Alright so I don't like any of the enclosures that the aftermarket producers have to offer. 4080 (don't like having one sub on one side, and two boxes is WAY too expensive), Zenclosures, etc. I'm kind of OCD about placement and neatness of my car, so the look and sound quality of my sound system is vital to my brain.

I currently have:
JVC AVX820 Headunit (picked for prime equalization and music adjustment capabilities... plus I like the interface and personal preferences).
Memphis 15-MCC6 Component 6.5's (75 rms @ 4 ohms)
Memphis 15-MCs69 6x9's (60 rms @ 4 ohms)
Memphis 16-MC.4x75 Amplifier (75x4 @ 4 ohms)(115x4 @ 2 ohms)
I am planning to install:
16-MC1.250 (mono block class D amp with 250 rms @ 2 ohms).
with:
15-MCP12D4 (Dual-coil 12" Memphis M-Class SQ sub rated at 300 rms)

As you can see I am a matching freak. If Memphis made DD headunit's you already know I would have it installed. I love the sound of Memphis products and their quality is top notch in my opinion.

I do not want to "max-out" my sub, I was planning on powering it at 200 rms, therefore the 250 mono-block and not the 500. I bought a class D because of it being less expensive than the AB class for this power range, and because there is not that much distortion to worry about with a subwoofer, especially being powered at less than its full capability. I listen to a variety of music, primarily rap and rock. I enjoy the lows of some rap songs (why I decided on the 12") and the punch of double bass in rock songs (why I decided an SQ sub).

Because I am leaning more towards quality then boom, I am planning to make a custom sealed box for the 12" towards the back of the trunk (leaving a little bit of space for some objects at least). I was wondering this: Is there anything else besides MDF that would create more quality bass/ better bass response? Can I line the inside of the box with a sound dampening material to amplify the effects of the bass? Does anyone have any recommendations of a box that would do what I am looking for a possible fall back of failure?

I'd appreciate anyone opinions or questions of anything in this post--- Thanks in advance!

 

Aside from MDF, you can use Birch ply as long it's a solid birch and the 7-layer plus version. They sell it at Home Depot and it's about double the price of MDF, but half the weight and gives better acoustic properties. As for lining the inside of the box, there are many products you can use. Polyfil is a product that you can get at almost any hobby shop and will allow for a box about 20% smaller that the actual recommendations of the manufacturers specifications. On almost all custom boxes we produce here, I will also resin the inside of the box to ensure a tighter bond and will then lay Second Skin Damplifier Pro or will line it with Luxury Liner to give less resonance inside to reduce harmonic distortion.

By upgrading to the 500 watt amplifier, you will not be maxing out anything, actually you will be allowing the amplifier itself to run more efficient as you sometimes need more power in a sealed enclosure to get full excursion. the 250 watt amplifier will not bring that sub to it's full potential and will be running hotter and with a bit more distortion. I'd recommend upgrading to the 500 watt amp and reducing the gains to get a bit cleaner signal.

Also, if you are going for an SQ system, I would try to steer you away from the 6x9's as you can get another set of components and have the woofer and tweeter angles properly for imaging in the vehicle.

Matching is a good thing if everything is going to be showing, but not necessary to get the best sound.

The quality of the equipment is an important thing, but also placement and box design will be the most critical aspects of your install. When you say you are going to be building a custom box, how are you looking at making it? Try to make the box with no direct 90* angles. If you have to, cut some 45* strips and place them in the corners to help with reflections.

 

+1

There's no way you can build a SQ system and not have headroom on all your amps.

 

the sub on one side thing is kinda wierd

sub frequencies are omni directional, so anywhere you put the sub, the entire car will be full of bass

Im currently running a 10" ported and it sounds just as full as the 2 12"s I had sealed

sure its not as loud but you cant tell that the sub is on the left side of the car