Sub question: 1-JL 10W3 ported vs 2-JL 10W3 sealed

(lakelife) · (lakelife) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 07-02-2009, 3:17 PM

So I have two almost new JL 10W3 DVC subs, and I'm looking to upgrade the setup in my boat (05 Mobius LSV) from the dinky little Kenwood 10" that's currently at the helm. I don't think I can fit both subs in a ported box due to the high box volume requirements... so would you rather have 1 ported sub or 2 sealed subs?

I have enough power to run both subs, but am just not sure which setup will work better for a boat.

We listen to all styles of music... everything from Rap, Rock, Country, and even the Eagles when my Dad heads out for a ski session...

Any input is much appreciated! Thanks guys.

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 07-02-2009, 3:40 PM

I think that sealed enclosures work best in boats with the open air environment so I would do the 2 sealed.

(05mobiuslsv) · (05mobiuslsv) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 07-02-2009, 5:08 PM

If you have room to run both subs sealed I'd go that route. 2 subs sealed will be louder if properly powered.

(882001) · (882001) **Join Date: Nov 2003** 07-02-2009, 8:18 PM

ported will give you a 3db gain just like adding a second 10will. should be the same around the tuned freq.

(tazz3069) · (tazz3069) **Join Date: Aug 2008** 07-03-2009, 6:13 AM

If you go with a sealed box, it will be a smaller box. I would go with a sealed box. I have a 10" Boston Acoustic G3 sub in my boat, in a sealed box, and it sounds awesome.

(lakelife) · (lakelife) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 07-03-2009, 7:33 AM

Thanks guys... I have seen plenty of the Malibu guys on this forum with their giant ported L7 subs mounted between their legs at the helm, so I'm surprised I didn't hear more ported arguments!

Now to figure out how to do the install....

(david_e_m) · (david_e_m) **Join Date: Jul 2008** 07-03-2009, 9:25 AM

DB,

The output of one bass-reflex versus two sealed will be similar. If properly aligned, a bass-reflex enclosure can sound very linear with good tonal construction similar to a sealed enclosure.

However, many bass-reflex enclosures sound more like a one-note resonator because basically that's what they are, as either a product of bad design or intentional tuning at a higher frequency for more narrow and peaky output.

If you follow JL's tuning prescription to the letter you'll get great results as long as your driver and port are unobstructed, and provided the locker is adequately vented.

Double the woofers is double the mass and deserves twice the power. If you run two sealed I would collect them in one location so that they're symetrically loaded into the surrounding boundaries versus splitting them apart in different locations.

David
Earmark Marine

(nate01) · (nate01) **Join Date: Jun 2009** 07-03-2009, 9:52 AM

i've got 1 L7 12 sealed enclosure with 1000w rms and it hits hard as hell. sounds nice and tight also. everything sounds good with it.

(lakelife) · (lakelife) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 07-03-2009, 10:04 AM

Thanks David, I was hoping you would chime in on this one... I've seen your website, lots of great looking installs!

I think I will build the slot port box to JL specs (using one sub), tune it to around 33-34hz and then build a carpeted cover plate to let it look integrated with the boat. How do you usually secure the box to the boat, do you attach it to the floorboards? I'm leary about putting screws into my boat!!

Thanks again.