Audio Systems: New System, cast aluminum frame, dual voice coil

Question
Hey,

Right now i have a High output 200 amp alternator and  15" X.X.X. sub connected to an Orion 1200D amp(1200 watts rms at 1 Ohm) in a 4cu.ft. ported box tuned to 32 hz (i believe). This is in my '97 Ford F-150 Lariat. The sub and port (on the box) are facing the roof, and the box is ontop of the 2 left seats in my back row of my truck( so i can still use the 1 back seat for a passenger)

I will be probably getting a new truck/SUV this summer, and I think I want get 2 12" Eclipse Titanium subwoofers. But maybe even 2 15" eclipse Titanium subs. The spex on the eclipse 12" Ti are:

Polyether Surround
Titanium Cone
Dual Mirror-Image Spiders
Aluminum Voice Coil Former
"Bottomless" Design
Aero-Vented Pole Piece
Cast Aluminum Frame
Triple-Stacked Magnet
Small Sealed-Box Enclosure
Continuous Power Handling: 750W
Music Power Handling: 1,500W
Dual Voice Coil
QCA (Quick Change Assembly)
Fs: 27Hz
Qts: 0.30
DCR: 4/coil
Vas: 3.20 cuft
Xmax:(one way) 1.50"

Now here are my questions.
I'm liking the quad cab Dodge Ram 1500 truck. Do you think i would be able to set up a ported box to the 2 12" eclipse subs while only taking up 2 of the 3 back seets so i could still use the 1 left over for a passenger?

Im also looking into the Nissan Xterra, the GMC Yukon, and the Yukon Denali. For those Suv's do you think i should go with the 2 15" subs in a ported box? I want to have pretty good SQ, but I also want to be heard from far away, and pull up next to someone and blow there system away in SPL!! I listen to a lot of Rap/ Hip hop, some Rock,and some Hard Rock.  

Also, what would you reccomend for an amp thats 1500 watts at 1 ohm for the price range of $400-600.

Thank you very much!!

Answer
The 1st thing that any pro will tell you about 'theoretical systems' (no matter how likely they are to be realised) is that you cannot guess how the sub will preform in the vehicle until you try it. The vehicle and components used will of course have a great impact on the final sound.
Basically, you will have to choose what suits your needs based on your pocketbook.

I mean, how LOUD do you want it??
2-15's? sheeesh
youll find it hard to make a SQ system 'hang together' above 125 [and one well loaded 12 will hit 130+].

Perhaps two 12's? ...which is still excessive bass [unless you are loading a few hundred watts for 16 other mid-basses, mids and highs to the vehicle, in which case they would still be QUITE adequate].
If you cant turn heads massively with one good 12, it is not loaded/setup correctly. Two of them done right, would be tight

I do not use or reccommend low impedance systems due to their proven instability and limited lifespans (not to mention, they are generally geared towards SPL not SQ).
Most of the systems I design will last 15+ years depending on the components used and will stand up and salute (no matter what you listen to).
Most of my systems will do great SQ at SPL's upwards of 125 Db. Even a good sounding 125 is obnoxious to the public. And due to resonances, getting SQ at much higher SPL's is very difficult.

You do not have to be 145 db to be heard far away! A 25 hz
signal sounds best at about 44' away from the speaker. Of course, the human ear picks up sounds at 1/4 wavelengths, hence  11'.
 Do not even bother trying to get fundamental (or even 1/4 wavelength) 25hz freqs to your ears below that distance. It is physically impossible (and there goes most reason to go with 15" subs).

So..from what you have told me, it is hard for me to define your particular 'gray area' between SQ and SPL.
You certainly cannot have an abundance of both while on a budget!
To me, it is getting SQ at a volume that is a dozen or so Db over the cars' interior at full throttle, windows down. When properly setup, such a system will let you add bass at the head unit with only an increase in bass as a result (no audible clipping). There is your 'impress em' move!

It sounds to me like it might be best for you to seek a local pro that you trust for more specifics on the vehicle you finally choose.

The bottom line is:
Adding speakers is twice as effective for SPL and getting extra loud (as opposed to adding power), and we have no idea for sure what the rest of system will be yet.


"I'm liking the quad cab Dodge Ram 1500 truck. Do you think i would be able to set up a ported box to the 2 12" eclipse subs while only taking up 2 of the 3 back seets so i could still use the 1 left over for a passenger?"

Possibly..  we do not have the specs of available space to see. You would have to do some measuring.

I hope you can sort out what I have have said here.. I hope you have all the system you ever wanted when you are done, too.

Sincerely,
Jerry Mael