What should I upgrade my subs to?

[NyQuil581/]

I have 2 12 inch American Bass xfl subs. They are connected to a hifonics Brutus amp. I have an auxiliary battery as well. I can only turn my bass knob half way and then the speakers start to overheat and you can smell an odor start to come out. I’ve had them checked and I’ve had the amp turned down. I want something that will take the power from the amp and have a good deep bass. I’m in a car club so I want it to hit hard and crisp. I wanna stay with 12’s so I can keep my trunk space. I don’t know much about subs. The pair I had before these were Jl audio w3s. Any and all feedback will be appreciated.

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[Kickstand Premium Member]

It would help if you stated what exact amp you have

 

[NyQuil581/]

It would help if you stated what exact amp you have

Hifonics brutus class d 2400watt

 

[Kickstand Premium Member]

Well then it depends on how much money you want to spend
Because you want a 1ohm final load you are going to need either dual 4 ohm or dual 1ohm subs
https://soundqubed.com/product/hds3-2-series-1200w-subwoofer/
$169.00 each
https://www.down4soundshop.com/Apocalypse-DB-SA252-D1/
$209.90 each
https://www.droppinhzcaraudio.com/c...ts/resilient-sounds-gold12-12-1000w-subwoofer
$289.00 Each
https://www.woofersetc.com/c-23-sub...w-rms-dual-4-ohm-sa-v-2-series-subwoofer.html
$369.00 each
In any case your going to need a new box and I strongly suggest ported
1) Every sub has different parameters and need different amounts of air space/ port space etc.
2) Your american bass subs should not be crapping out on you, it might have something to do with the box there in.
Better the box then it be something wrong with the amp

 

[NyQuil581/]

Well then it depends on how much money you want to spend
Because you want a 1ohm final load you are going to need either dual 4 ohm or dual 1ohm subs
https://soundqubed.com/product/hds3-2-series-1200w-subwoofer/
$169.00 each
https://www.down4soundshop.com/Apocalypse-DB-SA252-D1/
$209.90 each
https://www.droppinhzcaraudio.com/c...ts/resilient-sounds-gold12-12-1000w-subwoofer
$289.00 Each
https://www.woofersetc.com/c-23-sub...w-rms-dual-4-ohm-sa-v-2-series-subwoofer.html
$369.00 each
In any case your going to need a new box and I strongly suggest ported
1) Every sub has different parameters and need different amounts of air space/ port space etc.
2) Your american bass subs should not be crapping out on you, it might have something to do with the box there in.
Better the box then it be something wrong with the amp

1100 at the most it what I would hope to stay under. I was looking at sundown, jl audio, and skar so far. Out of the ones you have suggested which would give the deeper harder bass. And what do you look for to be able to tell? I don’t know much about what the rms and ohms mean. No one has ever explained that too me

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

No way you are over powering the XFLs on that amp. The smell and heat is from clipping. Swapping to subwoofers with a higher power rating would gain nothing but a lighter wallet.

 

[NyQuil581/]

No way you are over powering the XFLs on that amp. The smell and heat is from clipping. Swapping to subwoofers with a higher power rating would gain nothing but a lighter wallet.

How do I fix it? The box is ported, I don’t turn my bass knob up past half, I don’t have my bass on my EQ turned up at all. I have a fan in the trunk.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Headunit and amp settings should be set with either an oscilloscope or DD1 to make sure you have clean input into the amp and clean output to the subwoofer. I would also double check your wiring to make sure you are wired to 1 ohm with a multi meter.

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Let's see some pictures of the box as it sits in the trunk. What electrical system upgrades have you done?

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

Those XFL's can handle that amp easily. It sounds like you are using your gain button as a volume button. Do you have a clipping light in a bass knob in your dash?

 

[NyQuil581/]

Those XFL's can handle that amp easily. It sounds like you are using your gain button as a volume button. Do you have a clipping light in a bass knob in your dash?

No, it’s a universal bass knob. I’m gonna take some pictures and post it

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

No, it’s a universal bass knob. I’m gonna take some pictures and post it

You need an in dash clipping meter.

 

[Clifff150 10+ year member]

If anything, upgrade your amp. Those XFL’s are nice woofers that can take abuse (obviously) and get loud. My assumption is the gain is set super high and you’re clipping the piss out of the amp. Box could be a factor as well. Posting pics will be great and you’ll get the help you need for sure.

 

[nauc 10+ year member]

first, set your amp gain right. heres how. the test tones are at the very bottom

Amplifier Level Setting Guide

Note:The following article describes the Amplifier Level Setting process for most car audio amplifiers, regardless of brand. Specific target voltages for applicable JL Audio amplifiers are included...

jlaudio.zendesk.com

 

[Bobbytwonames 5,000+ posts]

Sell that amp and buy a Sundown SIA3500, Taramps Smart 3, or a Taramps MD3000.