Different size sub Same wattage.. More power?

[HHR Ed]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

true im just use to my monster stiffies i guess lol and im a competetor MORE POWER!!! lol

Monster woofers have given me monster stiffies.

Wait...

What....?

[BillKessel]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

[HHR Ed]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

That sub is a beast that can handle a ton of heat. But has been shown to shine at power levels above 3000w.

If your gains are correct, the enclosure and choice of program material can be another issue if you play songs below the tuning frequency.

If all that is good, maybe you do just need (and I feel you want) to upgrade the woofers.

The easiest upgrade is just a beefier pair of 12s.

But

going to a single beefy 18 does give you the chance to upgrade to higher power in the near future.

[ALPINE408]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

[BillKessel]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

That sub is a beast that can handle a ton of heat. But has been shown to shine at power levels above 3000w.

If your gains are correct, the enclosure and choice of program material can be another issue if you play songs below the tuning frequency.

If all that is good, maybe you do just need (and I feel you want) to upgrade the woofers.

The easiest upgrade is just a beefier pair of 12s.

But

going to a single beefy 18 does give you the chance to upgrade to higher power in the near future.

Exactly and the bling bling factor i think the tuning frequency i am playing them at is actually whats making it smell i do notice it happens at around 20-25 hz and then stops smelling terrible when i play 30-50 hz songs and after awhile it goes away. Then if i play the 30-50 hz songs its fine. put on the 20 hz songs it smells i didnt even know that was possible. ( So leads me to the question is that bad) im gonna assume thats its damage some voice coils?

[BillKessel]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

Dont act like you never had your first time at anything. I am on this forum for a reason.

[ALPINE408]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

Dont act like you never had your first time at anything. I am on this forum for a reason.

dude i was being serious with you its a lot of money and you really should know what your doing with that sub did you walk befor you could crawl? if you cant understand why your subs smell YET i say yet cause you can learn then really your not ready but just cause i say that dont mean shit go for it if you really want it

ill put it to this way i got into rc helicopters had a few ok ones then jumped up to a super big boy crazy one i keep destroying because i thought i was ready i was not so now i keep repairing it cause i dunno what i am doing and i crash it i now put it on the self and now i am getting a better more simple learning heli befor i try and fly the expensive bad ass one

[BillKessel]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

Dont act like you never had your first time at anything. I am on this forum for a reason.

dude i was being serious with you its a lot of money and you really should know what your doing with that sub did you walk befor you could crawl? if you cant understand why your subs smell YET i say yet cause you can learn then really your not ready but just cause i say that dont mean shit go for it if you really want it

ill put it to this way i got into rc helicopters had a few ok ones then jumped up to a super big boy crazy one i keep destroying because i thought i was ready i was not so now i keep repairing it cause i dunno what i am doing and i crash it i now put it on the self and now i am getting a better more simple learning heli befor i try and fly the expensive bad ass one

ive speny more money between my two w6's then this one SMD. This is a downgrade in cost, but upgrade in power. I will learn as you have learned with your helicopter. But i actually have the money to keep using the bad ass smd.

[STEvil]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

Dont act like you never had your first time at anything. I am on this forum for a reason.

dude i was being serious with you its a lot of money and you really should know what your doing with that sub did you walk befor you could crawl? if you cant understand why your subs smell YET i say yet cause you can learn then really your not ready but just cause i say that dont mean shit go for it if you really want it

ill put it to this way i got into rc helicopters had a few ok ones then jumped up to a super big boy crazy one i keep destroying because i thought i was ready i was not so now i keep repairing it cause i dunno what i am doing and i crash it i now put it on the self and now i am getting a better more simple learning heli befor i try and fly the expensive bad ass one

ive speny more money between my two w6's then this one SMD. This is a downgrade in cost, but upgrade in power. I will learn as you have learned with your helicopter. But i actually have the money to keep using the bad ass smd.

You spent too much

[BillKessel]

I see more and more misunderstandings about this subject.

Power HANDLING has just about nothing to do with how loud a woofer will play. Just how much power the sub will handle.

You can have a 10,000w rms woofer get just as loud on 100w as a 100w rms woofer. It's other factors in the woofer construction that determine its loudness.

And no, an 18 is not "Stiffer" than 12s. that is not a factor.

What it can come down to is the materials used and construction of the woofers. If all that is equal, a single 18 has about 250 sq inches of cone area

Two 12s have about 225 sq inches of cone area.

This means that the single 18 does have a greater Potential to be louder.

Another factor is that the greater power handling of the single 18 would mean that it will run more reliable and more efficiently due to staying well below it's thermal limit. However power being spread over multiple coils can also exhibit that effect.

Ultimately what it will come down to is the enclosure, a pair of 12s may work better in smaller trunk cars due to the enclosure techniques and the single 18 may work better in a larger hatchback for the same reason.

It's up to you and your enclosure design and building capabilities.

BUT!!!! a 4000 watt rms 18 sure the hell is much stiffer then a 600 watt 12 so giving the 4000 rms sub 1200 watts will be under powered and not move as much as the 12's with the same power.. you could run a bigger more effecinet box but that will only go so far in all my testing the subs getting there rms was allways louder and less peaky then the under powered sub

Just because a woofer can handle more power, does not meant that it will be stiffer. In fact, it shouldnt be. Some are, yes, but it depends on the woofer. The stiffness of some woofers is a side effect of the adding lateral control to the suspension.

You can say.

But you are saying that your woofers get smelly from 600w rms each?

I think you may have another issue at hand and that distortion.

Have you attempted to adjust gains and level settings with an O-scope or any clipping meter? Or the help of a knowledgeable gain setter?

Proper tuning can be your solution.

Also, if you are looking to upgrade, a higher end single 18 does have the potential to perform better. I would suggest an efficient woofer but also set your gains right or you may have the same issue.

The sub im looking at is an SMD 18

The gains were set buy an authorized JL audio dealer. as for clipping the headunit never goes above 24/35 and the ipod is on 80/100 i check all my songs on audacity for clipping as well. if i see one clipped note, it doesn't play ever. to much money in this system with little to no bang

just cause a dealer set your gains in no way means he knows what hes doing he MIGHT but he is a sales person thats it

for the smd i would look at a differnt sub that thing is a beast i dont think your ready for

Dont act like you never had your first time at anything. I am on this forum for a reason.

dude i was being serious with you its a lot of money and you really should know what your doing with that sub did you walk befor you could crawl? if you cant understand why your subs smell YET i say yet cause you can learn then really your not ready but just cause i say that dont mean shit go for it if you really want it

ill put it to this way i got into rc helicopters had a few ok ones then jumped up to a super big boy crazy one i keep destroying because i thought i was ready i was not so now i keep repairing it cause i dunno what i am doing and i crash it i now put it on the self and now i am getting a better more simple learning heli befor i try and fly the expensive bad ass one

ive speny more money between my two w6's then this one SMD. This is a downgrade in cost, but upgrade in power. I will learn as you have learned with your helicopter. But i actually have the money to keep using the bad ass smd.

You spent too much

thanks for point out the obvious . what would i ever do with out the pointless statement?