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

ludikris · 07-25-2007, 12:57 AM

So, I have two 10" subs in the rear dash.. being pushed by a 400 W amp. I was considering replacing just one with a 12" sub of the same make... essentially to get a little deeper sub bass ... i still want the nice punchy mid range 10" but if I'm running the exact same signal / eq to both, will swapping the 10" for a 12" make a noticeable difference ?

scott_fx · 07-25-2007, 01:17 AM

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?

ludikris · 07-25-2007, 01:50 AM

10" Infinity subs...

scott_fx · 07-25-2007, 03:52 AM

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

monkeyracer · 07-25-2007, 11:01 AM

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

Cinfraco · 07-28-2007, 04:57 AM

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

basically what type of music do you listen to?

as the others stated DON'T mix on the same amp. Switch them both or put them on different amps.

scott_fx · 07-28-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote: 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

monkeyracer · 07-28-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote: 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)

ludikris · 07-28-2007, 12:37 PM

yah.. I just wanted to know if I'll get a little more subby bottom if replaced the one 10" with a 12" using the same signal already being sent to the other ten...

scott_fx · 07-28-2007, 12:43 PM

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

Cinfraco · 07-28-2007, 12:48 PM

no argument here. I do agree that there is more to it than that. But usually the people that have to ask the question aren't buying good enough equipment to make anything else matter. And yes the box can make a big difference, but most people just buy them and don't know this.

kostyanj · 07-28-2007, 02:06 PM

Mixing and matching is not always bad, but don't put them in the same box. ie: having a set of 12's in the trunk and also some 10's under the rear seat. But having 1 10 and 1 12 in the same box is going to give you a weird bass setup. And that current 400w amp is not going to be nearly enough to power a decent 12 sub. I'm running 1 12" Alpine Type R powered by a 500w Alpine amp. And that's still not the max output of the sub. Do some research on some better brands of subs and amps before just swapping out for a 12".

Look into Alpine Type R's, JL W's (any of the W series hit hard, especially the new W7's), and the new Boston Acoustic subs. Also if you're going to upgrade, make sure you upgrade your amp and get it professionally tuned.

Good luck

scott_fx · 07-28-2007, 03:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kostyanj

Mixing and matching is not always bad, but don't put them in the same box. ie: having a set of 12's in the trunk and also some 10's under the rear seat. But having 1 10 and 1 12 in the same box is going to give you a weird bass setup. And that current 400w amp is not going to be nearly enough to power a decent 12 sub. I'm running 1 12" Alpine Type R powered by a 500w Alpine amp. And that's still not the max output of the sub. Do some research on some better brands of subs and amps before just swapping out for a 12".

Look into Alpine Type R's, JL W's (any of the W series hit hard, especially the new W7's), and the new Boston Acoustic subs. Also if you're going to upgrade, make sure you upgrade your amp and get it professionally tuned.

Good luck

mixing would just make tuning that much harder an i dont think you'll see any substantial benefits over a properly built box.

you can't say that the 400w amp wouldn't be good enough to power a decent 12" some 12's will sing nicely with 300 watts or less. It depends on the application (hatchback/coupe/vert), desired results (spl sq), driver, among other things.

you are correct, type r's and w7's probably wont perform as well with 400w's (the one of the jl reps is powering his w7 with 500) but if you get an id12v3 it'll hit pretty hard with 300

ludikris · 07-28-2007, 04:24 PM

i never asked any questions about a box.. I mount my subs in the back dash ..

my trunk is the box....

scott_fx · 07-28-2007, 05:20 PM

well an IB setup will cost you a bit in efficiency and low end frequency extension

is the trunk totally sealed? if you have any leaks to the inside of the car it will cost you some bass