Phoenix Gold Phorum

I'm looking for a sub (or 2) to round out my car stereo and got clued into PG subs after receiving numerous suggestions and reading rave reviews. I listen to all types of music and would like the subs to sound nice and tight when listening Carter Beauford's (Dave Matthews Band) tight drumming licks but also be able to crank the bass when cruising down the street to some old school hip-hop.

I was originally thinking of running 2 PG RSdC 10s in a ported box built to "SQL" specifications but am somewhat concerned about the current that the necessary 1200W of power (would prob go w/ the PG RSD1200.1 or equivalent amp) would draw from my electrical system. My alternator cranks out 110 amps and I'm using the stock battery w/ absolutely no plans to upgrade my vehicle's electrical system (so please no recommendations to pull off "the big 3" or otherwise...I'm not that mechanically inclined and I've already poured enough money into this project as it is).

I currently have an Alpine PDX-4.100 (4x100W) and am afraid that my electrical system will not be able to handle the 1200W necessary to power 2 of these subs. For those of you who have 2 RSdCs, please let me know your thoughts and experiences in terms of electrical issues, etc.

Unless someone can convince me that I won't have any electrical issues with 2 subs, I was just going to go with 1 sub @ 600W. In a 2002 Pathfinder, how would a single RSdC 10" or 12" sound compared to the twin 10s? If I did go with a single sub, while a 12" will have more output, I'm afraid that it won't sound as tight as a 10". Keep in mind that I'm partial to a ported box no matter what sub I choose. With that being said, would you recommend a single 10" or 12" RSdC based on my current vehicle/system setup (see my signature) and musical tastes?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhh, decisions, decisions. I guess I'm looking for some sound guidance (pun intended) based on people's experiences with these PG subs as to what setup I should go with. Thanks in advance.

Erik

i think even with only running 600w and the pdx you still may have dimming of the lights. the fact that they are both class d amps will help. the rsdc subs have great output and sound. the 12 can be plenty tight but the box must be done right. as for the big 3 im only 2 hours south of you and would do it for you for free if you drove down when it gets warmer. all you would need is to supply what is needed.

BFowler is the resident RSDC expert, he can answer most (if not all) RSDC questions you have.

As for the current draw of a 1200w amp... thats where it gets a little tricky.

If your not listening to music at full tilt (I.e. if your not using all 1200w) your not really drawing the full amperage of the amp. you can do the math relatively quickly ( i = w / v) v = voltage, i = amps, w = watts

So if your running 1200w/14.4v = 83.3amps however... as was pointed out in another thread that I personally never thought about - Amps have a % efficiency - and music is dynamic (i.e. it isnt a constant current draw)

IMO - you should be fine running a 1200w amp - if you do the big 3 - without a new alternator.

Also - the RSDC dont need MAX wattage to really hammer. I have never heard more than 500w going to a pair in a sealed enclosure in a 4Runner and it was LAF (loud as f*ck), but I dont have a TON of experience with them yet. I am going to be running 325 to my RSDC 10's but, Bfowler will be able to tell you from his personal experience how they sound on the power your looking at.

I have a pair of RSdC124's running in 2 ohm stereo from an M100, that's roughly 230W RMS each. But in reality, I have the amp putting out way less power since music is dynamic and I have the LPL (gain attenuation) turned waaaay down most of the time.

Every time you double the power, you can roughly expect 3db volume increase. This isn't perfect and it's not always true due to environment factors (cabin gain, etc.) and what not but it's a decent rule of thumb.

1200W for two subs will be fine but it's not necessary unless you crave bass, in which case you'd probably be someone willing to invest in the power system capable of handling the increased demand for watts incurred by massive amps.

so do you all think 1 10" or one 12" would be better ?

Pug}{maN wrote:so do you all think 1 10" or one 12" would be better ?

if your definitely going to run a single - make it a 12 - the extra cone area makes a big difference.

HEY ANOTHER PATHY OWNER

TELL ME- IS IT SILVER and an LE ???

I love mine- just had to do trail arm bushings though

have a look what i did to mine:
http://phoenixphorum.com/my-02-nissan-pathy-vt5764.html
(show off - hehe )

IMO two 12's, but do appreciate your concern/apprehension

MHyde-

WOW YOUR INSTALL IS AWESOME!!!

I am very seriously in love with your pathy. I have a 2002 Black LE and have nowhere near enough talent to do anything remotely close to your install. Hell, I'm proud of myself for simply routing the 14 gauge through the doors.

Anyway, I talked to BFowler and will be doing a 12" ported. I'm still having a little trouble designing the enclosure however, as WinISD isn't giving me a good looking curve unless I tune it to below 26 Hz (23 Hz to be exact). While I'm sure the sub can handle it and play well at that frequency, I'm just uncomfortable tuning a sub that low as I've NEVER heard of anyone tuning a ported box below 28 Hz (with most people aiming for between 32 and 35 Hz).

Let me know if you guys have any experience with the RSdC 12" in a ported box and what enclosure specs you used. I've always had sealed boxes and for this project wanted to run a ported design, although WinISD is really playing with my head as it isn't agreeing with PG's recommended box specs.

PS - I might also throw this topic up as a new thread

if you model any of the rsd or rsdc with it it will be way different than pgs specs. i only ever ran mine sealed so i cant help you with porting specs.

Vented Enclosure Volume (single subwoofer)
RSdC122/124
SQ
2.5 cu ft
3 in / 11.8 in port

SPL
0.79 cu ft
3 in / 9.3 in

Those are the specs PG gives for the RSDC 12 for box size and port size/length

Here is a link to the full Manual (which includes the T/S parameters, physical dimensions, and recommended enclosures.

Its a whopper 23MB (for only 8 pages?).

http://download.phoenixphorum.com/Manua ... manual.pdf

im getting the 12" now also, but im going to run mine in a sealed...

if you where doing a rsdc 12" if the box was 15.25x15.5x13.25 , that would give you 1.179 with the 0.13 Driver Volume with 3/4 mdf...

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