Competition grade is not a “real” classification. It generally refers to high output, high powered woofers that are pretty hefty in weight. There are no distinct guidelines and technically anything that can be used in a competition is competition grade. There are of course woofers that have been designed specifically for use in competition settings, like the HCCA Series and Solo-X woofers. These competition grade woofers have available recone kits that allow you to fix the woofer in case of damage, which is likely in competition settings. Even competition woofers can be used in your commuter car for every day listening. When it comes to competition or normal woofers, the box plays an extremely important role in the sound properties of the woofer. Follow that up with quality gauge wire and the correct amount of power.

Being that there is no classification, if you see a subwoofer with the title of “competition grade” it most likely follows these guidelines for SPL (Sound Pressure Level) competitions:

• Subs with power handling at or above 1000W RMS
• Subs with a voice coil larger than 2.5″
• Subs with an Xmax excursion of 1”( 25.4mm) or more
• Subs with spiders larger than 7″
• Subs featuring composite cones or any very strong material

If you find a woofer with a large excursion and high power handling, it tends to fit into all of the other categories automatically. So to wrap it all up, does this mean you could technically get $25 subwoofers and enter in a competition? Yes it does, you most likely won’t succeed but you could do it. Should you try to buy “competition” grade equipment? It does not matter so long as it fits the two most important specifications (power handling and excursion) and you get a great box builder. Oh and one more thing, if your new to competition, go to a few events and talk to the pros before even considering building your system, there is a lot to it!

The post Competition Grade V.S. Standard Subwoofers appeared first on Sonic Electronix Learning Center and Blog.

By Seth Wilde. – Product Specialist

Getting the most out of a car audio system requires a lot of power.  That means high-powered amplifiers, thick power cable, as well as speakers and subwoofers with high power ratings.  With so much demand for power, the car might not be able to generate the amount of power that is required for optimal performance.  This unveils one of the most overlooked aspects of aftermarket car audio systems, the vehicle’s charging system.  While one of the most overlooked, the vehicles charging and electrical system are extremely important in getting the amplifier the power that it requires, as well as protecting the factory OEM electrical system.  For those that are looking to upgrade and get the most from their aftermarket system, consider improving the vehicles battery, or even adding a secondary car battery.

One manufacturer of high performance car batteries and power cells is SHURiKEN. They offer a wide selection of power cells that are the ideal solution for replacing an OEM car battery or adding a secondary battery.  The SHURiKEN SK-BT100 offers 2250 crank amps and 100 amp hours.  Ratings like this continue to prove that this is a serious power cell generating much more power than the standard car battery.  The battery itself is made using AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) technology that enables the battery to mount in any position.  That means it can easily install in place of the standard battery, or it can mount as a secondary battery with a custom installation in a trunk.  The installation options are limitless with the AGM design.  While there are car batteries that are compatible with a variety of car audio system power ratings, the SHURiKEN SK-BT100 is perfect for systems up to 2000 watts.  Adding a couple of amplifiers and subwoofers will no longer strain a car’s electrical system with one of these high performance car batteries!

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By Seth Wilde – Product Specialist

Pushing the envelope and finding those revolutionary designs is what makes VIBE Audio the premier British car audio manufacturer.  By offering new and innovative designs for their consumer and competition levels of products, they are able to offer their customers plenty of options that will meet their specific needs.  Whether the goal of the car is sound quality (SQ) or competition (SPL or Sound Pressure Level), VIBE makes a quality product that is perfect for that application.

On of the more revolutionary components that VIBE has released is the Black Death QB69 speakers.  The Black Death line is dedicated specifically to competition level of car audio and produces some of the loudest and toughest speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers.  The Vibe QB69 speakers are a unique pair of rectangle 6” x 9” speakers designed for both SQ and SPL.  Some of the features that set this speaker apart from other 6” x 9” speakers include the high output, speaker materials, and the speaker design.  Each Black Death QB69 is rated at 200 watts RMS and 600 watts peak.  Any speaker that is capable of handling 200 watts all day, everyday is well built and durable.  Plus, a higher-powered amplifier is needed to power these speakers.  This isn’t your average 6” x 9”.   The materials of the speaker include a durable polypropylene cone, an aluminum midrange, and a titanium tweeter that can pivot for enhanced audio control.  The patented cone shape results in 20% more surface area, which result in more air movement and better bass response.  Inside, the motor structure emulates that of a subwoofer, which allows the greater excursion and power handling.  Although VIBE audio might not be as well know in the United States yet, it won’t be long before the premier British manufacturer takes over the US as well!

Check out the video below for more specific details about this speaker.

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