SA-8 Power vs. Box Size

[sundownz]

Most people don't realize how strong the SA-8 motor is -- it can drive itself fully in a TINY box.

It's 50-100% stronger than other large 8s on the market.

[lance_aka_64]

this is what happens when you put them in a box that is(about 1.4 cu ft) too big. lol never mind the messy trunk.

Edited August 9, 2010 by lance_aka_64

[GRITS]

I has a smaller box Lance.... not sure the dimension but shes a tiny box

[sundownz]

Lance,

Yah - something like that will happen, haha.

I am working on an even stronger surround too that will start appearing later in the year -- for really high abuse applications.

Of course that won't stop people from eventually putting enough power into them to jump the gap as it appears yours did

Edited August 9, 2010 by sundownz

[fox_racin4]

i had mine in 2 cubes at 30 hz for a bit didnt take much to get them moving haha

[TRTC360]

Box size has alot to do with mechanical power handling. If you are going to be pushing your woofer beyond it's rated RMS power you need to be very mindful of this fact and put the woofer in no larger than the minimum suggested enclosure for music program.

We design our woofers for very small enclosures and power ratings are there for a reason -- you can continue to push a driver like the SA-8 beyond RMS power and it will not be stressed whatsoever thermally by the time you can cause mechanical issues. The motor, especially on the SA-8, is VERY strong -- being an 8" driver there is limited mechanical throw available. The driver retains high motor force all the way up to the point where you can start breaking it.

In any event... based on my testing so far you can expect something like the following on mechanical power handling vs. ported box size on the SA-8 :

1.25 cubic feet = 300 watts

1.00 cubic feet = 400 watts

0.8 cubic feet = ~450-500 watts

0.6 cubic feet = ~500-600 watts

You may ALSO need a subsonic filter depending on box tuning. The rated RMS power is 400 watts RMS -- if you push past that you are voiding warranty coverage. We are bringing in re-cone parts and they can be fixed, though, for those of you who like to push things. If you have any doubts about your ability to monitor your listening habits just stick to the 0.60 recommendation.

To re-iterate... they are not fragile. I have ton ALOT of testing on them with enormous amounts of power -- the above considers full bandwidth music program that can drop to very low frequencies and is a safe suggestion.

If you are an SPL competitor then you probably already know this and these suggestions don't really apply for burps @ tuning. We have put in excess of 600% of RMS power on them for SPL burps.

do these recommendations also apply for the SA-10 and SA-12 but with a little bit higher sizes or does it change dramatically for the SA-10 and SA-12, and would it make a difference in what box sizes to use if you have it ported or sealed?