Car sub - help me choose

[myriad1973]

I know this forum isn't geared toward car audio, but I've been on this forum off and on for a number of years and I trust your opinions.

I'm trying to decide between a Infinity Reference 1262w, Infinity Kappa 120.9w or a RE Audio SCX 12"? I've also seen some Boston Acoustics G3 subs showing up on Ebay lately too. I'm going with a sealed box around 1.5 cubic feet and about 350-400 watts rms.

I'm looking for best value for the money.

I'm on a tight budget this time, otherwise I would go with a JL Audio W3, like my old setup.

I already have Infinity Kappa components and coaxials in the doors and rear deck.

 

[slipperybidness]

I am not familiar with the RE brand.

Of your choices, I would personally choose the Kappa.

I also used to have a pair of the 1262w in separate boxes in my car. I can tell you that the Infinity Reference line puts out some serious thump!

 

[rojo]

RE Audio makes some pretty impressive looking drivers. Unfortunately, IIRC, they aren't easy to model. Their published T/S parameters are hard to work with due to many common values not being provided. The Infinity drivers are much better documented. For a sealed box, I'd go with the Infinity Reference 1262W. The RE driver may offer more output per watt, but I don't know whether I'd trust the manufacturer's recommended box size and tuning frequency enough just to build it and see what happens. In any case, RE recommends a much smaller box than what you have planned, unless you change your mind and go ported.

 

[myriad1973]

Thanks for the input. One thing I like about this forum is I usually get a lot of intelligent responses instead of "get Boss subs" or something like that.

I wasn't too sure with the RE either, based on the lack of technical data. I had to e-mail them just to get the frequency response, which they said 20 - 200 Hz, which I'm not too sure about as well.

I have seen some Boston Acoustic G5's popping up on Ebay too, and most of the Boston subs (G2 and G3) have a Qts above 0.6. The G215-44 15" DVC is going for $70 new on Ebay. I'd jump on that, but I have a wife and kids, so I have to behave somewhat. lol

I've been leaning toward the Infinity subs, as they seem to offer the best performance for the money. The JBL GTO-1214D (Harman yet again) has similar specs and price to the Infinities.

After having a JL Audio W3 at one time and knowing its sound and capabilities, I'm a little hesitant the Harmans won't perform as well, being disappointed and stuck with it.