How's it going everybody? I was previously a member but forgot my login info. Anyway, I finished installing a system in my 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab, and I'm happy with the fronts, but not the sub. The problem is we can't get the sub to load good. It's a 12" TC9 receiving around 1200 watts in a 1.2cf. sealed box. We've tried down firing it, firing it towards the rear, firing it up, to the side, etc.  Therefore, it's not as loud as it can (and needs) to be. The sub can't keep up with the fronts.In a different vehicle it gets really loud, but in this truck it sounds like I have 300 watts on it, not 1200+.

Equipment: Head unit: Alpine CDA-9813, Front mids: Seas CA18RNX's (in deadened doors), "tweets": Illusion Audio drivers on ID mini bodies (horns), US Acoustics 4080 bridged on mids., PPI Art A300.2 on the horns, viper D2500.1 for the sub.

Most of what I listen to is some form of rock or metal, but not always. I love the tight accurate bass of the sealed box, but the output leaves a lot to be desired.

Now for the million dollar question.I've never really put a "real" system in an extended cab or quad cab truck before, but so far I haven't been able to get this sub/box combo sound right. Will switching to a death box help solve my loading issue? From what I've read it'll meet my expectations in the SQ department, so I'm not too concerned about that.

1200 wrms on a tc9 and its not loud?

somethings very wrong in your system,

ive run death boxes sealed boxes and ported boxes, the death box has its own sound (very accurate) but doesnt get louder than either of the other styles of box with the same power.

check all your settings, wiring, coils (dvc?)

there has got to be something wrong with the setup if its not getting loud on 1200 watts.

test #1 is break out your multi meter tester and set it to ohm reading.
un hook the speaker + and - from the amp and hook them on the ohm meter.
see what your ohms are. ( test them exactly as you have it now - just un hook the wires from your amp first- )
im guessing somewhere between 4 and 8 ohms you will get -
if so thats the problem - dual voicecoils wired in series instead of paralell.
amps have a hard time pushing alot of power at higher ohm ratings.
a single amp rated at 1200w might only give off around 300w at 4 ohm
but give off 675w at 2 ohm   or 1200w at 1 ohm.

check your ground wire on the amp as well.
ive heard that amps perform like poo with bad ground wires. -  to test this you may run a leingth of wire ( good size wire is better ) from the battery - terminal to the amp ground -   so its directly hardwired to ground wich is battery - post.     check then and see if you get any better results.  ( dont worry about seriously running the wire permanently from the bat to the amp until you have varified that it actually does improve the performence -   then its time to play "hide and run the wire"  wich I hate doing....

let us know what it turns out like.
a single 12" tc9 should totaly rock the house.

    I think a DB is a excellent design but I am thinking maybe a ported enclosure would work better. The seal box for that sub needs to be around 1.5 to 2.5 cf. A ported enclosure, depending on the ports, should be 2.5 to 5 cf. If this is not accurate please someone correct me. That is just a rough estimate without the speaker specs. I think the enclosure you are using is a tad on the small side but sealed enclosures are not my favorite. If you have enough room I would try ported first. I have heard a DB in a 4-door truck and it was loud but just a little muddy. It could have been due to system settings or the subwoofer that was used. Of course you never know a DB might be exactly what you need. My advice to everyone is build it and let your ears decide.


HT-EXT