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I know I'm brand new, so excuse my ignorance. But assuming same brand and size, what would be the difference in loudness between a maker's top of the line SQ and SPL sub (e.g.XXX vs. MT, Execution vs. Pro, etc.)? I know the comparison is somewhat invalid for the purposes of each sub, but assuming the same box, say ported?

Just trying to get a sense of what the trade-off for the sound quality is, in terms of volume.

my guess would be that subs such as the XXX and pro will be more than enough SPL for a daily driver system and the MT and X would be better suited for competiton.. i could be wrong. there are people that use the MT ad X in dd applications.

the same box, say ported?

Depends on what it's tuned to also. The XXX had a drop off somewhere around 50hz or so? But the MT would thrive on a box tuned that high. It just really depends on your taste in what you want your system to sound like. Most SPL subs (MT) are built with huge motor structure to with stand high amounts of power. Which most of your avg joe doesn't have.

well, can't really compare the two.. for one thing SQ vs SPL is as much about the system design as it is about the gear itself. Also what makes a SQ or SPL sub has to do ith the TS specs of the driver, and that means they won't really work in identical boxes ideally. Power also plays a factor, but generally it comes down to the entire system design.

in regards to HS's comment I'd just like to clarify that magnet size has absolutely nothing to do with power handling.
The magnet field strength and motor strength (Bl) are what determine how well controlled a sub is, not how much power it can handle.

If you want more power handling you generally have a larger voice coil to dissipate heat more readily.

I got the impression "voice coil" was included in what HS was calling "motor structure"

if you don't have a decent understanding of how a speaker works, you wouldn't know the difference.. companies like audiobahn thrive on this by using physically huge magnets and inflated power handling (thermal) ratings to impress the unaware consumer.

depending on how you power them and what kind of box a single XXX or Pro can make it over 140dbs but also a single MT can make it over a 150dbs. the XXX is going to get loud and do it low which is what you want for a daily driver. the pro is going to get loud in the 50hz range the execution depending on the box will get loud between 40-50hz area and the MT will get its loudest around the 50-60hz range but also depends on the box and alot of things. these are just ruff outlines on what they will do. if you want a sub that will get loud sound awsome doing it and do it on music and have the power for it id say go with a XXX in a low tuned box. if you are going to be a competitor go with the MT. just remeber music sounds like ass tuned for spl.

in regards to HS's comment I'd just like to clarify that magnet size has absolutely nothing to do with power handling.
The magnet field strength and motor strength (Bl) are what determine how well controlled a sub is, and the better the damping or control, usually the less efficient the sub actually is. The XXX is an example of this.
If you want more power handling you generally have a larger voice coil to dissipate heat more readily.

Magnet size since when did I say that :P

Most SPL subs (MT) are built with huge motor structure to with stand high amounts of power.

Thats what I said :)

currently my mt is running 148s at the dash sealed up. on 4kw+ at 47hz. another local guy is running a xxx on 2000 watts and is putting up 138-139 at 36hz.

You need to get over the 150 mark Bill