2 12's Vs 4 12's

[nkacstreet]

I realize there are a ton of variables that can go into a question like this. I've always ran 2 12's and am interested in running 4, but I also don't want to, if the benefits aren't that significant.

I will be running about 2500 watts , haven't decided on an amp just yet.

I have a subwoofer budget of 500 dollars, that might be negotiable for more if the benefits of the extra cost can be justified, but it wouldn't be over 700 that would be the limit. I have no lack of space, it will going in a mini van, so I can build optimum size enclosure for 4 subs.

In terms of SPL, would it be better to spend more money each on 2 12's capable of handing 2500 watts divided by 2, or less money on each to get 4 subs dividing the 2500 watts, less watts to each sub of course, but having an increase in cone area.

Any thoughts will be appreciated

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[528hz 10+ year member]

An increase in cone area is going to net a louder setup. Just how loud, who knows. But you will have more output with 4 12s vs 2 12s given your situation.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

What is your goal? Just to be louder?

 

[nkacstreet]

What is your goal? Just to be louder?

Pretty much, given the wattage I will have available and the money I have to spend on subwoofers, enough space for a proper enclosure for 4, which would have the potential to be louder.

 

[Mayhem]

Lots of variables, as other said cone area is king. Just for the general question and given the subs are the same or very similar then 4 will for sure be louder.

But.... would you be able to probably sustain a setup of 2500 watts?

Specifically the electrical? Batteries, alt, wire? It get expensive.

You’d want a setup that could be used to its fullest.

If you’ve already factored that and you’re just looking for subs then let’s get loud

 

[nkacstreet]

Lots of variables, as other said cone area is king. Just for the general question and given the subs are the same or very similar then 4 will for sure be louder.
But.... would you be able to probably sustain a setup of 2500 watts?

Specifically the electrical? Batteries, alt, wire? It get expensive.

You’d want a setup that could be used to its fullest.

If you’ve already factored that and you’re just looking for subs then let’s get loud

Yeah, the question was mainly based on all of that being factored in. True power available, enclosure space available, and the only question remaining would be cone area of 2 subs VS 4 subs VS a fixed amount of power available split up between the subs.

I've went from 1 sub to 2 subs in the past, but I increased power at the same time, so I didn't have a frame of reference for adding subs with the same amount of power.

Thanks for your input

 

[BlurredVision 10+ year member]

if you can sustain your 2500 watts, i feel that would be better suited for 2 12's. my 2 12s in a proper box gets some whats louder and a lot lower thank most cramming 4 in almost the same space. And I feel you'd be better giving 2 12's 700 or 800 watts a piece than 4 12's 3 or 400 watts per. Gotta factor in rise somewhat.

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Do 2 12s in a 4th or 6th order. I believe cone area is key but with a budget of $500 for subs that isn't going far for 4 12s.

 

[THATpurpleKUSH 5,000+ posts]

4 Sundown E's should be attainable for ~$500

 

[tymoto21 10+ year member]

Why not 2 15's if you're willing to give up space?

2 xfl's come in budget or you could wait for Black Friday sales and get something a bit better

 

[nkacstreet]

Why not 2 15's if you're willing to give up space?2 xfl's come in budget or you could wait for Black Friday sales and get something a bit better

That is a possibility, the 4 12's still have more cone area than 2 15's, but, maybe not by a large margin. The 2 15's would each be fed more power than each the 4 12's, so it does sound like in that case the 15's would be louder?

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

if you have a minivan, FK 12s. Do two 18s. These will easily eat up your 2500 watts. That 750 watt rating is a complete joke, they handle way more.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

I myself would do the 4 12's. We got one guy on here that just got a build done and he's running 4 12's.... @TRaGiK

 

[TRaGiK 10+ year member]

With a budget of $500, I'd probably do 4 12's. Specifically E series Sundowns. Particularly since space isn't an issue, more is (almost) always better.

 

[Boomin_tahoe 5,000+ posts]

if you have a minivan, FK 12s. Do two 18s. These will easily eat up your 2500 watts. That 750 watt rating is a complete joke, they handle way more.

Hey Jeff, looks like you got a lot of tabs open lol