new help selecting 10" subwoofer

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

matt33

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Posts
246
Reaction score
133
Location
NE PA
need help selecting 10" subwoofer

I love my Raptor, but the OEM sound system is lacking. I replaced the OEM speakers (base system, non-Sony) with Polk DXI's which helped somewhat, but now I'm really lacking bass. I'm 36 years old and I'm not looking to be heard outside the truck, I just want something which will sound outstanding inside the truck. I plan on adding a 4 x 45w Alpine amp to power the four Polk 5x7's, but I need to come up with a stealthy way to add some quality bass. I've pretty much decided to get a custom box built for one 10" sub that will go under the rear seat, but I'm not sure which sub to buy. My local installer specializes in JL Audio and Alpine. I've selected a class D Alpine MRX-M50 mono amp for the sub (mounted behind the rear seat), but I'm not sure which 10" sub to go with. He is steering my toward this new Alpine Type S 10" sub which he says should work well for me:
Alpine SWS-10D2 Type-S 10" subwoofer with dual 2-ohm voice coils at Crutchfield.com

These Alpines are pretty new, because of this there aren't many reviews for them. The installer also said that JL Audio's entry level 10W0Dv3 are also very good for the money.
JL Audio 10W0v3-4 W0v3 Series 10" 4-ohm subwoofer at Crutchfield.com

I definitely value sound quality over loudness/boominess. Besides talk radio (getting old I guess), I listen to mostly rock (Shinedown, G n' R, Metallica) and some country. I don't really feel the need to spend a ton on a sub because I'm sure there is something out there for $150 or less which will be suitable for me. Any input you guys have would be great. Thanks!

BTW, is there a frf of car stereo websites? Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:

CrownOffroad

FRF Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Apr 9, 2012
Posts
1,025
Reaction score
638
Location
San Diego, CA
I have run Alpine systems and JL Audio systems in quite a few of my vehicles. IMHO JL just makes a better product. I also think their subs are cleaner/tighter bass response vs the Alpine. I also like the sound quality of JL speakers. Another company to look into (and I know there are a ton of guys on here that have them and love them) are the Focal line up of speakers. Just my $.02.
 

NickPic83

FRF Addict
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Posts
9,639
Reaction score
2,442
Location
Rockland County NY
look into the sundown subs. i just picked up 2-10's for $300 shipped and the hit very hard and deep but are just as tight as a JL sub. they are shallow without being a "shallow" sub. i think they r 4.75" deep. i am really impressed with them.
SD-2 Series

there are many places that will sell a box for a single 10" sub. u can try these guys.
Check Out Our Products!

they r building me a box right now to go under my rear seat in my screw that will fit 2-10" subs that will say SVT Raptor across the front and will be wrapped in carbon fiber vinyl. they build the box out of MDF then they coat the inside in fiberglass to full seal and stregthen the box. the price they gave me is very good almost the same price as what other places charge for a basic plain MDF box. give them a shout on tell them Nick from NY with the raptor told u to call, i might help...

ill be sure to post pics when it arrives and after it is installed
 
OP
OP
M

matt33

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Posts
246
Reaction score
133
Location
NE PA
I ended up ordering a JL Audio 10" W3 series today. I figured I might as well spend a little more on the sub to make sure I get the sound I'm looking for. I get the whole system installed on 6/15. I thought about doing it myself, but the shop's labor is only $160 for the whole job (installing both amps and the sub/box); they've been in business for a long time and have a great rep. I'll post a range report once I get everything installed.
 

NickPic83

FRF Addict
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Posts
9,639
Reaction score
2,442
Location
Rockland County NY
I ended up ordering a JL Audio 10" W3 series today. I figured I might as well spend a little more on the sub to make sure I get the sound I'm looking for. I get the whole system installed on 6/15. I thought about doing it myself, but the shop's labor is only $160 for the whole job (installing both amps and the sub/box); they've been in business for a long time and have a great rep. I'll post a range report once I get everything installed.

are they going to be able to get enough mounting depth? that sub is just barely under 6" deep. not trying to bash at all JL is a great choice, just looking out
 
OP
OP
M

matt33

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Posts
246
Reaction score
133
Location
NE PA
are they going to be able to get enough mounting depth? that sub is just barely under 6" deep. not trying to bash at all JL is a great choice, just looking out

He measured everything and said that it will fit. He said the box in about 6.25" tall and the sub needs about 5.8". He said he'll make sure it works well or he won't let the truck out the door. Do you foresee any problems with these dimensions? I'm really new at this, any guidance would be appreciated.
 

NickPic83

FRF Addict
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Posts
9,639
Reaction score
2,442
Location
Rockland County NY
no i dont see a problem with it as long as he can make it fit and also builds the box to spec for airspace. r u doing a sealed box?

here are some specs
Minimum Sealed Box Volume 0.625 cubic feet
Maximum Sealed Box Volume 0.625 cubic feet
Minimum Ported Box Volume 1.25 cubic feet
Maximum Ported Box Volume 1.25 cubic feet
Top-Mount Depth 5.93"
Cutout Diameter 9.0625"

if he is a good audio installer i wouldnt wrry about it. i am sure its doable. that W3 is alot more than the $150 u wanted to spend. thats a great sub i am sre u will love it.
 
OP
OP
M

matt33

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2011
Posts
246
Reaction score
133
Location
NE PA
no i dont see a problem with it as long as he can make it fit and also builds the box to spec for airspace. r u doing a sealed box?

here are some specs
Minimum Sealed Box Volume 0.625 cubic feet
Maximum Sealed Box Volume 0.625 cubic feet
Minimum Ported Box Volume 1.25 cubic feet
Maximum Ported Box Volume 1.25 cubic feet
Top-Mount Depth 5.93"
Cutout Diameter 9.0625"

if he is a good audio installer i wouldnt wrry about it. i am sure its doable. that W3 is alot more than the $150 u wanted to spend. thats a great sub i am sre u will love it.
The box will be sealed. He and I reviewed the same spec's you posted. He assured me that it will be a great set up. This lead tech has worked for this well respected shop for 13 years. They have a great rep in the community, so I'm not too concerned, I'm just really excited to get everything installed.

I did break my budget for the sub (it was around $220 at the shop), but everyone I spoke with said the JL 10" w3 series will give me the sound I'm looking for.
 

NickPic83

FRF Addict
Joined
Jan 31, 2012
Posts
9,639
Reaction score
2,442
Location
Rockland County NY
hell yeah the W3 will hit hard and JL has some of the cleanest tightest bass out as far as mainstream names go. u wont be disappointed. like i said i wasnt bashing just making sure the sub would fit. its a tight squeeze under there. be sure to share pics when done
 

JHlebica

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2012
Posts
50
Reaction score
3
Location
NH
I would go with the JL sub. It is what I am planning on putting in my truck
 
Top