12" vs 15"

[Deutscher]

Hi guys,

Can anyone give me a answer to which is better and why - 12" vs 15" subwoofer. I currently have a Hifonics Olympus 2412 but was wondering if I should exchange it with a 15" and give the 12" to the missus. I listen to Drum n Bass, rap, hip hop kind of music. They both have the same output (2400rms/4800Max), so Im only in need of which is better for me. Ive heard that the 15"'s are slower in response to the beats but is better suited for DnB, Techno etc music. Anyone got comments?? I can either keep the 12 or get the 15 no charge.

[StoneX]

I've used the 12" and 15" version of a high end model sub and found that the 15 has quite a lot more ouput and plays low quite effortlessly, but it still did struggle with quicker bass beats, even in a small sealed box which would help with faster responsiveness.

If you're not fussy with your sound and like it loud and low, try the 15"... I'm too fussy and went with the 12"... And then a 2nd 12" for the extra output

[Vg-ute-mad]

Because you listen to a variety of music. I would stick with a 12 inch sub as they are punchier. Though if you mainly listened to techno and trance, I would suggest a 15 inch, as they put out a lower bass. With a 15 inch, you will fill up your boot space, as you need to a very large enclosure to get the full potential.

It all comes down to taste really. But I will say, if you decide to go for a 15 inch and you play rock or metal, you will notice a sound gap between the highs and the lows!

[Deutscher]

Thanks for the responses,

I've never had a 15" sub yet, just don't tink that 2x 12" would quite fit in my boot and the amount of power it would take would be enormous for a normal everyday car. I've got a 600cca battery and standard cable from battery etc. I already have no room for the 12 cause the box is huge and I got a gas tank in the boot. so I think 2x 12's would be out of the question. Think I go to a car audio shop and try to sample similiar subs in the 12 and 15's see if I can tell the difference.

Also, in the manual for the 12", the manufacturer has given me 3 sizes for the boxes ... I was wondering if a SPL box would be best or a Optimal sound box (SQ I think they mean ) would be better? I'm thinking loud and proud but then again.. I'm not too sure. I do like the big bass for my Bassy music

[holdenboy]

Im assuming the SQ box is sealed?

In my opinion, as you listen to D&B, rap etc a good ported box is the way to go. Post up the rec. boxes too, that might help.

[Deutscher]

All the boxes they've recommended are ported boxes.

Here is a online manual for the sub.

http://www.maxxsonics.net/manuals/hi...r%20Manual.pdf

It's the 2415 (15" sub)
Sub box sizes are on page 4.

[holdenboy]

Ahh, ok then. My choice would be the optimal sq box, but you have to consider that its gotta be 3.25 cu.ft.
The SPL box would be good for just that....SPL, with a F3 of 40hz, its not exactly going to be deep bass. The SQ box has an F3 of 34hz, much more suited to your musical needs.

If you didnt know the F3 is the frequency the box will play down to effectively. Basically anything under that will over-work the sub and you risk doing some damage. Thats what subsonic filters are for

[Deutscher]

Ahh, ok then. My choice would be the optimal sq box, but you have to consider that its gotta be 3.25 cu.ft.
The SPL box would be good for just that....SPL, with a F3 of 40hz, its not exactly going to be deep bass. The SQ box has an F3 of 34hz, much more suited to your musical needs.

If you didnt know the F3 is the frequency the box will play down to effectively. Basically anything under that will over-work the sub and you risk doing some damage. Thats what subsonic filters are for

Ok, so after all that... I think your trying to say to go with the SQ box. Is 6Hz really a big deal?? what kind of dB difference would I expect comparing the SQ and SPL box? I don't understand the whole frequency in a box stuff haha so I need other peoples opinions. At the moment I have the 2412 model and a SQ box .. and my car rattles etc .. but not sure if you could actually hear the 6Hz when listening to music. I understand that the lower the Hz the deeper the bass.. but from 40 to 34hz doesnt seem much (to me anyway .. looking at numbers haha).

[holdenboy]

No, the 6hz isnt a big deal.......but thats just one aspect thats different. You'll also get a huge, narrowish peak in the SPL box, which means some songs will be more "boomy" than others.

Basically what im saying is the SPL box will sound great with a limited range of music, whereas the SQ will sound more "equal" over a wider range.

You also have to take into consideration the size of the enclosure too.

[Vg-ute-mad]

I would say a good ported enclosure would best by the sound of it. And should suit your needs!