Bass - How Much Is Too Much?

by **Duffman** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 12:15 pm

I've got the makings of a great system going in my '02 Solara right now: Alpine CDA-7892 head unit, Type R speakers in the front and back... and a cheap "bass on a budget" sub and amp. It's a Sony Xplod 12" sub rated for 250w RMS and a Scosche amp that's rated at 265w RMS. It sounds decent... but I know I want better.

My original idea I had years ago, back in 1999 when getting a Solara was just a dream, was a pair of 500-watt Alpine DVC 12" subs running from a pair of their MRD-M500 amplifiers.

The question is... how much is enough and how much is too much? Sure, I could have 1500 watts going to a big 15" sub, but do I need it? I'm looking for clarity, not just thumping. Any tips?

by **Jackass-Jeff** » Wed Dec 01, 2004 3:05 pm

If you're thinking clearity, do not speak in peak power terms. Always speak in RMS. The type of box you will use and how it is aimed will affect how your bass sounds. My co-worker has a decent clarion/mtx set up in his accord and it sounded like crap. He aimed the port sideways. I repositioned the box and now it sounds great. First decide on the box type. Sealed usually sounds the cleanest while you sacrafice "loudness". Ported is a good 'in-between' way to get a good mix of quality and thump. Bandpass usually sound like ass, but you can get better bandpass boxes that sound awesome and loud (but they cost WAY TOO MUCH and it's rare to find a good shop that'll do it right). I'm running 1000 watts RMS on 2 10" Eclipse Aluminum in a sealed box (I'm told the subs are under-rated, I don't really care) and it sounds clean and loud enough for me. The magnets on mine are aimed down (so I guess the bass goes down, right?)

Mike, TRDMOLE, has 2 Infinity subs with the magnet aimed toward the passenger compartment. I think the RMS total on the 2 are around 500 (right mike?) and they sound clean and loud (enough). I think the biggest factor to reach your goal lies in the box, not the subs-- since the budget seems to be an issue. The XPlod subs are good enough for most people. Just get a better box and you should be set.

My coworker thinks his generic system is better than mine because his is louder. I just laughed at him and said, "Yes, you totally rule over me" and let him be. We all have different tastes in bass (Clean, Loud, Clean Bumping, Loud fart sounds) so you may want to go listen to a few setups with a comparable power setup as you in different box types.

--I hope that made sense... I'm still half asleep.....

by **HKSV6SLE** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 12:16 am

all depends on you. if i had the $$ i would go with 4 12's .

by **SleeperSolara** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 9:44 am

Get a Kicker L5 or L7 10'' to 12'' wit a ported box, and you will be thumpin' loud, and clear.

by **Mole** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 11:46 am

too loud is when your retnas shake.

by **Jaimster** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 4:44 pm

Mole wrote:too loud is when your retnas shake.

or your teeth chatter... happens to me with my 2 12' JL Audio Subs.

by **bassthrive** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:14 pm

Jaimster wrote:
Mole wrote:too loud is when your retnas shake.

or your teeth chatter... happens to me with my 2 12' JL Audio Subs.

Or your rearview mirror falls off. Happened in my friend's t-bird with one 12'' running modest wattage (~250?), yet it is a ford....

by **pro956** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 5:44 pm

i'd say when it starts to give you frequent headaches

by **eugene5786** » Sun Dec 05, 2004 9:57 pm

buy my system its perfect for any solara and i got the custom trim trunk kit for it.
each sub is rated at 1000peak and 500rms
times 3 equals a sealed box with 1500rms power in it.
the sound is extremly clear and loud enough to shake the ground( if you had the will to)
and the kit makes it melt into the car.
cheack out my car domain pics, i can post more deatalied pics if anyone wants

by **Jackass-Jeff** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 12:10 pm

eugene5786 wrote:buy my system its perfect for any solara and i got the custom trim trunk kit for it.
each sub is rated at 1000peak and 500rms
times 3 equals a sealed box with 1500rms power in it.
the sound is extremly clear and loud enough to shake the ground( if you had the will to)
and the kit makes it melt into the car.
cheack out my car domain pics, i can post more deatalied pics if anyone wants

Hopefully you have components to compliment it =P

by **eugene5786** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:21 pm

Jackass-Jeff Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 11:10 am Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

eugene5786 wrote:
buy my system its perfect for any solara and i got the custom trim trunk kit for it.
each sub is rated at 1000peak and 500rms
times 3 equals a sealed box with 1500rms power in it.
the sound is extremly clear and loud enough to shake the ground( if you had the will to)
and the kit makes it melt into the car.
cheack out my car domain pics, i can post more deatalied pics if anyone wants

Hopefully you have components to compliment it =P

ye i have the rf Q-components, but im about to change them for either the mb quartz or boston aqustic ones. just gotta save up some dough. my new rims and the holiday season ripped me a new one

by **MalBandito99** » Sat Dec 18, 2004 8:11 am

Got my rear view mirror busted with 1 12 at a bit under 1000 watts. If it can bend and tear apart metal, albeit a weak metal stem for the mirror, and make your inner ear drums feel like they will shatter and bleed, imagine what its doing to your internal organs and body. Still not loud enough for me though

by **562solara02** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 1:59 am

well if u want some nice clear bass its better to go 12's better then 15's even a few 10's are nice i have 3 12's jl w6 with a 2200 audiobahn amp which is prob only running 1300 watts rms sound very deep and clean, and i dont think theres ever to much bass

Bass - How Much Is Too Much?

Bass - How Much Is Too Much?

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