YACAT : 2x 15" Rockford Fosgates..will it sound ok?

[jlee]

I just bought a 760w Pioneer amp & a box (made for 2 15s) from a friend -- he used to run two 15" Rockford Fosgate subs and said it sounded awesome. A local sound place has (hopefully still..) a sale on RF subs - 2 15s for $149, so I was going to pick those up tomorrow.

However, another friend of mine said 12s hit harder -- am I going to be disappointed with a pair of 15s compared to 10s or 12s?

Other stuff: HU -- Pioneer DEH-P4000, front speakers Pioneer 5.25", back speakers JBL P-632 6.5s
I have a cheap 2x120w amp I'll probably run my other speakers on, and use the Pioneer strictly for the subs (it has a crossover..the cheap amp doesn't, so I'll have to get bass blocker gadgets).

Edit: I prefer a more precise sound over a massive blob of vibration..what's the best way to reduce shakes/rattles/etc? Dynomat everything? If so, how much does it weigh? I don't want another 200lb of crap in my car

Edit2: Confused -- thanks..I don't listen to dance/techno/etc much (if at all)..mostly rock. Will 15s still be okay if I do, though? My Z560's sub works fine for me...will these be considerably more powerful? I would hope so, considering there's two 15s instead of one 8..but it's also car audio vs computer audio, and I'm not really good with all this.

 

[Confused]

10s and 12s will give you more "punch", but the 15s and to some point 12s (when compared to 10/8s) will be better for sustained bass.

Smaller ones will be better for punchy dance crap beats, whereas larger ones will be better for the sustained bass from rock music


Confused

 

[OS]

You have a corolla right? Two 15s might be too much, it'll overwhelm the rest of your system.

 

[MichaelD]

I know Confused purposely didn't open this can of worms; I know he "knows."

But, you already have a prebuilt box. I'm assuming that the box is divided into two chambers; one per sub. Each one of those chambers has a specific volume (i.e. cubic inches/feet).

Now you're going to go buy subs and just throw them in there? Possibly, the subs you buy will "not like" the amount of airspace you're giving them.

Contrary to the way the car audio industry is, you're supposed to buy the subwoofer first, THEN build the proper size box for it.

Granted you'll probably never notice/know the diff b/t a properly tuned box and one that isn't, but you could be losing up to 50% of your subs potential performance by throwing it an improperly sized box.

For example, look at the data sheet for this subwoofer (Acrobat required for viewing) See how it gives very exact dimensions? You actually should be doing this for your new subs (which you don't have yet) in order to maximize their potential.

One other niggle. You mention a Pioneer 760W amp. I highly doubt that's RMS watts. The RMS is probably 380, which is a tad low for two 15's.

How many RMS watts does that amp put out at 12V, 4 ohm mono load? You have to make sure that you are buying 8-ohm subs and wire them in parallel. This will present a 4-ohm load to your amp and keep you from frying it.

Just trying to help.

 

[Shawn]

Damn 15s are huge. I would go with 2 12s. From what I've been told the smaller the sub the "tighter" the bass.

 

[isekii]

2x 15 for a corolla seems a bit much as someone said. you sure it'll fit ?

I'd rather go with 2x12's different subs of course.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: OS
You have a corolla right? Two 15s might be too much, it'll overwhelm the rest of your system.

Yeah, I have a Corolla..but I want to keep it in the 16 second range..

Can't I adjust the bass level? The JBL 6.5s get insanely loud..I have the gain on the amp (they're on the Pioneer now) set pretty low, and I max the h/u volume without distorting the speakers. They're about to murder my ears, though.

Unless I can trade the box for another, I'm pretty much stuck with 15s -- what would I have to do to the rest of the system to make it keep up? I don't mind having just my rear speakers running, so I can run the 120w amp to the rear..dunno.

I'd rather upgrade something else eventually than downgrade something now, if that makes things any easier..

Yeah, it fits - the box is in there now. I guess I'll ask the place if they take trade-ins on boxes..any recommendations on 2 12s? I'd like to keep it at/under $150 for the pair.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
I know Confused purposely didn't open this can of worms; I know he "knows."

But, you already have a prebuilt box. I'm assuming that the box is divided into two chambers; one per sub. Each one of those chambers has a specific volume (i.e. cubic inches/feet).

Now you're going to go buy subs and just throw them in there? Possibly, the subs you buy will "not like" the amount of airspace you're giving them.

Contrary to the way the car audio industry is, you're supposed to buy the subwoofer first, THEN build the proper size box for it.

Granted you'll probably never notice/know the diff b/t a properly tuned box and one that isn't, but you could be losing up to 50% of your subs potential performance by throwing it an improperly sized box.

For example, look at the data sheet for this subwoofer (Acrobat required for viewing) See how it gives very exact dimensions? You actually should be doing this for your new subs (which you don't have yet) in order to maximize their potential.

One other niggle. You mention a Pioneer 760W amp. I highly doubt that's RMS watts. The RMS is probably 380, which is a tad low for two 15's.

How many RMS watts does that amp put out at 12V, 4 ohm mono load? You have to make sure that you are buying 8-ohm subs and wire them in parallel. This will present a 4-ohm load to your amp and keep you from frying it.

Just trying to help.

The guy I got them from was running 2 RF 15s in this box..he said to bridge it and run 2 subs in series to keep it at 4ohm (I guess that's assuming I have 4ohm subwoofers)..

I think this is what I have.

Originally posted by: isekii
2x 15 for a corolla seems a bit much as someone said. you sure it'll fit ?

I'd rather go with 2x12's different subs of course.

The box fits with the subs pointed slightly downward towards the seats..but I have almost no trunk space, which kinda sucks. That's to be expected, I guess..

 

[MichaelD]

BTW, the "GAIN" control on the amp is not a volume control. It's for matching the input level of the amp the output level of the source it's connected to.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
BTW, the "GAIN" control on the amp is not a volume control. It's for matching the input level of the amp the output level of the source it's connected to.

How do I figure out what's what? I have it set pretty low now, because it's running to normal speakers..

 

[MichaelD]

OK, 380W RMS @ 4ohms / 2 = 190 watts per sub. That'll be more than enough for your small vehicle, but nowhere near enough to push a decent 15 to any respectable volume level.

I run 300W RMS to a single 12" in a sealed box. It's adequate.

Good luck and PM me if you need help. I'll do what I can.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: MichaelD
BTW, the "GAIN" control on the amp is not a volume control. It's for matching the input level of the amp the output level of the source it's connected to.

How do I figure out what's what? I have it set pretty low now, because it's running to normal speakers..

Once everything is hooked up and you've verified that everything comes w/o anythign catching on fire :

Turn the sub amps' gain to ZERO. Make sure you have the lowpass turned on and if it's variable, I'd set it to 80Hz or lower. Turn the HU bass/treble settings to neutral. No bass boost or anything. Turn the HU volume up to about 90-95%. Slowly crank the gain on the amp until you hear distortion, then back it off a notch. Done.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: MichaelD
BTW, the "GAIN" control on the amp is not a volume control. It's for matching the input level of the amp the output level of the source it's connected to.

How do I figure out what's what? I have it set pretty low now, because it's running to normal speakers..

Once everything is hooked up and you've verified that everything comes w/o anythign catching on fire :

Turn the sub amps' gain to ZERO. Make sure you have the lowpass turned on and if it's variable, I'd set it to 80Hz or lower. Turn the HU bass/treble settings to neutral. No bass boost or anything. Turn the HU volume up to about 90-95%. Slowly crank the gain on the amp until you hear distortion, then back it off a notch. Done.

Cool...thanks.

One 12 would give me a LOT more room in my trunk...lol -- how much punch would it have if I bridged the amp and ran 380w just to the sub? Compared to the 'average' car subwoofer setup, I guess...

If it'll completely trash my Z560s without any difficulty, I should be happy.

Any recommendations on a specific subwoofer?

 

[OS]

One 12 is enough for your car if you're not out to rattle the surrounding cars in traffic. Besides, put in too much stuff and it'll start weighing your car down.

a Logitech z560 sub is like bringing a watergun to the warzone that is car audio subculture.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Cool...thanks.

One 12 would give me a LOT more room in my trunk...lol -- how much punch would it have if I bridged the amp and ran 380w just to the sub? Compared to the 'average' car subwoofer setup, I guess...

If it'll completely trash my Z560s without any difficulty, I should be happy.

Any recommendations on a specific subwoofer?

Just bridge the amp and get a single infinity perfect 12 and an MDF box.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: OS
One 12 is enough for your car if you're not out to rattle the surrounding cars in traffic. Besides, put in too much stuff and it'll start weighing your car down.

a Logitech z560 sub is like bringing a watergun to the warzone that is car audio subculture.

Is that link in your sig your engine..? It's so much cleaner than mine..lol

I'm not the type of person to go around with deafening bass playing constantly, but if someone next lane over tries to show off....

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: OS
a Logitech z560 sub is like bringing a watergun to the warzone that is car audio subculture.

Bwahahahahaha! Classic.

I agree w/the "single 12" recommendation. More than enough, especially:

1. Powered by 380w RMS
2. In a tiny car like a Corolla.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Is that link in your sig your engine..? It's so much cleaner than mine..lol

I'm not the type of person to go around with deafening bass playing constantly, but if someone next lane over tries to show off....

Nah, not mine, that's wiseguyz car. I did spend 2-3 hrs this past week polishing my intake manifold. :Q I'm definitely a closet ricer now.

I think it's hard to bump other cars when the truck is separate from the rest of the car. On me and my friend's car (prizm, accord), all the bass stays inside the car unless you pop the trunk. You'll probably go deaf before anyone else hears much.

If you want everyone else to hear the sub, you need like a hatchback, van or SUV.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Is that link in your sig your engine..? It's so much cleaner than mine..lol

I'm not the type of person to go around with deafening bass playing constantly, but if someone next lane over tries to show off....

Nah, not mine, that's wiseguyz car. I did spend 2-3 hrs this past week polishing my intake manifold. :Q I'm definitely a closet ricer now.

I think it's hard to bump other cars when the truck is separate from the rest of the car. On me and my friend's car (prizm, accord), all the bass stays inside the car unless you pop the trunk. You'll probably go deaf before anyone else hears much.

If you want everyone else to hear the sub, you need like a hatchback, van or SUV.

That's kinda nice, actually, since I'm not too fond of listening to other peoples' music..it would be somewhat hypocritical if I were to go do what I dislike them for.

Did you get the whole thing done in 2-3 hours? Mine looks like crap...

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

That's kinda nice, actually, since I'm not too fond of listening to other peoples' music..it would be somewhat hypocritical if I were to go do what I dislike them for.

Did you get the whole thing done in 2-3 hours? Mine looks like crap...

Yeah plus you're less likely to get your car broken into since no one hears it.

My intake doesn't look anything like his, I got tired after a while. I can get you a picture later.

 

[MichaelD]

Car security is another thread, entirely.

99.9999% of everyone that gets their system ripped off is b/c they advertised and asked for it.

And now, MichaelD's simple steps for not getting ripped off:

1. Never blast your system in the neighborhood you live in.
2. Never blast your system sitting in front of your house. (you may need to initially to set gains; after that, no more)
3. Never blast your system pulling into the mall/movie theater parking lot. You advertise, then leave the car alone for 3 or more hours? Not good.
4. Get a removealbe faceplace stereo and take the damn thing OFF. Take it WITH YOU when you leave the vehicle.

There's more, but I've got other threads to attend to.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

My friend had 2 RF15"s and 2 RF12"s installed in his truck a couple years back. (not at the same time) The 15's sounded like absolute ass closeup - they were loud and they shook everything around, but if you're expecting clean, home theater system bass, 15's aint it buddy. And wtf are you doing putting it into your Corolla? *scratches head*

His 2 12"s were relatively smooth and deep closeup, however. Better subs imho than the 15's, which as of now are still sitting in his garage.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
My friend had 2 RF15"s and 2 RF12"s installed in his truck a couple years back. (not at the same time) The 15's sounded like absolute ass closeup - they were loud and they shook everything around, but if you're expecting clean, home theater system bass, 15's aint it buddy. And wtf are you doing putting it into your Corolla? *scratches head*

His 2 12"s were relatively smooth and deep closeup, however. Better subs imho than the 15's, which as of now are still sitting in his garage.

What's wrong with putting decent sound in a Corolla?

I'll probably go with a single 12..

 

[amnesiac]

I had 2x 12" C-V! subs in my old GMC Jimmy.
It was WAY more than enough. I could crank it and set off car alarms 30 feet away.

2x 15" is overkill unless you have a Suburban.

Oh, and if you're going to stick subs in the trunk, please note that driving along and having your trunk rattle furiously from the bass makes you look like a stupid mexi-ricer. Don't do it.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: Angrymarshmello
My friend had 2 RF15"s and 2 RF12"s installed in his truck a couple years back. (not at the same time) The 15's sounded like absolute ass closeup - they were loud and they shook everything around, but if you're expecting clean, home theater system bass, 15's aint it buddy. And wtf are you doing putting it into your Corolla? *scratches head*

His 2 12"s were relatively smooth and deep closeup, however. Better subs imho than the 15's, which as of now are still sitting in his garage.

What's wrong with putting decent sound in a Corolla?

I'll probably go with a single 12..

There's nothing wrong w/putting good sound in any vehicle. Go with the single 12"; it'll sound GREAT and you might even still be able to fit a box of Cheetos in your trunk.