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Sub output: Is it the woofer size or the rated RMS

In any subwoofer output, how important is the Watt output versus the woofer size? I have been reading reviews on some subs such as Earthquake, Sunfire and JL audio. The Earthquakes (15" woofers; ~650W) have reportedly more "slam" than the Sunfire (1000W-1500W, 12" woofer), or the 650W-750W SVS, or even the fathoms.
And each of these are box subs.
Or is it really about the proprietary technology unique to every sub?
In other words, what really influences a sub's output for all the wonderful things we want in a great sub?
dogmatix

Showing 3 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
22,638 posts
 
More power in a sub can probably never hurt, but just be overkill perhaps.

Generally, a larger driver, properly driven, will facilitate better low end response but size alone is not enough. Its the quality of the driver and soundness of the overall design that matters most.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,638 posts
 
Almarg outlined the issues well I would say.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,638 posts
 
"And they simply wouldn’t be able to respond to transient peaks as quickly as our tens.""

Smaller dynamic drivers do have an inherent advantage in regards to transients over larger drivers even if disadvantaged in regards to reproducing the lowest octaves.

I've always leaned towards smaller drivers in conventional dynamic speaker designs in general as a result.

For subs, I've heard it done well with both larger and smaller drivers, again depending on the robustness of the overall design more so than just pure driver size.
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