thinking about using these instead of 6x9's...who makes them and what do you guys think?

 

There is no such thing as "open air" subs. I think you are talking about subs that can be used in an infinite baffle or free air application.

In this application, you must separate the front wave from the back wave entirely. Typically, they exhibit a flatter response with better low end response then when used in a sealed application. They also have some reduced power handling. The key in making them work well is the separation between the back and front waves. A lot of SQ competitor have switched over to this method because of it's response - and the fact that you can save space - no real "box" needed. Generally this application only works well in cars that have an actual trunk, although I have seen them in a hatchback before - hope that helps you out!

Lots of subs are good in this config. A long time ago, Kicker and Pioneer made subs specifically for this application. Out of today's subs, a few OZ audio, Illusion, DLS, Image Dynamics IDMAX and IDv3, and a few others are suitable for IB mounting. Typically, you look for a high QTS if memory serves.

I'd look at the IDv3 line from Image Dynamics, they are pretty affordable and sound great.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There is no such thing as "open air" subs. I think you are talking about subs that can be used in an infinite baffle or free air application.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well There is one that could qualify http://www.adireaudio.com/Files/Dan/Parthenon/

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well There is one that could qualify http://www.adireaudio.com/Files/Dan/Parthenon/
</TD></TR></TABLE>

OK OK, you got me on a technicality....let me rephrase one of two ways:

1. No subs for the car audio market....

2. No subs that are currently commercially available - that's still sorta a prototype!!

Damn - I hate it when I'm wrong!!!

 

so there is no free air subs on the market?

 

if free-air is what you mean by infinite baffle, then yes, there are many subs out there that will work in an IB setup.

Image Dynamics IDMAX
Image Dynamics IDQ
Elemental Design SP-series (not made anymore)
Elemental Designs O-series
Adire Audio Brahma
JL Audio W7
Kicker Solobarics L7
...

many subs that will work in an IB setup

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ek_jeremy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">so there is no free air subs on the market?</TD></TR></TABLE>

no - plenty of free-air subs

just no open air subs...remember:

free air = infinite baffle
open air is not equal to infinite baffle or free air

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by rcurley55 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Damn - I hate it when I'm wrong!!! </TD></TR></TABLE>



Over 120db in room with no box Supposedly they are about ready to sell it. I need to win the lotto to afford one at around 5k-10k per sub. Maybe ebp_si will buy one

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by vteg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">



Over 120db in room with no box Supposedly they are about ready to sell it. I need to win the lotto to afford one at around 5k-10k per sub. Maybe ebp_si will buy one </TD></TR></TABLE>

Can you say home theater!!!