OT: - question about subwoofers...
 

I'm looking to install at least 1 sub, and I was wondering if there is a significant performance difference between air suspension and free-air sub's. My front seats are mounted on fiberglass "pods" that would be an ideal location for an 8" or 10" sub. However, they also serve as handy storage compartments, so I would hate to lose that space to speaker boxes. Besides, I would have to fabricate a custom box under there, which would be a pain. I am installing a Clarion 5-channel amp - 40 X 4 RMS, and 100W for the sub channel, I believe. Would an air suspension 8 or 10" sub give me sufficient bass? I'm not looking to turn my boat into a ghetto "hooptie" on water - I just want more punch, especially when running with the exhaust open.

Free-air subs sound like crap. You will definitely want to put the sub into some type of enclosure. Depending on power and type of sound you prefer, you can use a vented or sealed enclosure. I have a bandpass box with 2-12" Infinity Perfect subs pumping 1000W into them....so I guess I do have that "hooptie" on the water...although it's definitely not ghetto!

Thanks for the replies!

Now I'm thinking about going with some type of separate enclosure. Went to a couple of local places at lunch, one of them had a sub/box combo by JL Audio for around $200. 10" sub, box looked like it might tuck away up under the gunwale. This would be a plus, because I wouldn't have to hack up the boat, and I could take it with me if I sell it. Could also use it in the trunk of the ragtop.

Been looking at different subs, mainly MTX, JL, Kicker. Any of these any good?

sometimes in a boat its hard to faceload the subs so even though generally sealed boxes sound better you may be better off with a bandpass. If you want any punch stay away from freeair subs.

All are a good sub... I have two JL 10w6's in my truck under the rear seat with a kicker ZR600 amp running them... they can hit HARD for 10's. I had a ZR240 running my front end but I blew that amp up and replaced it with a JL500... In my other truck I had Orion NT12's (carbon fiber cones) with the kicker 600 running them... if you can fit em' go with a 12, in that much open space you will be happier.

w6's like being run in 3's they sound alot better.

Budman

Everyones input is right on, stay clear of the free air subs, your 6" speakers will hit harder than 10-12" free air subs:eek: I know because I have done it. go with a 10 or 12 sealed and pump as much power to it as it is maxed for.

WILL;)

Sony Xplod?
 

Has anyone had any experience with the Sony Xplode line of subwoofers? Their 10" model looks like it has pretty decent specs for the price, and it has the poly cone with butyl rubber surround. How do they hold up compared to the MTX, Kicker, JL, RF, etc.?

Any opinions on the Sony's??

I have not seen them in person so I cant not make a comment....

Good thread!! Can I stick a question in here too? Good.

Have a Formula 311 and am planning to install a couple of 12" subs in the side compartments right next to the bolsters. One sub on each side of the boat facing the bolsters. Have 1400 watts to push them.

Question is: Will these speakers result in too much vibration of the hull sides? The hull sides will be acting as the back of the enclosure. I hate to hack-up my side panels only to find out it sounds like chit! Any comments?

To suggest the right sub, the first thing to determine is the type of music you listen to, then determine the tyoe of box that best suits your boat. Consider the amount of power and then you can determine which sub is best.

Each of the brands you mention offer different models some better than others. Some will sound better than others. Some will hold up better than others.

I can put together suggestions and a great deal for any OSOer on car home or marine audio systems. Feel free to call my office at (813)882-8477.

Andy Buzz

I had two 10" Kicker subs mounted in my old Bayliner. They were mounted in closed boxes under the seats. Sound great. I am now getting two 12" Kicker Subs in my Baja. They will also be in closed boxes. The nice thing about the Kickers is that they are good quality speakers that sound great and are built for marine use. I have seen and heard many normal car speakers in boats that simply rot due to the moisture.

Stay away from free air. Build custom sealed or ported enclosures.

Stay away from the Sony's. They don't sound that great and have a rep for blowing easily.

If your gonna stay with the 5 channel amp and drive one sub with it. I'd go with a 12" sub with a high efficiency rating. 100watts to a sub really isnt that much....

You might consider adding one more amplifer to the mix. If you go this route, get a class D subwoofer amplifer. You could get a JBL bp600.1 for $200 -250 off an internet retailer. That way you could throw 300watts RMS to a single voice coil 4 ohm sub. And give you the ability to easily add one more similar woofer for 600watts RMS. It will sound cleaner that way

I offer white fiberglass sealed enclosures for $180 a piece. They look great, sound great and will last.

I'm running a pair of JL Audio 10" in my truck and another pair in my boat. The ones in the truck are getting old (about 7-8 years I'd say, second vehicle they've been in) and are pretty beat up. BUT, they still sound great. No distortion despite my beating the crap out of them for years. The ones in the boat are being powered by a Rockford Fosgate Punch 45 amp and sound great until they beat against the stinkin 8" hole I have them mounted behind. I don't have grills for 10" subs so until I do I can't make the hole bigger (they are under the back seat and people hit them with their feet....will wreck them....so not going without covers!!). I love these JL subs. When I do replace the ones in my truck, they will be with more JL Audio subs.

'Foul

Thanks for the replies!
 

Waterfoul,

The shop where I bought my sub box has grilles to fit the JL's. They are a little deeper than the standard waffle grilles to accomodate the long throw of the JL's cone. Can you do any damage running them like that?

I've gone with the Sony Explod and yes I know there is much better out there. But for the price I could replace them every season and still be way ahead. I have friends who work at JL audio and thought about going that route but I know how they'll get knocked around on the boat.

My friends that is....