I have a 12" eclipse subwoofer...the biggest, which would be a sw8200. How big of an enclosure should i get?

Question

i drive a volkswagon. I know due to the sw8200's size, a custom enclosure is recommended. But i dont know much about enclosures. I just know that i need a SEALED enclosure. But how big does the enclosure have to be? The sub bumps at 4 ohmz.

Answer 1

I just bought two of these subs.  The specs in the manual HIGHLY RECOMMENDS a sealed enclosure and gives the frequency responses for a .75 cubic foot,  1 cubic foot, and 1.5 cubic foot enclosure.  Anything in that area will work, but be sure to take into account the space that HUGE magnet takes up inside the enclosure.  

I would aim for 1.75 to 2.0 cubic feet on the raw dimensions for the enclosure.  Once you add some dampening material and bracing inside the enclosure, allong with the speaker, you should be very near 1.25-1.5 cubic feet.

Also, you will want to give it around 600-700 watts RMS if you really want to hear it's potential.  I bought (4) XA1000 amps for my two drivers...and they are relatively inexpensive on e-bay if you consider they are a very decent (matching brand) amp.

As stated below, if you want a tighter "hit" for the type of bass you prefer, then yes...shoot for just under 1 cubic foot worth of enclosure.  A larger enclosure will facilitate more of a "boom".  For the money, they are very decent subs in my opinion.  The average person probably doesn't want to spend $300+ per 12-inch sub (rated at the same 650 watts rms).  You will be happy with it.

Answer 2

this sub is piece of s**t, no matter how huge is the magnet (cooling and maybe magnet COVER? )

Qes over 0.9 will make it sound slow,boomy, no hitting.

Bl around 10 will not drive the cone propertly - it will have higher excursion without expected results.

sealed box is necessary.

Answer 3

at least 1200 inches wide. about as big a a box meant for two tens, just a lil taller and not as wide. a sub running that much power, go for it!