The verdict: Soundstream T4 vs T5. Anyone?

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

Okay this is driving me nuts while I wait for my money to come in. There's a store on eBay that keeps selling T5's for $195 shipped (http://cgi.ebay.com/Soundstream-T5-15-15-SPL-Subwoofer-Tarantula-2000W-Sub_W0QQitemZ350211539488QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Subwoofers_Enclosures?hash=item518a3c0220&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14 , the sale re-starts after it runs out), but the T4 can be purchased for $180 shipped (http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16057).

That's a $15 difference, which is almost nothing. I'm going to be buying one of them, and I gotta know which to pick up. I've got my amp, and it pushes 1200RMS at 1 and 2ohms, so there's no wiring issue at hand. If anyone has experience with both, it'd be awesome if you could explain the differences between the two and why you prefer which.

Dave_Damage, you said you liked the T4 better, but why?

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[prototype561 10+ year member]

well, the only real difference between the two: t5 has magnet cover, and requires a smaller ported box, other than that there pretty much the same, i would choose the t4 just b/c i heard people having problems with magnet cover on the t5's, i think we discussed this yesterday lol

 

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

LOL I know but that was buried in that other thread. I figured it could get some better exposure if I put it by itself.

I have to admit, the smaller box would be mega convenient, but I'm curious what's up with the magnet covers. Like... they fall off?

If it was possible for members to change the title of their threads I'd have changed mine and put it in there but, lacking that, here we go.

 

[azimuth 5,000+ posts]

i'd run the t/s through winisd. too many companies recommend smaller than optimal boxes to save on warranty returns.

 

[LazyRider 10+ year member]

I have a single t5 in my car and I like it. Never heard a t4 though

 

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

Any problems like what the above guy said? Magnet cover or anything of that sort?

 

[2lo2flo 10+ year member]

Tinsels are really week on the T5

Never used the T4 though

 

[basscort2009 5,000+ posts]

t4 is more based toward spl and can handle more power (personally had both) and the t4s are before the new spider design the t5 has. hope this helps

 

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

Tinsels are really week on the T5
Never used the T4 though

Whuzzat mean, though? The sub's more prone to breaking? It has less power?

And that's a start, basscort2009, but I dunno what good the spider deal does me.

 

[Farmacist 10+ year member]

Every person I've talked to that uses the T5's say that they love them and never had any trouble, I have yet to see some T4's, but they've been discontinued for like 2-3 years so its a somewhat uncommon woofer to see now new

 

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

Yeah, OnlineCarStereo has them for $180 brand new, that's the only reason I'm asking. They're pretty much the same price, but there's always that two-way issue. On one hand I'd be tempted to get the new one since companies start a new line for a reason (they made improvements). On the other hand, sometimes companies start a new line because they found ways to cut costs, so older models are preferable.

 

[basscort2009 5,000+ posts]

Whuzzat mean, though? The sub's more prone to breaking? It has less power?
And that's a start, basscort2009, but I dunno what good the spider deal does me.

longer lasting, better sounding cuz it doesnt flop around and get all loose, ect...

 

[SomeGuyDude 10+ year member]

Hm. Something to think about. That's making the T5 seem like the better pick. Although I'd really prefer a 2ohm load than 1ohm since that'd be easier on my little car's electrical system.

Thanks!

 

[basscort2009 5,000+ posts]

no the t4 has all the better stuff i was talking about. t5s are junk when u put some power to them.

 

[basscort2009 5,000+ posts]

and this is coming from the spl side of things. daily may be differant but when i put 1k on my t5s they sounded kinda sloppy.