John P. (TT 225)

Right now I'm running one a/d/s/ 310rs.2 (10" 4-Ohm DVC sub) in a .86 cu. ft. sealed enclosure in my TT:
<img src="http://www.exelaris.com/ttaudio/sub1_thumb.jpg">
It gets 200 watts total from my a/d/s/ PH15.2:
<img src="http://www.exelaris.com/ttaudio/PH152_thumb.jpg">

I've been into car audio since the late 1980s, so I have my own feelings about the shortcomings of 8" subs. Regardless, I'd like to replace the pre-fab enclosure with one at the rear of the trunk. I'm also thinking about relocating my amp to that location, too.

Two 8"s would be easiest to fit, and they'd allow for my amp to be located in between. A TT Forum regular, Marcus ("Quicksilva"), did this with two 10"s:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/5426/stereo_1.jpg">
Here's what I have in mind:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/15642/stereo_idea.jpg">

Sooooooo . . . here's what it comes down to:

1) Will two decent 8"s with 100 watts each hit as hard or harder than one 10" with 200 watts? I know some say that since two 8"s have more surface area, they will, but I've never had two 8"s before.

and

2) Who makes good 4-Ohm single voice coil (SVC) subs in 8"? All my favorite brands either don't make 8"s, or they're only 4-Ohm DVCs.

Thanks.

Alf Garnett

I listen to a lot of Bass heavy trance/techno..hence my set up...running that there is a lot of power.

As for 8" subs...depends on the enclosure size you wanna go to...speaker effeciency and so on.
The reason I went with 10" infinity's was due to thier good effeciency and ability to perform in a relativley small sealed enclosure.. might be tough to find subs in a 8"..I dunno I havent ever looked into using em =/
Plus with mounting the amp directly on the sub enclosure do you not think that you may be introducing unwanted vibration to the amp chassis which *could* shorten its life?..I am no expert but you did ask for my input.

Marcus

John P. (TT 225)

listen to reggae, trance/techno, some hip hop, hard rock, classical--pretty much the whole spectrum, but mostly bass-intensive.

In the past I had huge Orion HCCA amps, dual 10"s in dual reflex bandpass enclosures, dual 12"s, etc. I've tried to restrain myself with the TT, but one 10" is not quite doing it for me anymore.

I used to get a helluva lot more SPL with two Orion 10"s with 50 watts/each (from the a/d/s/ amp) in a bandpass enclosure (it was totally insane with the Orion HCCA--in the days before capacitors [circa 1991], I would've needed to replace my alternator and add a battery to my Volvo to keep it).

While I have your attention, how do you like your setup so far? When I originally installed my gear, I played around with having the sub facing forward, and it didn't sound as good as with it aiming toward the rear (1/4 wavelength rule?). Also, how much wattage are you running? Any problems with your electrical system keeping up? I know the TTs have a robust 120-amp alternator.

Larrytt

John, I have 2 8" subs in my TT. I didn't want anything larger as I don't listen to bass heavy music, but have had others put in their favorite cd to listen.

My setup was db'd at 136.7db at a stereo competition. It can produce the lows, but can't react fast enough for certain types of music when played too loud and can over drive the subs.

I got the speakers I got for the clarity and the sound they reproduce. I found 10 and 12" subs too boomy for my taste so I stayed away from them.

I like Marcus' setup with the subs back there. But it would make like difficult if you ever want/need the spare, jack and other tools down there.

My Xtant amp is secured to my sub enclosure and has not had a single problem in 2+ years of operation. I am pretty certain the amp was isolated, but have never looked.

You won't be able to blast your techno as loud wiht 8" subs as you can with 10" subs, but the difference in not only speaker size, but also magnet size can be quite large so the trade-off is up to you. I am not saying I can't play my stereo loud, I can . . . just can't play bass heavy music as loud. I don't have problems with jazz, classical or rock. Just techno and rap, not that I listen to either.

Make sense? lol

John P. (TT 225)

you competed.

I think I need to accept the limitations of 8"s . . . but I wish I could hear your system first. Too bad we live at different corners of the country!

My idea for the location of the speakers would require fiberglass work for the rear of the enclosure, and an MDF front. With two 8"s, the enclosure would be small enough for me to move it forward (with slack in the cables, of course) to access the spare and jack. I've also thought about the quick-release disconnects for power that you posted quite some time ago.

'Any idea what kind of power your xtant is feeding your 8" BA Pros?

TTahoe

which made me sad. I thought since the basslink had it's own amp it would be at peak performance. Still cant beat $235 for a sub/amp/box combo though. Two 8's should be fine as long as they are high quality .

TTinGables

The 2 eights will definitely move more air than 1 10", and you can bank on that. The other things to consider are speed and slam. An 8" is much faster than a 10", and has less cone flex, so less distortion.

However, in a sealed enclosure, which is the best way to go if you want true, tight bass, you will need more power to overcome the extra resistance offered by a sealed enclosure. I am driving my 170's with the P450 alone, which in 2-channel mode produces 200W continuous at 13.8v into 4 ohms. I'll need that power to get those subs to move enough considering I'm using a small enclosure (about 46 liters, or about 1.54 CF)

Given the tiny interior dimensions of the TT, you don't have to move that much air to achieve concussive levels. That's why I don't understand the two 10" setups. Unless you want to impress others when you crank it with the windows open, it's overkill. I like to listen with the windows closed, so the air inside the car is a captive audience :-)

When I competed, I had a VW Scirocco with a single 10", then 2 eights, and when I went to the 2 eights I started placing higher, and I enjoyed the sound much more. I really am a tight bass freak, any muddiness of boominess and I'm not happy.

Even my home subs are sealed: Kinergetics Research 800 MT's, 2 towers with 3 10" drivers each. With the right power, quite an impressive display.

If you want high quality 8"'s, I don't know why you are looking anywhere else except for Dynaudio. You want something bigger than my MW-170's, look at the 180's. For those however, you would need the same amp as I got or bigger though.

VenTTed

I would highly recommend the 8's as an alternative. I have had moderate success using Nak 10's with a A/D/S PH15 in another set-up. I believe however, that the 8's are bringing a better quality tightness to the car than my Nak's would have.

Focal and Eclipse both make excellent 8" sub's. My installer is VERY familiar with each and would be happy to procide a few hints as to the differences between the two if you would like to call him. (Johnathan - 714-996-2202 - tell him Glen sent you).

As for your plan, I recommend it and think you'll be happy. Hey, you can then order rings like mine from the CNC guy I know!

Aren't you in Santa Monica? If so, why don't we hook up soon and you can check out my 8's! Good idea? I need a trip to the beach.

Glen

Larrytt

150 each

rcurley55

You already have the sub, you might as well port it. Tune it very low, and make sure you have plenty of port area (to avoid any noise) and you should be fine. Not only will the ported box be more efficient, but you can fit both the amp and the sub on the baffle.

The a/d/s/ is a very capable driver in both sealed and ported alignments. I would try to get more out of your current equipment before purchasing more.

just my $0.02