Navigation & Audio 15" vs 12"
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
15" vs 12"
I'm looking to put in a sub that generates high SPL's, without breaking the bank or any extensive interior modifications. I've found two, that are pretty much identical specification wise, and both put out 500W RMS and 1000W max. These numbers look good loudness-wise, but for high SPL's, would I be better to pick a 500W RMS 12" or a 500W RMS 15"
It seems like a bigger sub with same power = less SPL, but I may be completely wrong because I'm not 100% sure how a woofer works.
Thanks.
It seems like a bigger sub with same power = less SPL, but I may be completely wrong because I'm not 100% sure how a woofer works.
Thanks.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 8
From: Norfolk, VA
Well, a bigger subwoofer will move more air, all else being equal, but there are two other things to consider - speaker efficiency and linear excursion.
If you've got a 15" speaker where the cone can only move 3/4" in and out, it's not going to move as much air as a 13" speaker than can move 1-1/4" in and out. Look at the specs for the speaker. Some manufacturers call this measurement "linear excursion", while others call it "xmax". Also, be aware the some manufacturers list the "one-way" excursion (the distance between the speakers "rest" position and its position when fully extended, while other manufacturers list the "two-way" number, which is the distance the speaker cone moves from fully-in to fully-out).
Efficiency is usually listed in dB, and bigger is better. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't take a big difference in the efficiency rating to make a big difference in SPL. Since decibels (dB) are a logarithmic scale, a difference of 3dB equates roughly to a doubling in efficiency.
Lastly, if you're looking for the biggest "bang for the buck", go with a ported enclosure and a digital-switching (sometimes called "Class D") amplifier.
If you've got a 15" speaker where the cone can only move 3/4" in and out, it's not going to move as much air as a 13" speaker than can move 1-1/4" in and out. Look at the specs for the speaker. Some manufacturers call this measurement "linear excursion", while others call it "xmax". Also, be aware the some manufacturers list the "one-way" excursion (the distance between the speakers "rest" position and its position when fully extended, while other manufacturers list the "two-way" number, which is the distance the speaker cone moves from fully-in to fully-out).
Efficiency is usually listed in dB, and bigger is better. Also, keep in mind that it doesn't take a big difference in the efficiency rating to make a big difference in SPL. Since decibels (dB) are a logarithmic scale, a difference of 3dB equates roughly to a doubling in efficiency.
Lastly, if you're looking for the biggest "bang for the buck", go with a ported enclosure and a digital-switching (sometimes called "Class D") amplifier.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
You will be my hero if you can manage to fit a fifteen in a Mini, at least without removing the backseat. You will definitely want to a driver designed for a smaller sealed enclosure, like a Kicker L7. Ported enclosures, especially ones intended for max SPL and big-bore drivers, tend to be fairly large.
Good luck.
Good luck.