What to expect from a 8" Subwoofer?
 

I'm debating about throwing in a small subwoofer in the back of my car.
Right now, I have an older Alpine MRP-F300 4 channel amp powering a set of components. At 4 ohms, I think I can get 150 watts RMS bridged with the remaining two channels I have left.

All I want is some bass so that the sound is not distorted. Typically, I listen to rock, electronica, hip hop, jazz in that order. I don't want to really rattle my trunk and need the space for my sports gear.

You guys think it is worth it? Should I look for a 10" sub that is around 150 watts RMS? If my amp can handle 150 watts RMS, does that mean, ideally I want to find a sub with that exact number or should it be a little bit below?


http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-MRP-F300-4-Channel-Watts-Amplifier/dp/B0013TVALU
I'm looking at this subwoofer:

Kicker 10C84 (10C8-4) 8" Single 4 ohm Car Subwoofer

OR

Alpine SWR-843D (SWR843D) 8" Dual 4 ohm Type-R Car Subwoofer/Sub

I would have to suggest this Car Audio - Subwoofer Systems - MircoSub? »
Not only is it a W3, but it comes in a properly built, tunes & ported box for maximum efficiency. It's our most popular selling box.
Come to one of the stores for a listen with 150 watts. It's truly amazing!

Cool, I'll come by. You think my amp can power that sufficiently?

Modern 8s do much more than they used to. They've made quite the comeback in the last few years and all the big names (not big companies) make 8s. I did a ported ARC 8 in a spare tire for a friend that took up no room at all, and put a small 500w amp on it, and it does amazing. blends well with his 6.5" milles up front.

I also did a Type-R 8 sealed in a 95 cherokee that took up no room and he's having great results as well.

I'd go to Sounds Good and see what they have, you'll be surprised at how much output an 8 can have, and still sound great.

We also got a bunch of Digital Designs pre-loaded 8" and 10" enclosures in stock. They are small, efficient and are exceptionally loud and sound great too!

Gotta love choices. :)

^^ I should have sampled the 8's at your shop last time I was there. I've never heard an 8 in person and is really curious what kinda output it has in a sealed box given the same amount of power as a bigger sub. Seems way easier to store and much less weight compared to a 10 or 12.

An 8 won't keep up with a 10" much less a 12". Unless you really can fit it.

Really comes down to music tastes. I'd say for most people an 8" is not enough. I just had some customer have an 8" sub custom built into the rear deck (he insisted on it being enough because internet told him so). Fast forward 2 weeks later, he realized the limitations of the 8" and now upgrading again and having another box redone.

We all have different music tastes. Some like low bass, some like LOUD ass bass, some like loud and low, some like punchy. Some dude that listens to classical isn't going to have the same setup as some dude that listen to 2Chainz. I've never personally thought any 8" sub is enough for my music tastes (heavy metal, hip hop, trance). I've heard amazing sounding 8" subs, but still lacks the bottom end and the umph I like. Again, to each their own.

I love 8's A pair of 8's is even better. An 8 in a ported box tuned just a little lower then the FS of the driver and an amp with a subsonic filter set at about the same works very well.

I put one of those $249 DD 8" subs in a DD ported enclosure in my fit and it is simply stunning!
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My friend has a single 8" getting fed 1.5K rms and it sounds like a 12", its all about install and enclosure.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...8/image22.jpeg

an 8 or pair of 8's is perfect for everyday listening

I used to have a pair of Orion 8s in an MDF plate screwed down over my old GLC's spare tire well... shook that little car pretty good!

Ain't nothing wrong with 8s as long as you design around them properly.

agree with gramser, it's all about the install and amount of power you feed it.