How does two 10" subs sound different from one 12" sub in my car?

Question

Take into consideration that both of the subs are both the same brand and same model.

Lets take into consideration a JL Audio 12w7 vs. (2) 10w7?

Which will sound cleaner? Louder?

Thanks

Answer 1

Sound quality is a subjective business. My definition will not be the same as yours. However, I will try to give you my opinion.

The (2) 10's will be louder for several reasons: 1) if your amplifier will double it's power on half load (i.e. wire the speakers in parallel); 2) 10's are typically more efficient that 12's because of the lighter mass of the driver; 3) 10's will resonate nearer the typical car's resonant frequency (120-180Hz) so it will be self-amplifying; and 4) the box volume needed for (2) 10's is more than that required for a single 12 for the same tuned frequency so it will naturally resonate higher which aggravates #3.

The 12 will be more accurate (i.e. cleaner) as it will be able to extend to lower frequencies. As I mention in #4, you can design the box for bottom end. Oddly enough, the lower frequency will carry farther (i.e. 2 blocks instead of 1 block).

Over the years, I have run many instances of either setup. I have just swapped over from (3) 10's powered by 800W to a single JL 12W7 powered by a JL 1000.1. It doesn't hit as hard but it will extend past 30Hz with ease. As I've gotten older, this definitely suits me better and it doesn't upset my neighbors (as much).

If you want some flexibility, I would recommend the (2) 10's with a lot of power and use equalization to adjust as you prefer. I know some purists may disagree but having a equalizer/crossover accessible for adjustments on-the-fly is nothing but fun. Audiocontrol make some nice units

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Well the one W7 will sound cleaner as long as you have a good amp, but it really is a toss up about which will be louder because traditionally 1 bigger sub is about the same as two smaller ones but it also depends on the room where it is placed (trunk or hatchback). But since you are dealing with competition subs probably 2 will be louder.

Answer 3

Its not about cleaner or louder.

The difference with a 10" and 12" is how fast it will react.

10" hit faster but not as hard. They are more ideal for dance music and faster songs. Club music is better suited for 10". Also more hip hop music is becoming faster paced so in result a 10" would sound good with that also.

12" is better for slower hitting music and deeper base. This is good for like Rap music and slow base music. Songs that have hard hitting but slow hitting base. This is the sub that people use to cruise by and boom their music.

So the real question is what kind of music do you listen to?

Answer 4

the 2 10"s will be louder then the 12". assuming you put them in the right box, and if the box is ported. i think they will both sound equally clean, but the 10's will be tighter and have a overall better SQ. so in other words, the 10"s will all the way around.

good luck

Answer 5

Either way, as long as you can power the 2 10s..they'll sound better. THe problem with 2x10 subs is that you need 2 or more amps to power your system. With 1x12, you only need 2, or even one amp if you have a powerful 4channel amp..or if you're into mediocre bass. But a 4 channel amp, 1x12 sub, and front speakers is good enough even for entry level. U dont need rear speakers in my opinion.

Answer 6

How about the fact that one sub will not reproduce two channels correctly. Two subs, no matter what size, will always sound better than one. But, if your question is loudness, thats another story...

Answer 7

you need to look at the cubic air space you are dealing with...