What a good average amount of watts for a subwoofer?

defjam56 · 02-02-2008

Hi, im looking to buy a subwoofer for my civic, and i was wondering whats a good average amount of watts for it, im not looking for something ridiculous that you can hear from a mile away but im also not looking for something too weak.

-Thanks in advanced

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greeen01civic4d · 02-02-2008

get two subs, 10 or 12" and power it with at least 500 watts, pref. 1000 watts

defjam56 · 02-03-2008

Im trying to save room in my trunk, so i might wanna get 2 of these:http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...roductID=13963 , you think 400w would be enough?

greeen01civic4d · 02-03-2008

those dont make much sound, they save space, but suck for performance, just get 1 12" and get a good amp, 500 watts or more

DeX · 02-03-2008

You're asking the wrong question. When it comes to sound, the more important question is which amplifier you should buy, that's what's going to make your system sound good or bad. And my suggestion is to forget how many watts it has and focus only on a single channel, D-class amplifier. Match the RMS with the sub and you're set.
But it sounds like you have a few hours of research before hitting your local Bestbuy. And hopefully enough research to convince you not to.

Alpha 5 · 02-03-2008

Perception of sound is subjective to each of us, just as some of us find black cars more appealing than other color cars. If you like your car stereo system more than any other in the same vehicle, then you have the best. But, if you like some other car stereo system more than yours in the same vehicle, then that one is better. Only you can decide which is best for you. For a car stereo system and installation to be a good or great system and installation, it must meet or exceed the user's expectations.

Alpha 5 · 02-03-2008

Many people think that if I have three to four twelves that the bass will be better. That might be true to a certain degree, but its not. Yes it will be louder and more carrying but its easier to distort the sound in your car or truck. Two twelves is the most recommended for sound quality in your vehicle. Of course the type of enclosure, type of amp and how it is wired matters, but it depends all on the sound you're looking for. When it comes to size, the bigger the sub, the deeper the bass, but the bigger the sub, the slower your bass responses are. If you like for your bass to be heard more outside of your vehicle than inside then I would recommend 15's and up. If you're looking for your bass to be more inside your vehicle, I would recommend 8's, 10's, and 12's(depending on the box its in and the amp pushing it).

greeen01civic4d · 02-03-2008

i forgot, ported box is a must

Envy · 02-03-2008

nice alpha! i paid $330 budget shopping for 2 alpine type-r 10" subs with an amp. amp off eBay! and unless I open all the vehicle, all the bass pounds inside. all you hear outside is sheetmetal + trunk rattle. But once you get in, the seats all vibrate.

ArrizX · 02-03-2008

I cant even begin to explain where most of you are wrong. Except for Alpha 5.

Quote:

Originally Posted by defjam56

Hi, im looking to buy a subwoofer for my civic, and i was wondering whats a good average amount of watts for it, im not looking for something ridiculous that you can hear from a mile away but im also not looking for something too weak.

-Thanks in advanced

There is no good/average amount of wattage. There are to many variables that go into the sub stage.

Seriously, if you're trying to just get the lower frequency sound then you're find with the tube and whatever amp you choose.

Although if you want something that is noticeably loud (not over bearing just a nice tight hard hitting subwoofer) then you need to figure out lots of things. First, you need to know if you have a computable deck. Not even all after market decks have a subwoofer output RCA. Second, you need to know how much space you are willing to sacrifice. Every subwoofer you buy will have a certain size box it likes (notice XX.XXcubic feet when looking at specs) best. Your sub will excel in that box and perform its best.

Ill find you the best setup for your car... Ill keep this simple as possible. What is the range you want to spend TOTAL, and what is the MAX space you want use in your trunk? Give me an inch by inch by inch idea.

electric130 · 02-03-2008

i have a single Kicker Comp 12" that i'm pushing only 150w RMS to it. it's more than enough for a civic. i've had more in the past. it's simply not needed for our cars. you don't need 1000w or even 500w to have loud, clear, hard hitting bass.

DeX · 02-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by greeen01civic4d

i forgot, ported box is a must

Not necessarily, it depends on the type of sub and excursion ratings. And also the acoustics and type of sound you want.

aznprid214 · 02-03-2008

yeah, I have a box that I either open for ported or seal for sealed. I like how the ported is louder but its not as responsive. The sealed gives that quicker bass hit.

Currently I am running 1 10" Alpine Type X and I am satisfied =D but like others said, don't worry about "watts" look for what matches up and a good tune and you'll be set.

electric130 · 02-03-2008

personally, ported and bandpass sound like a$$ to me. too boomy and watered down. not enough clarity. i've had ported, bandpass, and sealed in various combinations. sealed sounds the best to me. it's all personal preference though.

defjam56 · 02-03-2008

Thanks for all your replies, ArrizX, im willing to spend around 200-300 dollars, i wanna use as little trunk space as possible, im gonna take a couple of pictures of my trunk and give you an estimate in inches on how much space i want to use tomorrow. Thanks again