Which would you rather run?

dako · Post by **dako** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:30 am

I've decided to scale my system back to a single 12" seeing about 500 watts from a Tantrum 500.2

Here's my question, based on amp power to sub RMS. I'm a huge fan of both subs in question, but I'm trying not to let brand loyalty sway me too much here. I just want to see what you guys think would be the better matchup:

A single RSDc 12" at 4ohms, in a 1.3 net sealed enclosure

-or-

A single Fi Audio Q 12" at 4ohms (currently running this in a 1.46 net sealed enclosure) to the Tantrum 500.2

I guess my main concerns are whether or not the Fi Q will be getting enough wattage and reaching its potential, since its rating is 1000RMS, whereas the RSDc is 600RMS and has a much higher sensitivity rating than the Fi, albeit a lower xmax.

Which setup would you guys go with and why?

Post by **stipud** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:50 am

RSDC will do more with the power it is given, and will sound better too. It gets my marginally biased vote.

If you were keeping the T1200.1, then I would probably sway to the Fi.

dBincognito · Post by **dBincognito** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:53 am

I always have 40% more power than what I need.....I don't like to give my amps a workout.
So I would drop the Fi

dako · Post by **dako** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:08 am

RSDc = 2
Fi = 0

Thanks for the input so far guys. Stipud, I'll probably be staying within the 500 watt sub amp range for quite some time since I'm really enjoying the sound of an A/B amp vs the 1200.1

Honestly, I was really impressed with the output and have kind of come to realize that 2 12" subs have been unneccesary in my situation for quite some time. At my listening level (mostly moderate, sometimes loud) I really can't tell too much difference between a single 12" and two of them.

I plan on ordering a D2 RSDc as soon as I can find a good price out there on one. I'm marginally biased too, considering the RSDc seems to have more gusto and finesse handling the lows. Maybe it's just me, but I seem to be lacking a good electric bass reproduction on the Fi. It's a jackhammer on kick drums though.

Post by **stipud** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:52 am

I too am an A/B sub kinda guy. To me, they have always blended much better than digital amps.

On the same power, you're only adding 3dB with a second sub. You double the amount of trunk space you take up, you pay twice as much, and by distributing the power over two speakers, they are less controlled as well. All that for 3dB, which is barely an audible difference? No thanks. I used to be a two sub kinda person, but after I realized how irrational that "need" was, single sub setups have really grown on me. I don't think I would ever bother running a pair anymore.

Similarly, you also gain 3dB every time you double the power. So from 500w to 1000w, you only gain 3dB. But you now have to improve your power distribution to 0 gauge, get big batteries, alternators, etc. to support the bigger amps. Using the bridged rear channels of a 500.4 to power my subs was an eye opener... you don't need kilowatt setups to have a bloated bottom end. With two Xmax 12's, it was downright absurd, and could flex my roof.

I've also found that with the quick, punchy subs, you really end up giving up finesse on the bottom end. I agree, on kick drums it's absolutely hilariously wonderful to have that gatling-gun-to-the-abdomen feel of a really strong motored sub like the Xmax or Fi. But when you get on the lower stuff, it gets boomy, and stops sounding like music, and just sounds like a subwoofer.

I think the RSDC has just the right amount of tightness on upper bass, without the bloated punchiness in upper, or boominess in lower octaves. In fact, it seems to play consistently tight no matter what note you throw at it. The detail I can pick up is quite eye opening... explosions sound like explosions, bass guitars sound like bass guitars, and the kickdrum is blasting... all at the same time. My previous subs would usually mash that into a single confounded BLARP.

thedeal7235 · Post by **thedeal7235** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:07 pm

vote cast RSDC-( i think given the specs, imho, it would be more efficient for sub and amp)

Post by **mr tibbs** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:14 pm

Tough call, I haven't heard either of them but I hear good things about both. After playing around with the Dcon you might want to consider either that or an Icon as well.

Post by **Bfowler** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 2:16 pm

although it DOES have a lower xmax....the rsdc does still have a very good xmax.

i have never found a note it couldn't hit.

i have never listened to a fi...but i OD know the rsdc is an amazing sub

denim · Post by **denim** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 5:50 pm

Based on countless reviews the RSDc is an excellent choice, enough that even with this being PG friendly site it is a safe bet.

I have hands on experience with the Q, and it is an excellent driver also, it really excels in sealed boxes with some good power behind it. I love me some xmax, and both drivers have plenty. Honestly, the Fi SSD (if sticking with a Fi comparison) is a closer driver to the RSDc on both power and xmax.

So for my vote, add one in each row for each driver.

thedeal7235 · Post by **thedeal7235** » Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:46 pm

What are you doing tomorrow? must i drive to Tampa, so u can hear, or i should say FEEL 2 rsdc 10s with 12-1400 watts on'em? i will, u buy gas and coffee-Christian

dako · Post by **dako** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:54 am

Haha! Man if I didn't have to work, I'd totally be down with that.

thedeal7235 · Post by **thedeal7235** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:25 am

dako wrote:Haha! Man if I didn't have to work, I'd totally be down with that.

well, we should definetly met up soon,

dako · Post by **dako** » Wed Apr 22, 2009 9:49 am

Hopefully I can cruise out there sometime soon and hear your system.

dBincognito · Post by **dBincognito** » Fri May 01, 2009 7:20 pm

SO, got them installed yet or what ?

dBincognito · Post by **dBincognito** » Fri May 01, 2009 7:21 pm

Christian was rattling my windows just the other day with his 2 10's

freshkryp69 · Post by **freshkryp69** » Fri May 01, 2009 8:52 pm

hell yea they were...they sound great for 10's ported!! he has a great old school system...it definately took him awhile to get all that equipment in that Audi, kick ass old skool blended with some nu skool.. and it was all DIY...

dako · Post by **dako** » Sat May 02, 2009 4:49 am

Man...I feel like a chump. I ordered 2 RSDC122 subs and they're just sitting here in the computer room...I was going to have Fisher Customs build me a second box, exact to the specs of 1.17 cu ft after displacement, but right after getting order confirmation from him, he posted on the SSA forums that he's going on indefinite hiatus. If I had a table saw, I would go to town, but it looks like I'm going to have to find a different supplier...of enclosures haha.

Even though I've never been a ported kind of guy, I think it'd be fun to eventually get a ported enclosure for the Fi Q and see if it sounds as good ported as everyone says it does. The thing is pretty amazing sealed, but I know it's not reaching its potential shy of 500 watts from the Tantrum 500.2 I do have to say though, after having a month to break in, it's pretty detailed and musical.

The main differences I can tell though are the RSDc has more detailed presence at lower volumes. The Fi Q almost reminds me of a motorcycle's power band...You get to a certain volume and it's presence is REALLY felt and heard. However at lower volumes, it doesn't really seem to be there like the RSDc. I'm not sure if this can be chalked up to the RSDc having a higher sensitivity rating?

In the long run, I could definitely see dropping in the Fi Q for those days when you feel like being a complete show-off (just yesterday I blew this dude away at the stop light who started 'competing' with me...not even close buddy!) and I can see eventually having a single RSDc for my daily driver situation. I used to have a "comfort zone" with my old setup of the Tantrum 1200.1 and two RSDc subs sealed. It was about 21 out of 36 on the CDA-9887 head unit. Now it seems like with the Fi Q, I'm more like 26 out of 36 and the front stage is just too loud for me at that point. I guess this can all be chalked up to not enough power getting to the Fi Q to move it properly.

Hopefully soon I'll be able to get an enclosure built to spec. Or better yet, BJ will come out of hiding and decide to ramp up Fisher Customs again. I was totally blown away by the quality of the build when it arrived on my doorstep. The dude even shipped in a custom U-Line box with glued in foam corner pads on all sides. Serious business.