Upgrade to a 8" sub from a 6.5" with same box (1 Viewer)

Hey.


I currently have an active 40w RMS subwoofer with a 6.5" driver. When i go past half volume the driver excursion is over the limit and looks very unstable, which i believe is why it's distorting already at half the volume. I'm thinking it's the driver not being able to push more rather than the amp being limited. Could this be true?


Another question. Would it work by installing an 8" driver in the same enclosure, and possibly being able to push more if the amp is not the limiting factor. Also, how would that sound if the box is most likely designed for a 6.5" driver? Could it sound better or is it a total no-no? Obviously depending on the speaker specifications and quality.

The enclosure is designed for the driver. Perhaps just get another sub - does not have to be expensive

Here's one - http://www.parts-express.com/bic-v-80-8-subwoofer-100-watts--303-460

Here's another - http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-800-8-80-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-627


I actually have this one. I bought it for someone originally but my master bedroom is a little big for the 10 inch 100W sub I have in there so I decided to add it into the mix. I imagine for a small bedroom it is fine,

If you want something with a bit more oomph to it or for a room that is medium sized (have something similar in bedroom which is about 14x19 and I found it a drop lacking but someone gave me the sub for free and it doesn't take up much room) http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1000-10-100-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-628

I agree with Phil changing out the sub size will most likely not get you where you want to be. It will likely be undersized and really cost you more than getting a better low end sub. However if you do the research you might find something that would work. You would need the volume of the current enclosure and then measure it to see if a larger driver would fit. Then you need to figure out if you have tools ect. to modify it.


The other option you could do would be to replace the current driver with a better unit as long as the recommended volume is close to the enclosure you have. I would look at something like this Tang Band (as the less expensive one is out of stock) but for not much more you could get a Dayton that Phil linked. Even if you did that replacement you're probably going to be limited by the power you're getting from the amp. 40 watts is not really that much for a sub.


If you wanted another very inexpensive option this Yamaha sub is only $90 on amazon and would probably do you much better than the current unit. That is just a guess as I don't know what your current unit is.

To work in a smaller than optimal enclosure the 8" sub would have to have a very strong motor structure. To get that you need to move into the high end sub world like this model from PSI - http://psicaraudio.com/products-page/psi-8/psi-8/