Big sub, small box ?

[Mylo]

Is it possible to run a JBL GT4-15 in a small enclosure ?

My requirement is big bass but without using up much of the Leon's boot space.

If I make the enclosure as rigid and dense as possible can it compensate for a lack of sheer volume ?


Holidays and big subs just don't seem to mix

 

[crezz]

it needs to be the correct size or you could damage the sub

 

[Icecavern]

You don't need a 15" sub for big bass... You wont damage the sub in too small a box, but you will loose volume and then you'll try to push the sub harder and it could overheat.

A box always has to be completely solid ( using 18mm MDF as a minimum ) or it wont work properly at any size.

 

[crezz]

i was always told it will damage the the cone as it will be pushing it out when its already at its peak...looks like i had my pants pulled down over that! lol

 

[NickyJam]

Is it possible to run a JBL GT4-15 in a small enclosure ?

you should be able to check the manufacturer's website for the minimum enclosure volume requirement, any lower than this isn't good for the sub's performance.

PS a bigger sub usually means that it will generally need a bigger enclosure so i would suggest you go for a 12" and purchase a Stealthbox from Auto Acoustics (dependant on which Leon model you have)

 

[Med]

also if you get a ported box then it increases the sound if im correct, also if you get the box tuned then that can improve sound.

 

[NickyJam]

also if you get a ported box then it increases the sound if im correct, also if you get the box tuned then that can improve sound.

porting the enclosure won't increase the sound you do that by turning up the volume

a port makes a sub more efficient and should play better at louder volumes (yes - if that's what you meant ) if tuned correctly

 

[Poverty]

How small are we talking when you say small? Perhaps it would be easier to run a more powerful 12" sub to save on space.

Thing with ported boxes is that they tend to usually be bigger than sealed ones if done correctly.

 

[BigWill]

check this pack out, 12" sub, but still not bad

http://www.bassjunkies.com/index.php?pid=14275&show=expand_image

 

[clarkey-cool/s]

Put it in the spare wheel well with some black plastic over the top, or clear plastic if you're feeling flashy....I reckon that would be sweet.
Someone makes a downward firing sub for this purpose but I can't remember who it is, and iirc they're quite pricey.
http://www.excauto.com/Other_Enclosures-15_1200_Watt_Subwoofer_Spare_Wheel_Well_Enclosur.html
Here is one as an example...

 

[NickyJam]

for that 15" you'll need a minimum of between 2.5-3 cubic foot box which isn't small to get the best out of the sub at the smallest of enclosures.

I found a spec sheet for the GT4-10" version, if you wanna have a look at the graphs, see what you prefer. You'll most probably go for a sealed enclosure.

http://manuals.harman.com/JBL/CAR/Boxes and Parameters/GT4-10_f.pdf

 

[BigWill]

If it's for a small space, shallow mount subwoofers are sometimes useful, you pay a tiny bit more, but still with the same sensitivity as others

http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_product-22839.htm

mounting depth is like 100mm