Bear with me, I'm sort of new to Car Audio.
When the when the Camaro comes out of storage, I've got a PPI PC 4100 (4x100) amp for it. My plan is to run my Kappa 6x9's off this amp and use the other two channels to power two 12 inch subs. I had my heart set on the new 12w3v2's because I've had a JL before (12w0), and I was very happy with it. We are planning going to bridge the two subs into the remaining two channels. Now, here's the question, I can get ahold of two Soundstream SPL Mules for $200 from a friend who decided to go bigger. Now, the cheapest I can find for the JL's is $378 for the pair. Is it giong to be worth it to spend the extra $178, or just go with the Mules? My friend had this very amp hooked to his Mules, and they won't bridge--too much for the amp. According to him (he's very knowledgable) I can bridge the w3's.
Sound quality is really my top priority in this decision.

 

bridge the 2 subs into the 2 channels? I still think the channels on the amp aren't good enough to power 12"s....especially high end ones like JL.... just my .02

- Andy

 

I haven't heard the mules, but if it's an SPL-oriented sub, it's probably a power pig and with modest power like you're running, probably won't play as loud as the JLs

Plus the JLs have always had a fantastic sound quality, and I doubt that the W3V2s are any different.

I would also look into the Adire Shivas. They cost less than the W3s, and I'm willing to bet sound better too.

 

you're only going to be running 100 watts to each sub? :-/

 

That PPI amp is a beefy amp.

 

As Jim85IROC so aptly put it, the SPL mules are for just that, SPL competitions, as they are desighned to work best at 60Hz and in the proper size enclosure. the JL Audio will give you somewhat better sound quality, but as long as suggestions are being made, look into the MBQUART 12" subs. I have listened to them side by side with JL subs and found them not only louder, but better sound quality, and they are about the same price, under 400.00 for pair. Make sure that the amp is able to handle a 2 OHM load on the bridged channels, DO NOT ALLOW ANYTHING LOWER THAN 2 OHMS, OR YOU WILL BLOWW STUFF UP!!!..

 

Last year I had a 12w0 hooked to a 150 watt Alpine amp and that was just about enough for me.

 

If that's the case, the PPI will be gross overkill.

 

I would run the PPI to the 6X9's and the fronts, whatever you're using up there.... then get something else for the subs. I persoanlly prefer JL over anything out there. I have been using JL products now for over 12 years and never wanted anything else.

If you can get a PPI A600 or something of that nature for the subs you will be more than satisfied.

 

I don't think you would have a problem running 2 subs with that power. A power rating is just what a sub can take thermally and not what it has to have. Just adjust your box size to accomidate lower power. And as stated a PPI amp is a pretty solid amp. You could also look at running one sub bridged mono. I myself prefer alot of one sub setups vs mutiple sub setups.

 

I used to run JL's and nothing else until I heard a set of Kicker Solobarics. I had 6 JL W4 subs at the time and sold them all and got a pair or 12 inch solobarics. Lets just say that I will never regret it. I still have the solobarics today and as far as I am concerned, Solobarics are my first and last choice for a good sub.

BTW- If any of you don't have the big bucks for great speakers, check out a company called Visonik, I just installed a set of 10's in my 84' and am really happy with them.

 

Probly, but I got a good deal on the amp (imo), $400 so I was like what the heck, I might as well. I can always turn it down.

I wanted to do this originally, but I looked far and wide for 4x6's that could take 100 watts to no avail. If any of you guys know of some, lemme know, I'd still rather go that way.

 

Then today I had another brainstorm (head still hurts ) , how about 4 8w0's hooked to the PPI? Maybe a PPI 4x50 amp for the other speakers? I don't know just thinkin.

 

The 4X6's I use are Polk 462's which are 2 ways. I run them off my Sony HU which is 55X4 max (around 30 watts continually). They sound excellent. Another thing to consider is that your amp should have an internal crossover, so if you use it your highs can handle a little more power without distorting. I think you shouldn't have any problem...

As far as 4 8w0's... it depends on what you want. If you want a loud punchy sounding bass the 8's will sound great. If you want deeper bass go with a bigger sub.

Really though you should balance out the system. You will need approx. twice as much power to the sub as to your mids/highs. You will also need to set your crossover freq.'s correctly to get a nice warm sound.

If you need some help or other advice on this feel free to PM me.

 

i think what we are all overlooking is the fact that this person is going to use a full range amp to run subs! there had better be a crossover on the chaneles the plans on running the subs off of. granted ppi amps are great amps and they pound really hard. if u really want to use a ppi amp i would get a mono amp or a 2 chanel amp to run them. a ppi amp and a pair of jl's would be a killer combo in my opinion. if your going to run subs get the proper equipment to run them. expecialy if your intrest is in sound quality. and ppi is a good amp to use if thats your desired outcome. i want to run ppi but where i live no one stocks them becaues there too much overhead with them. but i can buy rockford and kicker anywhere

 

I agree. The PPI is a great amp and will have more than enough power for you, and it should be versital enough to work with your system as you expand it.

 

i can give you the pair of jls for $295
Dozer80464@aol.com

 

you could just get a single 12 and bridge the rear channels of the PPI into that one sub. that would give you over 400 watts(PPI's are a little underated powerwise)into a single sub. i think it would be more than loud enough for you and there are many very nice sounding subs that can take, and want, that much power

Boston Acoustics, Adire Audio, Kicker L7, Audiobahn, and there are many more...

 

I've got an Idea.

Use that entire PPI 4x100 amp just for the subs.

You will have 400 watts rms per sub.

Get another amp for the highs.

That will be serious power.

I had a PPI 4x50 watt amp in my Dad's 4x4 running to 2 JL W4's and it rocked. You will have twice the power. It'll sound awesome.

 

I'm pretty sure the amp has crossovers (haven't looked lately), but even if it doesn't, my deck has them for all three preamp outputs.

 

Good idea;
Hmmmmmmmmm, I'll think about that one.