Off Topic Forums => General Chat => Automotive => Topic started by: mike96sc2 on October 03, 2006, 08:25:00 AM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: mike96sc2 on October 03, 2006, 08:25:00 AM
I couldn't find a difference between these two models. Maybe I'm blind though, anyone know of any differences?
I wasn't sure if I was going to go with JLs or the Alpines, but I think the Alpines sound good.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: C o s m o on October 03, 2006, 01:19:00 PM
I'm a HUGE fan of Alpine stuff. Can't go wrong with them. The 1242 are 4ohm. The 1222 are 2ohm.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 03, 2006, 01:34:00 PM
I would pick JLs hands down over ANYTHING alpine has to offer. I guess it's just me but I am very picky about sound quality and even the high end alpines distort way to early in the game for my tastes and produce a distorted "fuzz" that just bugs the shit out of me. Seriously, compare the highest end Alpine with a JL Audio W1 sub (entry line JL) and tell me you can't tell a difference in the clarity. You certainly can find subs with more power handling than JL has but it is difficult to find the quality that matches. I have had so many people try and tell me that their subs are comparable or better in sound quality, accuracy than JL, of course these are the people who think that Rockford Fosgate and MTX are great subs.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: C o s m o on October 03, 2006, 03:23:00 PM
I've never used JL, simply because I've had tremendous success with Alpine speakers. I have heard good things, however.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: mike96sc2 on October 03, 2006, 04:31:00 PM
My friends have had JL's here, I just haven't heard any in so long I can't really say yes I'd be happy with them. I have Kicker Comp's because I recalled them being pretty great, well I hadn't heard them in a long time and I didn't realize what I had heard were Solo-barics before they turned to the square design.
I'm running about 720watts RMS per channel so I need something that can handle it.
Maybe I can find a JL dealer in the area so I can compare. The R's I've heard at Best Buy and I know their speakers have been great for everyone who has them.
Further advice tho, sealed or vented box? I don't want a ported or bandpass box, but my current subs are in a sealed box and I'm just not happy enough with the sound.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 04, 2006, 03:51:00 PM
By not being happy with the sound, what exactly do you mean? Sealed are by far the best for accuracy and clarity, not to mention these type of enclosures require the least amount of airspace. I personally prefer this type of enclosure since it caters to the type of subs that I prefer. Ported enclosures sacrifice some clarity and accuracy but definitely adds some more thump to the sub. Bandpass gives you maximum thump but really sacrifices clarity and accuracy (not to mention it requires the most airspace of any of the enclosures. If my memory serves me correctly the kicker competition subs are very good for accuracy but don't pack quite as much punch as most other subs. BTW what kind of amp are you running? A good sub is nothing without clean power.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: mike96sc2 on October 07, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
Just my current subs have an okay sound but they could use a little more bump to them too.
I'd like to feel a little more boom but I obviously don't want any bandpass crap.
I'm willing to sacrifice a little sound for a little more power, but not too much. I've heard some vented setups in-store before and they weren't too bad, so I'm thinking more of going that route.
Luckily I found a place here that sells Alpine and JL equipment both so I can compare side-by-side and maybe get their advice too.
The problem I run into is when I'm in-store it sounds great but when I've got it installed I'm always wishing I had spent a little more or gotten a little more boom. I've just got too many sets here laying around from when I was sure it sounded great only to find it wasn't quite right and upgraded later.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 08, 2006, 11:28:00 AM
IMO i would mess around with your current setup before buying all new equipment. a different box could make a world of difference. maybe you dont have enough air space required by your subs or not the correct type of box. usually ported boxes have a little more "bump" to them. also try tuning the sound with your head unit and amp settings to try to get a better sound.
to actually get the full effect of the the subs you have to try them out in your car. all subs will sound different in the store than in your car. JL is a good choice. the W7's sound amazing.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: mike96sc2 on October 08, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
Well I have entry-level Kicker's right now, and I've blown them too many times to count I've had to keep replacing them. Ideally I have these sold I just need payment then I'll be just spending the money I made from selling them for my new stuff.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 09, 2006, 01:29:00 AM
QUOTE(mike96sc2 @ Oct 8 2006, 04:02 AM)
Just my current subs have an okay sound but they could use a little more bump to them too.
I'd like to feel a little more boom but I obviously don't want any bandpass crap.
I'm willing to sacrifice a little sound for a little more power, but not too much. I've heard some vented setups in-store before and they weren't too bad, so I'm thinking more of going that route.
Luckily I found a place here that sells Alpine and JL equipment both so I can compare side-by-side and maybe get their advice too.
The problem I run into is when I'm in-store it sounds great but when I've got it installed I'm always wishing I had spent a little more or gotten a little more boom. I've just got too many sets here laying around from when I was sure it sounded great only to find it wasn't quite right and upgraded later.
What are you running your subs in (are they in a trunk)? If so then they will never sound as good as they do in the store. Also keep in mind that most stores do some pretty underhanded shit to make the sale (ie running it through a deck and an amp that run $1000 each). So be sure to have them run it through some lower end stuff or something that is comparable to the setup in your car/truck. As for feeling more boom, JLs will certainly solve that problem, JLs definitely have more bite than the entry line kickers (even JLs entry line subs). Also keep in mind that your subs are only as good as your deck/amp so if they are just average, then it doesn't matter how good your subs are they are never going to reach their full potential. This is one of the reasons why I always ask people to clarify exactly what they intend to use their car systems for (ie competition, loud blaring bass that can be heard for blocks, type of music they listen to, ect) as it makes a world of difference with what you go for. Most seem to think that they just need to go out and get as much wattage for as little money as possible. This is a common fallacy as few actually look at the important stuff ie THD ratings (Total Harmonic Distortion) or what power rating it has at what voltage. Alot of companies cheat on their ratings and use 13.8V or 14.4V scales to rate their power. Those who use 12.5V ratings are far more accurate. Anyways so what brand/model of amp are you running? What deck?
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 09, 2006, 01:56:00 PM
exactly. also i hate people who go out and buy really cheap stuff and complain the next week when they break. if you are going to buy cheap stuff dont run them at full potential. run them at like 3/4 power or something. no offense to anybody, its just my opinion.
anyway i like to buy things in steps and not all at once. like i bought my deck (Panasonic) first then i purchased my interior speakers (Memphis). next summer im saving up for the bass part of the setup. 2 Eclipse SW7200 12" subs with a Memphis MD-1100. plus the box, wiring, power cap, etc.
i would go JL but there to expensive for me.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 10, 2006, 11:36:00 PM
Really? Last I checked Eclipse were pretty comparable in price to JL.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 11, 2006, 01:38:00 PM
i can get those Eclipse SW7200 12 inch subs for around $300 (at the most) a piece. and the JL W7's 12 inch are around $600.
anyway, a ported box will give you more "bump". also some ported boxes have ports that can be tuned to different frequencies.
This post has been edited by CJLee89: Oct 11 2006, 08:51 PM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 16, 2006, 04:37:00 PM
Ah true, I keep forgetting about the W7 series which is pretty much in a class of it's own. I guess it's just me but I wouldn't get a W7 unless I was planning on entering competitions. You are correct that a ported enclosure will bring out more bass, unfortunately you need more airspace and you do sacrifice some accuracy. I just prefer sealed enclosures but that's because I am a real stickler for quality. I really miss my old setup that I had with my RX-7. It was perfect for my needs. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)
This post has been edited by jesterrace777: Oct 16 2006, 11:39 PM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 16, 2006, 06:35:00 PM
yeah....W7's are freaking loud. (i personally do not own any but i have friends that do). but you have to remember that if you get subs that run at a higher watts (RMS) you are going to have to spend that much more money on an amp to power them. an amp that doesnt have enough power for the subs can potentially damage the subs. as will to much power (obviously).
ported = more "bump", less acuracy
sealed = less "bump" than ported, more accuracy
band-pass = a combo between the two
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 18, 2006, 08:11:00 PM
Yeah, but accuracy sucks in a bandpass (worst of all configurations for accuracy) but it is the best if you are just looking for maximum thump. I have heard a number of different bandpass setups and I have yet to hear one that I liked just because I am an accuracy fanatic. I have heard some ported setups that weren't bad though. Good point on the W7s, that is one of the reasons why I won't get one. That is just too much power for my tastes. At some point you just have to realize what is practical for daily driving. Besides making yourself go deaf before you are 30, there are other things to consider (such as most places have noise ordinance) and VERY HEFTY FINES for those with stereos that are too loud. True, the mute button comes in handy but it won't always save you.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 19, 2006, 08:09:00 AM
two 550 watt RMS subs is perfect for me. running about 1100watt RMS amp to them. where i live the police will stop you and give you a warning or ticket if your music is to loud. the mute button sometimes works but i like to use the gain (remote i my setup) control to turn the subs down as well as the mute button.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 20, 2006, 10:03:00 AM
400watts of clean power is plenty for me. I really miss my old setup.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 20, 2006, 10:17:00 AM
its all about how much power you want and what you are comfortable driving with. my cousins car is so loud your vision blurs as you are going down the road. we dont drive with it that loud of course, we turn down the gain a little so its comfortable.
what was your old setup?
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: bigjimmy on October 20, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
Well i have 2 12" Fusion Jonah Lomu (05 model) subs, and theyre ummm fairly loud lol to say the least. Thre running from a Soundstream XTA.880 amp. I have heard the type R's before, but only in the shop and they were pretty good.
Too bad i have to wait till i get a car. Plus i think the sound system will be worth more than the car lol theyre currently in my room, and they shake the crap out of the house.
Cant wait to start entering SPL comps and everything.... of course ill need a better amp for that lol
I really prefer fusion over alpine and JL. Mainly cause I like green lol
This post has been edited by bigjimmy: Oct 21 2006, 02:34 AM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on October 21, 2006, 10:18:00 AM
QUOTE(CJLee89 @ Oct 20 2006, 05:17 PM)
its all about how much power you want and what you are comfortable driving with. my cousins car is so loud your vision blurs as you are going down the road. we dont drive with it that loud of course, we turn down the gain a little so its comfortable.
The car itself wasn't anything special but the soundsystem sure was nice. On page 3.
This post has been edited by jesterrace777: Oct 21 2006, 05:19 PM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on October 22, 2006, 04:51:00 PM
that box looked sweet from what i could see of it (i think that is the point). looks good man!
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: mike96sc2 on December 11, 2006, 09:48:00 PM
I went with 2 12" Type R's for now. I am running 1800 watts RMS out of my amps so it wasn't so much a lack of power and whatnot. My Clarion deck was top of the line when I purchased it last year. I'm happy with the response, the lows hit a lot lower than before, and they come in a lot earlier. The clarity is very nice too. I didn't want stupid thump, but I did want to be able to enjoy my music and feel it a little as well.
The only thing that sucks now is I have a pair of Kicker Comps in my closet with my old Infinity Perfect subwoofer and amps as well. Now if only I knew a place to sell them besides eBay I'd be in business. Anyone looking for some subs? lol. Thanks for the help everyone.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on December 12, 2006, 01:59:00 PM
you went with 1800 watts and it doesnt thump. you must have the gain turned down extremely low. thats a moderate amount of power.
just to add my cousin just got done putting in 10 12" (Memphis MClass). imnot sure what is pushing them but its in a freaking ford festiva. the thing is amazingly loud and very uncomfortable to sit in but i like it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
This post has been edited by CJLee89: Dec 12 2006, 10:02 PM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: jesterrace777 on December 12, 2006, 09:06:00 PM
Unless you are deaf or listening to music with absolutely no bass whatsoever, something is seriously wrong if you are pushing 1800 watts and it doesn't thump. My two 10" JL Audios packed a hell of a puch with only 400 watts running to them (provided I was listening to music with lots of bass and had things tweaked right).
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on December 14, 2006, 10:57:00 AM
no joke. that is alot of power for not thumping. check your wiring and your amp and head unit settings. check to make sure you have the RCAs hooked up to the sub out on your head unit. pop in a bass heavy CD. bass mechanics preferably. [lol]
This post has been edited by CJLee89: Dec 14 2006, 06:59 PM
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on December 14, 2006, 08:12:00 PM
also make sure the sub level on you head unit is turned up.
Title: Alpine Type R Subwoofers
Post by: CJLee89 on January 16, 2007, 08:39:00 PM
QUOTE(DeadPrez @ Jan 16 2007, 07:49 PM)
Cj, What panasonic deck did you get ?... I've got the 9701u, best frikken thing that ever hit my car lol.. i'm looking into getting two 12" sw7200 with a custom built fibreglass enclosure .. mmm.. luv fibreglass.. !
CQ-C5301U. i dont think they make it anymore but it has automatic flipdown screen for disc insertion. audio outputs, sub output, etc. i dont have subs at the moment but it runs Memphis PR components up front and Memphis PR 3-ways in the rear deck. it sounds really amazing even in cold weather before you speakers are warmed up.
for soon to come subs: 2 12" Memphis PR subs with a 500W PR mono block amp. putting 250W to each speaker in a sealed box. BUMP BUMP!!!!