What kind of subwoofer should I get??

[Alien Mantis]

Originally Posted by RedHatch08

With subs, try and look for something with a high sensitivity/efficiency rating. This can be kind of hard because lots of companies flat out lie about this spec, but keep it in mind. Speakers with higher sensitivity play louder given the same amount of amplifier power. This will help you get the most output out of whatever amp you use.

YES... and NO.

Sensitivity is important when selecting component or coax speakers that you plan to run on lower wattage.
If you are going to amp them, sensitivity is not as important.

Sensitivity ratings on subs are almost pointless.
Subs need power. Sensitivity is typically measured at 1watt/1 meter with a 1khz signal. Subs don't play a 1khz signal. We cross them over WAY below that frequency.
Furthermore, there is no sub I know of that is designed to run on 1watt of power. So what is the point?
Certain subs are more efficient than others, and if you plan on running a small amp to your sub(s), then you need to research which subs run better on less power.
Infinity Reference subs are a decent choice if you want to run lower power. ( 200-300 watts RMS for each sub )
If you want to run a sub like a JL W7 or an Alpine Type-X, you better have a big amp. ( 600-1,000 watts RMS for each sub )

The Infinity sub on 300 watts will not even come close to the JL W7 on 800 watts. Subs need power. Power translates into output. The more power, the more output.
How much "output" do you need? That is what you have to decide.

Everything is a trade-off. More bass = more amplifier power = more drain on the alternator = more/bigger subs = big enclosures = big pricetag

If one 8" sub in a .4^3ft box with 100 watts would make my car windows vibrate, we would have to rewrite the laws of physics!

[RedHatch08]

Originally Posted by Alien Mantis

YES... and NO.

Sensitivity is important when selecting component or coax speakers that you plan to run on lower wattage.
If you are going to amp them, sensitivity is not as important.

Sensitivity ratings on subs are almost pointless.
Subs need power. Sensitivity is typically measured at 1watt/1 meter with a 1khz signal. Subs don't play a 1khz signal. We cross them over WAY below that frequency.
Furthermore, there is no sub I know of that is designed to run on 1watt of power. So what is the point?
Certain subs are more efficient than others, and if you plan on running a small amp to your sub(s), then you need to research which subs run better on less power.
Infinity Reference subs are a decent choice if you want to run lower power. ( 200-300 watts RMS for each sub )
If you want to run a sub like a JL W7 or an Alpine Type-X, you better have a big amp. ( 600-1,000 watts RMS for each sub )

The Infinity sub on 300 watts will not even come close to the JL W7 on 800 watts. Subs need power. Power translates into output. The more power, the more output.
How much "output" do you need? That is what you have to decide.

Everything is a trade-off. More bass = more amplifier power = more drain on the alternator = more/bigger subs = big enclosures = big pricetag

If one 8" sub in a .4^3ft box with 100 watts would make my car windows vibrate, we would have to rewrite the laws of physics!

Yeah I know what you're saying. For the record, I used to be a certified installer for both car (MECP) and home (CEDIA) electronics.

The topic of sensitivity specs is one of those sort of "grey areas". There are differing opinions as to whether it really matters or not. Like I said, lots of companies lie anyways, so it's hard to really judge in many cases.

Many people happen to believe though that sensitivity does indeed matter for subwoofers too. So ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL, if you have an 85 dB rated sub and a 92 dB sub, would you not choose the more efficient one? I would.

You're entitled to believe that it doesn't matter for subs just because they test them at 1W/1M at 1kHz. They only test amplifiers at one frequency too. That doesn't represent real music whatsoever. It's not supposed to though. The testing is done to gain a reference point, not to represent real world use.