mikee72

I must have read a bazillion threads over the last 12 hours on the subject of SC sub replacement. Lots of information, not much consensus, except that in every case, the aftermarket sub sounded "better" than the stocker it replaced. Since nobody has tried all of the possibilities, I thought that the only way to come to some conclusion in selecting the "best" 10" stock replacement sub would be to compare the theil/small parameters of some of the most popular models mentioned in various subwoofer threads in this forum and from the 'net. It goes without saying that your wiring configuration/amp power will need to work with these in order to make a valid comparison.

Most will agree that a high Qts, Low Fs, and high Xmax are the most important qualifications for a good IB/Freeair sub. This list is hopefully accurate, but certainly not complete. Feel free to add drivers that you find that stack up well with those listed. Maybe the mods can edit my post with new info so we can keep it tidy and all in one place.

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Soundstream Exact 10

FREQ. RESPONSE (Hz) : 25 - 1.7k
Fs (Hz) : 30
Qes: 0.4
Qms: 12.87
Qts: 0.332
Vas (Ft3) : 1.117
Xmax (INCHES) 0.51
SPL (dB) : 89.6
HOLE SIZE (INCHES) : 925
WOOFER DEPTH (INCHES) : 5.3
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE (Ft3) : 0.5/0.75
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE TYPE : Sealed/Vented
Free Air
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Elemental Design e1OO.44 / 14


T / S Parameters
Qts : 0.59
Qes : 0.76
Qms : 2.69
Vas : 20.5 L
Sd : 0.0312 m^2
XMag : 18.3 mm
XSus : 21.1 mm
XMax : 18.3 mm
MMd : 128 g
Re : 2.39 ohm
Fs : 32.3 Hz
Bl : 11.36
Mounting Depth : 5.5" (139 mm)
---------------------------------------------
JL Audio 10IB4

Fs 37.5 Hz
Qts .769
XMax .3"
Mounting Depth 5.69"
8 ohms
Vas 2.93 cu ft
------------------------------------------
Kicker Freeair F10c

Fs 32.4
Qts .407
XMax 7.7mm
Monting Depth ?
4 ohms
Vas 2.88 cu ft
-----------------------------------------
Image Dynamics ID10 4

Fs 30 Hz
Qts .42
Xmax 10mm
Vas 2.89
4 ohms
Mounting Depth 4.625"

(Note: the suggested Image Dynamics "IDMAX" driver is not made in the 10" size.)

Assuming price or mounting depth isn't an issue, the driver that looks like
it fits my needs is the Elemental Design e1OO.44 / 14. (I hate the word
"best" since inevitably, people oversimplify things and make too many
assumptions when using it.)

Please discuss.