Sub and fronts wattage -what's a good balance?

[Kid Red 10+ year member]

I should be getting a new car soon and I'm gathering n equipment list for the system I want to install. I have a few questions overall on the balance of sub amperage/wattage compared to the fronts.

If I had say 100w x 2 for my fronts, I don't need 1000w on the sub do I? Just seems like the bass would be on another level compared to the fronts. Would say, 600w for the sub be a better output?

I'd like some comments on my purposed equipment list.

comps- rainbow SLC 265

comp amp - sundown sax 100.2

sub- 10" TC-1000 (or TC OEM, or FI SSD)

sub amp- sundown sae 1000D

Probably Knukoncept connects and a yellow top Optima.

If I got the TC-1000, I'd give it 600w. The OEM 10 would get 600w as well. Although it's sexy sub, it's been reviewed to not like going over 50hz. That would be an issue as most of the comps don't like going that low. I don't know the Rainbows, buying on faith, but I don't think they'd cover the 50hz gap well with the OEM.

If I went with the Fi SSD, I'd have the 600w option under-powering it, or running the amp at 1 ohm and feeding it 1000w. There in lies my 'too much bass=unbalanced' concern.

I am trying to get SQ on a budget that will rock all music genres to decent levels and plan on using a sealed enclosure for the sub. Any comments on my dilemma or equipment?

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[BiaBia 10+ year member]

I had a 10'' TC-1k powered by an MD2D @ 4ohms, gains turned down some not to **** the sub up. I had a US amps xt800.2 powering some SLC 265's (and still have the 265's). That balance was superb. Low budget, excellent quality. I would suggest that combo to anyone.

 

[Kid Red 10+ year member]

How much did you feed the SLC 265s? I thought the 100w each would be enough?

 

[qtipextra 5,000+ posts]

Power itself is not the factor of balance between sub and front. It's the drivers of both, and their effiecency. With that being said, I have ~1300 RMS to my subs, and ~100 rms to my Pioneer REV components in the front. For the most part, if the song wasnt a constant louder bass note, my fronts can still be heard nicely.

 

[Kid Red 10+ year member]

I see, thanks for clearing that up. I was mostly concerned that if I was listening to music recorded with very subtle bass would be result in overpowering bass.

Any opinions on my amps and sub selection? I was leaning towards the TC-1000, but the OEM seems to gardner a ton of recommendations. And I can't discount the Fi running at 1 ohm. For amps, I'm also looking at massive audio 200.2 for comps and massive audio p1500.1 for the sub because they are cheaper than the Sundowns.

 

[qtipextra 5,000+ posts]

Should be a nice setup, them rainbows shall kick some ***.

Don't use OEM sub. One or the other. Get the Fi, find an amp to power it at 1 ohm.

 

[Kid Red 10+ year member]

You don't like TC? Is the Fi good SQ (like the TCs) are and good in a sealed enclosure? I don't know much about Fi.

Oh and for the SLC265s is 100x2 enough for them? Or should I get a 200x2?

 

[qtipextra 5,000+ posts]

To tell you the truth, I don't know much about either company, but I have heard many good things about Fi.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

To tell you the truth, I don't know much about either company, but I have heard many good things about Fi.

That's cuz u've been on ca.com too long //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

There really isn't a delima. If you find the subs to be overpowering the front stage, turn down the subs. That simple. The amp has a gain control. Most HUs have a sub output with a level control. The SEA-1000D even comes with a remote gain. Totally not an issue.

 

[Kid Red 10+ year member]

I'll be running OEM HU so no sub control. I didn't think the gain turned down volume technically meaning the sub would still be loud with the gain down, just not as loud as with the gain up? Tho, I'm not a expert on audio equipment, just try to get something that will sound good.