Sound Quality Subwoofer Amplifier recommendation

[Roland 10+ year member]

Edit, sorry i wasn't clear, i'm running one sub at a time for comparison purposes, and i want a amp that can do them justice for this comparision ,

I have a couple of new subs i want to try out, so I'm building a couple of center console subwoofer boxes for my van. JBL GTI W1200 and illusion Audio C12XL.

I've been using a NVX JAD1200.1 with no real complaints, but with my new van and these sub's id like to find out which is better for me, AND IF A BETTER performing Amplifier going to make a difference to my ears.

Looking for suggestions thanks

Edited

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[ilikeradios 10+ year member]

You are not likely to hear a difference in SQ by changing amps.

The box plays a MUCH larger role in SQ than anything else.

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

Side note. Is anyone else having trouble with the search function?

I know Jeffdachef had some good comments on some mono amp performance he was testing but i can't get the search to work at all.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Keep what you have if it works. There's more important places to spend money.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

i'd put that money into a sound quality enclosure and deadening along with sound treatment rather than switching things out for basically the same setup.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Yes, the amplifier may give an audible change if that's the only thing changed. What are your available voice coil configurations?

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

i'd put that money into a sound quality enclosure and deadening along with sound treatment rather than switching things out for basically the same setup.

Keep what you have if it works. There's more important places to spend money.

Thanks Guys, I already have sound treatment/deadening,mlv... covered. My weakest link is probably my tuning abilities, but for now im okay with the MS-8

The one box for the C12XL is just going to be a solid built sealed 2 cubes which volume can be reduced internally. The other is ported for the GTi, 2.5 cubes ported 26hz. I'm comparing them to a Pioneer that i like just see what i prefer.

Yes, the amplifier may give an audible change if that's the only thing changed. What are your available voice coil configurations?

The GTI is dual 3ohms, the other two are dual 2ohms. So i was looking for one amp that will work for all three.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The worst thing you can do is try to run 2 different subwoofers. That's the exact opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.

If there is a big enough power difference you may hear a difference. If it's already reaching desired output levels you won't hear a difference.

 

[BOOMINGRANDPA 5,000+ posts]

Side note. Is anyone else having trouble with the search function?I know Jeffdachef had some good comments on some mono amp performance he was testing but i can't get the search to work at all.

search don't work.. search q on google and most times some car audio forum link will come up.. most peeps don't believe pioneers sound good but they really do., my 3003 sounds great, I wanta get soundqubed 212 because of deal I can get on custom 2.28 cf ad birch ported box with sub $159 shipped sub is $109 and has amazing reviews but kinda want keep pioneer and can't keep both.

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

The worst thing you can do is try to run 2 different subwoofers. That's the exact opposite of what you are trying to accomplish. If there is a big enough power difference you may hear a difference. If it's already reaching desired output levels you won't hear a difference.

Sorry, I was not clear. I will only be using 1 sub at a time. I'm just doing some comparison between the subs.

I have 3 vans so the others can be used or not in another van...

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Sorry, I was not clear. I will only be using 1 sub at a time. I'm just doing some comparison between the subs. I have 3 vans so the others can be used or not in another van...

Well in that case. The one you can get more clean power to will work the best.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

for a van i'd go with a 15 at the very least. Then have good EQ to flatten out the response a bit.

Sealed boxes S*ck balls in vans. Feel like one note wonders compared to proper ported.

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

for a van i'd go with a 15 at the very least. Then have good EQ to flatten out the response a bit.
Sealed boxes S*ck balls in vans. Feel like one note wonders compared to proper ported.

Problem is it has to be a up front in a center console, the back is for work, and making a 12 fit up front is tricky enough, fitting a 15 up there would almost be miraculous.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Problem is it has to be a up front in a center console, the back is for work, and making a 12 fit up front is tricky enough, fitting a 15 up there would almost be miraculous.

yeah you arent gonna get any proper results with a substage up front and not sealed off from the rear telling that now. even A tiny 6.5 ported in the rear will outperform a 15 up front. Wave needs time to develop and get output. I bet you if you have your setup now, and you go to the rear of your van while the sub is playing, it'll be much louder in the back then your driver seat.

 

[Roland 10+ year member]

yeah you arent gonna get any proper results with a substage up front and not sealed off from the rear telling that now. even A tiny 6.5 ported in the rear will outperform a 15 up front. Wave needs time to develop and get output. I bet you if you have your setup now, and you go to the rear of your van while the sub is playing, it'll be much louder in the back then your driver seat.

Not sure what you mean by "not sealed off from the rear"

So I should try to figure out a way to put the sub in the back with my tools... i assume that will also maximise cabin gain. i'll have to do some experimenting, this is good to know.

But up front might work for me, i'm almost 60 and my need for SPL is not that much but i do want the low end extension.