going from a 10" to an 8"

so i want to keep both back seats in my new truck, that means i would have to swap my kicker 10" with a 400w amp for an 8" (powered by the same amp) so i can fit it in the cubby hole under one of my seats. For the people who have had 10s and 8s will it be a depressing shift with a huge loss of bass, or if i get a decent 8" that can take the mono 400w sub will it not be too bad of a switch? thanks!!

 

paging ItalynStylion...

 

There are way too many variable to say without more information. In the end, a bigger speaker (all other things equal) will play louder and lower. But all things are never equal. One of the most important variable would be the enclosure. Was your old enclosure well designed for your sub? Was it ported or sealed? Can you you find a sub that plays well in the enclosure you will be installing?
Other variables will include the sensitivity of the new sub, the quality of the installation and the impedance (was your old sub 4 ohm, can your amp power your new sub at 2 ohms?)
You will likely lose a significant amount of volume, simply because (and I am just guessing) you are going to be going to a very small sealed enclosure to fit it into the cubbyhole. Just make sure you know the size of your new enclosure, and find a sub that models well in that airspace. You should still be able to create a system that you are happy with, and have some extra room in the cab.

 

^Good advice for sure.

A ported 8 should do well with regard to keeping up with a sealed 10. So if you can port, absolutely do it. Try and find something with a higher sensitivity and good Xmax. I think the JBL GTO 8's are pretty good with both of those in mind.

What kind of space do you have to work with? What are your plans for an enclosure?

 

If you are talking a 1st gen, and using the little cubby under the seat with an 8 vs a 10 on top of the seat, you will have to do some compromising.

 

Just cuz a sub is smaller dosent mean it will have less output. They have single 8s hitting over 150dbs now

 

True. I guess. However, he also stated that he is installing the 8 in the cubbyhole below the rear seat. How many 8" subs do you know of that can hit over 150db in a (very) small sealed box with 400w behind them?

 

I sat here and calculated that you'd need a sub with 120db efficiency to get 150db on 400watts. Then I remembered cabin gain....IDIOT...brain fart lol

 

ya i know im going to lose some, just wondering how much.

i dont think i need the highest end top of the line 150 db 8" i can get. So whats the populous's recommendation for an 8"? i dont know the dimensions of the cubby but anyone thats seen the 1st gen xcab knows what im talking about and might be able to give an idea. Also incase there was any confusion it would be the bigger of the two cubbys, just sayin.

 

I have an 8" JL W3. No complaints. I was pleasantly surprised with it. I haven't had anything else in the truck, but I'm coming from a 12" JL in my previous vehicle.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13693133/JL-Audio-CP108LG-W3v3.html?tp=112&nvpair=FFBrand|JL+Audio

 

If I were looking, I would be between the JBL GTO804, or the Alpine Type R 8. Let your budget decide, but I have doubts you would be disappointed with either.

 

Agreed. The Alpine will run you around $100, the JBL can be had for around $70. If you look at the threads on other forums the Alpine is considered by many to be one of the best 8" subs available. The JBL is probably the single best bargain in subs, and I can't remember hearing a single complaint. I have never heard one personally, but I have heard great things. There may be something comparable from Parts Express, but outside of that I don't think anything compares.

Nothing wrong with the JL 8", but I don't think it is the best bang for the buck either.

 

the apline looks great, and even its above my power level. the amp in only a 400 with 200 rms,

 

From what I understand, the Alpine requires a lot of power (350+) to really sing.

You didn't state what amp you have, but if it is stable at 2ohms you might consider going with a sub that has dual 4ohm voice coils. You could wire then wire it to 2ohms and likely get a little more out of your amp. The Polk MM840 and Alpine SWR-843D are both DVC subs with 4ohm voice coils. Alternatively, I think the JBL would still sound amazing with 200 watts behind it.

What is the model number of the amp you are currently using?

EDIT: I actually see you mentioned mono in your first post, though not explicitly stating you have a monoblock amp. If that is the case, it will almost certainly be stable at 2ohms, and less resistance could help you maximize your current amp.

 

If you are at 200rms, go with the JBL. I would go to the Type R with 400w available.

RMS, not peak or max watts.

And FYI - Amazon has the JBL for $55 shipped, and they are authorized last I checked.

 

Agreed, the JBL is actually quite efficient for an 8 (which is almost an oxymoron). If you can squeeze 400RMS at 2ohms out of that amp, like Keith said, get the type R in a dual 4ohm coils.

 

As stated above. I really loved the JBL GTO 8s I had a few years back. Very efficiant and great sounding. I do have a Type R I have been playing with and that thing is a monster. That sub is worth all the hype. For the money you cannot find a better 8in then the JBL. NOTHING at the price point will beat it.

 

alright, jbl it is then! thanks for all the help!