1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Hey guys I have room for either 1 12" JL Audio w7 or 3 10" shallow mount subs? Which should I go with for behind the seat of my '81 single cab Chevy? Which one will have the most boom? Thanks.
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

The W7 will, but behind the seat, there's no way it would ever fit.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I have bucket seats. The box will.be behind the seats. speaker in the middle. ;)
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

1 12" JL Audio w7 - 1000 watts nominal. $850

3 12" - Pioneer shallow mounts - 1200 watts nominal. $660

Those are the specs. Does that sound right?
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I guess my first question would be what are your goals? Are you just looking for the loudest system possible, or loud and clear with sound quality?

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

the pioneers are nice...

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Clean and clear sound is what I want! Enough base to impress me over my straight pipes. Not trying to have the loudest stereo in town. Just something that sounds better than average.:metal:
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Out of the 2, I'd go with the W7. The only thing I'd be worried about is the box design and making sure it's not an eye sore.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I totally agree. While shallow mount subs have their place, they will never perform as well as a standard built sub. The W7 is one loud SOB, but it is a sound quality sub, not an SPL monster. There are speakers out there built with nothing in mind but all out SPL, but generally musically they are not that great. If you can build the box to not look like an afterthought, that W7 would be amazing in the little cab of your truck. Loud, clear, and more than enough bass to hear it over your pipes :devil:

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

So if I can't make the w7 work would the 3 shallow mounts be ok or no?Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

3 shallow mounts will sound better then average.. so yes they will work. If you are looking for better then average you have alot of options that will fit in a small space.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

How do you rate your ability to build a speaker box? Since you are running buckets, I would stay away from the shallows. I have never ran them personally, but my feelings about them are they were made for people with little to no room for subs. With buckets, you could utilize the space behind the seats for volume, but mount the speaker(s) between the seats. If done right, it looks great and should sound much better than shallows.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

that is exactly what I was think for th w7! I just have not found a box design that look worth a Crap...

Any pictures, drawings, suggestions? I want something clean. Something that looks like it was almost put there out of the factory. I'm not big on 'displaying' my speakers for every thief to see.

Thanks guys. Let me know if u have any ideas.
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I have played with both speakers.....

What amps are you going to run and how much power are you throwing at the subs/sub?

The W7 is hungry and will want 1000 watts. We hooked one up to a honest 600 wattsw and it sounded like crap.

I would also like to know what your going to run for your front stage and how much power. A W7 with 1000 watts is going to need a whole lot of mid and high to sound good and honestly I don't know if you can acomplish that in a regular cab.

2 of the pioneer shallow mount 12's matched up with a nice set of components in the doors would sound better than a W7 and nothing special in the doors...imho

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Here is an idea:

http://image.truckinweb.com/f/165398..._subwoofer.jpg

Just move the amps under your seats and use the space behind your seats for box volume, or stack the amps behind the passenger seat and use space behind driver seat for box volume. You can flush mount the woofer and cover in grille cloth to hide it from curious onlookers.

Don't worry about how difficult this looks on the outside, a box is a box. Building it won't be too hard (remember geometry class or were you daydreaming about the senior class prom queen?). Its covering your finished product that will try your patience.

Mal

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

http://image.truckinweb.com/f/171028...er_console.jpg

Another example. A bit more invovled being fiberglass but its an idea. You can still flush mount and cover the subs for security.

Mal

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

As of now I will be running at least a 1100 watt eclipse amp for my subs. I have 2 high outpot pioneer premier 6x9s , 2 pioneer premier 5" components, and a pioneer premier amp for my highs and mids which I think is around 400 or 500 watts I think.

My original thinking was that my components and 6x9s would sound perfect with 2 shallow mount pioneer subs...

I really do not want a speaker box in the middle of my seats. I would kind of like it to look stock but sound awesome. It just kind of ads to the surprise when it looks ordinary at first glance.

Kind of like when I pop my hood and there isn't an old dusted up 305. Instead its a freshly painted, 450 HP sb400 with shiny aluminum brackets. Haha:metal:
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

"I would kind of like it to look stock but sound awesome."

I think that comment right there lets you know which subs to pick. I think you should be able to pull off all 3 shallows with your highs/mids and have a good balance. Now, get to building and take some pics!

I'd like to see the 400 too if you got a pic of it...

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

having run subs in mono and stereo
found the amp in mono louder with bridging
but preferred hearing the seperate left and right hits

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I appreciate all the feedback guys!!! I found this thread very informative.

I do have one other alternative.

What about raising the stock center console of my '81 about 6 inches and 'hiding' the w7 inside of it.

If it is possible I could build the box behind the seats and have the speaker come out between the seats. Like the pictures 4ofakind posted.

If I could build it right I could just hollow out the console and set it right on top of the speaker.

That way it won't look cheesey and it would still look stock.

Think it would work? If not I'll just go with the shallow mounts like I orifinally planned. I just like having stuff that is unique...

Thanks again guys!
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

That will work. Its what Im doing with my 95 and a pair of 8's. Like I said building the box is no problem, making it pretty is the challenge. Im taking my time on the pretty part but basicly it will resemble a stock 95 center console when Im done.

Mal

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

What's an 81 console look like? Is it like the '70 console, but a little different shape? My only concern would be fitting the enclosure inside of it. 4ofakind's are 8" speakers, and the enclosure barely fits between the seats. It makes me think the console just isn't wide enough to fit a 12" W7.

BTW, 4ofakind, looks good!

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

A single 12 can be done. I built mine short to mimic the dimensions of my console as close as possible, so I had to go higher w/ the TWO 8s. Had to squeeze between the armrests. A single ported 8 might have fit better, but I had already bought two, so I'm using them both.

A trick for you Hazieview would be to turn your woofer backwards and let it bounce off the rear wall like this:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...LW7Console.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...ConsoleRST.jpg

Mal

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Here it is.... My sb400

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...w/DSC00931.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i2...w/IMAG0065.jpg
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

That's exactly what I want to do!!!:metal:

I think this is the part I need.
http://www.classicpartsusa.com/produ...73_Truck_Parts

I could do like 4ofakind said and turn the woofer backwards or slam it towards the floor. Personally I kind of like the backwards idea...
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Just my 2 cents. After years of buying all the MTXs and JL and kickers and such I decided to go for clarity and was turned on to line of audio products called Arc audio. I have them in my DD Honda. I love the sound. I will be outfitting my trucks with them as money allows. They are one of those companies that when you look at their spec the clearly list RMS which is what you are really paying for. They have held up great for me and I couldnt be happier. I have on 12" sub in the trunk and it out hits the W0 that I had. Any way good luck.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

If that's the console you're going to get, keep an eye out on the classifieds. They pop-up there a lot, and given you're going to cut it up, it's probably better you buy one that's a little beat up one for much cheaper.

However, I know 4ofakind said it'll fit, but I can't see it having enough air space for a 12" W7 on it's own...I have that same console in my blazer and can take measurements if you need me to.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Man if u could take measurements for me that would be great! I would really appreciate it! I do not know if the 12w7 will fit either. I was planning on raising the console too. Maybe that will help with the fit as well.
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Rear facing subs work great. I did one in my Toyota with an 8" and it was solid. There should be plenty of room for a 10" in that console.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Got the measurements of the top (just remember the bottom is a little bit smaller due to the shape). The length is 21", the width is 11" and height is 9". Given this, a 12" isn't going to fit inside, and maybe a little pressed for for a 10" too given you have to consider 3/4" or more of mdf thickness.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

You could glass the living hell out of the inside and fit a 10" no problem. Or build a shallow enclosure inside. Man, that would look great.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Tubbed, thanks for the measurements. That one part will go a long way in getting Haze what he wants.

Hazieview, don't just go by the console measurements alone. Measure the space between your seats as well. Add factors of what you may want length and height wise to the end result. When others look at projects they generally look at the overall before they break down the details. Some very custom projects have looked very stock to the casual observer. Since you are going to modify the console, do as Tubbed said (and I did) look for a used / cheaper unit to start. Take your measurements. Compare results w/ woofer parameters. If space permits, plan out widening and lengthening the stock console for your needs. You can get what you want and at the same time be so subtle people will rarely notice. I pray it all works out for you.

Mal

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Well Crap! The 10" w7 is only 750 watts. Seems like I'm back to square 1. Even 2 pioneer shallow mounts put out 800 watts. Maybe I wasted everyone's time here... Sorry guys. I just can't see the 10" w7 center mount worth the money or the trouble to make the customization worth while.

I really appreciate all the information you guys gave me and have enjoyed the chat. Sorry to let you guys down. Any other ideas?

Or should I just stick with shallow mounts? I think it will be better given all the previous information.

Thanks guys!
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Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

I don't know how much power you think you'll need. My setup is using 2 10" shallow mount MB Quart subs and I am only putting 250w per sub. My truck hammers, but it's designed to use as little power with the biggest bang.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

Haze,

Lets not give up yet. Right now what you are doing is jumping from idea to idea based on pieces of data. Lets look at the FACTS and make a sound decision.
It appears volume is your priority w/ clarity secondary. You WANT a twelve inch. It also appears you want the easiest installation possible.

OK, we know a 12 will NOT fit directly w/o custom work. Question 1: Do you have enough space to put a 12" between your seats? That is 12.5" total for the sub itself and another 1.5" for .75" MDF on each side. So do you have 14" between your seats (including mounts and seatbelts)? Question 2: Are you willing / able to build the custom box?

If you answer no to either 1 or 2, THEN you should consider other options. You do NOT want to cut through your bed and rear cab wall right? So that leaves Shallow mount subs or smaller subs. If you are 100% certain there is no way to get what you really want in a way you are willing to get it THEN compromise. What say you?

Mal

P.S. I know of some new small subs that pound you may be interested in. I'll tell you once you establish for certain you are NOT doing the twelve.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

You're a good guy 4ofakind. Just to give a litte more insight on measurements, there's only about 11.5" of room between the seats if they are stock buckets. I raised my console about 4" from the floor to make it arm rest hight since the console in it's stock location sit flush with the seat bottom. I only mention that because this could give you 4 more inches of height from the 9" I gave previously.

PS, don't give up! I'd love to see this project come to life!

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

:agree:

Keep in mind the cab of your truck is small and large subs don't do as well in small spaces. Unless you are just trying to piss off the neighbors, then get as big as you can.

I listen to some bass filled music and a tight 10" in a truck will do just fine if done properly. Also, using the console you aren't limited to shallow mounts, either.

<edit> 10" Kicker L7 would not only fit well, but would look cool and move about as much air as a 12" round. Just a thought.

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

OK I have decided not to go with the 12" JL Audio W7.

I would rather use the shallow mounts or another sort of small subwoofer. It just makes more since.

I want enough thump to where it sounds good in my truck.

I do not want it rediculously loud (raddling the neighbors windows is what my exhaust is for :lol:)

I also want it to look clean, concealed, and near stock for the most part.

With this being said I have several options I can go with. The easy setup I have found is 2 12" shallow mounts behind the seats.

However I would love to make the factory console idea work because I like things that are oringinal and that I have never seen before.

With that out of the way what do you guys think?

Re: 1 JL audio 12 w7 or 3 10" shallow mount pioneers?
 

OK,
The next step is all you. You have to get EXACT measurements of the space between AND behind both seats. We already know a twelve will not drop into a stock console, so now you have to modify the console so it will fit or make a console from scratch that looks stock. Also you may need the space behind your seats for extra volume. Here is an example from a 58 Chevy:

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn255/_ogre/21.jpg

This one is quite complicated but you can make one similar but less complex.

Mal