just had a look on the JL Audio website for the enclosure specs of a JL12WO8 woofer, and was somewhat confused with the reccomended volume

instead of having an exact figure like most manufacturers do, they gave a range of quote, ''Sealed Enclosure Range: 1.00-1.75 cu.ft. (28.3-49.5 liters)"

i then downloaded the data sheet for the model, and they gave me an exact volume of 42.5 litres (1.5ft)

so which one do i use? do the different figures in the range give a different sound depending on the size of the enclosure?

im leaning towards the spec given in the data shet...

what does everyone else think? and what would give me the best all round sound?

is anyone out there? :roll:

Well it does stand to reason that the specific number that they give you is smack bang centre of the "general" number on their marketting speal!

Generally speaking (i said generally) the larger the boxes dimensions, the lower the sub will be able to play. But to be honest a 1/4 cuf error rating in a sealed box is hardly going to cause a huge hole in performance. Stick with the number they use specifically, and then in 6 months when you think about it again, you might have a go at making a slightly bigger box to see how much of a difference that .25cuf makes.

~Steve

the important thing to realise is that there is never a 'perfect' size box for any speaker or sub. instead, there is always an 'acceptable range'.

also note that 'sealed' box designs are quite forgiving, so a largish range is applicable, where you won't hear huge differences between the smallest and largest recommendation.

aside from this, there are far more influencial matters that affect subbass performence, including the position of the subbox in your boot.

as such, applications and needs vary from one situation to another, so there cannot be any 'best' setup.

having said that, as already noted, smaller takes up less space, can improve power handling, but at the expense of low-end response. larger can improve low-end response, but may be a little less accurate. if you can hear the difference, you're doing well though.