Thread: how much difference if I replace a 10" with a 12" sub

i wouldn't mix and match. i'd look into getting a better sub rather then changing one out. either a 10 that can hit lower or a nice 12 that is tight. what sub do you have?

are they in the correct sized enclosure? try adding some poly fill to simulate a larger box

ya, don't mix them, at least not on the same amp.
Try what scott_fx said, either rebuild the box, or add poly fill to the one you have.

Mixed systems usually have a pair of tens, and a pair of twelves, (or pair of 12s, and pair of 15s.) This gives you a little better symmetry, not only in looks but in sound too. This is harder to tune though.

If it were my car, I'd replace both 10s with 12s, and get some good mid bass drivers for the front. Some 8's maybe, and use a seperate amp to drive them. My infinity 12s still give me good punch from drum kicks, and deep rolling bass from synthesizers and bass guitars. So you may not even need the mid bass if you don't want.

It's mostly about the box it's in. The 12s need 1.25 cu ft or air space, and the 10s only need about 0.75 cu ft. If you put the 12s in the box the 10s were in, the sub would be "choked" and not perform like you'd want, or they may even damage the subs. On the other hand, the 10s may give you more bass just by increasing the volume of the box to maybe 1.0 cu ft.

here's the spec sheet for the infinity 1052W:
http://manuals.harman.com/INF/CAR/Bo...ters/1052W.pdf

Originally Posted by Cinfraco

10 inch subs = quicker harder hitting base, basically good response
12 inch subs = deeper frequencies and louder at those deep frequencies but slower response

oh no.. not this argument

Originally Posted by scott_fx

oh no.. not this argument

I agree, let's squash this early.

It all depends on the subs, the box, the amp, the car, etc. Use what you like, if you are happy with your 10's then keep them, if you are happy with your 12's then keep them, if you don't like what you have (like the OP) then change one of the above (amp, box, both subs) until you personally like what you have.

So please, don't anyone debate which is better or sounds better, etc. The OP was wanting to know if he'll hear a difference if he switched, not what the advantages and disadvatanges between the two sizes are. (Since they are so varied between different brand and models, it's impossible to come to a resolute conclusion)

play with the box size and/or poly stuffing and see if you're happy with the results. poly fill will be a great start and it'll only cost you a couple bucks