Two RE 8s vs One Kicker L5 10

[sungwei 10+ year member]

Ok, I'm starting another classic "Sub vs Sub" thread. But you gotta admit they're pretty interesting. Don't get me wrong, I really like my L5, but I can't help but to think of possible upgrades. I was considering two RE 8s as I hear these are some pretty wicked little subs. I'm particularly interested in the 8" model because from what I read they have really good SQ and frequency response, but at the same time can be just as loud as bigger subs when put in the right enclosure. I was considering fabricating a fiberglass enclosure.

Just to throw in an extra variable in the equation, how would a 10"/12" SE, RE, HC, and other models compare to the L5 I have now?

Would it be worth the upgrade? Will I notice a huge difference in SPL/SQ or no? I've only had the L5 for a couple weeks, so this would be more of an over the summer project.

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[Polecat 5,000+ posts]

first, tell us about the enclosure you have the L5's in, and power...first i would make sure the system I have now is at least to it's moderate potential...

 

[sungwei 10+ year member]

I have an R/T .80 cu/ft enclosure. It's running at 1 ohm right now with an xtant 403a. I'm not sure how much power is going to it. I know at 2 ohms the amp pushes 200 Watts RMS, but no stats on 1 ohm. It can get pretty loud, but I question if it's at it's potential like you say. I'm no expert on car audio, but I think it can be better.

 

[Polecat 5,000+ posts]

I agree...you need a ported enclosure...the small sealed enclosure you have, plus lack of power is really holding you back....seriously...you could be twice as loud with a ported enclosure and around 600 watts to it....

 

[somekook 10+ year member]

2 RE 8's hve about the same cone area as a 10" L5, im not sure about excursion, and sq f\probably gos to the RE's

 

[sungwei 10+ year member]

Man, now I want a ported box and dedicated sub amp. I kept telling myself: "Man, don't need a lot of bass. I just need good SQ and I won't be playing that loud anyway..." Talk about lying to myself. Not that I want SPL over SQ, but I definitely love bass. In fact I find myself listening to songs I don't even like on the radio just cause they have boomy, deep, bass.

R/T didn't have anything ported. Any companies make good ported boxes for my sub? I'm thinking bout making it myself, but I'm not really sure how to go about it.

 

[Berry47 10+ year member]

I have 2 re 8's in my fiance's car off of 75-100 watts a piece. They are in a .8 cube box ported to ~35 hz. They are very loud and have great sq. She used to crank up the 2 12's I had in her car off of 150 watts apeice and now she turns the bass down.

I hadn't heard them after 3 weeks and had initially set them up for break in. I haven't touched anything and they are awesome.

 

[Polecat 5,000+ posts]

Man, now I want a ported box and dedicated sub amp. I kept telling myself: "Man, don't need a lot of bass. I just need good SQ and I won't be playing that loud anyway..." Talk about lying to myself. Not that I want SPL over SQ, but I definitely love bass. In fact I find myself listening to songs I don't even like on the radio just cause they have boomy, deep, bass.
R/T didn't have anything ported. Any companies make good ported boxes for my sub? I'm thinking bout making it myself, but I'm not really sure how to go about it.

subzone has enclosure's

 

[sungwei 10+ year member]

Checked them out, thanks. Their sealed enclosure is the same volume as my R/T. I was thinking of making a custom fiberglass enclosure in the corner of my trunk, but it's hard to calculate volume in that awkward space.