Help with Audio system/Subwoofer

[AllenGJr43]

Hey guys, I'm a complete noob when it comes to car audio. I have a decent idea on whats good and whats not, but when it comes to pairing things and installation I have no idea. Anyways, I have this subwoofer already. Would it work well with this Zenclosure box? I'd have to pick up another one of the subs obviously. Also, what amp would I need? Thanks!

Subwoofer I have:

http://www.jlaudio.com/10w3v3-4-car-audio-w3v3-subwoofer-drivers-92151

Box I wanted to get:

http://www.zenclosures.com/2015-Mustang-Subwoofer-Box-p/mustang15t2ff.htm

Sponsored

 

[Ap8823]

Are you planning on running one ten?

 

[AllenGJr43]

No, 2. I was going to just buy another JL W3 V3-4 like the one I linked if this box will work.

 

[mumbles]

Those subs should be fine with the box you listed.

As for amps, you can either use a 2 channel so each channel would drive one 4ohm sub, or you bridge a 2 channel down to one channel and wire the subs in parallel for a 2ohm load, or you can just get a one channel amp and drive the two subs in parallel at 2ohms.

The subs can handle 500watts each, so size the amp accordingly.

 

[AllenGJr43]

Kinda lost me at the second paragraph lol. So I would need a 1000 amp 2 channel? Like 500 per channel would be good? Or is that pushing it to hard? Get like a 900 2 channel instead? 450 per channel.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Use a MONO / 1-channel amp for subwoofers. It's easiest, they're built to do the job. You can use a 2-channel but newbs never get it. Just get a mono amp.

 

[AllenGJr43]

So 1 channel @ 1000 watts?

 

[vnzbd]

Each sub can handle 1000 watts, doesn't mean you have to have that much. Certainly go with a mono amp that doubles down at 2 ohm and wire them in parallel. Why not call JL and get there recommendation?

 

[vnzbd]

Also have Zen build the enclosure to the exact JL size specs for best performance.

 

[AllenGJr43]

I have no idea what ohms are, and because I dont want them to tell me I have to get the most expensive amp they sell.

 

[vnzbd]

http://www.jlaudio.com/10w3v3-4-car-audio-w3v3-subwoofer-drivers-92151

First look at the page above, it is for your woofer. It is rated at 4 ohms. Ohms is a unit of resistance, but for now just know that it is a number. When you have two 4 ohms woofers in parallel it = a 2 ohm load. That is what want. As far as the sealed box specs, JL specs it at .625 cubic' and you need at least 6" mounting depth. Make sure Zen knows this. As for power, if you look at the diagram, 500watts is right at the danger area or the void the warranty area. 300 watts per woofer should be plenty unless you want to here it blocks away. If that is the case you need to go another direction. JL's XD600/1v2 is an amp that should serve your needs, 600watts at 2 ohms. If you need more than that I would reach out to JL or a local installer. Good luck!

 

[bigred90gt]

Ohms are a measure of resistance in an electrical system. The rating of the subs should match that of your amp. If you have 2 x 4ohm subs and you wire them in parallel, it will present a 2ohm load to the amp. The lower the resistance in the system, the more power the amp can deliver to the subs. You just have to make sure your amp is rated for a 2ohm load. Most amps are fine at 2ohms, but confirm before purchasing.

And if your subs are rated for 500w, that doesn't mean you need anywhere near that. If it were me, for 2 of them wired in parallel, I would look for something in the 500-700w rms @ 2ohm range. I would personally stay closer to 500w. Specs on the sub recommend 150-500rms. 500-600w should be perfect. I have a JL sub (might be the same one, not sure as I've had it for a couple of years), and I'm pushing it with a 360w amp. It is more than enough for me.

And airspace is very important. There will be a different requirement for sealed vs ported enclosure. I prefer sealed, as it offers a more crisp & tight sound and I listen to more rock/metal than anything else. If you can have them build the box to spec for the sub of your choice, it will offer the best performance for your sub.

Sponsored