i am in the process of trying to find a nice moderate sound system for my truck. I listen to alot of everything ranging from rock, to screamo, to rap, and R&B. I have an extended cab and have decided to work on a sub and amp combo first, along with a new headunit. As of now i have been looking at either two fosgate stage 2 8's or two of the same make and model only in the 10" size. What would the advantages and disadvantages of each pair be? I would like to remove one of the jump seats in the back and in its place build a custom box [leaning toward sealed rather than ported] that would incorperate both subs while positioning them in a downfireing setup. I was wondering what i would need in the way of an amp to power the subs and if there was a prefered headunit that would be user frindly but still be more than capable of future audio modifications. Any input that you would be willing to share would be great thanks guys!

Here are the specs on both of the subs:

stage 2 8":
8" 4-ohm subwoofer
molded polypropylene woofer cone
30-ounce magnet
power range: 50-200 watts RMS (400 watts peak power)
frequency response: 40-250 Hz
sensitivity: 84 dB
top-mount depth: 3-13/16"
sealed box volume: 0.25 cubic feet
ported box volume: 0.65 cubic feet
Recommended Q-Logic Box Type: 1
warranty: 1 year

and the 10's:
10" 4-ohm subwoofer
molded polypropylene woofer cone
60-ounce magnet
power range: 50-200 watts RMS
peak power handling: 400 watts
frequency response: 20-200 Hz
sensitivity: 85.8 dB
top-mount depth: 5-3/8" (without removable magnet cover. With cover, depth is 5-5/8")
sealed box volume: 0.65 cubic feet
ported box volume: 1.25 cubic feet
Recommended Q-Logic Box Type: 1, 2, 3
warranty: 1 year

 

I would start with the headunit first, definitely. I just got my Alpine 9856 and I love it already. I've always been a BIG fan of alpine decks and this one surely doesn't disappoint. I picked it up off crutchfield for $180. As for a sub, a sealed box would definitely be best. They are more forgiving if you are designing your own, and they sound good with a larger variety of music. Personally, I'd go with the 10" for simplicity's sake.

 

just a single 10"? I was thinking either two 8's or two 10's. would that be overkill, from what i have read it doesn't seem excessive.

 

Just an idea thrown your way. A single 10" can go long way in a ported box. I had a single JL 10W3v2 in a ported box running 250 watts, it sounded great no matter what I listened to.

As far as two 8's or two 10's, I'd go with with the 10's. They will be a little louder, plus they will play the lower bass better.

IMO:For the setup. Get two 8 ohm subs with Rockford's Punch series P450.2 amp.

 

i just got to thinking that if i were to take both of the jump seats out and replace them with sealed boxes that containted the 10" subs also both downfiring, i could pad the top of the boxes and make them able to be used as seats for extra passengers. also what is everyone's thoughts on the fosgate P2's? what are some of the other box designs that people have used that have allowed at least one more person to fit int he back?

 

i would actually upgrade your door speakers first if they are stock... b.c with a good headunit and a nice set of coax or component speakers with sound deading and sealed up as much as you can, you can get a nice amount of bass from the door speakers. and doing so will bring out the vocals much much more!
and i would personally run the 8s... but i listen to more screamo-heavy metal-rockabilly type music with some fast double bassing or just some smooth bass notes in the rockabilly on the stand up bass... they will recover fast enough and you can install 8s under the jumpseats so you wont have to remove them

 

so what do you guys think about the fosgates? are there any others that anyone thinks are in the same league or a better bang more my buck?

 

just went out tonight and went with a p2 10", now i have to design and build a box that will still allow at least one person to ride in the back. What do you guys think about downfiring? good idea?

 

Downfiring isn't a bad idea. It protects the woofer and you get a little more rumble.

 

got to building the box today and now just letting the glue dry, yeah it is downfiring and yeah it will help with keeping people from messing with it [idiot friends] and i have been in a few other trucks with the same sub orientation and yes there is a distinct "rumble" feel to it. get pics when im done.