the XXX would only make me unhappy. I realized that after I bought it. In that case, I would have picked up the SAZ1500. but I don't consider this a downgrade at all. I realized the XXX was simply too much sub.

I certainly dont want to get into a debate with you about what your own thread's topic is. I agree you did ask if you were 'missing something'... but you also posted some reasoning behind your decision that was incorrect. This site is all about education. Not many people here would answer your direct question, without at least mentioning that they also noticed your reasoning that you didnt ask about... has issues. Its your system, its your money/time/space, and its your personal preferences that need to be met here. Nobody is trying to interfere with those things. but we are trying to make sure you are making your decision not based on false notions, but based on true facts.
I have stated why this is basically a downgrade. But to many people, simple brand name changes sometimes are all they need to consider something an upgrade. On strict performance criteria, its a downgrade. But based on what fits your needs, its an upgrade. Call it whatever you want, up-grade/down-grade/side-grade... I dont want to try and make you feel bad about your choice, just inform you about it.

Cheers.

 

[bamaster 10+ year member]

audioholic,

Hey man, don't get me wrong. I seriously appreciate all your feedback. You're clearly smart about these things. The more I learn, the better decisions I make.

I was first trying to stick with all Image Dynamics. The iDMax look fantastic. I would have went that way but I wanted something with a lot of headroom. The XXX seemed to be a perfect fit... and still is considering that. Then I saw some videos of the XXX and they are just putting out crazy volume. It scared me off, short and simple.

I figured I could meet all my goals on a smaller scale. I'm not a JL fanboy. I've never owned them. If I was any type of fanboy, it would be MB Quart from back in the German made days. In fact, my first choice was a Fi Q, but they don't make 8's. I settled for JL W7's.

But hey, knowing me, I'll end up with Sundown subs. For no other reason than Jacob is on these boards and that level of industry involvement goes a long way with me. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

No worries here man. I just didnt want you to think I was dogging on you for no reason. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

The 8W7 is a fantastic 8" sub. If you are happy with the output the pair provides you, and it will be a decent amount, you'll probably be happy with them altogether. But if not, just let us know, Im sure we'll be glad to fill your head with all sorts of expensive, large and heavy choices to replace them with. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Good luck with your project. Let us know how it turns out.