I'm moving my audio system from my old F250 to my new 06 Screw and I have a question about sub boxes. I have a JL Audio 10w2 that I was happy with in the F250, but the box naturally won't work in the Screw. I'm wondering whether I should get a ported or sealed sub box and don't know which way to go. I see the Probox and JL Stealth are ported, most of the rest are not. I listen to most every kind of music, with nearly no classical or rap. I really crank it mainly for Alice in Chains, Korn, STP, Led Zep, you know rockers and alternative. I despise the "boing-boing" sound from many hip-hop car audio enthusiasts, so what I'm looking for is strong, tight bass. Also, how much difference in bass do you think there would be between the JL 10" and the MTX thunderform 12" sub? Thanks for you help.

 

Without knowing what the sub was intended for (the 10w2) I would suggest staying with a 10 and going with a sealed. The resonant frequency in your truck is somewhat high, so you will still get good bottom end response due to cabin gain. Going with a ported box is going to increase that bottom end and possibly to the point you don't like(sounding boomy). I don't know the specs on the jl's so I can't comment but if you have to buy new I would look at the boston G5's or G2's a lot of bang for the buck and they work well in small sealed boxes.

 

From what you listen to, stay away from ported boxes. Rock sounds best with a sealed box, which gets you much tighter response. Ported boxes are generally boomy, though they are somtimes louder. I haven't actually seen anybody who makes a ported box for a SCrew yet anyway. For subs, thats just personal taste. Kicker tends to be louder, MTX is generally tighter sound IMO. I haven't herd Boston's subs recently, can't comment. For the system for my 06 SCrew I'm going to try a PG sub and amp, found a 5 channel amp that should fit under the small seat perfectly, and has enough power to push the MB Quarts for the doors =).

 

Both the Probox and JL Audio Stealthbox are ported. MTX Thunderform and most all the MDF boxes on Ebay appear to be sealed.

 

Contrary to popular opinion here, I prefer ported boxes (although there are some downsides to them)
I had a sealed box at first and switched to a ported box because I like the extra low end response and the different sound you get with a port, even with rock music (I listen to mainly rock and metal)
They do require more effort to build, especially when it comes to tuning them correctly though.

 

What would be the best type of box for a single cab 04 if rap music is preferred?

 

I use to go ported back in the day when BOOM was all that mattered....now i have found that with a quality sub and a good well built sealed box....the sound is just plain cleaner with sealed. Plus power needed isn't as high. Now my friends...they all want ported when i build them boxes....then i let them hear my "little" tens on my 300 watt amp......they feel different after that. Sealed on top of that even. Alot of it is in the build of your box. Solid built box is key. I use liquid nails in all my boxes...between joints and then to seal the inside corners and edges. Boxes don't come apart with out a sledge afterward....i tested it out! ha ha

 

Spl170s I use the same stuff to build mine. Even though I still put in a few screws along the port, that sh*t is solid!

And TXHustla, you probably want a ported box if you're listening to mostly rap, but be aware of the extra effort and power this will require to get a good sound. If you can't put in the time, money and effort, go with a sealed box.

 

yup, when i build ported i do the same. went to throw away a box one day...took out all the screws and tried busting it apart...took a sledge....and none of the joints broke apart..just in the centers of the boards!

sealed is easiest by far. unless you have programs for figuring your port sizing out to your sub and vloume of box...

 

I used this calculator to build my current box, 1.0 Cu.Ft, tuned to 35Hz, fits one 10" Premier TS-W1500SPL sub (760Watts RMS)

Only does rectangular boxes though, so it's definately not for everyone

Here's a shot I took while waiting for the liquid nails to dry....

 

From the description of what you want, go with sealed, for sure. Ported is exactly what gives that "hip hop boing boing". Ported boxes are effective over a much more narrow frequency band and MUST be tuned properly or you're asking for a sonic nightmare. And, an improperly tuned and built ported enclosure can destroy a sub in seconds.

 

Regradless I am going to get it from the store. So for a single cab ported would not be too much?