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....