new guy needs some direction and advice

[05 obs]

So I have lurked on here for a LONG time. I watched Steve's vids before he had this site and always followed what he has done. I want a rebuild on my setup but not going to wall or anything like that I would like to keep it all in the hatch since I am a pastry chef and I carry so much stuff in my backseat from knives to silicone molds and chef coats and whatever else I need.

So I have a 2005 Impreza Outback sport. It will never be fast so I am going loud. I have had pretty much the same setup since 07 and it is time for a change. I currently am running 2 type r 1242d 12's on a Sundown Sae-1000d, Pioneer AVH-P4200dvd with ipod cable, Dynamated doors, needs rear hatch done, box is 1.75 per chamber ported box tuned to high 30's. Battery is not up to par, big 3 needs to be done, alt needs to be upgraded. Wire is 0ga from battery to dist block in back KnuKoncepts with a 250a ANL inline. Speakers are 6.5 type s comps up front, stock rears, with a Dragster 4 channel.

I was looking at possibly doing 2 15's but I doubt I have the air space. I am going to have to do this on a budget so I was looking at some Bstock Skar subs, and an audiopipe 2k, or if I can find another SAE-1000d strap it to my other one. I am going to keep the deck, the comps, and thats about it the subs and 4 channel will go into my girls car, and if i change sub amps that will go too. Sorry for the long post but I figured I would just say hey and throw this out there.

[V8SRSLO]

dont get caught up in woofer size, in todays higher end woofers there is IMO very little difference from a 10-15 and in some cases 10-18 the biggest part of the entire setup in my opinion is the box and clean power. everyone has there favorites im a DC audio guy but there are other nice companys as well. I would think in your car a pair of 10 or 12in lvl 3 or 4 DC's on a solid 2k would more than impress you.

[Toby Ratcliffe]

dont get caught up in woofer size, in todays higher end woofers there is IMO very little difference from a 10-15 and in some cases 10-18 the biggest part of the entire setup in my opinion is the box and clean power. everyone has there favorites im a DC audio guy but there are other nice companys as well. I would think in your car a pair of 10 or 12in lvl 3 or 4 DC's on a solid 2k would more than impress you.

I don't really agree with this statement at all. While some modern 10s may have a greater output than 15s of the past, a modern version of that 15 would have more cone area, and if powered correctly and in the right box, would destroy the 10 in output.

However if you are at your limit in how much space you are willing to give up, and 2 12s is the biggest speaker you can fit in that space, then it would be time to upgrade to a more powerful speaker, and more power. When doing so you really have to think about your charging system. As little as $1000 in woofers and amps could turn into $2000 including a new alternator, batteries, and wires upgrades. It depends on what you have available.

So in summary, find out how much real estate you are willing to give up in your car for woofers, figure out how much cone area that will support, and choose a woofer/amp combo that you can afford to power.

[Toby Ratcliffe]

Also box design plays a huge role in output. Going from a prefab, to a custom made enclosure can net some substantial gains.