Ported Box vs. Bigger Amp

[xluben 10+ year member]

I have 2, 12" Assassin's in 1.25 ft^3 sealed (each). They're getting powered by a Profile AP1000M which says it puts out 500W RMS x 1 @ 2 ohms, but I've never seen a bench test for it posted online, so I'm not sure what it actually puts out.

I'd like to know if I'll get louder by going with a ported box (~3.5 ft^3 combined, tuned to 32Hz) or more power (~800W)?

WinISD shows both upgrades getting just about as loud (slight edge to the ported box), but the ported box plays quite a bit lower, and the ported box woud cost me a lot less, but it will take up nearly my whole trunk.

What do you think should be my first upgrade: ported box or bigger amp?

Also do you think SQ would decrease with a ported box?

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[supraman1379 10+ year member]

I would go with a ported box. I dont know much about ur subs, so I dont know if the SQ will be any different. Ill let someone else cover that.

 

[the_U 10+ year member]

Either way your going to want to do both, start with the cheapest/easiest.

 

[xluben 10+ year member]

Either way your going to want to do both, start with the cheapest/easiest.

yeah, and then once i do both, i'll probably want something else...........

the ported box is definitely cheaper, so that might be my first upgrade.

 

[the_U 10+ year member]

It's a never ending cycle bro.

 

[lebomb 10+ year member]

What is it you are looking for??? If its more SQ, I would get the bigger amp, and a better brand of amp. If you just want BOOOOOOOOM, slot port the subs.

Personally, I would stay sealed, and get a nice JL, Kicker, RF, Alpine, Phoenix gold etc. type......800watt amp.

 

[Slammed 5,000+ posts]

one can have amazing SQ in vented enclosure....if its designed accurately

 

[vitveet 10+ year member]

one can have amazing SQ in vented enclosure....if its designed accurately

x2 on that!

V.

 

[xluben 10+ year member]

I like the SQ that I'm getting now, but I want them louder. I also wouldn't mind getting more body shaking (deep bass), so I think I might have to try a ported box. I'm sure that a new amp down the line will add even more thump. Here's the plan I'm probably going to end up using (3.5 ft^3 @ 32 Hz):

It models very close to Ascendant's recommended 4 ft^3 at 32 Hz, and should be louder and deeper than 800W sealed, but I lose a lot of my trunk //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[JohnnyChuttz 10+ year member]

A ported box will make the subs more efficient- make better use of the power they are sent.

I would surely build a box first.

 

[Fast1one 10+ year member]

Screw it dude....I would port them first. With my 8s, I have had both setups within a month lol. I didnt lose to much SQ when I went vented. A little peaky in some songs and it doesnt blend as well. Some EQing can change that. The tradeoff was definately worth it. The lows are fun //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif