Sub Brand Opinions

[Chris Braun]

Hi, I don't normally post in forums for this often, but it's been many years since my last install and wanted thoughts on what subwoofers to go with seeing how I am already installing some Infinity Kappas, a 4 ch Alpine class D amp and the sub amp picked out which is a Brutus 2500w at 1 ohm. This is going into a 2013 Rav4 sealed box as I need room for equipment for work, smaller the better.

 

A few options I have below but some questions and opinions are, what wattage and why, what quality product can we get for a budget price, what subs get down to 20 hz (hard for 2 10's I know) and what brand and why or experience you've had.

 

Here's the options I've found so far:

 

Nemesis 1000w

https://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_96493_Nemesis_Audio_NA-10F.aspx

 

Massive Audio 1000w

https://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_94193_Massive_Audio_GTR104.aspx

 

NVX 1000w

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-46592-NVX-VCW104-Version-3-VCW104v3.html#specificationSection

 

CT Sounds 1000w

https://shop.singhelectronics.ca/ct-sounds-tropo-xl-10-10-1000w-rms-car-subwoofer/

 

Pride 1200w

https://shop.singhelectronics.ca/pride-audio-m12-10-10-1200w-rms-subwoofer/

 

CT Sounds 1250w

https://shop.singhelectronics.ca/ct-sounds-strato-10-10-1250w-rms-car-subwoofer/

 

American Bass 1500w

https://shop.singhelectronics.ca/american-bass-hawk-1044-10-1500w-rms-subwoofer-dual-4-ohm/

 

Goals are:

2 cubed box or less

Enough power and range for deep clear, but loud bass that is still able to hit higher bass flat

Won't break the budget

Rubber surround but understand most are foam these days

XMAX

 

Thanks in advance!

[Joe X]

2x image dynamics Idmax 12 or stereo integrity SQL12 would be ideal for your application.

 

Both will take the 2k or so amp power and work in 2 cubes net or a little less sealed.

 

From what you mention the NVX VCW124 V3 could do  at least on paper but don't expect the results of the above mentioned at all.

[Chris Braun]

Very nice sub but looks like for 2 at $469.99 USD is sadly the entire budget and more of both the subs and amp. 19 XMAX by the eye looks to be not 1 way but total, some subs do 19 mm's one way. Also the 30hz up spec isnt's too promising. Some subs lately I've seen can do 20hz or close to it with an 8 inch sub, trying to get the same result with 2 10's.

I should mention I do realize it's just 2 10's in an suv, it's just the space issue with all the equipment I have to carry around for photography that is the restriction without going custom with fiberglass boxes etc. or I would be going with 2 10's and a 15.

I do like the NVX and heard good things, just never used any of these brands really and surprised the CT sounds or Pride wasn't mentioned.

Thanks for the input, I'll keep looking around.

 

[EricM9104]

Better off saving a little more if you're looking for quality AND lows... Did you factor in electrical? That amp on paper can draw up to ~250a... Way more than a most likely ECM controlled Toyota alternator.

[Joe X]

5 hours ago, Chris Braun said:

Very nice sub but looks like for 2 at $469.99 USD is sadly the entire budget and more of both the subs and amp. 19 XMAX by the eye looks to be not 1 way but total, some subs do 19 mm's one way. Also the 30hz up spec isnt's too promising. Some subs lately I've seen can do 20hz or close to it with an 8 inch sub, trying to get the same result with 2 10's.

I should mention I do realize it's just 2 10's in an suv, it's just the space issue with all the equipment I have to carry around for photography that is the restriction without going custom with fiberglass boxes etc. or I would be going with 2 10's and a 15.

I do like the NVX and heard good things, just never used any of these brands really and surprised the CT sounds or Pride wasn't mentioned.

Thanks for the input, I'll keep looking around.

 

 

You missed to check my second suggestion: stereo integrity SQL12 those are 28mm Xmax and fs of 27Hz if that means anything to you. these were like $120 less last year.

 

Here is a bunch of sub options for you to check prices:

 

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/ci39-car-subwoofers.html

 

 

[Chris Braun]

On 10/7/2025 at 8:28 PM, EricM9104 said:

Better off saving a little more if you're looking for quality AND lows... Did you factor in electrical? That amp on paper can draw up to ~250a... Way more than a most likely ECM controlled Toyota alternator.

Well, quality to an extent. Doesn't have to be Focal level or anything just able to hit the notes cleanly which sealed should help with. Low is also a factor hard to get with 10's in an SUV, although filled with gear. The alt shouldn't be an issue yet, going to run the big 3 and play it nice for the winter. Possible Alt and Batt in the future. Amp was a 2500w Colossus sry, looks like 150a should be fine. Also looking at Stetsom amp on the same Singh's site doing 3000-3500w rms at only 160a so might go that route.

[Chris Braun]

On 10/8/2025 at 1:24 AM, Joe X said:

 

You missed to check my second suggestion: stereo integrity SQL12 those are 28mm Xmax and fs of 27Hz if that means anything to you. these were like $120 less last year.

 

Here is a bunch of sub options for you to check prices:

 

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/ci39-car-subwoofers.html

 

 

 

I didn't miss it, I do like this sub and have heard of it before but the price is just too similar to the ID and with a quick trip to their website below...

It's just double the sub budget unfortunately. For example (and I'm not comparing performance of the subs) the AB Hawk @ 1500 watts RMS, which is more their SQ sub, is around $320 CAD (XFL is 308). 2 is around lets say $650. 1 SI sub is around $700 Cad, 2 would be $1400 plus tax, tariff and shipping from the states, basically getting a sub for free going with the Hawks. Rough guestimate for 2 SI subs is around what I will be paying for 2 Hawks minus the box, a 3500 w amp, 2 High end Kappa speakers and the 4 channel Alpine digital amp.

$350+350, 350, 180, 220 = $1450 VS $1400+ for 2 subs ONLY.

Now I get the quality and you get what you pay for, but the Hawk has been praised as well as the XFL for budget performance without skipping a beat. I just feel JL and these brands upping the prices, we as budget consumers can do a bit better on price with similar performance. The comparison is the XFL 12 1500w for $277 USD, the surround is massive on that thing! Lastly, being out of stock makes it a non option as the build is starting next week.

 

Thanks!

 

Chris

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