What subwoofer should I get for my needs?

Question

I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a monsoon sound system. My back speakers are Alpine Type S speakers. My front are still stock, but since I have the monsoon sound system they actually sound quite good. I am looking to add a little more to the music that I listen to by probably getting a subwoofer.

I listen to strictly rock music such as Rise Against, Bullet for My Valentine, Linkin Park and my personal favorite Avenged Sevenfold.

So now I am asking all of you what subwoofer should I get? I am looking for values so please don’t recommend a $500 subwoofer. I have always leaned towards Alpine Type R’s, but I am not set on that decision.

What kind of box and amplifier should I get to go with your recommendation? Maybe an all in one subwoofer would be best?

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

I would probably recommend 2 10" or 1- 12" in a sealed enclosure with 600 watts - 1000 watts rms , I would look at the Image dynamics IDQ subwoofers as well as the RF and type r

good luck.

Answer 2

This is actually really tricky or really simple. Any sub will sound good set up right but the right sub, box & amp combination can rock not only your world but your neighbours too!

Depending on how much you want to spend depends on what you get. Cheapest option - all in one box - quality - average. Best options - read on

For Rock music I would suggest going no bigger than 12" in fact I would recommend 10". This is because they have a faster reaction time. Bigger subs are great for deep, loud, long notes but that's not Rock music. You want something that will allow the double bass drum kick to deafen!

Sub - very difficult to choose. Go for a name brand is all I can say. We all have our preferences, it's your choice. DON'T buy on looks - you'll never see it once it's installed!

Box - this is possibly the hardest choice beleive it or not. The wrong box can not only sound bad but can damage your sub. I had a custom made bandpass box put into my car with 2 10's - it sounded INCREDIBLE! It put bigger systems to shame! This box cost me as much as the sub did but worth every penny.

Amp - Basically see sub - Name brands only & don't take the MAX reading to choose - take the RMS. The max reading is almost not worth looking at. Always over spec the amp & run it at low levels because they will blow channels. Make sure you buy an amp suited to YOUR system. You can by almost any combination of channels these days (1/2/3/4/5 channels). If you want to run your rear speakers off it as well you can. There is no point buying an amp & having channels not used efficiently.

Tips: Never run the amp on full gain - it won't last long.

If it starts to sound strange stop it - the damage you can cause will cost you alot! I been through a few amps between all the systems I've had.

Cableing - Make sure you wire it up correctly. I don't mean red to red etc I mean the right thickness cable etc. Depending on the system you put in will depend on what you need. A 2 sub system pumping in excess of 2000 watts will need a much bigger cable than a single 350w amp. Don't skimp on the little things! This includes the actual speaker cable & a good quality earth is important too.

If you really get into it there are formulas out there to tell you exactly what works best in what volume area etc. but that's what I paid my installer for!

Sorry for the long winded explaination but it's worth spending time on - trust me.

Good luck

Answer 3

it really depends on you. if you want alot of sound or a little. ten inch speakers are the norm. but for more sound a twelve inch or even a fifteen inch. but its your preferance. look for reputable names not the cheap unknown names. pioneer has a decent speaker and so does fosgate. but ma audio has the most bang for your buck.These speakers are made in florida.And wattage wise they are great.

Answer 4

I have two alpine type rs...by far the best subs Ive ever had and Ive had kicker l5s and infinty kappa perfects...if you like rock music just get a sealed box and there are plenty of good amps...I got a jl 500/1 pushing both and they pound...but the rs for the money are great...

Answer 5

I would go with Alpine, Fosgate for this maybe one ten. In the Alpine the type E and S sound good and dont cost alot. In Fosgate the P1 or P2 are good and cheap. Use a seald box and get an fosgate amp they make good amps if you want it louder get two tens