[Ali-E90]

Hi,
I'm going to be installing a sub in my e90 this weekend. Sub enclosure will go in the spare tire storage under the trunk floor. I know this may / may not be the ideal placement for the woofer, but for various reasons, that's where I've decided to install it.

Sub will be powered by a 300w RMS Punch amp (already owned and installed).

Ideally I want to go with a 12w3, I always find the 10" woofers look a little small visually. I do understand that the enclosure size will be too small for that 12w3, so wondering how much of a benefit I'll get if I get a 10w3 instead. I'm partial to JL audio due to past experiences (and the clean look of the woofer - it will be visible in the trunk).

I know the 10" in that enclosure will be closer to the woofer's "ideal" enclosure size, but how does a 10" in an ideal enclosure perform vs. a 12" in a small one?

Anyone got opinions / advice? Will a 10w3:
- Sound better than a 12" in that same sized enclosure?
- Sound louder?
- Hit Deeper / Lower? (I listen to hip hop, reggae, house, electronica)

Thanks!!!

[bmw325i]

Depends how small it is. In a sealed box it won't really matter if it is just a little too small. The 12 is the better choice if the size is close enough.

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Depends how small it is. In a sealed box it won't really matter if it is just a little too small. The 12 is the better choice if the size is close enough.

I'm not so sure it's close.
Enclosure will be approx 0.65-0.7 cubic feet.
10w3 calls for 0.65
12w3 calls for 1.25 (I think).

Will the 12 really be that bad? Lose out on some deep bass?

[kaigoss69]

The smaller enclosure will cause a peak at around 80 hz. The low frequency roll off will also be steeper, meaning the really low frequencies - which are present in the music you listen to - will not play as loud as in a larger box. There are much better subwoofers for such an application but if you have to stay with JL then I'd recommend the 10".

[Ali-E90]

Thanks Kaigoss!!
I'm particularly partial to JL because:
a) I have always had great experience with them in the past (most recently with 2x12w0)
b) I have a friend who is an authorized retailer, and can get me either 10w3 or 12w3 at a great price

Given my enclosure size will be very close to the recommended size for a 10w3, I think I will go with that.

Thanks to all!

[rightaway]

did you buy a box that fits in the spare tire hole or did you make your own?

[Ali-E90]

My installer is custom making it for me. I've seen a few other threads on the forum of people making their own with MDF and/or fiberglass.

[bmw325i]

A 12" alpine type s would work good in that box and can handle 500 watts rms for $100.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-SWS-12D4.html

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by bmw325i

A 12" alpine type s would work good in that box and can handle 500 watts rms for $100.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-SWS-12D4.html

Thanks! How does it perform compared to the W3? Need it to hit hard AND low!

[bmw325i]

I have 2 swr12d4's on 2200 watts in a ported box tuned to 33hz. Very happy with them. I had a 15" fi btl before and that got lower, but the type r's have better sq and actually get a little louder.

I'm not sure how the type s would compare to the 12w3 though. Ive used the older model and was able to get some decent output with just one in a sealed box. The power handling went up on the newer model from 300 watts to 500.

Maybe somebody that is good with winisd can compare them for you.

[Ali-E90]

On paper, the basic specs are very similar with the Type S and the W3. However, after searching online user reviews, I think it might be an unfair comparison. Sounds like the Type S is better suited against a W0 (or more entry level), while a Type R might be a better comparison for a W3 (I'm guessing).

After reading all the reviews, and considering my own personal bias (I've been a fan of JL for some time now, they haven't disappointed), I think I will stick with the 10W3.

IMO, I'd rather sacrifice the 12" to go for a 10" of a woofer that I'm personally happy with, than take a "risk" on a 12" I have no personal experience with.

Thanks again to everyone for contributing, and do feel free to continue to chime in with any additional thoughts and suggestions.

I love this forum. Such a great resource for us E9X owners.

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by Ali-323i

On paper, the basic specs are very similar with the Type S and the W3. However, after searching online user reviews, I think it might be an unfair comparison. Sounds like the Type S is better suited against a W0 (or more entry level), while a Type R might be a better comparison for a W3 (I'm guessing).

After reading all the reviews, and considering my own personal bias (I've been a fan of JL for some time now, they haven't disappointed), I think I will stick with the 10W3.

IMO, I'd rather sacrifice the 12" to go for a 10" of a woofer that I'm personally happy with, than take a "risk" on a 12" I have no personal experience with.

Thanks again to everyone for contributing, and do feel free to continue to chime in with any additional thoughts and suggestions.

I love this forum. Such a great resource for us E9X owners.

I'm sure you'll be happy either way. The alpine type r can handle 1000 watts rms whereas the 12w3 only handles 500 rms. The type s has the same power handling as the w3. Both the w3 and type s are entry level subs.

[sunmans]

A 10" sub has a tighter punch. A 12" sub is a tad slower but will play lower. (From my experience)

[Ali-E90]

Originally Posted by sunmans

A 10" sub has a tighter punch. A 12" sub is a tad slower but will play lower. (From my experience)

A 12" will play lower, IF it has the right sized box. A small box will result in the woofer not playing as low. That's why I ask the question if a 10" in a proper sized box will sound better / lower than a 12" in a smaller box than recommended.

In any case, I've decided to go 10". It will still hit low, so I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

[Viktimize]

If I wanted to stick something in that tiny little space, I would be going with the Boston Acoustic 10" slim sub. Doesn't need much space and it hits amazing for a 10" woofer.

Here is one for 95$ on the bay

http://www.ebay.com/itm/G110-4-BOSTO...item1c282e48d1

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by sunmans

A 10" sub has a tighter punch. A 12" sub is a tad slower but will play lower. (From my experience)

Not really true. It has more to do with the sub than the size of it. More cone area usually does mean more spl though.

[solidaudio1]

Anyone know how I can get the adaptor to add a sub for the HIFI system for 2009 335i? I just want to add a sub in the trunk.... thanks

[Viktimize]

Originally Posted by solidaudio1

Anyone know how I can get the adaptor to add a sub for the HIFI system for 2009 335i? I just want to add a sub in the trunk.... thanks

Get a sub and an amp, and use a LOC.