I'm finally ready to complete my system by adding a sub. I'm running a 4-channel JBL amp that is rated at 280w RMS bridged @ 4ohms. It warns not to bridge at less than 4 ohms (if this matters).

I'm basically looking for a sub with crisp response, not something with a ton of boom. My motivation for a sub is simply to filter the lows out of the front speakers and unclutter the midrange.

I've heard the WLaurent box with the Audiobahn and was impressed, but I'm just not a fan of Audiobahn. I'd probably pick the Elemental Design sub, except it would be a 2 ohm load. I haven't heard the Stealthbox yet. Price isn't a huge factor here... it would be $325 for the WL box or $499 for the SB.

Has anyone heard both boxes? Which is louder, which has tighter response, ect?

Thanks

 

IMO, that is too much for a box.....just my opinion. If you think about it, the speaker is in the trunk. So you will not really hear THAT much of a difference. I got a custom box off eBay for $150 shipped (combo MDF and fiberglass) and a Clarion sub for like $45ish from cardomain.com. Got an Infinity amp for $80 shipped from the same site.

I chose the eBay box, because there are minimal parallel surfaces (good for acoustics). I chose the sub, because it was decently priced for the specs....not the best xmax, RMS power, or frequency response, but was close enough for my needs (bass guitar for Rock music). I chose the Infinity amp, because I like the way their amps filter. It is not the booming bass from a RF amp, but is clean and crisp. I got the whole thing for less than the cost of either of the two boxes you are looking at.

It does matter what impediance you bridge the amp at. You will need either a SVC 4-ohm sub, or a DVC 8-ohm sub to make it work. Most "good" subs are DVC 4-ohm, or SVC 2-ohm subs. This is because they can be wired for 2-ohm impediances, which most class D amps provide the most power at. If you run a 2-ohm wired sub to an amp that is only stable to 4-ohms, you will either send it into Protect mode, it will not work at all, or the amp will fry itself.

My sub is the Clarion SW10X.

My box looks like the Stealth box, but with a flush mount sub, instead of recessed with a cover plate. (didnt want to pay for the JL name)

My amp is the Infinity 7520a.

John

 

as far as the boxes go, as long as they are both the same type of box (sealed / ported) and have similar interior volume, they should "sound" the same. The big difference will be the sub, with the size of the magnet, the cone type, xmax rating, and other things. Sounds like you need a more basic sub. If you go with the Stealth box, I would look at the JL 10w3v2 sub. I am not sure if this sub is 2 or 4-ohm rated, though. JL I think offers a package with a sub / box / amp combo.

John

 

I'm running a JL 500/1 amp with the Stealthbox and can say that it is very impressive.

It has excellent bass output that plays very clean, tight and precise.

It has more than enough bass

Sealed enclosures are less efficient (but generally more precise) than ported ones and I'm sure the amp I'm using helps with this.

This box is wired for 3ohms. I have not heard the WLaurent enclosure so I have no comments regarding that one but I can certainly recommend the SB especially if you feed it plenty of power.