Subwoofer Sensitivity

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DrJoe
DrJoe Posts: 22
edited July 2007 in Car Subwoofer Talk
I've spent a lot of time looking at different subs and I was wondering about something. How important is the sensitivity rating of a subwoofer? For example, I was comparing the Rockford Fosgate T2 12 inch woofer, 1000 watts RMS with an 85db sensitivity, to a AudioBahn HIGH EXCURSION SERIES 12 inch woofer, 700 watts RMS With 95db sensitivity. I was wondering which of these would be louder.
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    idk man i got polk 15's and they are like 90 or 92 i think thats how loud it gets but then agin most subs are around 85-95
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited July 2007
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    Im not an engineer so I dont know for sure but Im guessing unless its stupid low like 60 db or something, its not much of a difference.

    Cause everybody rates their stuff differently and uses different standards so its hard to say.

    Generally, I ignore most specs aside from power ratings. That goes for amps as well. I figure anything in a good price range is going to be a good performer and all their specs will be up to snuff.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
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    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • DrJoe
    DrJoe Posts: 22
    edited July 2007
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    Speaking of sensitive speakers, has anyone ever used an instrument subwoofer out of a JBL cabinet or a Peavey? My father plays in a band and he has a few 15inch Peavey Black Widow subwoofers. They have sensitivity ratings between 97 and 100db. The 15 inch Black Widow gets louder with 150 watts RMS, then my 10inch woofer with 400 watts RMS.
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    cuz your 10 is ****......?
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  • michael_w
    michael_w Posts: 2,813
    edited July 2007
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    Keep in mind a 15 displaces a LOT more air than a 10.

    I wouldn't suggest taking apart speakers designed for a specific (like the jbl's or peavy's) just for a sub for your car. It might be loud, but for the money it'll probably sound terrible.
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  • DrJoe
    DrJoe Posts: 22
    edited July 2007
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    Yeah, I guess the size of the woofer has something to do with it. Surprisingly, the Peavey speaker sounds great. Either way, I was thinking of buying this sub http://www.audiobahn.com/Audiobahn06/pages/woofers.html , It's the high excursion series 15inch.
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    audiobahn subs are loud and pretty but they dont sound that good. i never heard one of them tho
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  • DrJoe
    DrJoe Posts: 22
    edited July 2007
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    I listen to mostly Hip-Hop so I just want allot of Boom. I'm going to go with a ported box.
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    iv only heard a few ported boxes but they seem to cut out alot of bass tones during songs but they are loud. they kinda make it feel like there is a lil ball bouncing in my ear. i hurts:(
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    if you really want boom you should buy a live band to ride around with you in your trunk
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  • DrJoe
    DrJoe Posts: 22
    edited July 2007
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    I'm going to have to get a bigger car.
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  • mirra540ryder
    mirra540ryder Posts: 136
    edited July 2007
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    id recomend a uhall
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