Subwoofer box

[Inaska]

Im about to purchase a subwoofer and amp pack from a local shop. It consists of a alpine 12" sub and alpine 1100W sub. I can get it in a deal which will save me over a $100.

Main concern is the sub box. I can get a pre-fab one for around $70. The store i am buying the pack from makes custom boxes that suit the sub and won't fall apart anytime soon. Only problem is that it is going to be around $200 to get the custom box. It will be built to suit my car which will be a benefit and they will also help me to install everything for no extra cost if i get the custom box.

Would it be better to get the pre-box and see how long it last due to the vibrations from the sub, or get the custom built one to suit my car and be more durable?

[sweefu]

The prefab box will still probably last a while, though a custom box built to fit your car and more importantly the sub appropriately is very important.

What is the model of the sub / amp being used?

Is your main concern Sound Quality or outright volume? (SPL) These factors help determine the best sort of box.

[HUX 90]

If you want the sub to fit nicely in a certain spot in you car then I would go custom.

[SSV Redline]

If the custom box is being made by the bloke next door or by your dad, then dont do it. The sub needs to 'breath' or 'not breath' and it needs a certain volume of air in the box so it can either maximise the output (doof doof) or maximise the quality of the bass response. As a bass player who is sponsored by Laney in the UK I have many custom made bass cabinets and each one has been matched to the amp and to the aluminium coned speakers mounted in them. Now I am not an audiophile (very obvious) so I dont know if I have used the right words, terms or used the correct context. But I can say for certain that a custom box is only custom if it is built specifically to house your sub speaker for use in your boot space. Otherwise it is just another way for the retailer to make a little extra cash. So mount the sub in both cabinets, connect it to your amp in your car (not the showroom) and then make up your mind. They'll do this for you. I did and I went with the factory made cabinet. Oh, and dont worry about how long it will last. Purple Plush Pile will be all the rage again soon and you'll want to rebuild and re-cover the cab in it in a few years time