On Powered Subs...

[noflers]

So I'm getting my system together slowly and I just got a 12" powered sub, component tweeters up front, and new 2-ways up front also. I'm wanting to keep the budget low as I plan on bigger bass in the future, the sub is somewhat temporary, but I've got nice components going in throughout the rest of the car.

I was presently surprised by the output of the powered sub (Rockford Fosgate p300-12). Everything sounds great, the factory speakers in the rear doors is all that's holding the system back now.

Does anyone have an opinion on adding a second peered sub? Same as the other?

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[noflers]

I've got all new speakers and the 12" RF powered sub installed and I'm wanting to do two things now. 1) install the Sony stereo with 40W RMS and 2) add a second powered sub.

I know my system will benefit a ton from the extra power to the component speakers, but what can I expect from a second powered sub? Anything I should know before going ahead and getting one?

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

id sell your powered sub, and spend a little extra money for a single sub set up with a good ported box and amp..

 

[noflers]

I know that might be the best option, but I'm wondering what I might expect from adding a second powered sub.

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

I know that might be the best option, but I'm wondering what I might expect from adding a second powered sub.

maybe a 3db gain, maybe less, maybe more. hard to say depending on the way they're oriented within your vehicle.

 

[noflers]

Well, they'll be in the very back of my Subaru wagon. Slanted to the top back edge of the roof. Only 3dBm?

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

Well, they'll be in the very back of my Subaru wagon. Slanted to the top back edge of the roof. Only 3dBm?

you're in the land of diminishing returns, doubling power is roughly a 3db gain, and doubling your cone area is roughly a 3db gain. in the real world it doesnt work this way and you end up getting less than that. 3db is audibly louder, 10db is twice as loud.

a single 15 on a 1kw rms amp in a large ported box will absolutely blow your mind

 

[noflers]

I just want to feel the bass more honestly...

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

I just want to feel the bass more honestly...

a ported box will do that

 

[wew lad 5,000+ posts]

if you can work with wood just build a ported box for less than $100, spend about $100 on an amp, and sell your current powered sub and use it to buy a 15 in the $150 price range. allocate maybe $50 for wiring for the amp. you'll be out of pocket maybe $250-$300, the second powered enclosure would cost almost that.

 

[noflers]

Not really into ports, but I can get another one of these subs for $140 and I'm just not sure how much of a difference there will be.

 

[mazdakid 5,000+ posts]

You aren't into ports? Quit wasting your money on those fosgates and buy a real sub and amp.