I went to Beamriders today to get a box for the 1 (perhaps 2) 12" I am going to put in. I'm thinking probably an Alpine Type S, due to the fact I can't really afford an Alpine Type R right now. (BTW, are MTX Thunders any good). The guy said a custom box to go into my well would cost 300 dollars, but a plate only 100. Is the sound quality going to be much worse with the plate, because I'd rather save the 200 dollars.

 

lol...how about you save 280 and go buy a piece of mdf and cut two holes in it....or build your own....it really isnt that hard...you can do the whole thing with a jigsaw if thats all you have...ive done it

 

making your own box will save you about $250 and you will end up with better sound and more pride in your system because you created it yourself.

btw the mtx thunders are decent starter subs. thier only downfall is that way too many people have them IMO

 

making your own box would be the way to go if you have some tools laying around... build that bastard then carpet it and it will bring a lot of joy and will save you come cash man...

 

plates suck

 

The alpine Type S subs aren't open air subs, i don't think they'd sound to good with just a plate. I made my own box using the plans and kit from subenclosures.com. It really helped a lot, although i don't think he is selling them anymore. But even without it, it shouldn't be too hard to build it.

Box buildup pictures

It took me and a friend 2 days with a lot of BSing.

 

definatly get a sealed encloseure, youll be happy with it no matter what subs you get.

 

if you're handy with tools at all, it isnt too hard to make a box yourself...

plus rather then spending that money on someone to make it, if you dont have the tools, get em, build the box and have a box AND more tools.



plus if you do a good job and like doing it, you can make your box free by doing one for a friend or someone.


ive only done 2 boxes before.... one was for me... then i made a 2nd one because i thought i could do a better job.. and sold the first one for enough to pay for both box materials and then some. so its like a free box.


just take your time and do a good job and it will look pro... if you rush it or cut corners, it wont come out as nice.

 

Plates suck. Especially when you get cornholed to the tune of $100 for one.

 

i made a plate one time with three 8's in it, the 4x6's in the front had more bass, dont bother with it, make a box.

 

Can someone explain what a plate is?

 

well i suppose a plate is just a piece of wood with 2 hole cut in it to mount your subs..its really lame, you shouldnt just do that for any subs. certain subs are made for a similar application that may sound ok..but i still prefer an enclosed enclosure

 

Well I can see why a plate would suck then. Yeah I am definately going the box route.

 

Would I need a special type of wood to make a box? Or just any plywood? I'm a newbie to car audio, and would actually love to make my own box.

 

no you'll need MDF, which I believe stands for medium density fiber board, not sure what thickness, or maybe the plans have the thickness....

 

MDF board, okay... I'll use the measurements set-up by other people on the board (after measuring my hatch of course, too). Any other things I will need aside from the board, subs, and carpet? I'm not greatly experienced in this, glad I have people I can ask.

 

most people use 3/4 mdf...you will also need some wood glue and silicone