Need opinions on subs - Please :)

Hey guys.

I'm looking for some feedback here since I don't really know much about Audio

Current setup:
Phoenix Gold Octane R 5.0:1 Amp
specs on above amp - Look for 5.0:1
2 x JBL GT120 subs
Specs on Abov subs

Looking to upgrade to:
Phoenix Gold Octane R 8.0:1 Amp
specs on above amp - Look for 8.0:1

I don't have any intention of competing in SPL competitions or anything like that. Just looking for a nice clean bump and a reliable setup with a reasonable pricetag. My subs are NOT reverse mounted, pics of my current setup can be seen here:
Close Up
Far Away

What are people's opinions on the following subs?
a) AUDIOBAHN AW122N ($99 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
b) AUDIOBAHN AW1200V ($169 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
c) Audiobahn AW121T ($99 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
d) PHOENIX GOLD OCTANE-R 12D ($69 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
e) Keep the current subs. There's not much difference in any of the above.
 
The difference between 500w and 800w isn't that much. If 500w isn't cutting it for you, I would suggest finding something that puts out 1000-1200w.

I don't see anything wrong with your current subs. I would rather see you keep them than buy Audiobhan subs (which are a step down IMO). If you do upgrade, consider paying a little more per sub for a brand like JL Audio, Eclipse, or Image Dynamics.
 
Good to know. Wasn't sure about Audiobahn. I've heard the name a lot, but I wondered how they were as far as quality goes. I totally understand that JL and Infinity, etc. are the way to go for quality, but they're not really in the budget right now (unless I was to go with 2 x JL Audio 12W1V2, but those are only recommended for about 150 - 175 RMS each).

Thanks for the advice so far.
 
i'd definitely recomend saving up. what you have listed is definitely a downgrade. the subs you have now are actually pretty good subs, and they'd be hard to beat for under $200/pair.

whats your reason for wanting to change your subs?
 
well, what brought this on was that my amp blew. Instead of just replacing the amp, I thought that I might as well upgrade it. Then I sarted thinking, if I'm upgrading the amp, maybe I can do the subs at the same time. But the subs aren't necessary, it was just an option, and I can always continue to save and just upgrade the subs later (With something good instead of a half-assed "upgrade". So that's why I'm asking for opinions since I admit that I don't really know much about audio and I'm sure there are many people on this board that do.

So I guess my next question is:
Now that I've got the new amp on order 8.0:1, what can I do to avoid blowing my subs with the extra power of the amp? Obviously I shouldn't crank the volume too loud, but are there any other tricks, or do I even need to worry about that?
 
Its not that much extra volume, they should be fine. If you hear lots of mechanical noise (ie the sub bottoming out, pinging, or making other odd sounds) then you might want to turn it down.
 
It would be foolish to go from JBL to Audioburn IMO. Keep what you got, power them effectively and rock that P5 hardcore dude!! :)
 
hold up a second, your subs are dual 4 ohm VC's and your old amp puts out 500 watts into a 2 ohm mono load. chances are you are running either a 1 ohm or 4 ohm load at the amp. how are your subs wired? option 1 or 2:

2_4ohmDVC_1ohm.gif


2_4ohmDVC_4ohm.gif


if it's option 1, that's probably what fried your amp. when you get the new amp, wire it like option 2.
 
^ to be honest, I'm not sure how it's wired since I didn't do the install. I took it to a shop to make the custom enclosure and install everything. I'll check it out once I get the new amp and get ready to hook it up though.
 
Scooter_TO said:
Hey guys.

I'm looking for some feedback here since I don't really know much about Audio

Current setup:
Phoenix Gold Octane R 5.0:1 Amp
specs on above amp - Look for 5.0:1
2 x JBL GT120 subs
Specs on Abov subs

Looking to upgrade to:
Phoenix Gold Octane R 8.0:1 Amp
specs on above amp - Look for 8.0:1

I don't have any intention of competing in SPL competitions or anything like that. Just looking for a nice clean bump and a reliable setup with a reasonable pricetag. My subs are NOT reverse mounted, pics of my current setup can be seen here:
Close Up
Far Away

What are people's opinions on the following subs?
a) AUDIOBAHN AW122N ($99 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
b) AUDIOBAHN AW1200V ($169 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
c) Audiobahn AW121T ($99 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
d) PHOENIX GOLD OCTANE-R 12D ($69 USD for the pair + shipping, brokerage, taxes, etc.)
Specs on above subs
e) Keep the current subs. There's not much difference in any of the above.

Go with C or buy the AW1206t subs from audiobahn.
 
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