Add 3rd 12 or add 2 10s ?

[StreetTerrorist 0]

So multiple possible answers and dont know where to go with this.

Little background, I haven't had a system in 10+ years. Last one was 2 12" RF HX2 in bandpass box, tuned haha, didnt know that was a thing then, but built to specs for those subs...powered by a RF amp can't remember model but remember birthsheet was 1500+ rms.. this system you felt in your chest. Broke the metal bracket to rearview mirror sitting at a stop light lmao.. 


Now I recently bought 2 dual 2ohm DC Audio level 3 12s wired at 2ohm. And a DC 1.2k amp (had intentions on buying 2nd 1.2k and wiring to 1ohm) Sounded good, just didnt have that chest pounding bass I was looking for, found a used DC 3.5k for a good deal, @Triticum Agricolam helped me get it all dialed in the other day, sounds better than the 1.2k but still not what I was hoping for.  Center ported Box tuned at 30

Car: 06 Subaru impreza wagon

Big 3 done

200 amp alt. 

Stock batt up front

1 run of 1/0 to 2nd batt

So my question is what do I add?  

Another DC lvl 3 12 and wire them at 1.33 on the 3.5k amp? And take it in the ass when I sell the brand new 1.2k amp that's not a month old..

Or

Buy 2 lvl 4-5 10s and hook them up to the 3.5k at 1ohm.. and 12s back up to the 1.2k @ 2ohm?

Or

EDIT: wire 3.5k down to .5 ohm and in the 2 x 12s I have. 

Go big or go home, sell the subs and 1.2k and buy a couple DC XL's and another 3.5k? (Don't really wanna do that, as I can't afford this anytime soon)

Just not sure how the higher powered 10s would play with the 12s if I went with that route. Or if it's worth running 2 different size subs in same rig..

Lets hear your opinions!


 

Edited April 2 by StreetTerrorist
Added .5ohm option

[WalledSonic 1,753]

I'd wire that 3.5K to 1/2ohm on the (2) 12s.  Watch your voltage closely and enjoy.

[StreetTerrorist 0]

That is an option as well, I think my electrical will handle the load,  at most i drop to 13v at full tilt at idle with the 3.5k wired at 2ohms.. (with decafs/got 160s music)

I just didn't think these level 3s could take that much power, they are in my daily driver, and at fill tilt 90% of the time I'm in it. As well as several 5hr+ drives a month. 

But if others chime in with good results with that setup I'll give it a go. Only cause I bought the 3.5k used though. 

[WalledSonic 1,753]

1 hour ago, StreetTerrorist said:

That is an option as well, I think my electrical will handle the load,  at most i drop to 13v at full tilt at idle with the 3.5k wired at 2ohms.. (with decafs/got 160s music)

I just didn't think these level 3s could take that much power, they are in my daily driver, and at fill tilt 90% of the time I'm in it. As well as several 5hr+ drives a month. 

But if others chime in with good results with that setup I'll give it a go. Only cause I bought the 3.5k used though. 

Just swap the wires and try it out.  Watch your voltage.  If you dip in the 11s then increase your reserve or alternator.  You'll be surprised what your system will do wired down.  If you get stinky coils too fast or voltage drop, then pursue another option.  This option is a 'free trial'.

[StreetTerrorist 0]

Ya I might give that a try tomorrow.. 

I need to upgrade my batteries tho, I know that much...

stock wallyworld cheapo batt up front,

1 yr old agm batt out of my truck in back.. 

But for now they are holding up..

Any idea what the older model DC 3.5k will push at .5ohms? Just currious..

[WalledSonic 1,753]

You're gonna have impedance rise so you'll likely be 0.7ohm or higher under load.  It doesnt make much more power under 1 ohm, but you'll certainly be using more of what you already paid for.  We are running this amp in my buddy's JK at 1/2ohm with a 250A alt and (2) D3400s with a 4th order.  Totally happy with it.  Definitely boost up your reserve though.

[StreetTerrorist 0]

No thoughts or opinions on adding a 3rd 12 or adding 2 x 10s? Would rather make use of this new 1.2k I have than sell it for half price...... but something tells me if I added 10s it would just be a waste of money.. don't see too many ppl running 2 different size subs... 

I wired down to .5ohm... much better, but don't have scope to reset gain, (or maybe it's lack of reserve battery at this point) get some bad voltage drop now down to 11.5 while driving on some songs....

now I need a ton of secondskin to get rid of the horrible rattles my entire car makes lmao.. sounds like shit with everything rattling as bad as it does now with it at .5ohm lol..

[WalledSonic 1,753]

5 minutes ago, StreetTerrorist said:

No thoughts or opinions on adding a 3rd 12 or adding 2 x 10s? Would rather make use of this new 1.2k I have than sell it for half price...... but something tells me if I added 10s it would just be a waste of money.. don't see too many ppl running 2 different size subs... 

I wired down to .5ohm... much better, but don't have scope to reset gain, (or maybe it's lack of reserve battery at this point) get some bad voltage drop now down to 11.5 while driving on some songs....

now I need a ton of secondskin to get rid of the horrible rattles my entire car makes lmao.. sounds like shit with everything rattling as bad as it does now with it at .5ohm lol..

Why on earth would you sell it at half price??

[StreetTerrorist 0]

Well not like I'd list it for half price or that I'd even take less than $350 On it... but in reality no one is gonna give me close to retail on a used amp... I mean I just paid $325 On a used 3.5k...$1000 amp...granted it's not "like new" but used is used and I know I wouldn't pay close to retail on used...not when you have no idea on what previous owners did to it..

But that's not the topic at hand....