32 replies to this topic

[The Sandman]

I'm in the market for a bigger sub (12-15) & I wanna know what some subs that are generally considered to 'Sound Really Good' under $1000. I realise there is difference between SQ & sounding good, I just want someting that will sound good & loudly compliment my exsisting system (refer to my Signature)
I'm currently considering the following in that order:

IDMax 12

Boston G5 12 (possibly with Radiator)

Treo TSX 12

Considering power ratings, if I get the IDMax I'll probly move the fronts & rears onto the VRX & replace the Blaupunkt with a Jaycar 800w monoblock to power it, but otherwise leave the amp setup as is. So does amp quality affect the decision?

So wadda yas rekon?

Edited by The Sandman, 25 April 2006 - 05:26 AM.

[Pyroay]

Well some nice subs there, i'd look at the IDMAX12 or Boston G5 or DLS IR12"

[_Anthony_]

I'd also chuck in the diamond tdx 12. A very enjoyable sub that's not on the list

[HBD]

I heard the Diamond TDX and it was my fave, very fast accurate response with ball breaking volume. Marty from FHRX can hook you up

Edited by BlakeyBoyR, 25 April 2006 - 10:07 AM.

[car1990]

Even the cheaper Diamond D612 is a great sub, it sure make the Focal 27V2 sounds bad. I have not listened to TDX 12 yet, but I am sure it's nice.

[The Sandman]

The Tick, on Apr 24 2006, 10:21 PM, said:

I'd also chuck in the diamond tdx 12. A very enjoyable sub that's not on the list

mmm.. just noticed he has a speacial on a 12 & 15 in the TDX. I'm kinda leaning toward a 15 for more balls. Would it sound as accurate u wrekon??? Wonder if he can do me a deal on a monoblock as well...

[HBD]

Dude you don't need a 15" sub for "more balls". You might get what, an extra 3db? At around 130db an extra 3 is, to quote a wise man "like going from very loud to very BLOODY loud", its largely unncessary for your 'every day streeter'. A good 12" which play just as low, sound just as loud and respond faster and tighter than most (not all) 15" subs. Seriously man, if you get the Diamond TDX you WONT NEED a 15". I've heard the 10" and even that was bloody amazing. IMO 15" is just wank (sorry to those of you with 15's LOL).

[The Sandman]

Yeah, you're probly right.. Its mostly just that I've been putting up with this 10" Xtant with 110wrms for that long, that I really want some earth-shakein to make up for it. I know I should be sensible & stick with a 12" ... plus its cheaper.

[Reza]

The difference between IDMAX 12 and Brama 15 is quite ball shattering (even at low volume). If u want some earth shakin and have the space, go for decent 15, u won't regret .

[Fhrx]

Remember when looking for high volume clean bass, power plays a massive part in the equation. Good, clean power.

[HBD]

Precisely, no point having a $800 sub with an amp that cant do it justice!

[micka]

Reza, on Apr 26 2006, 02:38 AM, said:

The difference between IDMAX 12 and Brama 15 is quite ball shattering (even at low volume). If u want some earth shakin and have the space, go for decent 15, u won't regret .

is that a fair comparason? you're not only comparing 2 different sub sizes, but also 2 very different subs.

[Shreknos]

15 will almost always be louder, not only because of the obviouse piston area advantage, but because thay are almost always more efficeint, more sound from the same power...

i have heard some 15's that sound as tight and perky as some 10's...

i know im gonna get bashed for this.. but..

wot about a dd 3515, very efficient, very clean and very nice sounding, and HELL LOUD...

stimulate took out the caasq amatuer with a 12 inch version i think....

i am biased though...

just an idea..
good luck

Edited by caydin, 26 April 2006 - 12:26 PM.

[shiny_car]

caydin, on Apr 26 2006, 12:26 PM, said:

15 will almost always be louder, not only because of the obviouse piston area advantage, but because thay are almost always more efficeint, more sound from the same power...

not quite true (well ok, you did qualify it with "almost always"). quality subbass depends on many factors, so a quality 10 or 12" can easily outperform a 15" that is lacking in some area or another:

*cone surface area
*cone excursion (xmax): often overlooked, but very important
*sensitivity (efficiency)
*subbox efficiency and design: ported is far more efficient than sealed
*power handling
*amplifier and tuning

so if you have a high excursion 10 in a ported box (eg: IDMAX10), it should easily outperform a regular 15 (eg: alpine type-R), for all of accuracy, loudness, how low it plays.

you want a good 'combo': amp, sub, box. so i echo the above sentiments that a top quality sub deserves a suitably high quality subamp. but sure, a high quality sub + average amp has a good chance of sounding better than a high quality amp and midspec sub. in general, i suggest spending 1~2x the cost of the sub on the amp; so a $800 sub would be ideal with an amp costing $800~1600. if you can 'only' afford a jaycar monobloc, maybe look at a $200~400 sub.

i like the IDMAX12 for sure; it's what i run now. before that, i ran the diamond audio M612 as already suggested, and yes, this was a great SQ sub (compact box, played loudly and accurately, reasonably low). IDMAX is easily superior, but is not only more expensive, but very big, posing installation probs to some people (in the same mould as many high-excursion subs like boston G5, DD3512, DA TDX, etc).

[DG Phil]

caydin, on Apr 26 2006, 12:26 PM, said:

15 will almost always be louder, not only because of the obviouse piston area advantage, but because thay are almost always more efficeint, more sound from the same power...

i have heard some 15's that sound as tight and perky as some 10's...

i know im gonna get bashed for this.. but..

wot about a dd 3515, very efficient, very clean and very nice sounding, and HELL LOUD...

stimulate took out the caasq amatuer with a 12 inch version i think....

i am biased though...

just an idea..
good luck

You'll only get bashed by people who've never heard a DD sub in a proper SQ install.

People assume that because DD are the loudest that they don't sound awesome. Oh well, there loss.

Phil