[Reset]

Alright i went down to Car Audio Heaven today, and they said that i could get a custom box for dual 12's sealed, custom fit to my car for 199 dollars. They said it will be custom suited for my subs and to fit my car. That's pretty expensive, but i guess most places are gonna charge me a lot for custom stuff right? So is this outrageous or should i just do it?

[TheUNZippee!]

It depends what you want, Reset. Remember a few basic facts about enclosure types. A sealed box typically gives better sound quality, while a ported box gives better SPL.

It also takes more power to get the subs moving like they should be in a sealed box.

And I wouldn't say 200 bucks is outrageous for a 2x12's box. I paid 500 bucks for my 2x10's box.

[Reset]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! And I wouldn't say 200 bucks is outrageous for a 2x12's box. I paid 500 bucks for my 2x10's box.

Really? What was so special about it?

They also asked me when i was there if i wanted it like fiberglass.. is there any advantage to that?

It also takes more power to get the subs moving like they should be in a sealed box.

Yeah i want a sealed box because id rather have quality over SPL. What do u mean in that quote? More power? Howso?

[TheUNZippee!]

Originally Posted by Reset Yeah i want a sealed box because id rather have quality over SPL. What do u mean in that quote? More power? Howso?

SSS is probably better at explaining this if he sees it, but I'll give it a shot:

It's a trade off between accuracy and SPL (Sound Pressure Level).

Since the sealed box is tighter than the vented box due to, well, being sealed, lol, it is harder to move the cone of the subwoofer, and thus takes more power to get the subwoofer working properly, and thus enjoy the better accuracy of the sealed box.

This doesn't mean a vented box will sound sloppy as shit, it just means they provide different sounds. And remember everyone's ear hears different things. Your best bet is to get out there to a store, and see if you can listen to the same sub in different boxes.

And don't let anyone talk you in to a bandpass. If these aren't constructed properly they will sound like shit.

[SSStang]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Originally Posted by Reset Yeah i want a sealed box because id rather have quality over SPL. What do u mean in that quote? More power? Howso? SSS is probably better at explaining this if he sees it, but I'll give it a shot: It's a trade off between accuracy and SPL (Sound Pressure Level). Since the sealed box is tighter than the vented box due to, well, being sealed, lol, it is harder to move the cone of the subwoofer, and thus takes more power to get the subwoofer working properly, and thus enjoy the better accuracy of the sealed box. This doesn't mean a vented box will sound sloppy as shit, it just means they provide different sounds. And remember everyone's ear hears different things. Your best bet is to get out there to a store, and see if you can listen to the same sub in different boxes. And don't let anyone talk you in to a bandpass. If these aren't constructed properly they will sound like shit.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head. Although Sealed sub woofer boxes with a lot of power can yield some pretty good results. My box for example is very efficient, as it produces the same SPL numbers playing everyday music as it does just burping it for SPL. (its not set up for spl in any way nor are the subs "spl" subwoofers)

And yeah $199 is LOVELY my box was somewhere like 600$ -

[Reset]

Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Originally Posted by Reset Yeah i want a sealed box because id rather have quality over SPL. What do u mean in that quote? More power? Howso? SSS is probably better at explaining this if he sees it, but I'll give it a shot: It's a trade off between accuracy and SPL (Sound Pressure Level). Since the sealed box is tighter than the vented box due to, well, being sealed, lol, it is harder to move the cone of the subwoofer, and thus takes more power to get the subwoofer working properly, and thus enjoy the better accuracy of the sealed box. This doesn't mean a vented box will sound sloppy as shit, it just means they provide different sounds. And remember everyone's ear hears different things. Your best bet is to get out there to a store, and see if you can listen to the same sub in different boxes. And don't let anyone talk you in to a bandpass. If these aren't constructed properly they will sound like shit.

Right.. i knew that.. i thought u ment i would have to like turn it up to make the sub move first or something i was like lol

Thanks guys.. what do u think about fiberglass? I heard that that is nicer (lighter too?).. is it worth it? How much extra is it worth?

[SSStang]

Originally Posted by Reset Originally Posted by TheUNZippee! Originally Posted by Reset Yeah i want a sealed box because id rather have quality over SPL. What do u mean in that quote? More power? Howso? SSS is probably better at explaining this if he sees it, but I'll give it a shot: It's a trade off between accuracy and SPL (Sound Pressure Level). Since the sealed box is tighter than the vented box due to, well, being sealed, lol, it is harder to move the cone of the subwoofer, and thus takes more power to get the subwoofer working properly, and thus enjoy the better accuracy of the sealed box. This doesn't mean a vented box will sound sloppy as shit, it just means they provide different sounds. And remember everyone's ear hears different things. Your best bet is to get out there to a store, and see if you can listen to the same sub in different boxes. And don't let anyone talk you in to a bandpass. If these aren't constructed properly they will sound like shit. Right.. i knew that.. i thought u ment i would have to like turn it up to make the sub move first or something i was like lol Thanks guys.. what do u think about fiberglass? I heard that that is nicer (lighter too?).. is it worth it? How much extra is it worth?

Fiberglass is good for looking good, its not recmended for SPL/competition type boxes but for what your doing it should work fine

[galzamar]

Ya my shop min for a custom box is $400, that is just like a hiden box it you want custom that has curves or fiberglass that would be ALOT more, Most likely they are selling you what is called a steath box.
It will probally look something like that . . . If you get this one from JL with a JL sub it costs about $600 so if it is a good box go for it.

[00redgt]

if u want a box like that one in the pic above u can get those on ebay for around 50 to 100 bucks

[texas_mustang]

go to home depot and buy a sheet of 3/4 inch MDF for 35 bucks.

and make your own, thats what im doing.

[Bullitt2445]

First off, I would LOVE to catch someone selling a new JL AUdio Stealthbox for ANY car for 50 or 100 bucks. As a JL dealer, I would take great pride in buying it, tracing it back to the buying dealer and have there dealer agreement pulled for BREAKING IT. I'm off my soapbox now.

And yes, the Stealthbox sounds great, requires no real modifications to the trunk to install, and is of a very high quality.

You can do some wild stuff with fiberglass (like the Stealthbox) that you just can't do with MDF. Great if you want curves, bends, molds, or whatever your imagination will come up with. Paint it, wrap it, or even flock it and it looks great (if done properly). Downside is cost. Materials ar more than MDF, and labor can be really high (depending on the technique used and how good the installer is).

200 bucks for a custom box is about right for some markets. Pretty cheap for others. The shop I manage would charge about that for a 2 12" box for your trunk, and another 100 to trim it in so it looks "built in."

Here are a few questions you may want to ask if you are in doubt of the shop's abilities. Find out if they use MDF (medium density fiberboard) or HDF (high density fiberboard) or something else. MDF is the standard, and usually recommended of at least 3/4" for 2 12's. HDF is kinda expensive, and I don't think for 200 bucks it would be made of it. And if you still have doubts, ask to see a box they have constructed. If they are like most shops I have been at, they will have at least two or three boxes laying around you can see.

Sorry for the long post, but I figured you may want the info.