I've always wondered, which would be "louder"

2 12 inch subs getting 500 rms each
1 12 inch sub getting 1000 rms

how does this surface area to power ratio work?

 

Just a noob here, but from what Ive seen so far it depends more on the speaker internals.
Also, if you are talking pure power, even 10" will put out, where 12" will reach lower frequencies.
Using your example, I dont think there would be much difference at all.

 

2x12@500rms would be louder but 1x12@1000rms would sound better due to better
control and would be almost as loud. So long as both cases are with 1000watt subs.

 

Assuming they are the same make/model, SPL would be about the same. I would suspect the the 2 drivers would sound "better" even if it was your brain thinking if one is good, two is better.

If indeed these are the same drivers, then in theory you could run 2 at 1,000 rms ea!

 

True, unless the imaginary amp is a JL amp that have the same rating from 1.5 to 4 ohms

 

from what i learned listening to the guys on Unique Whips, bass is all about movement of air. musically speaking sound is moving air, so in theory 2 is louder than one, but the 1 would most likely sound better. i asked the same question about 2 12''s at 300 rms each or 4 12''s at 150 rms each, and the general consensus was that the 2 12''s @300 rms would be the better choice because it would sound better...i think

 

The pair will both be louder and should sound better. The trade-off is needing twice the box volume and having to buy two drivers.

 

^^^ what he said

 

^^^what they said...the two should sound better and be louder. The single sub will waste a lot of power in the form of heat, and at or near max power will exhibit compression issues and be at it's mechanical limit whereas the two would still be cruising and have plenty of range left for dynamics.

 

^^^ Agree with above three posts