I just recently setup my system, new deck, subs, amp, components. But can't seem to really hit the lows. Here are the specs for my current setup:

Alpine IDA-X100 head unit
Infinity Reference series all around
Alpine MRP-M350 Amp
8 gauge power from battery to amp
Grounded to trunk (I sanded the paint down)
Zenclosure 2x10"
2x JL 10W3V2 4ohm

And here's how it's wired up inside the box:


The system hit's bass pretty good, rattles the rear view mirror and all but anytime I get some good low bass I can barely feel it.

Do I need a bigger amp?
Did I wire the subs wrong?
Or am I expecting too much from the W3v2's?

 

I think you are probably expecting a little too much out of the W3's. Your sub amp also only puts out 200wx1 RMS. I would get a bigger one especially if pushing 2 10's on it.

 

You should be driving these subs at a minimum of 300 Watts RMS and really should be at around 5-600 RMS (for both). Without correct power it will not hit right and will actually damage the speakers...

 

The amp description says if I hook up 2 subs it should be 350rms

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM...MRPM350&tp=115

 

Bigger amp is required...I basically have the same type of set up.
I have an X100, Infinity reference all around, 1 type R 10 in a Z enclosure.
I am using the Alpine PDX1 600 for the sub, and a PDX4 100 for the highs.
The sound is pure, and clean.

 

Problem #1: not enough power. Give the woofers at least 300w RMS EACH.

Problem #2: The woofers have a low XMAX, which means less low-end extension. Get woofers with 20mm+ XMAX, and a good power handling.

 

But the way you have them wired up is producing a 4 ohm load. In order to get the 350 rms you have to show the amp a 2 ohm load. Which you can't really do with 2 DVC 4 ohm subs. You can produce a 4 ohm or a 1 ohm which would smoke that amp.

You need moar power. Not really the best thing available but I would go with a 500/1 JL amp. I'm running a pair of Rockford P2 10's in my car off of one of those.

 

which is the bare minimum for both subs. to be in their efficiency range they should each be getting 225-325 RMS watts according to JL. That means you should spring for a 500W RMS amp.

 

Everyone agrees
You need a bigger amp.

 

Thanks for all the responses guys, I'm on the lookout for a 500/1 jl amp now.

 

Bigger amp, and then port them babies if you really want those lows to come alive.

 

if it hits well but just no lows, and i know he w3 well, whcih subbox do you have them in?

the w3s wants about .7 cubfeet each to sound best...and if you have zenenclsoure htatg goes totally under the strut, you wont have neough airspace.

low freq extension has a lot to do with box volume, but again as said above, expections is another thing.


acutally, if you want good lows, porthing them is NOT the way to go, sealed boxes, gets you much better ultra low freq extension than ported, ported works great for a bump in its tuning freq, but falls off drastically below it.

b

 

Not quite that simple. Porting such a small enclosure will not yield better results. Building a proper enclosure however, that is designed to work with the subwoofer's specs will give you lots of great, smooth bass at a specific tuned frequancy range. Yes, you can get a ported box to hit extremely low...at a large musical sacrifice though.

The W3's are not a great sub to begin with, but with the right power (as suggested) they should work fairly well in the Zen box. Other ways to increase your overall sound and bass:

- More power (please make sure to upgrade to at least 4 ga wire if you get the 500/1)
- a higher voltage pre-out. The Ipod decks only give you 2 volts if I remember correctly.
- Subs that will perform better in a small sealed enclosure
- Upgrade your grounds at the battery. Ok, may not make a measurable difference in sound quality but will help with electrical issues (or prevent them).