View Full Version : Advice on Sub/Amp setup for my 335i
Not sure how many audio guru's we have out there. And by audio guru, I don't mean someone that can make a trunk boom, I like quality sharp, accurate bass...
I"m just gonna copy/paste this from what I posted on an audio forum...
Need some help with my setup... 2x JL 12W6v2 & Kenwood x1200
Basically I bought the subs with the fact that I was giong to get a 1 Ohm stable amp in the future. I did get the Kenwood Excelon X1200 which is stable to 1 Ohm but I blew up the first one so I dont' want to run it at 1 Ohm any more.
My other option with the two subs is to run them at 4 Ohm's with is WAY too underpowered.
I can run one at 2 Ohm's which is decently loud but I'll need to get a box for one 12" if i go that route so I don't have a un used sub in my trunk...
So my question is, should i consider selling the 2 12's and maybe getting 2 10w6's or something that I could wire the pair to 2 Ohm which should be about the right amount of power. (please tell me if you disagree)
Should I think about just getting a different amp for the subs?
I listen to a lot of electronic but also like Rap and such so I like to get the punch but also love to be able to hit those deep notes that makes your hair feel funny...
Please let me know if I should include any other info. I built my box to spec with what JL was asking for volume wise but I'm giong to measure it all again and make sure its right.
jstancel
07-21-2010, 02:56 PM
Are you running a sealed or vented enclosure? You can get loud on less power using a vented box. Since the music you named use similar bass notes as long as the box is tuned for your type of listening habits you should be fine running a vented box at 4 ohms. Back in the day (1998 ) I ran 3 12w6 JLs in a sealed box on an old Punch 500m and hit 148 dbs.
If trunk space is an issue try 1 sub in a vented box and see what you think.
Are you running a sealed or vented enclosure? You can get loud on less power using a vented box. Since the music you named use similar bass notes as long as the box is tuned for your type of listening habits you should be fine running a vented box at 4 ohms. Back in the day (1998) I ran 3 12w6 JLs in a sealed box on an old Punch 500m and hit 148 dbs.
If trunk space is an issue try 1 sub in a vented box and see what you think.
RIght now I'm running a vented dual 12" box that I built out of 3/4 mdf...
I built it to spec from JL's requirements per sub. Its sealed in the middle giving each sub its own chamber. Running the amp at 4 Ohm's is soooo quiet tho so maybe its just not the right amp for me.
I'm considering getting a JL 1000/1v2 and running it at 1Ohm. Also might build a different box seeing as this one doesn't fit as well because the trunk is different...
---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:58 AM ----------
I have to keep in mind I think part of my problem is that running it with a line converter is really crappy and the levels don't match up like I'm used to.
In my M3 before I sold it, I had a 4 channel phoenix gold amp for the door speakers which were all infinity kappa components, the kenwood 2400 wat amp at 1 Ohm driven by the kenwood dnx9140 which has way better voltage on output than a line converter...
jstancel
07-21-2010, 03:23 PM
I have to keep in mind I think part of my problem is that running it with a line converter is really crappy and the levels don't match up like I'm used to.
I hate those converters. I used one briefly on my Lexus before I tore it apart. I had a kicker amp with speaker level inputs so then I did not have to mess with the converter and it worked much better. If you are going to keep the stock stereo and buy a new amp it might be a good idea to buy an amp with speaker level inputs to see if it works better for you.
Lonnie D
07-21-2010, 03:38 PM
Yeah the line converters suck compared to running RCA's....I am no guru about audio since I really have not done much in the past decade though.
I hate those converters. I used one briefly on my Lexus before I tore it apart. I had a kicker amp with speaker level inputs so then I did not have to mess with the converter and it worked much better. If you are going to keep the stock stereo and buy a new amp it might be a good idea to buy an amp with speaker level inputs to see if it works better for you.
Well i'm planning to replace the head unit and door speaker amp regardless down the road so I don't want to buy stuff for doing it any other way. I'll take the subs out and wait until I have all the parts to do it right rather than do a crappy work around now.
I've gotten the amp adjusted so that it sounds pretty decent with a single 12 at 2 Ohm's right now. The other 12 is just chillin lol.
My decision is riding right now on whether my box is dimensionally correct or not.
After that my choices that I'm aware of are...
1) Run 1x 12W6 with my current amp at 2 Ohm's. Build a ported box to spec for the 12.
2) (if box is correct dimensions) Sell the current amp and buy a JL 1000/1v2. Run the two subs at 1 Ohm on that amp.
3) Sell both 12's and buy 2 10's. Build a vented box for the 10's and run my current amp (or sell and buy a 1000/1 or 500/1 depending on the JL 10's I get.
I like the deep bass that the 12's get me but I want punch so I'm going to need a pretty nasty amp or less subs to get that on my current setup without going back to 1 Ohm (which was pretty nasty (in a good way lol)).
Dominic49
07-21-2010, 03:41 PM
pmed
there is a bolt in option
Well I know one thing and anytime you're running a JL sub to get the best quality you need the JL amp to go with it. If you have the money go ahead and buy the amp for the right amount of watts for the subs and then tune accordingly. I had a 12w3v3 on a jl 500 mono (which that sub actually calls for the 250. it's just because I already had the 500) with a power acoustic 4 channel for my highs in a 90 300zx. I had good bass and my highs was very good. You could hear everything clearly while at the same time I had that nice bass.
Well I know one thing and anytime you're running a JL sub to get the best quality you need the JL amp to go with it. If you have the money go ahead and buy the amp for the right amount of watts for the subs and then tune accordingly. I had a 12w3v3 on a jl 500 mono (which that sub actually calls for the 250. it's just because I already had the 500) with a power acoustic 4 channel for my highs in a 90 300zx. I had good bass and my highs was very good. You could hear everything clearly while at the same time I had that nice bass.
Yeah, I may very well still do this with the one 12w6. I can replace the amp any time tho so I'll get everything going with replacing as little as possible then I will likely replace the amp. The kenwood is awesome tho. It has great accuracy and hits very hard when set up correctly. The line out converter is just making it very difficult to keep it consistent across the volume span.
Nelsen
07-22-2010, 02:40 AM
are your jls dual voice coil? what is the impedance on each coil?
---------- Post added at 10:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 PM ----------
if your subs are dvc with 2 ohms overall impedance, im pretty sure if you hook the positive of sub #1 to the amp and the negative of sub #2 to the amp, then hook the neg of sub #1 to the pos of sub #2..it should maintain the 2 ohms
are your jls dual voice coil? what is the impedance on each coil?
---------- Post added at 10:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:34 PM ----------
if your subs are dvc with 2 ohms overall impedance, im pretty sure if you hook the positive of sub #1 to the amp and the negative of sub #2 to the amp, then hook the neg of sub #1 to the pos of sub #2..it should maintain the 2 ohms
They are dual 4 ohm which means that with two of them I can run them at 1 ohm or 4 ohms.
Thats why I'm only running one right now to get it to run 2 ohm's...
Highs on bass
07-24-2010, 02:59 AM
well. just to give you a heads up that Kenwood amp is not 1 ohm stable. its 2 ohm stable. it does the 1200 rms at 2 ohms not 1 giving you the issues you had.
that being said. if you really want to run this system i'd suggest swapping out the amp.
now.
I'd like to say something that will spark some issues but i'm going to say it either way!
JL is not worth it. My fiance has 2 1000/1's and 2 w713.5's.
I consider myself an audio guru. And with what I have in my system. I'm killin it with 1 15.
now. with your situation, here's what I would do: Take the kenwood amp out. double check the exact sub impedance, if you have a dual 4 ohm sub. and want to really use all the equipment you have, then we should do this.
pick up an Audiopipe 15001D
believe it or not thats a really good amp. and it does rated power. I have tested the amp myself. and have infact owned one for some time. its usually around 160 bucks shipped new. I know of a few that I can pick up for cheaper but they are used.
you will be putting about 750 rms on those jl's daily. but with me tuning the amp properly you will be fine all day long!
ALSO IF ANYONE IN THE ATLANTA AREA WANTS TO BE METERED I HAVE A TERM LAB. AND AM WILLING TO MEET UP TO METER YOUR VEHICLE LIKE THEY DO IN SPL COMPS.
well. just to give you a heads up that Kenwood amp is not 1 ohm stable. its 2 ohm stable. it does the 1200 rms at 2 ohms not 1 giving you the issues you had.
that being said. if you really want to run this system i'd suggest swapping out the amp.
now.
I'd like to say something that will spark some issues but i'm going to say it either way!
JL is not worth it. My fiance has 2 1000/1's and 2 w713.5's.
I consider myself an audio guru. And with what I have in my system. I'm killin it with 1 15.
now. with your situation, here's what I would do: Take the kenwood amp out. double check the exact sub impedance, if you have a dual 4 ohm sub. and want to really use all the equipment you have, then we should do this.
pick up an Audiopipe 15001D
believe it or not thats a really good amp. and it does rated power. I have tested the amp myself. and have infact owned one for some time. its usually around 160 bucks shipped new. I know of a few that I can pick up for cheaper but they are used.
you will be putting about 750 rms on those jl's daily. but with me tuning the amp properly you will be fine all day long!
ALSO IF ANYONE IN THE ATLANTA AREA WANTS TO BE METERED I HAVE A TERM LAB. AND AM WILLING TO MEET UP TO METER YOUR VEHICLE LIKE THEY DO IN SPL COMPS.
Man, sounds like some good advice.
I'm seeing if zenclosures can make me a dual 12 box thats fitted for my car with 1.5c feet per sub. Their standard boxes aren't that big inside so I gotta see if they can do it.
I'll look into that amp.
My other two options are run one sub and replace them amp (what do you think I could use for that) or get 2 10's and a different amp as well down the road.
Highs on bass
07-24-2010, 06:21 PM
i'd just get the box made. 1.5 cubes for two jl 10's will be fine.
as long as you have the amp to control the subs.
I actually don't like jl amps. had a 1000/1 on my 15. and its is 6.6 cubes... about 3 cubes to big. its def not the box that most subs would like.
and I have an amazing amp now. and it is BRUTAL to sit in my truck
I want a box thats built to spec for the subs tho. the 12's require 1.5 cubic feet per sub (in a ported box) so it would take up my entire trunk.
Highs on bass
07-25-2010, 01:26 AM
nah, 3 cubes in a 240....
not a problem. infact we could probably fit another 2 10's in there...
you could do 4 10's. believe it or not. 1-1.4 cubes is what I truly recommend. and I build custom boxes as well.
so if you want, hit my pm and we can talk from there.
I ended up deciding on a sealed box to keep my 2 12's. I designed a box using bass box pro and have the plans printed off so I should be putting it together this afternoon...
I've got 2.5 cubic feet for the two subs which is exactly what JL calls for. That keeps the Qtc at .724 which should sound pretty decent...
I guess all I need now is the JL 1000/1v2. I'm pretty set on the JL amp because I know the quality is great and will be able to run it at 1 Ohm constantly.
Actually I should be able to run the 1000/1 at 4 Ohms and still get the same power correct?
Picked up a used 1000/1 for $380 last night. Going to finish my new box today and hook it all up. Hopefully this does what I need, otherwise I might consider 2 of the 500/1's so I can run them each at 2 Ohms. I hope they aren't lying when they say the power is still the same at 4 Ohms as 1 Ohm...
Sorry I didn't read the thread but here are some local BMW folks that you can call and talk to. http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/index.php
Sorry I didn't read the thread but here are some local BMW folks that you can call and talk to. http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/index.php
I've seen these guys and they have some cool stuff. If I wanted to keep a perfectly stock look I would probably go with their stuff. It is a tad overpriced but it is nice... Thanks for the tip tho!
Highs on bass
07-27-2010, 03:04 PM
yeah, the jl amp does power at 1 ohm and at 4 or 2 or 3..
wonderful amp in that reguard. and the box sounds about right. will be a hair peaky. but not much that can be done about that. its not going to drop down in the lower range like the ported box does.
in any respect tho, if the sealed box doesn't yeild the results your looking for. we will get together and I'll build ya a box and make them subs SING!
Sounds good man! I'll try to remember to let ya know if I do end up going back ported. I've got the design down I just don't want to take up that much trunk space lol. We'll see...
Highs on bass
07-27-2010, 05:31 PM
i hear ya. also. you un deleted my thread. but its still locked? lol
Ah right, would help to be unlocked :).
Highs on bass
07-27-2010, 11:59 PM
haha thanks man! again not selling anything just yet. but I am here as a partner with Alan at Supertuned.net and will be in time offering install deals as well as deals with him for the audio side of things. and I have a large bank of companies that sell to me at Cheaper than competitor pricing etc.
if you really want to get a system that bumps and moves some serious air. or if your like Alan, and want a full deep rich system that still gets low. BUT is weight conservative we can do that too!!!
would like to point out tho that going light isn't cheaper. infact it makes the build alot more expensive. in terms of building the actual box etc.
haha thanks man! again not selling anything just yet. but I am here as a partner with Alan at Supertuned.net and will be in time offering install deals as well as deals with him for the audio side of things. and I have a large bank of companies that sell to me at Cheaper than competitor pricing etc.
if you really want to get a system that bumps and moves some serious air. or if your like Alan, and want a full deep rich system that still gets low. BUT is weight conservative we can do that too!!!
would like to point out tho that going light isn't cheaper. infact it makes the build alot more expensive. in terms of building the actual box etc.
Sounds good, let me know if you do decide to sell on here. We'll work something out...
I got my box finished today and the 1000/1 installed. I tuned it a bit and its really sound awesome. The box sounds great too. Very accurate and clean. I havent had a chance to crank it but down low and medium volume it sounds freaking awesome... Running it at 4 Ohm's as well :).
Yeah, I'm not too worried about weight... I'll just add power :).
Highs on bass
07-29-2010, 04:07 AM
haha. I talked to NAKA or Alan as I know him, I am supposedly a part of his network or what ever.
we are business partners. and I should be added in with him? he said he would msg you or if you needed you could get ahold of him. but I'm working with NAKA to offer auido services etc. also I have a TL so if you want to get your system metered let me know.
super240sx71
07-31-2010, 05:30 AM
That looks great nice job
That looks great nice job
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with the way it came out. Making the flush cover was kinda tricky and time consume but it was worth it...
super240sx71
07-31-2010, 05:40 AM
You did a good job looks like its meant to be there.
Thanks man! I'm really happy with it...
Finished product...
Great finished pics of the M3, Flip!!!
Rob(High on Bass), it is time to you get pics of your show quaility Truck up here. I think Flip and the rest of the 240Atl members are ready to visiually check out your credintcials. Come on out Rob and make some noise!!!
Thanks Allan!
And yeah, I'd love to see some pics!
2isbetterthan4
08-04-2010, 01:38 PM
Great finished pics of the M3, Flip!!!
Rob(High on Bass), it is time to you get pics of your show quaility Truck up here. I think Flip and the rest of the 240Atl members are ready to visiually check out your credintcials. Come on out Rob and make some noise!!!
its not the M. He got a 07 335i. When ya gonna swing by allan?
Highs on bass
08-04-2010, 10:33 PM
haha, when I finish my doors, and get my 18 in, and get my dash back from ED, then I'll get some pics up, INFACT when thats finished, we will have to have another 240 night, maybe do a cookout, and everyone chill, and I'll come out and give demos.
I'll say this much, I've been in the 12 volt industry,for a while, and its been a VERY long time since I've been this excited about whats going to be in the truck!
haha, when I finish my doors, and get my 18 in, and get my dash back from ED, then I'll get some pics up, INFACT when thats finished, we will have to have another 240 night, maybe do a cookout, and everyone chill, and I'll come out and give demos.
I'll say this much, I've been in the 12 volt industry,for a while, and its been a VERY long time since I've been this excited about whats going to be in the truck!
Sweet! I'm down with a grillout meet. We need to do more of those during the summer. The demo's could be awesome too. I'm curious what my system will put out in db's too. Won't be too impressive but will be cool to know.
kjs s14
08-04-2010, 11:25 PM
bye a 12w7 and jl 1000-1 and your good to go man
Highs on bass
08-05-2010, 05:14 AM
well, we can always meet up and meter the car,
I do have my own termlab and laptop... so we can meter the setup etc.
and I def think a good meet/grill day would be awesome! esp when we get Alan kicking solid again!
because I think that with me getting to know you guys and know your wants, that what you guys are lacking in audio will be QUICKLY resolved!
i had a guy the other week tell me my amps were junk, that they were flea market amps that I was stupid for paying for them and I was likely to burn my truck down.
I laughed at him asked the power he was running and what #'s he claimed this and that,
so I asked if I could just make a jump line to his box, and see what my "flea market"system does compared to his,
he gained 1.4 db's. sounded better,
and then he wanted to keep listening to music on it.... eventually he blew a sub lol....
sub froze up completely was stuck out LOL@!!@!@
smacked off that look his face.
BUT, when this gets finished I will def give you u guys demos lol. Infact my basket and cone should be here for my 18 tomorrow, and my motor is already here.
i'm hoping to have atleast a usable system by the end of tomorrow!
bye a 12w7 and jl 1000-1 and your good to go man
As I said before, I already have 2 12w6's and a jl 1000/1 so I think I'm good.
well, we can always meet up and meter the car,
I do have my own termlab and laptop... so we can meter the setup etc.
and I def think a good meet/grill day would be awesome! esp when we get Alan kicking solid again!
because I think that with me getting to know you guys and know your wants, that what you guys are lacking in audio will be QUICKLY resolved!
i had a guy the other week tell me my amps were junk, that they were flea market amps that I was stupid for paying for them and I was likely to burn my truck down.
I laughed at him asked the power he was running and what #'s he claimed this and that,
so I asked if I could just make a jump line to his box, and see what my "flea market"system does compared to his,
he gained 1.4 db's. sounded better,
and then he wanted to keep listening to music on it.... eventually he blew a sub lol....
sub froze up completely was stuck out LOL@!!@!@
smacked off that look his face.
BUT, when this gets finished I will def give you u guys demos lol. Infact my basket and cone should be here for my 18 tomorrow, and my motor is already here.
i'm hoping to have atleast a usable system by the end of tomorrow!
Awesome, that sounds good!
i got 4 15's in my trunk
Yeah, tossed them and some wires in a cardboard box. Hot glued the amp to the outside of it and then jabbed the power wire through the side of the box. It should work right?
Maybe we should put some beers in the box...
Highs on bass
08-07-2010, 06:30 AM
beer is the nos to my system!!!!
lol. well. I had a working system up until 45 seconds of it being installed.....
apparently had a misaligned coil and its not pretty after that!....
so.... gotta get that fixed, BUT..... I'm getting my doors finished up tomorrow. and hope to get them in and playing tomorrow as well.
then my dash will be back on monday, and I'm hoping ot pick up a sub tomorrow to use until I get my 18 fixed, then might just sell my 18, and keep what I pick up idk... we will see. OR... i'll use this on until my buddy's company gets its subs in.
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