What are better: 10"s or 12"s??

[saturn2187]

I'm about to put either two 10's or two 12's in my car, but i'm hearing differing opinions on which to put in. What are the differences? Thanks in advance.

[Backfire]

Here are some general statements concerning sub size.

• 1) The 10" sub will be lighter than a 12" and can react quicker to input. This will result in "tighter" bass response.
  2) The 10" sub will require less power, since it has less mass to move.
  3) The 10" sub will require less air space for optimal performance.
  4) The 12" sub will play lower due to its larger cone area moving more air.

Keep in mind that these statements may only hold true across a certain model line-up, and may not be accurate between brands or different model lines. For example a 10" JLAudio 10W6 sub may play lower, require more power and more air space than a 12" Fosgate sub (not an accurate example but you get the idea).

Your best bet is to find a shop that will let you hear different subs. Many will even let you demo them in your car. If you have an amp installed you could ask to hear the two setups and see which you like better. If you don't have an amp already that may be a bit more difficult to arrange. In general the 10" setup will give you a tighter bass hit, but the 12's will play lower, with more of a "boom". The enclosure also has a dramatic effect on the characteristics of a sub so keep that in mind as well.

Hope that helps a bit!

[ June 17, 2002: Message edited by: Backfire ]</p>

[RSFireDog]

It really depends on what kind of music you listen to. Rock and that type of music you will be fine with 2 10"'s, but if you listen to rap, techno, and what not 12"'s are going to give you what you want. As far as space goes, look at the specs, dont try to get a sub that requires a 6 cubic foot box into a 1 cubic foot box and expect it to hit right. I have 2 Alpine R12's in the back of my Camaro and they pound, they only need one cubic foot each as a recomended enclosure, that gives you a nice flat spot at about 30hz, which is what most rap music will hit.

[massivefirebird]

I like two 12's more... but I prefer 15's. A single ported 15 will be really nice! If you want deep, it's the way!

Infinity Perfect 12's are also known for going deep.

[Arctc Wolf]

if you want more sound quality, get the 10's.l if you want deeper bass, get the 12's. make sure your other speakers are also fairly powerful if you want sound quality. My stereo plans are a Pioneer head unit w/ 3 pre-amp outputs, a pair of 200 watt door speakers, 260 watt speakers for the b-pillars, and a pair of 10's later on.

[EyeOutThere]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by massivefirebird:
Infinity Perfect 12's are also known for going deep.<hr></blockquote>

They really don't play that low. I didn’t get much of anything in the 30hz range. They do play loud though.
http://eyeoutthere.tripod.com/stereo.htm

As for 12" vs. 10":
It varies greatly from speaker to speaker. There are many 10"s that will play lower than 12"s and there are many 12"s that will be tighter then 10's.

The best thing to do is go to an audio store and start listening to stuff. Pay attention to what you are listening to in the store (what style the box is and what volume the box is). For the sub will sound very different in various enclosures.

As with any speaker; It really comes down to personal preference.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by EyeOutThere:
As for 12" vs. 10":
It varies greatly from speaker to speaker. There are many 10"s that will play lower than 12"s and there are many 12"s that will be tighter then 10's.
As with any speaker; It really comes down to personal preference.<hr></blockquote>

Couldn't agree more!
[img]smile.gif[/img]

[massivefirebird]

10's don't play deeper than 12's... of the same brand and model... :D Just kidding.