Theories

[Cboeger]

Ok in theory say you have 2 12" subs with 7mm of xmax for a total of 14xmax total pushing 600 RMS total. Now say theres another sub thats a single 12" that is 14xmax alone and pushes 600RMS total. Now say these two models of subs have exact same specs EXCEPT for the xmax and there both in the same type of box etc. In theory would the 2 12" smaller xmax subs sound equally loud as the same single big xmax 12" since there both moving the same amount of cone area?

[SnowDrifter]

Xmax ≠ displacement. So the real answer is no one knows

[95legwagon]

but wait so you would be going from 2 12's to 1 bigger 12..... right? and this raises the question in my head immediately: what about the reduction in cone area? wouldnt that make it not as loud? or did i miss something crucial in the thought process? even though the single 12 has the same xmax as the 2 12"s combined its still 1/2 the cone area thus not moving as much air..... thats where i went with it in my head lol

please correct me or confirm my thoughts someone.......?

edit: so what snow drifter is saying ( or how i interpreted it) it that even though cone area is half it still has the xmax of both 12"s combined so it doesnt matter about being 1/2 cone area since it moves the same amount of air?..... interesting

[SnowDrifter]

Here's the thing: Just because a sub has that much xmax doesn't mean you are going to use all of it.

It's like asking what will get you to work faster: a minivan or a 500hp Lamborghini. The answer is unless you have somewhere to let loose and open up the throttle, they will both perform the same, since they are both going the same speed.

Same thing with the subs: just because it can move that much doesn't mean it will

That being said, chances are the 2 12s will be louder because it has more cone area and a larger box, which (all else being equal) will yield a more efficient setup.

[HHR Ed]

theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.^[1][2] Scientists create scientific theories from hypotheses that have been corroborated through the scientific method, then gather evidence to test their accuracy.

Also

X-Max is the measurement of the distance the coil of a woofer will travel and stay inside the magnetic gap.

So what I am getting at is, your question is flawed. Therefore, there is no answer.

[HHR Ed]

Also, subs don't "push" watts

And, you don't add X-max from multiple woofers.

[HHR Ed]

If ( I dare assume) You are asking if 2) 12s on 300w ea will be louder than 1) 12 on 600w ea. Given that the pair of 12s are of lower quality and capable of less excursion than the single 12.

Chances are, no one can tell you.

It is completely enclosure dependent.

In a perfect world, we are to assume that the pair of 12s would be louder. But we do not live in a perfect world and many other factors come into play.

[skittlesRgood]

you're getting a lot of shit for asking a theory lol. I get where you are going with this and I'll tell you what makes logical sense to me.

half the cone area but with double the travel (xmax) should equal the same displacement. in the simplified world that this question was intended for, I believe the output would be the same from each setup. of course that isn't the final absolute answer, but I believe it answers your curiosity.