Hey guys, I've been stalking these forums for a while now, but it looks like I gotta come out of the woodwork and post a question for anyone who can help.

I'm upgrading my car audio, and I'm not too familiar with subwoofers. Everytime I think I have one picked out, someone tells me something to change my mind. I just don't know how to figure out what size sub, and how many watts I need to be pushing. I've heard small boxes need less amperage, but what is small?

Anyhow, I have the Boston Acoustic Pro60's up front, and Boston SL65's in my homemade spod. Boston Acoustic Gt-42 powering the cabin.

Now... here's my problem... the subwoofer. The only thing I know for a FACT, is that 12,13,15" subs will destroy my music. I only listen to metal and rock, never hiphop or rap. I don't need the ground shaking bass, and I don't do comps, or anything of that nature. So, I'm leaning towards an 8". But wait, now I hear 10" is the industry standard, and that I need a 10" now.

I've been looking at:
JL's 8W7, and 10w7 (300RMSx500peak and 500RMSx750Peak)
RE's SE10 (600RMSx1000Peak)

Also, I've been thinking about putting the sub in the pass. footwell. I'll be doing it myself, so it shouldn't be a big problem custom fitting those Large w7's, or the SX in there.

BUT, now I hear the smaller the encloser the less wattage. So with that said, looking at those 3 sub options, and considering I'm dropping it in the footwell, What Would Your Recommended RMS Be?

*Edit* Yes, I used the search button... That's why I'm confused now

 

Are you satisfied with all of your Boston stuff that you have now? Their G310 (375w RMS) and G510 (450w RMS) are supposed to do great in small enclosures. They recommend .5 cu ft for a sealed box for either one.

Disclaimer:
I'm asking if you're happy with your Boston stuff both to help you AND for selfish reasons... I'm thinking about buying the same amp you have and going with SL60's in the doors and bridging the other channels to run a G310 in a wlaurent box.

 

there is no "industry standard" for subs(only a easier way to purchace another if it blows). size matters in box volume, not speaker so becareful in choosing your sub BASED IN VOLUME if your installing it at the footwell. More RMS=lowder w/o distortion, just stick with a decent amount and save the rest for gas money .

 

I've seen several people on the forums that have the footwell sub, but none are specific. If you have a sub in the cockpit, would you mind sharing your specs?

 

Hey thanks for the help and suggestions guys. I think I have it figured out. I'm going to just stick with the suggested specs for JL's w7's and kiss the passenger footwell goodbye. I'm not worried about passenger comfort, since I've had only one person in my car the last 3 years

*Edit* I've made my final choice. The B.A. G510 seems like a great choice, seeing as it only needs a .5 cu ft box. So, that will be in the footwell, and to make up for the small size (450rms) I plan on putting the B.A. 6.5 (LF) speakers in the "extra" speaker compartment in the doors. I'm not sure if its a "extra" compartment, but I noticed that it will take a 6x9 perfectly, without interfering with the windows.

 

Bottom line when it comes to making a sub sound good is to match the enclosure to the sub. Anything else makes your $$$$ sub sound worse than a $$ sub in the proper enclosure.