JoeD

which setup do you guys think will be "better" overall: a 10" JL Stealthbox, or a dual 8" setup utilizing the custom enclosures available at the S2000 store, and fairly top-of-the-line 8" woofers? (given that both setups are using equal amps, head units, etc. so there wont be any other variables involved).

now i know that "better" is extrememly vague, especially when talking about audio systems, but im thinking about clarity, how hard the bass kicks, and which will provide simply more bass.

jzr

I've had both setups in my car, and I give the nod to the single 10" woofer over the two 8's. If it were a hatchback or normal sedan then I'd say use the 8's, since they give tighter, crisper bass. But in my S2000 experience (a pair of JL 8W6s getting plenty of juice) they don't have the oomph to penetrate into the cabin and really shake things. A single ten (or even better a pair of tens) or a single 12 will be much more satisfying.

Good luck!

WLAURENT

I tried a couple of different setups and thought the pair of 8's was much better than a single 10"

Two 8"s will give you aproximately 100 in^2 of cone surface area - vs aproximately 78 in^2 of a single 10" Given the same power - you will get more SPL (sound pressure level) from the 8's. A single 12 will give you 113 in^2 of cone surface. Of course the quality of the sub will definately play into the SPL equation.

Also - unless you have an amp like the JL amps (such as the 500.5) that delivers power through the RIPS system (which providess equal wattage at any load or supply voltage) - the JL box is a 3 ohm load, where two 8"s will yield a 2 ohm load - so you will get ~33% more power to your subs at 2 ohms than at 3 ohms.

Tifosi Red just did a comparison of a single 8" enclosure and the JL Box - you can read his input here -

Tif's Review

I am sure he would not object to a direct question - shoot him a PM.