Any thoughts on the X-max subs?

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:02 pm

Back in 1996 when I was still installing, the PG Sales Rep brought into our shop a pre-release X-Max 12". We slapped it in a 1 cube sealed box and, since I was the only one with a stereo not in the midst of a re-build, hooked it up to the ZPA0.5 i was running.
Visually, this sub was ultra impressive (Massive Excursion)... but sonically it sucked. Apparently, since this was a pre-release unit, all the bugs hadn't been worked out; I guess the cone was out of alignment and was causing all sorts of distortion and self-canceling waves.
This was the only X-max I ever got to witness.
Did anyone else have any experience with them?
I'd love to run a pair if I could ever find them.

Just looking for some feedback,
Cheers!!

Post by **stipud** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:14 pm

I had a pair of 12's and a pair of 10's. Great subs. GOBS of output on little power, and lots of attack. Probably one of the most aggressive subs I've heard... double bass kick drums were abusive to say the least. They are definitely boomier on deep bass, and don't hold a candle to my new RSD comp, but they are still one of my favorite woofers.

Post by **Bfowler** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:39 pm

they remind me of alumapro subs. very accurate and loud, but since they have such a light cone, the low end roll of is pretty significant

Post by **Rold Gold** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:43 pm

I run a 15 in my civic the rear of my Ta600.4 and it rocks!!!!!!!

flogger11 · Post by **flogger11** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 2:53 pm

Bfowler wrote:they remind me of alumapro subs. very accurate and loud, but since they have such a light cone, the low end roll of is pretty significant

Having owned both xmax 12's and alumapo's, i really agree. Fast and tight, dont dig low...

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:11 pm

I'm trying to build a system that leans more towards SQ, so I was thinking a pair of X-Max 10's in a sealed box running off a single MS275 would work well

Post by **stipud** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 5:54 pm

I had nearly that exact setup in a friend's car, with the subs ported... and my god did it ever rock. One of the only ported installs I really liked for SQ as well as SPL.

itchnertamatoa · Post by **itchnertamatoa** » Tue Aug 12, 2008 10:39 pm

if you can find a pair of tens, go for it
they're really great subs, I still have mines, from stipud, and love them

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 4:15 am

Thanks for the feedback Guys!!! I'm personally very partial to ported enclosures, but hadn't considered it for the X-max. Now all I have to do is find myself a pair LOL!! I've seen more Cyclones for sale than I have X-max...but they've got to be out there....somewhere.

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:58 am

Agreed! The 10's were probably my favorite 10's of all time! I ran a pair of 15's in my old SQ car and they were everything I needed for them to be. Accurate and No problems gettin low! And consistantly pulled 142db in SPL running off 1 ZX600.

Post by **stipud** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:15 am

Zarnov wrote:Thanks for the feedback Guys!!! I'm personally very partial to ported enclosures, but hadn't considered it for the X-max. Now all I have to do is find myself a pair LOL!! I've seen more Cyclones for sale than I have X-max...but they've got to be out there....somewhere.

If you like ported, run them ported! I ran those 10's in their recommended "Normal/SPL" enclosure. 1cuft, 3" port, 9" long... ~40Hz tuning frequency.

http://download.phoenixphorum.com/Manua ... &boxes.pdf

It was a great setup. Off of a ZX500, it was capable of popping open the back windows on my friend's Pathfinder. With the speed and accuracy of the Xmax 10's, coupled with that insane output, it was probably the most "live" sounding metal/rock/punk sub setup I have heard to date. Very clean, and no problem in bottom end, despite the 40Hz tuning frequency.

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 6:07 pm

Now if only someone had a pair for sale....LOL

itchnertamatoa · Post by **itchnertamatoa** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:10 pm

here's a couple from the same guy
http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem

good luck if you bid on them

brenzbmr@sb · Post by **brenzbmr@sb** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:31 pm

what size do you want?

i have 5 15s and 6 12s...

i would say go ported if u want the lower end...they will do it.

i still love the overall sound of the xmax 12 woofer..

HoseHead · Post by **HoseHead** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:58 am

I run qty 3 V1 XMax12's, each sealed, in parallel for a final impedance around 1.3 ohm. I did not build the box, so am not sure of it's cavity dimensions. I use a 2125 bridged running around 60% gain. I have an AC EpiCenter and a 406A for processing. These subs are outstanding in this configuration. Best I've ever heard in a car, however, have not had the chance to test the RSDc line.

I just received qty 5 Boston Acoustics Pro 10.5 LF woofs and will be sealing them as well. BA recommends a small sealed enclosure measuring 11" X 11" X 7.5" for each unit. I will build separate enclosures and run 3 of them using the same signal path. They will be complimented by a BA 6.53x comp set. Here I will discard the BA passive xover and go active. Standby for results and build pics.

BTW - I have a used single V2 XMax12 on the shelf. It's available if needed. Excellent condition.

HH

scorpio86 · Post by **scorpio86** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:12 am

damn brenz wanna get rid of any 15's or 12's.....???

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 4:36 am

Sh*t...I may just have to go with 12's now, or maybe just one...
Oh, and thanks itchnertamatoa for the info...I'm watching those on Fleabay.
HH, how much for the V2?

joyride · Post by **joyride** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:18 am

I recently pulled a pair of 12's out of my car. Girl is making me downsize the collection now that we live together. I suppose I really dont need 8 subs when I only have one of them running...

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:12 am

Anybody looking to part with a pair of 12's, please let me know how much. And if at all possible, could I get some idea what shipping would be to Niagara Falls Ontario from wherever you may be.

gkitching · Post by **gkitching** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:17 am

joyride wrote:I recently pulled a pair of 12's out of my car. Girl is making me downsize the collection now that we live together. I suppose I really dont need 8 subs when I only have one of them running...

I say get rid of the girl! hehe .. j/k

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:25 am

Hoping for a bit more input:

I can get the two 10's that are listed on Ebay for $160.00 "Buy-it-now" shipped...which seems a bit high to me. Does anyone agree? Or does that seem like a fair price?

Post by **Bfowler** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:44 am

yeah, thats Way high IMO.

here's a pair:

http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem

(same seller on each, selling them individually)

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:54 am

Bfowler wrote:yeah, thats Way high IMO.

here's a pair:

http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/phoenix-gold-subwoo ... dZViewItem

(same seller on each, selling them individually)

Yeah, he's the guy who quoted me $160 for both. He really couldn't offer me much info on shipping costs. I think I'm gonna bid on them individually and see what happens. I was thinking like $35-$40 each plus shipping would be reasonable

Zarnov · Post by **Zarnov** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:01 am

Well... I ended up winning the two 10s that were on Ebay. $107.03 for the pair...plus whatever shipping ends up being.
A bit more than I wanted to spend, but I got what I wanted.
Thanks again to everyone for all the help and advice.
I'll try and post some updates as I begin the install.

Post by **stipud** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:02 am

Congrats! That's a damn good price for those subs if they are in nice shape.