Spec Sheet - How to tell if good?

[Deutscher]

Just wondering,
Is there anyway to compare speakers/subs by looking at their spec sheet?
Because the subs etc I want to buy I can't listen to them because they don't even keep em in stock ... it's only by order.

The higher the RMS doesn't mean the louder it will be correct? comparing both 15" subs.
Is there anything else to look for that would compare by paper better?

The Subs I'm comparing are the Hifonics 2415 (2400rms) and the Orion HCCA 152 (2000rms).

[bezz]

Check out efficiency...

[TMM]

^Yep. Every doubling of power you get 3db.

So a 500W RMS speaker with 87dB@1W efficiency is equal to a 250W RMS speaker with 90dB@1W efficiency.

That said, no specifications can tell you how good it will sound. The ability to go louder or handle more power has no relevance what so ever to the sound quality .

[StoneX]

Why are you still looking at those two subs? In your other thread you were told there is much better out there...

[VZ-Rob]

^Yep. Every doubling of power you get 3db.
So a 500W RMS speaker with 87dB@1W efficiency is equal to a 250W RMS speaker with 90dB@1W efficiency......

What ! impossible
a speaker with(1) 87dB rating (poor)will perform HOTTER than and REQUIRE MORE input power than a speaker with(2) 90dB (better) rating to make the same output level (SOUND)

It will take the first (1) speaker approx double power or 2 watts to produce 90db and approx double again or 4 watt to produce 93db, 8 watt to produce 96db etc.,
whereas It will take the second (2) speaker approx 1 watt to produce 90db and approx double again or 2 watt to produce 93db, 4 watt to produce 96db etc.,
see how its going ?
What makes a speakers efficient or inefficient are type and weight of materials
The higher the power handling (WATTAGE or RMS) of the speaker, generally speaking the heavier the materials are going to be i.e. the cone, dustcap, surround, voice coil etc

So for a good speaker you need the EFFICIENCY ie a high db rating and RMS rating together

[StoneX]

Most high end subwoofers have low efficiency ratings. Stronger motor generally gives better control but requires more power.

[Deutscher]

Why are you still looking at those two subs? In your other thread you were told there is much better out there...

StoneX, I'm still looking at other subs, but like said... all the high-end subs are by order only and therefore I can't hear them. I had the Hifonic and Orion in my example because they are the ones I have in the top of my head and I know the RMS while the others I don't

[Deutscher]

Orion says "Efficiency - The ability of an audio system to convert electrical energy (watts) into mechanical energy (Decibels of acoustical energy). This ratio is usually given as the amount of energy measured in Decibels at a distance of one meter from the input of one watt of electrical energy. In most speakers, the greater the efficiency rating, the louder the unit will play in response to the same setting of the volume control, in comparison to less efficient types. The overall efficiency for most speakers systems is under 20 percent. Typical speakers can be rated at anywhere from 85 to 110 dB. Keep in mind, of course, that efficiency is only one parameter of a speaker's overall quality."

[Joe Bellissimo]

VIBE BlackDeath 2500rms

You can forget the efficiency rating if the box isn't perfect...

[Deutscher]

Well... after doing some more research
I can't decide what size subwoofer I want anymore.
My music preferences are Dance/Hip Hop/R&B
Ppl say for Techno type music a smaller sub like 10" but for Hip Hop a larger sub ye?

[Philthy]

Well... after doing some more research
I can't decide what size subwoofer I want anymore.
My music preferences are Dance/Hip Hop/R&B
Ppl say for Techno type music a smaller sub like 10" but for Hip Hop a larger sub ye?

Thats what they say. A bigger sub will (generally) be able to play the deep bass notes associated with r&b and the like, but struggle to keep up with the quick beats of techno/metal etc.

Most people go 12" because they are a happy medium. A good 15" should be fine for most techno though

[Deutscher]

Thats what they say. A bigger sub will (generally) be able to play the deep bass notes associated with r&b and the like, but struggle to keep up with the quick beats of techno/metal etc.

Most people go 12" because they are a happy medium. A good 15" should be fine for most techno though

Woot... just wat I wanted to hear haha. I had a 12" before.. just wanted some more bass that's why I was looking for a 15" but then heard so many ppl say that 10's are the way to go ..

[Deutscher]

I need to get some measurements off my available boot space. I've got a VS Sedan with a gas tank.

[StoneX]

I've had 12's and 15's... I had a Adire Audio - Braham 15" ($1,100 sub) and ended up changing to the 12" version because the 15" wasn't responsive enough... But I listen to a lot of punk and other music with quick bass.

I've been using two 12's now for a few years and have just ordered a 15" ($2,300 sub, but I didn't pay that) to see how it compares.

[Deutscher]

I've had 12's and 15's... I had a Adire Audio - Braham 15" ($1,100 sub) and ended up changing to the 12" version because the 15" wasn't responsive enough... But I listen to a lot of punk and other music with quick bass.

I've been using two 12's now for a few years and have just ordered a 15" ($2,300 sub, but I didn't pay that) to see how it compares.

I've never owned a 15" before... never heard one either... the crowd I hang around with think Sound Systems are a waste of money and prefer to spend their money on modding their engine instead.

Would it be better to get 2 12's than a 15? with the same kind of money? would I lose or gain from either? It'll mean running 2 amps though.

[Philthy]

2 subs and a gas tank will leave you with pretty much zero boot space (if that's an issue)

I tend to think that better sub will be better than 2 cheap ones (for the same cost), but having more subs has that wanky factor that plays into it if you intend to show your system off. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way either

[Deutscher]

2 subs and a gas tank will leave you with pretty much zero boot space (if that's an issue)

I tend to think that better sub will be better than 2 cheap ones (for the same cost), but having more subs has that wanky factor that plays into it if you intend to show your system off. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way either

Boot space is no biggy for me... I don't need any.. It's just gotta try and squish everything in with the gas tank.

I don't show off my gear to anyone... it's bout the sound not the looks. i.e no custom work.

Say I could get 1x 15" 2000rms for the same price as 2x12" 1000rms each... which would be better? say the subs are exacly the same.. just different size. If there is an actual answer to that.... my theory is the 2x12 because more surface cone?

[StoneX]

Personally, I think the 12's would sound better and probably be louder... But box design would play a big part.

This is exactly the question I was asking before I ordered the 15 and I had so many different answers I decided to try for myself and if the 15 isn't louder or better quality, I'll just sell it

[Deutscher]

Personally, I think the 12's would sound better and probably be louder... But box design would play a big part.

This is exactly the question I was asking before I ordered the 15 and I had so many different answers I decided to try for myself and if the 15 isn't louder or better quality, I'll just sell it

Hmm... well I've just had a bit more search.... I was thinking maybe 2x Alpine Type X 12's which are 1000rms each, I could get for ~$570 each x 2 = $1140... but then I'd still need to power them ... and 2 amps don't come cheap. To power the Alpine subs with a ALPINE PDX-1.1000 will be $660 each.

Just saw I could get a 15" Pioneer Premier TS-W8102SPL for $1,257... I hear the high-end pioneer gear is decent... it's rated for 3000rms.

By the way, I'm just throwing out some subs, any suggestions, advice is all helpful.

[Deutscher]

I think I'm looking at subs that are too big for my available space. That pioneer looks huge! Mayb I need to buy a wagon!

Edit: It actually only recommends a 2.5 cubic feet enclosure (sealed). Hmm... mounting depth is only 311.4mm... and for Bass-Reflex enclosure it's 3.25 cubic feet.

[Joe Bellissimo]

VIBE - Space CBR12 Twin Enclosure

One of those bad boys will set you back $899

It will take 2000RMS and sound great doing it since they can also be used in sound quality systems.

If your going the twin 12" route then I definitely think that's one of the best options out there.

Why would you bother with Pioneer when you could have a VIBE or an xMplar?

I could even make you 2 custom made xMplar 12" woofers at 1500rms each. Let us know exactly where you are going with this and we can help provide the best solution.

There's lots of options mate.

[Deutscher]

VIBE - Space CBR12 Twin Enclosure

One of those bad boys will set you back $899

It will take 2000RMS and sound great doing it since they can also be used in sound quality systems.

If your going the twin 12" route then I definitely think that's one of the best options out there.

Why would you bother with Pioneer when you could have a VIBE or an xMplar?

I could even make you 2 custom made xMplar 12" woofers at 1500rms each. Let us know exactly where you are going with this and we can help provide the best solution.

There's lots of options mate.

Thanks Joe, Appreciate all the help you've given me (and all the others). I know there's lots of options that's why I'm struggling! I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible, to try and make the right decision.
Makes it hard to give an answer to what I want... cause I don't really know. I think I've narrowed the type of music to Dance/R&B about 50/50. It's for a daily car.. Sedan with gas in boot... I don't need any boot space. I have an addiction to bass

[White Tiger]

2 10" and 1 12" sounds nice to me as long as the rest of your speakers are good 2 power 12" off one amp and the 2 10"'s off another
im gonna have to get my self another 10" or maybe 2 so i can replace the fusion it doesnt really sit right in my boot but i havent heard it or my 12" cause i am un able to find a place to run the wire

[Joe Bellissimo]

Twin 12s are the typical solution for all round deepness with a good amount of punch and responsiveness.