Best 10" Free Air Sub?

[Irish1800]

In peoples real world experiences what have they found to sound the best while giving a quality bass sound? I'm looking at the Alpine being everything else is going to be Alpine. In my I/O boat I have Kicker solo barics in enclosures, but really would like to keep the install simple and only have to use the one amp P5x Alpine.

 

[RFoster130]

im very happy with the kicker marine subs in my boat, they are also rated as free air, he hull of the boat is the perfect enclosure. they pound pretty hard. i have a pair wired in series on the sub output of the amp. i only have the gain level like halfway on the amp and its plenty.

 

[Irish1800]

im very happy with the kicker marine subs in my boat, they are also rated as free air, he hull of the boat is the perfect enclosure. they pound pretty hard. i have a pair wired in series on the sub output of the amp. i only have the gain level like halfway on the amp and its plenty.

Do they distort if you turn it up? Or by keepnig the gain down it keeps them from distorting? I read a review on the Alpine amp they distorted if turned up high, but they were installed on a pontoon with no enclosure. I'm sorta spoiled on the kicker solobarics. I just like bass in my music. Not looking to rattle teeth, but want it to hit.

 

[LouDoo]

I didn't get a free sub, but I got one for five bucks at Sub Way. LOL

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Lou

 

[RFoster130]

I didn't get a free sub, but I got one for five bucks at Sub Way. LOL

Sorry I couldn't resist.

Lou

Thats actually pretty funny. :lol:

 

[RFoster130]

Using a good amp that has plenty of power makes it sound good. People tend to buy an amp that is barely big enough, then they push it to the limits and get distortion. The alpine is a perfect match. IT has plenty of power and with them mounted in the boat, they sound awesome. you would be very happy. i know i have and i get tons of compliments.

 

[dbjnky]

Are you using the Kicker KM10? I put an SKM10 under my rear seat but I want a lot more bass. I want to put a sub in each sides behind the captains seats but couldn't find any info regarding the KM10 working as a free air sub. If they are good I guess I know my next project! When its below 109 degrees in Texas.

 

[RFoster130]

Yeah I have 2 of the KM10's mounted on the sides by the rear seats. When I bought them in 2009, it actually stated in the manual that they could be used in free air applications. I have looked at the new models and it doesnt say that anymore. I would find it hard to believe they change the speaker much though. It isnt quite the same as a free air application. The inside hull of the boat is acting like an enclosure. They put out a ton of bass.

 

[Irish1800]

I decided to go with the Alpine subs to keep everything matched couldn't see much difference between Kicker and Alpine. My question is where do you think they'll get the best sound mounting them in a Challenger 1800?

 

[RFoster130]

I think you could just mount them in the sides like in mine.

 

[Irish1800]

I think you could just mount them in the sides like in mine.

I think I have a 6.5 where your sub is now. I was shooting for there or upfront under the bow seats?

 

[RFoster130]

I had 2 original speakers in the same location. They made great starting holes for the subs. Put the subs there and move the other speakers. Someone else here recently added them to the slanted flat under the dash where your feet sit. I would just be worried about water collecting or someone putting their foot through it.

 

[Irish1800]

I had 2 original speakers in the same location. They made great starting holes for the subs. Put the subs there and move the other speakers. Someone else here recently added them to the slanted flat under the dash where your feet sit. I would just be worried about water collecting or someone putting their foot through it.

Yea I saw that and am not sure I'd want bass in my face while driving or riding plus I use that area for my feet. I'm most likely going to do what you did. Just not sure if I want my bass low or high.

 

[RFoster130]

The other reason I put them in the rear, there is a lot of wiring behind the front driver side. More than I felt like dealing with trying to get those big speakers in. It was a lot to even work around the small 6.5's. Just a thought.

 

[Irish1800]

I'll post in my other stereo thread to not mix threads.