Right now, I'm using a well worn out and abused 10" american pro sub, with a walmart vr3 300w amp. It does its job at providing bass..

I have a nice power acoustik pw2-12 in my closet, and i should be getting an amp that will run it at correct RMS, and a little below peak. I figured one sub should be all I need, but I also plan on using a component setup up front, with nice coax's out back to give me a cleaner sound than the stock 15w paper cones i'm thrashing now.

Would you run two subs, or just one? I'm not looking to be the biggest and baddest system on the block, because I would need a rather large SUV to compete with some of these guys, but I do want a nice bit of bass, while still being able to show off a little bit.


Also, when running two amps, do you prefer to use a distribution block for power, or a separate power cable for each amp? I will be running a separate ground for each, as it's the easiest way to do it.

I guess I should have made an obvious question.

For those of you that have used a single 12" sub, and then went to two, which would you prefer? Again, I'm just curious. I guess I'll know for sure if I need a second sub when I buy the amp.

IMO, two subs always sound better, due to having left and right channels. I have one 12" in my trunk right now, that sounds fine though. Punch P3 DVC.

And use a distro block. Allows for a much cleaner installation. Don't forget to get yourself a CAP, if you don't have a deep cycle/audio equipment battery.

Well, if two subs really do make that big of a difference, then I guess I'll buy the other sub, and an amp to run them. The biggest problem I'm having is the subs are dvc 4ohm, so I need either a 1000w RMS mono 1 ohm stable, or a two channel 500W x2 channel 2 ohm amp. The amp I was looking at before was an inexpensive bazooka that was a mono 2ohm amp at 500w RMS, which is what my sub is rated for.

I know they're not big name stuff, but I've heard these subs in action, and they pound down. The amp I'm iffy about, because I don't want to break the bank, but I don't want garbage either. I was figuring the bazooka would suffice.

Bazooka is OKAY, but I personally wouldn't go with 'em. You should look for old model amps on ebay. Used to find Punch 301m digital amps on ebay for $99, brand new.

This is what I'm using, and I got it for a little less than half of MSRP.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=2&series_id=6&family_id=19&item_id=108232&locale=en_US&p_status=

It's a mono class D amplifier, but it still has two channels, and completely rocks.

One is fine. I sold car stereo for years and competed many years in iasca and usac. You only gain 3 decibels by adding one more sub. Tekkie is kind of right on the dist. block too. You dont need a cap for the power you will be using. All they are is a electronic storage unit that provides that quick boost of energy when you have alot of power running and your system is booming. It helps to keep the lights from dimming. If you are going to run the amp you mentioned you will be good without it. I dont think you will tax your electrical system.

One easy way to see how much your system will pull is look at the fuses in the amp. If you are not pulling over a 25 amp fuse your stock stuff will work. That way you did not buy something you did not need and if you do decide to add a bigger amp or your lights dim when the bass hits down the road its a cheap easy upgrade. Just my .02.

If you listen to alot of rap/rock bass throw one 12 in a small ported enclosure( check your subs specs) and call it a day. If you listen to other music go with a nice sealed enclousre. If space is tight throw in some fiber fill to fool the sub into thinking its in a bigger box. Any questions drop me a pm.

By comparison. I have a Mcintosh amp thats rated at 100x4 and will honest to goodness triple that figure. It has about 100 amps worth of fuses. You need a cap for that bad boy. Its also over 30lbs!

Bazooka is OKAY, but I personally wouldn't go with 'em. You should look for old model amps on ebay. Used to find Punch 301m digital amps on ebay for $99, brand new.

This is what I'm using, and I got it for a little less than half of MSRP.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=2&series_id=6&family_id=19&item_id=108232&locale=en_US&p_status=

It's a mono class D amplifier, but it still has two channels, and completely rocks.

What kind of mono amp do you run that has 2 channels? Is it 2 individual mono channels? Ive been out of the new stuff for awhile so i dont know what they have come up with in the last 5 years:biggthump

Right now, I'm using a well worn out and abused 10" american pro sub, with a walmart vr3 300w amp. It does its job at providing bass..

I have a nice power acoustik pw2-12 in my closet, and i should be getting an amp that will run it at correct RMS, and a little below peak. I figured one sub should be all I need, but I also plan on using a component setup up front, with nice coax's out back to give me a cleaner sound than the stock 15w paper cones i'm thrashing now.

Would you run two subs, or just one? I'm not looking to be the biggest and baddest system on the block, because I would need a rather large SUV to compete with some of these guys, but I do want a nice bit of bass, while still being able to show off a little bit.


Also, when running two amps, do you prefer to use a distribution block for power, or a separate power cable for each amp? I will be running a separate ground for each, as it's the easiest way to do it.


Okay, I've had both setups now, and I'm loving just having one sub. It's cleaner, doesn't take up as much room, and still booms like mad. I have three amps for my current setup, and yes. Distribution block. Just make sure you're using the sufficent gauge wiring. How many watts are you looking to have?

P.S. I have, as of now, a 800 watt monoblock for the sub (alpine type e), jensen 840 watt 4 channel for the door speakers, and a 500watt 2 channel for 6x9's in the rear. I plan on ditching the 500 watt, getting another jensen 840, and running Special "volvo sound" speakers along with my 6x9's. I have 4GA wiring now, but amp upgrading to 0AWG very. very soon, and will be running the 4GA to the amps. My stock Volvo battery sucks, so That's going out this Saturday, and I have a 2 Farad Power Acoustik cap that works wonders.

IMO, two subs always sound better, due to having left and right channels. I have one 12" in my trunk right now, that sounds fine though. Punch P3 DVC.

And use a distro block. Allows for a much cleaner installation. Don't forget to get yourself a CAP, if you don't have a deep cycle/audio equipment battery.
Sub bass doesn't have a stereo signal it's all mono. The CAP is also a worthless piece of equipment. If your set on a CAP just get a 2nd battery it will do worlds more than a CAP.:)

I've always used one sub in my car. I used to use 2 but know these days you only need one. I like the extra room. If your going for how it sounds outside the car then 2 is better. One sub, less of a pain. My one diamond audio 12" sub in a custom made ported box shakes the block.

well if your going to be racing the car,you shouldnt even put a system in it.
but im assumin your not.so i would get 2 12's.get some audibahns,since you can get them cheap sometimes or go with alpine type R's and yes they still make them.and also the infinity kappa perfect 12 dvc q's are realy good.you can change out the magnets with a bigger one or smaller one or have none in there.

but im personally done with speakers since i keep blowing them and wasted too much money.id rather save it towards my bike and some performance parts.
some good door speakers always sound good too.
check out crutchfield.com and do some research on speakers and amps and see what fits your needs.

How many watts are you looking to have?


Well, if I'm only using one sub, it'll be 500w RMS, and 1200w max, if I'm running two, double that.

What kind of mono amp do you run that has 2 channels? Is it 2 individual mono channels? Ive been out of the new stuff for awhile so i dont know what they have come up with in the last 5 years:biggthump

I thought the exact same thing when I picked it up! How in the world does a mono amp have two channels? I'm not sure how it works, tbh. All I know is that it's a class BD amplifier, that is specifically to be used with drivers, and mid-bass drivers. The highest freq allowed is 250Hz.

Sub bass doesn't have a stereo signal it's all mono. The CAP is also a worthless piece of equipment. If your set on a CAP just get a 2nd battery it will do worlds more than a CAP.:)

Yes, this is true, however having two channels sounds like stereo output. Sorry, didn't mean that it was actually stereo out.

And I disagree with capacitors being worthless. There's absolutely nothing wrong with capacitors installed with the system. The main purpose of the CAP is to remove strain from the charging system.

Well, if I'm only using one sub, it'll be 500w RMS, and 1200w max, if I'm running two, double that.

you should be fine with 4AWG then. Stick with one sub.

I have had a set up of 1 up to 4 subs at once. it all depends on how much you think is alot and too little. if you still want to keep some performance in your car, go with 1. it will be clean sound but not rediculous. if you want a little more, 2 will work. also box type will make a HUGE difference. sealed or ported will work great. the key is having enough space for the sub to work properly and what frequencies you want to hear when you listen to your music. also, you will have to tune your sound system to work/sound properly. example, i have 2 MTX MXSs (Circuit City version of the 7500s) which are 400 watt rms/800 peak. the amp i have pushing them is a Coustic 600 watt monoblock that was modified to hold some low ohms ;) with more power, 750 max... in a sealed box i have, i have measured 133 db from my front seat in my NX. same set up with a custom made (to sub specs and 55htz) ported box instead of sealed, i measured 145. :eek2: i had adjusted and re-adjusted many many times to get the sound just right.

I have had a set up of 1 up to 4 subs at once. it all depends on how much you think is alot and too little. if you still want to keep some performance in your car, go with 1. it will be clean sound but not rediculous. if you want a little more, 2 will work. also box type will make a HUGE difference. sealed or ported will work great. the key is having enough space for the sub to work properly and what frequencies you want to hear when you listen to your music. also, you will have to tune your sound system to work/sound properly. example, i have 2 MTX MXSs (Circuit City version of the 7500s) which are 400 watt rms/800 peak. the amp i have pushing them is a Coustic 600 watt monoblock that was modified to hold some low ohms ;) with more power, 750 max... in a sealed box i have, i have measured 133 db from my front seat in my NX. same set up with a custom made (to sub specs and 55htz) ported box instead of sealed, i measured 145. :eek2: i had adjusted and re-adjusted many many times to get the sound just right.

Regarding box selection, the manufacturer of the driver normally will tell you in the paperwork, which enclosure works best, for what type of sound you want.

For instance, clean crisp bass that is deep, and not pingy; Fosgate recommends a 1 cubic foot sealed enclosure for my 12" P3. If you want softer, more run together bass, a ported enclosure would be better, but it doesn't sound as good. I know other manufacturers recommend ported enclosures. (Doesn't JL or Alpine recommend ported/bandpass boxes? I'm not sure.)

i have a kenwood head unit, a sony xplode1000watt amp with a 10" alpine sub in a sealed box and it shakes the entire car...sounds great and doesnt take up much room

Right now, I'm using a well worn out and abused 10" american pro sub, with a walmart vr3 300w amp. It does its job at providing bass..

I have a nice power acoustik pw2-12 in my closet, and i should be getting an amp that will run it at correct RMS, and a little below peak. I figured one sub should be all I need, but I also plan on using a component setup up front, with nice coax's out back to give me a cleaner sound than the stock 15w paper cones i'm thrashing now.

Would you run two subs, or just one? I'm not looking to be the biggest and baddest system on the block, because I would need a rather large SUV to compete with some of these guys, but I do want a nice bit of bass, while still being able to show off a little bit.


Also, when running two amps, do you prefer to use a distribution block for power, or a separate power cable for each amp? I will be running a separate ground for each, as it's the easiest way to do it.


"1 or 2 subs?"
do you want music? or annoyance to surrounding commuters?

"i have an amp that will run it at close to RMS"
is this a quality amp? if it is a rubbish "duel" or like brand i suggest you sell it asap and get a lower rated quality amp.........it wont be as loud but the sound quality will be out of this wourld.

I have 1 12" infinity reference, and it's more than enough for my needs.

I have 1 12" infinity reference, and it's more than enough for my needs.

x2 i had the same system only mated to a 1k watt memhis amp

now on the g-ride i got a great deal on 2 eclipse 12'' with my 1k memphis..mated to a 1.5 farad cap i have to turn the bass to -5 otherwise my cupholder bumps