So I’ve been searching the forums and reading up for the past two days. I’m now at a fork in the road. I have three options:

$710 - NVX Boost series kit. It’s a sleek enclosure that’s custom molded to the side, with a NVX dual 10” 4 ohm sub, matching NVX AMP which will power the sub to 450rms, LOC, and all hardware for install.

Around $800 - Zenclosure single 12” custom rear facing box, (1) JL 12w3v3-4, JX1000-1D amp which doesn’t need a LOC, etc.

And Option #3: Any other combo you would recommend.

Cost effective options are key, I can’t afford more than $700-800 at the moment. I’ve had a nice Alpine Type-R component system with a 10” sub before and that fit my needs fine. But after reading cmusic’s write up, there’s no way I’m overhauling the stock system I have to put in nice powered components. It’s NOT the ML version, which I regret now. I just want to fill out the range, while being able to have some extra kick when I want. I listen to electronic and hip hop with a splattering of rock.

I’m working as a delivery driver right now so I listen to music a lot. I want bass that compliments my music, not bass that shatters my fragile ego.

If anyone out there can chime in on 10” vs 12” sub experiences, any word on NVX products, and if JL Audio is worth the extra money?

If there’s a $500-600 way to get 80% of a more expensive setup I’d like to know.

 

I've always worked my systems around my current flavor of music choice. So due to the mentioning of rap and electronic, with "some" rock, I'd recommend a 12" setup. Plus, I'm a JL sub fan.

 

I have two 10" Rockford Fosgate P2 subs with an Alpine amp and they're more than enough bass. Bought it used from a friend for $100. I run -2 bass and it bumps enough for me. I used to run huge subs but now I just need enough bass. I do like JL Audio, but they're so expensive. I've ran two 12" JL W3s in my old accord and it was over kill. I would recommend buying used locally.

 

Yea well the thread isn't quite dead because I haven't bought a setup but I've found a few better options.
I'm definitely going for a single 12''. But at what power level will the sub start to overpower the non-ML system?

For anyone that wants quality bass, I've been posting and researching on other forums and the Dayton Audio HO-series 12'' sub for $170 is a steal. Paired with a ported box tuned to 30-33hz, which runs about $75. Get a 600-800watt RMS amp for $300 and for about $550 its enough to feed most audiophiles and can compete with 12w3v3 systems. But once again, is a 700 Watt RMS sub overkill for the stock system? Especially the non-ML?

What I'm also looking into is more conservative options. But I'm having a problem when I look at the frequency range of the subs. Anyone have any experience with the stock system and a weaker sub and amp combo(200-300watts RMS)? Anyone running a powered sub enclosure ($200-$300 sub/amp/box combos) and finding it sufficient?

XSV I would buy used but I've been looking around and most of the deals local are shady. And the subs that do look to be in good condition aren't that much cheaper than the new ones. And they don't come with a warranty, which is a yuuuuuge selling point.

 

Are you in SoCal? I have a 12” ID Max with a US Amps MD2D that will probably fit your budget. PM me if interested