RE Audio SE sub owners only

chodecz · Post by **chodecz** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:19 am

Hi guys,

I've just installed my very first sub install in a car.

I chose a RE Audio SE "12, due to the good reviews of the RE lineup. Didn't want to go all out with the XXX.

I've tested it out, and i'm barely satisfied. I don't know what I was expecting, but it doesn't seem to THUMP like it should.

I was expecting to hear it loud from quite a way outside (with the windows down for example). Inside it thumps quite a bit, but nothing to shake your insides out or hurt your ears at all.

I have it powered by a Kicker KX600.1 (1x600wrms @ 2ohm) and have adjusted the gain exactly to match the headunit (with aid of a DMM). I have turned the bass boost right up to test the sub out, and yes it does add to it, and what I am happy about is the sub does not distort AT ALL. So it is completely comfortable with the setup, even at full volume. This is the only thing i'm content with atm.

I've put it in a 1.75cuft box tuned to 32hz, heres the blueprint (one on the right)..
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/con2000/sub_box.JPG

Any of you SE owners (or past owners) care to share any thoughts or suggestions for more punch. Please :)

swimmerdude · Post by **swimmerdude** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:24 am

When you say you have set the gain to match the HU preout, what exactly were you measuring??

I have a feeling you have set the gain wrong....

Post by **GlassWolf** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:25 am

box sounds a bit on the small side. 2cu feet NET volume would be ideal (that's after sub displacement and port volume are subtracted from gross volume of the enclosure) and use a 4" ID port @ 34Hz.

Since input sensitivity is usually set at full output, and you usually don't use full volume on the head unit, you can usually bump that up just a bit over what's "perfect" and get better response. It'll make the amp act like the volume is all the way up on the head unit when it's really at say, 3/4 of full in actuality.
Just be careful of clipping if you do turn it up fully after that.

chodecz · Post by **chodecz** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:30 am

I set the gain by playing a 50hz @ 0db tone at 3/4 volume on the HU. Then adjusting the gain using this calculation.. 600wrms X 2ohms = 1200, then the sqrt = 34.6. So 34.6 AC voltage.

I turned the gain all the way up for curiosity, but no audible difference.

The box I used was in that link. I thought 1.75cuft NET volume would be fine?..

How should a SE sound at full wack in a well tuned enclosure? I know its hard to describe on here, but plz try..

swimmerdude · Post by **swimmerdude** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:39 am

Ok, you set the gain right.... just the way you worded it sounded like you messed up.

Actually, on RE's site, the 1.75 ported is above their optimal spec, so that should be fine.

Have you ever heard a Kicker cvr or similar subs?? When I was looking at RE SE's, people have said that they are around as loud as the kickers, but a huge step up in the sq department.

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:44 am

the se's arnt ment to be loud and with a tuning around 32hz your all sq. i think some more power and a box geared a lil more tword spl it would sound a lot louder also what kind of car is it and which way is the sub and port facing

chodecz · Post by **chodecz** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:48 am

No i haven't heard a Kicker CVR or similar. I haven't really got anything to compare with as people i know don't have subs or have really cheap ones that aren't worth comparing to.

chodecz · Post by **chodecz** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:51 am

Its a Vauxhall Corsa - random pic: http://www.arbeitsplatzvernichtung-durc ... /seite.jpg

Its a slot port so port on the same side as sub.

I tried with the sub facing up, then with it facing the back. Couldn't hear any difference really, but swore it sounded a fraction better facing the back. Plus I also have a flimsy parcel shelf on the back and the sub pumping right up into it made it vibrate even more (more unwanted noise).

Bwcad1 · Post by **Bwcad1** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:52 am

hmm i would go either facing the back or firing into the cabin with a seat or 2 down.

chodecz · Post by **chodecz** » Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:58 am

Thanks for the advice.

But the position of the sub isn't the issue here, its the output volume mainly.

I wish I could invite u guys over and get an all round opinion! lol

I'm just gonna leave it how it is, im dissapointed, but what can i do. I put a lot of effort into building the box, etc.

I'm doing my sister's b.f's install soon. I was going to do the same setup (homemade box with a SE "12)... but now I might just buy a Alpine Type R "12 in a ported pre made box and see how it compares with 600wrms!!

What do u guys think of Alpine Type R's? Or can you suggest a top quality sub with a pre made enclosure.