Enough Wattage?

[markER717]

Hi I want to buy some subs for the boot, and I was wondering if 400w was a decent amount of power or they were just weak? I know very little about how in car sound systems work and would love to find out more.

Thanks

[HCVP]

The majority of entry level subs, you'll find on the market would be rated around 400 RMS mark.And all though most car audio enthusiast's are going to tell you that no, that isn't enough, it's going to come to to what your after out of a set up, and of course your budget.

Something to keep in mind though, 2 subs aren't always going to be better than one. 2 x 400 watt subs, will not always out perform a single 800 watt sub. More subs, more amps, more enclosure- more money. With the extra cost associated with purchasing and installing 2 subs (particualary entry level ones) your far better off getting a single good quality sub, properly amplified, and in the right enclosure.

[markER717]

Ah okay, I saw some clarion 800w ones and they were nice. Is clarion a good brand?

[HCVP]

is that 800 rms or peak? i dont know of an 800 Watt RMS sub by Clarion, not that ive seen anway, whats the model number?
Dont put so much emphasis on brands either...

[Vg-ute-mad]

Sounds like a peak to me.

I also agree with HCVP....Shop with your ears, not your eyes!

Whats your budget?

[-ToM-]

is that 800 rms or peak? i dont know of an 800 Watt RMS sub by Clarion, not that ive seen anway, whats the model number?
Dont put so much emphasis on brands either...

Brand is everything mate, unless of course your buying cheap entry level nasties.

Emphasis on brand is a good thing, ive learnt that the hard way

[HCVP]

Brand means jack shit. My last set up consisted of 7 different brands, so that must mean it was crap right? Anyone who chooses a stereo component based on it's brand alone, rather that it's price and performance, is just stupid, and are just limiting themselves to what's out there-

[-ToM-]

Rightio, thats why my DD 300w sub sounds better then my 400w pioneer

Has nothing to do with the brand does it

Ill go buy a 800w rampage sub tomorrow. It must be good!

Good one mate

[HCVP]

Of course your DD sub sounds better than your cheap >$100 Poineer sub.Thats a Quality comparison, not a brand comparison, you need to learn a thing or two, and then come back...

[-ToM-]

haha mate, the 150w pioneer goes for $100. This pioneer is 400w RMS and had a RRP of $400 when new.

The DD is 300w RMS and sounds better.

Yes, the quality is better, but why is that? because the brand made it better!

Its the same with anything else you would buy on the market.

[HCVP]

Your still comparing the Quality of an individual item, and relating the brand to it. Like most Car audio manafactuers, that do their entry level garbage, and then they will do their upmarket stuff..

Of course, you also have the Repco ect owned brands, such as Rampage, and Sound X4 (or what ever it is) which yes, they only produce garbage. But you know that when you purchase it. The point i'm trying to get across to you, and the the OP, is that it dosent matter what brand it is, if it's a good component, then that's all that matters. Pick you gear out, based on its price and performance, and what sounds good to you, for the money you have to spend.

[-ToM-]

ok that makes a bit more scense.

I still think in a way its good to stick to the more reputable brands though - ie - go with what you know works. Dont take a chance on a product you havent had any experience with, or atleast do your research and get recommendations

One example, ive only ever owned kenwood decks because every model ive owned has performed flawlesslly. I was told by a few people a while ago though that their speakers are crap, and their subs are average, so i have never bought them.

[StoneX]

Your prices are in box prices. That Pioneer sub could be had for $100 without a box. If you bought a better Pioneer sub it'd sound better, you bought the second lowest model.

Oh, and Kenwood head units are that good either Just because they worked doesn't mean they're good... They all work

[Vg-ute-mad]

Your prices are in box prices. That Pioneer sub could be had for $100 without a box. If you bought a better Pioneer sub it'd sound better, you bought the second lowest model.

Oh, and Kenwood head units are that good either Just because they worked doesn't mean they're good... They all work

I'm with StoneX with this one....The SQ is very average, but they pump hard. What suprised me, is that they have a copper voice coil, as where other subs in the price range have a aluminium voice coils.