14 replies to this topic

[Jared.A]

Hey guys,

When looking over a subwoofers t/s specs, is there anything which I should look at when choosing an sq sub?

I know some models which are highly recommended by MEA. For example the image dynamics idmax or the morel ultimo however not sure why?

Thank you

[Damon]

There's no magic numbers in the TS specs that reveal 'SQ' greatness I'm afraid mate. Being an 'SQ' subwoofer is purely subjective.

[Jared.A]

Wow, that easy eh? haha

Thanks for your response Damon!

[268669♫]

you can look at freq response graphs, BL curves, polar response, type of motor etc to give you some good indications and narrow down the list, but it will always be a subjective listening test that will tell you what the best woofer is for your ears.

Ant

[ryzaa]

I would go so far as to say that any sub with careful positioning, box design, time alignment, etc, could be classified as an 'SQ' sub. With enough work put into it, and in some cases, enough space, you could really make most subs sound how you want them to. All purely opinion though.

[Pulse-R]

good signs of an SQ sub would be:

low Fs
High sensitivity
low Le
High X-max

[Big_Valven]

True. For what it's worth I've also had low xmax woofers with extremely good SQ properties to my ears.

[TMM]

High Qms, Low Qts is generally a good sign a well designed woofer.

It's easier to design a good performing driver with a low xmax. That isn't to say you can't have a good performing driver with a high xmax.

I think box design and installation/implementation by far are most important. A car is a very unforgiving environment for bass, made worse by the fact you will probably have your sub in the boot. A bit of EQ and some time alignment with your midbasses will do wonders to make your sub seamlessly play with the rest of your system.

[muzzy66]

Low distortion is another critical factor no one has really mentioned yet. High sensitivity is not necessary, but can be beneficial (less input power required).

[Pulse-R]

Low distortion is a relative term.

if it's 30dB or more below the fundamental at normal listening levels in the pass-band, then it's unlikely to be contributing much to the sound.

[~Spyne~]

and distortion in the subbass band is MUCH more tolerable than higher up

[muzzy66]

If you say so

[TMM]

The harmonic distortion from even a modest sub would be insignificant compared to the harmonic distortion caused by the cabin

[br85]

TMM, on 25 December 2011 - 06:36 PM, said:

The harmonic distortion from even a modest sub would be insignificant compared to the harmonic distortion caused by the cabin

BAM!
+1

I built a box for my sister's car that was 2 X peerless SLS 8" in push-pull and it sounds AMAZING now that it's been given a solid bit of level adjustment and tuning (including TA)

Sounds better than most "sq" 12's I've heard TBH. They dont play SUPER low but it has to be heard to be believed. Iove push-pull config.

[muzzy66]

br85, on 25 December 2011 - 08:36 PM, said:

BAM!
+1

I built a box for my sister's car that was 2 X peerless SLS 8" in push-pull and it sounds AMAZING now that it's been given a solid bit of level adjustment and tuning (including TA)

Sounds better than most "sq" 12's I've heard TBH. They dont play SUPER low but it has to be heard to be believed. Iove push-pull config.

Yeah but the 8" SLS is a low distortion sub, so no surprise that a pair of them would sound so good!

Edited by muzzy66, 31 December 2011 - 11:01 AM.