w7 mix w/w3's?
01-06-2009, 11:05 AM
#21
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 723
I'm looking at your signature... you're feeding 400W to two 12" subs. 200W each isn't all that much, especially when they can easily handle twice that. I'd suggest getting an 800W amp, thus providing 400W to each subwoofer. Two decent 12" subs should provide most people with sufficient bass. More so when the rest of the audio system is stock (correct me if yours in not). Perhaps you should revisit your enclosure design, maybe a change there will give you more output as well.
Even upgrading to the 500W JL amp isn't going to bring the W3's to a level they're capable of handling. I would try to find an amp that has output of 900W (I know, odd number) at 2 ohm, assuming the drivers can be wired to present that load. Have a custom enclosure built to spec, and see if they are at a level you're satisfied with.
I can't recommend upgrades to new equipment, when the current equipment isn't being used to its potential.
Even upgrading to the 500W JL amp isn't going to bring the W3's to a level they're capable of handling. I would try to find an amp that has output of 900W (I know, odd number) at 2 ohm, assuming the drivers can be wired to present that load. Have a custom enclosure built to spec, and see if they are at a level you're satisfied with.
I can't recommend upgrades to new equipment, when the current equipment isn't being used to its potential.
Last edited by TragicMagic; 01-06-2009 at 11:12 AM.
01-06-2009, 01:32 PM
#23
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 297
What kind of a box are you using? Is it prefabricated or built to spec? You might just find the results you are looking for if a proper box is built and use the extra power from the DPX11500 as SQmonster recommended. This approach will also save you $$$$ on subs that you may not really need.
01-06-2009, 02:02 PM
#25
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 461
I havnt updated my signature in ah wile I ran my dub 3s off a new 600 watt bazooka amp but sold that now two, maybe your right. Hopefully I get this clarion amp and ill hook that up and see how she pounds. The box I have now is built by jl for the dubs so its built to speck and they do pound hard
01-06-2009, 02:45 PM
#26
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
First off, I agree with John. Generally it is a bad idea to mix various drivers within the same frequency range.
I suggest you take you upgrades in stages. Get the big sub amp - your W3s will really wake up then. Get the amp for the highs and get some decent speakers in the front. This makes a MONUMENTAL difference in your system.
Only after adding the amps and the front speakers would I begin to think about changing the bass end of your system.
I suggest you take you upgrades in stages. Get the big sub amp - your W3s will really wake up then. Get the amp for the highs and get some decent speakers in the front. This makes a MONUMENTAL difference in your system.
Only after adding the amps and the front speakers would I begin to think about changing the bass end of your system.
01-07-2009, 12:21 AM
#28
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 461
But anyways my buddy was in need of some money so he made me a deal for a couple of amps and a cap.
So far what i got out of him is a 20VDC 95(degrees Celsius) 2 Farad Tsunami cap with a Clarion APX4240 240 Watt Amplifier with i think it has 4 channels Bridged FL FR and RL RR and sub outputs and hes got more for me so far i gave him 50 bucks but he wants 250 for all, like i said hes got more for me still so i think im getting my moneys worth?
So far what i got out of him is a 20VDC 95(degrees Celsius) 2 Farad Tsunami cap with a Clarion APX4240 240 Watt Amplifier with i think it has 4 channels Bridged FL FR and RL RR and sub outputs and hes got more for me so far i gave him 50 bucks but he wants 250 for all, like i said hes got more for me still so i think im getting my moneys worth?
lol um do you guys think im getting my moneys worth?
Also like i said before what kinda wiring kit should i be using any suggestions from forum sponsors? Remember i drive a grand am gt so i need something like 20 ft long
01-07-2009, 02:36 AM
#29
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 723
Assuming everything you get from your friend is in working condition, I think you've done alright.
Definitely use that Clarion 4 channel amp. Bridge the left and right channels together. That should get you lots of nice clean power for a great set of front component speakers. Hopefully the Grand Am has 6.5" speakers in the door. If you spent $350 to $400 on a pair of components, it'd really take your system to the next level. Use the Tsunami Capacitor with a new mono subwoofer amplifier to power your W3's and you'd be laughing.
You could probably sell the amp you're currently powering your subs with now to someone on this forum for a fair price.
The W3's are in a JL Audio box??? Then you're right, the box shouldn't be an issue.
Clarion DPX 1851 Mono Amp. Check out this link, this may be a decent option for power to your W3's.
One last question. Do you know if your subs are wired for a 2 or 4 ohm load?
Definitely use that Clarion 4 channel amp. Bridge the left and right channels together. That should get you lots of nice clean power for a great set of front component speakers. Hopefully the Grand Am has 6.5" speakers in the door. If you spent $350 to $400 on a pair of components, it'd really take your system to the next level. Use the Tsunami Capacitor with a new mono subwoofer amplifier to power your W3's and you'd be laughing.
You could probably sell the amp you're currently powering your subs with now to someone on this forum for a fair price.
The W3's are in a JL Audio box??? Then you're right, the box shouldn't be an issue.
Clarion DPX 1851 Mono Amp. Check out this link, this may be a decent option for power to your W3's.
One last question. Do you know if your subs are wired for a 2 or 4 ohm load?
