Sub recommendation/advice needed

Hello,

I currently own a 2021 TRD Offroad DCLB. (Non JBL System, no tow package). I want to keep the stock head unit and just add a sub/amplifier to boost the low end. I may eventually do more (amp and replace stock speakers also) but for now just want the sub/sub amp.

I am planning to have Mr. Marv build the box and I am trying to get advice on the following.

I initially am contemplating 2 10inch Kicker L7T subs (rated at 500 watts RMS each). My main question is for those that have done installs, were you satisfied with 1 sub? or did you wish you had another? What kind of sub and power were you running if you were satisfied. I listen to mostly EDM and occasionally hip-hop. I would like to have the power available to feel the bass when needed but I don't go around bumping to get noise complaints. For those running around 500 watts to a single sub, did you feel like it was enough for you? My worry is doing an install and then immediately wishing I would have gone a different route or added another sub.

Also, at what point do electrical upgrades become necessary? I have had dual amp setups in the past that required additional electrical upgrades (alt, battery etc....) and would like to avoid having do do anything to the electrical system on a brand new truck. I was not sure if there is a easy way to figure out roughly what I could run without problems. (it has been a long time since researching car audio) I was possibly considering something like the JL JD1000/1 or Kicker CXA1200.1 amplifiers.

 

500W on one sub might be underwhelming. Finding a 500W sub that fits might also be a challenge. I’ve got 500W on 2 10” in my Tacoma and it’s barely enough IMO.

I think you’re looking for more like 800W on 2 subs.

 

Agree with @dolbytone . May want to look at the
Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bdCP

 

Awesome thanks for the advice!

 

Im running a single JBL shallow mount 10 on 300w. Im not setting off car alarms with bass, but it certainly adds the depth to the music that a subwoofer is designed to do.

 

I’ll start researching and looking into this unit. Is there a particular reason that you recommend this one? Currently trying to decide on the amp now.

 

I prefer single subs personally for a number of reasons, but mostly because 2 just aren't necessary. And I can buy one nice sub instead of multiple compromises. Of all the single subs I've tried recently, none has disappointed with ~550W and it's WAY more than enough to keep up with a robust 2-way front stage. Any good 10/12 in a proper enclosure on 500W will easily keep up with the components most will wind up using.

Folks who like big bass may be disappointed, but big bass is always a tradeoff. You need lots of power, space, and take a weight penalty. You also generally need to update electrical to get there as well as suffer all the rattles it will generate.

I'd suspect either idea you have would not require any electrical updates assuming the install is solid and you're not asking much more power out of other amps.

 

Chose that Rockford for proven power output. You also said you want to hear and feel the sub. IMO that takes power on 2 subs.

Personally, I have 2 Sundown Audio SD-4 subs in a 1.9cu ft enclosure behind my rear seats. I have a JL HD1200/1 amp powering them for two reasons. One, these subs are 600w each and they have a “hard bottom”. They don’t take extra power or distortion well. But they are accurate. Second, and more subjective, I’ve always liked JL gear. Before these subs, I had 2 JLW3v3 10” subs. But I’m always on the search for more.

 

Yeah I was really interested in the SD4 at first but couldn’t find a no-mod box that worked with them. I liked the reviews I read on them.
Thanks for the input.

 

Have a 10" Infinity Basslink X 200w self amped sub. More than enough thumb in an access cab, heck had to get a knob to dry it out on the fly sometimes it's too much.

 

This is the setup I’m using in my 4Runner except I kept the box @1.49 ft^3 since that’s what Sundown wants max on the 10”. Same amplifier, great amplifier, 1200W @4 Ohms. Lots of bass, more than I’ll ever need/want. If $$$ isn’t a concern I recommend this sub amp every time.

I don’t know what this setup sounds like in a Tacoma but I bet it hits hard.

 

Yeah, I’m digging’ it. Not skull rattling bass, but definitely a kick to the chest when called for. I wanted accurate but impactful. Decided I’d figure out a way to get 2 12s in a DC. Actually, I had to dial back the sub level on my deck one notch. Just too much.

 

If you can't feel a single 10 or 12" sub in a truck, you're doin' it wrong

I'm using a single SA10 on under 600W and it will bounce the steering wheel. Granted it's in a solid 1.4 cube enclosure tuned to the high 20s, but it's borderline violent. Can feel the SD10 & GB10 sealed as well - just not as nutty.

 

That’s the difference between ported and sealed. I think you would agree ported is more impactful and sealed is more accurate sounding. My Sundowns are in a sealed 1.9cu ft. I just like the sound of sealed over ported.

 

All day long. Efficiency of ported enclosures is much greater, but you give up some accuracy for sure. And space. The enclosure is huge for a 10 and weighs over 100 lbs with the driver. Dat extension though

 

Damn!! 100lbs! I like the feel of a vented box, but I prefer the sound of sealed. Sounds like I could go a little smaller in my enclosure, less power and a smaller driver, but INCREASE my Taco Lean.

 

JL thumps pretty good.

 

I knew there was a good reason to move it to the other side of the truck

 

For sure. Can't wait 'till I get a box built for this one

 

Will def be nice. I used to run 2 x 15" W6 subs way back in the day (prob v1) It was wild. Subs have come a long ways since then and those suckers knocked. Pushed about 1000 RMS maybe a bit more to them.