SQL VS SPL WITH JOHNATHAN PRICE

SQL or SPL? That is a forever on going topic in the Basshead community. Some owners like their vehicles loud with a bunch of power packed behind it. Meanwhile others want a more balanced, clean sounding system. There are many different car audio products out there that specialize in either or sound levels.
In this video, JP goes over a few tips regarding SQL and SPL.
Be sure to check out are awesome selection of car audio products at down4soundshop.com

[@kcin2der18]

I feel like after the spl gets so loud it doesn’t matter how loud your mids and highs are, the bass pressure still distorts how they sound

[@kerrickthomas9729]

get more mids and highs or more powerful mids and highs.

[@davidperry4013]

ESQL is 160+ dB of sub and 120+ dB of mids and highs. I want to see musical SPL competitions where they play bass heavy rap song, decaf, or a bass test song such as Bass can you hear me by beat dominator

[@Dan_Hazard]

@@davidperry4013 that'd be dope, Techmaster peb would be my choice and something like I'd rather fuck you by eazy e would be dope 😅🤘🏼

[@keepitcleanaudio]

I agree with most of this but SPL competitors look more for efficiency, higher fs, and strong motor force then the number of subs and power. Most run subs with a suspension that is so stiff the subs can't cool they are made for a burp.

[@matthewguynn5745]

I feel ya.. I have infinity doors and can't hear them with 3 subs.. and beats my truck to death

[@egm092478]

Sql is the way to go specially for an everyday build

[@pete1320]

I knew a guy back in the day that had a wall of twelve 10s, and for mids and highs he only had the two factory 4 inch tweeters in the dash. Most of the time we had no clue what song was playing lol. He was not into SQL.

[@OGLOC1574]

My favourite part of this story is 4” tweeters

[@troycote4503]

@@OGLOC1574 yup 1 inch soft dome mids!

[@bigbrudda-topic5522]

I like to have bass that's insane but I want loud and clear mids and highs

[@rixZR2]

For me; everything coming from the front with 3D imaging. The singer out on the hood (center) subs with enough delay to give the effect of being in front of you just like a concert. Sound deadening to the max as I hate resonating, rattles or anything else that takes away from the hard work and money invested in my system. My goals with car audio are to recreate high end home audio or concerts for long trips to the office. Also, I see SQL mentioned wrongly so many times. Sound Quality League (SQL) as known the competition world under MECA,iSAC etc.

[@johnnycorn7225]

The question is how much do you love it how hard will you work for it how much will you put into it? I think it's worth the work to run high power sealed SQL systems, but I'm a musician and used to high end audio.

[@MrBigzo32]

I love both but I'm more SQL my up and coming build will be. 4 12in subs 8 10in loudspeakers 4 compression horns and 4 super tweeters.

[@NocThunder]

I guess I'm SQL. I listen to 100% heavy metal and I need the mids and highs to keep up with my bass. I'm waiting for Crescendo Audio to come out with the UN-10 speakers so I can put 2 of them in each door along with 1 UN1 horn speaker. I need this volume because I have 2 DD supercharged 9500 subs with ESP so my mids and highs need to keep up.

[@ditto_75]

That was the most basic explanation of sql vs spl I have ever heard but I appreciate it anyway.

[@davidperry4013]

I have Sony mobile ES speakers which are 90 db/1 watt sensitivity. I metered it and the mids and highs reached 109 decibels when cranked up to 11. Not as loud as pro audio but they are still louder than stock speakers and I loved how detailed and clean the snares, rasps, and vocals are on those soft dome tweeters and composite cone mids. They can really keep up with some serious amount of sub.

[@EVO_IX]

I love SQL. BUT I LOVE TO FEEL THE BASS WHEN YOU LIKE 10ft away from the car

[@Jamez84]

My daily runs 3k RMS on a pair of 10s in a 4th order bandpass box. I run high power mid bass (200x2 RMS) 6x9s on the rear deck, and all doors run a 6.5 component system with silk dome tweeters on all doors(100x8 RMS) and a special set of soft silk dome mids(60x2) in the front to make a 3 way set up. I try to keep my hi's running at least a 3rd of the power of the woofers or above. Adding the 6x9 mid basses completely changed how powerful certain sounds are in the mid and lower range and gave them much greater presence and power in my music. Its a set up I highly recommend, not all systems need compression horns and tweeters. Many spl guys would be amazed how loud a large silk dome set up gets and how much detail they can get with soft silk dome mids and still be loud enough to keep up with 3k on the subs. 3 large batteries and one stock 240 alt is my electrical with occasional charge ups and maintenance on the batteries.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

I'm definitely in the middle. I want it to sound exquisite in quality, but I also want to hit 150db with the subs and play well, down into the mid to lower 20hz range. Anything less than 140db of bass is too basic for me, even if it does hit "flat" into the 20s like I want. At the same time, I don't think I'll need or require 155+ for a "dream system" either. Another thing is, I also hate the idea of building, mounting, and wiring entire doors of speakers. I don't even really want to do a 3-way front stage with one speaker for each frequency range, so I've been looking into just a LORGE midbass with something like a compression driver. Really, I need to do more research and ask more questions to a broader range of people with more experience. GOOD experience, at that.

[@12Messenger]

Reminds me of the days when I was a young college guy beating otw to campus nearly every morning. Had stock speakers in my Honda but had 2k on 2 12s sounding muddy but i just wanted tp hear the bass

[@vocilmw3642]

I went with a morel maximo ultra 602 component set up front, cerwin vega horns for the rear fill, and a 12" sa classic for the sub. All powered by a JP95! Cannot wait to get this all installed

[@7Logik]

One phrase sums it up for me , "i dont just want bass you can hear ,but bass you can feel."

[@bradmeek]

Mad respect saying brands other than sundown can do both SPL and SQL #DDmafia

[@k3n12ock]

You act like that was never true until JP said it

[@davidperry4013]

Deaf bonce is SQL.

[@epalahamelousialekava2387]

What is a good sundown SQL sub?

[@Ttdubrushmob]

@@epalahamelousialekava2387sa series

[@russsmith9042]

Class Act J.P. glad to see you doing well for yourself

[@ShaunJaySays]

SQL for the win!!!!

[@soldjahboy]

SQL is a cope term for people who just built an SPL system but used the most expensive speakers and amps they could find because "they sound better", lmfao. It's called buyer cope. It's what unintelligent people do, in order not to have buyer remorse and justify the ridiculously wasteful amount of money they spent. The number 1 comment I get from people on my "SPL" build is "wow it sounds so crystal clear and amazing!" because that's just a side effect of having your amps set right and speakers that aren't from walmart. That's all. In fact, my front fill are the "shitty BOSE" speakers that are factory in my vehicle and they sound fking amazing... GO FIGURE.

[@ShaunJaySays]

@@soldjahboy and you wrote all this because…. 🤷🏽‍♂️😂

[@soldjahboy]

@@ShaunJaySays Because... get this... because I felt like it. Probably for the same reason you commented, oddly enough.

[@jaybomb5022]

​@@ShaunJaySaysbecause he's broke and it's how he copes😂

[@jessejames6687]

SQ components are always way more expensive then SPL!! Probably one of the main reasons why SQ is such a smaller community compaired to SPL!!

[@isidrosevier1125]

You can build a fairly budget friendly SQL system if you go in stages. Definitely recommend the D4S 6.5s midrange speakers for kids and highs. Then you need a nice SQL box I had one made for $250 a console box for a truck. With 1 12" sundown zv12 it all sounds amazing together. Super crisp, Clean and loud.

[@Hammerback0]

SPL is cheap? I'll have to look into that and see where I went wrong.

[@crazyperson6999]

for my new setup I want a single 15in sub for lows, I want them low lows

[@RandoManFPV]

Did you get one yet? Do your research on ts parameters. I'm still learning myself but they are the truth. while brands, price, and looks can be deceiving. Check the FS of the subwoofer your interested in. It doesn't tell you exactly how low it will play but it will give you a good idea of how well it will preform on lows. The lower the fs the better for hitting lows but everything is a 'give and take' situation.

[@afigueroa1969]

I want a crystal clear highs and mids I want to hear what the musician is thinking but I also want to turn up the bass knob and shake the paint off the car

[@RegularCarGuy]

Me too

[@jaybomb5022]

Same, my SPL speaker hits super low with accuracy until I crank up knob and distort everything else 😂

[@chuccdiesal4241]

I think I just like the crunch the lows when it rumble I luv it long as my door speaker by me works and I can hear the words let King Kong try to get out of my trunk lol

[@enisbenslama7014]

Only SQ for me. The loud noise is good only for a few time. Real good music is forever.

[@shaynekielmann]

Those Hi excursion long tube magnet Sundowns I got a look at yesterday look em em good!

[@mn_mt0964]

I like the middle u rock dd so more spl but i feel they rock either sql or spl depending on what u get so my 700 12 is what i consider middle or between the both

[@brianrich7828]

I like both SQ and a bit of SPL potential. I have a bass knob for a reason.

[@jaybomb5022]

Exactly, I want both so I rebuilt my NSV5 with a progressive Spider. Best of both worlds

[@zombi3on394]

I'm working on a SQL setup now

[@akuma4u]

3:37 puberty in the house LOL

[@mikew6135]

ALL SUBJECTIVE. CARRY ON!

[@teknikalvette]

I have a question. If ofc wire is better than CCA why do most subs have aluminum voice coils? Cost savings?

[@j.savage1228]

Power handling

[@teknikalvette]

@@j.savage1228 if your stating power handling then why is CCA not as good for an amp. If CCA has better power handling then why do I want ofc? It's all current draw.

[@beardedforlife3740]

@@teknikalvette CCA doesn't have better current capabilities. You pretty much nailed it on the head. It's saves money and for the range of subs you see with CCA coils it works perfectly fine for them. I'd say you probably can't run them as hard as a sub with ofc coils because they may get hotter and might not handle quite as much power. As for your power and ground CCA works good, but ofc is still better. I personally use ofc for power and ground, speaker wire, and RCAs.

[@gakudzu7282]

The voice coil is moving mass. Aluminum is lighter than copper.

[@teeone10]

I like to have both

[@RiddledEnigma93]

It is possible to have BOTH SPL & SQL, I know I had both in my last truck!~ You just need to know how to tune ya system to be able to do both and I can, I am a Audiophile & a SPL lover!~ An people think u need a fangled device to tune ya stuff, u dont if u know what ya doing, an tuning the system to the resonate freq of the vehicle itself is a challenge but can be done!~

[@angelyt6242]

Man I thought this was gonna be a coding video D: will still give you a like to support :D

[@RyanBassForLife]

Nice lesson 🙂

[@RyanBassForLife]

@Robert Johnson who are you? Do I know you? I got sick of the Soundqubed logo so I changed my picture back.

[@mjmusictest2434]

Good evening Johnathan!!

[@LowetheTechGuy]

What up JP? Hey I got a Jp84 from ebay that was "not working or for parts". I looked closely at the pics and just saw the glass busted so I bought it. It definitely works perfectly fine but I need a glass. Is there anyway I could get a back plate for it from you? I really want a stock one so I don't have to make a ghetto one.

[@Chris_Wolfgram]

I prefer SQL, with nice, musical bass that digs really deep. In fact, if the bass has any peak at all, I prefer it to be below 30 hz, to be able to enjoy it. Really loud bass in the 40 to 50hz range (the peak resonance of many vehicles) is annoying to me, and hurts my ears. I think if loud, peaky bass is all your after, that is a lot easier, but doesn't say as much.

[@NoName-gk2sj]

What set up would u day gets. U that 30hz below

[@triplexk6416]

Reverse mids wiring or phase from your subs & you highs. Adjust your mid highpass to 40- 45hz set yr subs low pass if 10's 90hz 12's @ 50 15's @32-35 hz. If your using xover or dsp with bass boost w/hz adjust then add 12dB@ 45hz. If you have a subsonic preferably variable then set your subsonic to your subs resonant hz unless your subs wont go ther. If they dont, set subsonic @20hz & your sub lowpass for 10's @100hz 12's @ 51hz and 15's @39hz 0r 40hz. Next set your highs highpass at 150hz. This setup may be unconventional for your system if your using sq components only as this will likely destroy you sq subs. Or if your dB's on your amps spkrs dsp's and decks are around 94 or lower. I used this setup on 3 rfp 500.2s wired to 6 rfp2212's he 12's 3 old school coustic amp260's wired to 4 pioneer ts 6904's and a pair of cerwin vegas 525s 5¼ seperates. A pioneer dehp3800 a coustic xm3 patened version for the mono loop. And a dr coustic 12 channel xover for a deeper pass slope. 4010 watt 167dB 39.9hz.

[@fluentcaraudio8859]

i just want tons of pounding bass and loud ass mids and highs! lol

[@squishypeanut42]

There is a typo in the description

[@royluna2122]

Why dont yall sell jl audio on your website?

[@VictorLopez-fd8ze]

Can you do a video on a high-end subwoofer

[@Burgerdog75]

Why do you sell skar audio. but don’t have anything in stock?

[@poohwecampbell7799]

Me 2 …..SQL (pro-Audio)…With Deep Bass…. 2018 Mustang 5.0 6-DS18 pro audio mid 6.5 (250watts rms) 4 pro audio tweeters 2 dome tweeters (120 watts rms (all voice speakers DS18) Subwoofer 12” hooligan HE -2ohm 4000 watts rms (ported box 4 cubic feet 1 Taramps 5000 2 taramps 800x4

[@KingLexo91]

Looking to pick up dc Audio level 5 15” subwoofer but want to know what mids&high recommended for a balanced sound. Also could I get away running on 350amp alternator with xs battery to power the system

[@chevyboisd]

On them lv5 15 you going to need two dc audio 9ks amp

[@thenailbossprocess7190]

Hi. I'm looking to add a 10 in subwoofer. And I like good sound quality. Would you pick a 10 inch american bass or a kicker 10???

[@shaynekielmann]

Bass is like a good woman you just can’t get enough good spl and sql

[@sammyconway9060]

Im looking to run 4 15s. What do you prefer? Sundown zv6 or deaf bonce 4514?

[@chevyboisd]

That's a good question there

[@riverhaupert7949]

i would get the zv6s if you got the voltage

[@justforlaughs8988]

Deaf bonce would be louder especially with that series + it's a 4inch coil but you better have more then 10k per sub to drive that monster

[@trickedoutequinox3265]

@@justforlaughs8988 yup I always have to remind myself that there's no reason to get certain subs bc I don't have enough power to push them correctly

[@NNokia-jz6jb]

SQL?

[@spec1923]

Trying to decide the best amp pairing for an F150 with JBL Stadium 6x9 in front and rear doors and two JBL Stadium subs. The subs are selectable 2 or 4-ohms and can handle about 450 each RMS. JP8 + JP84 or JP13 + JP84? I am kind of leaning to JP13 to have plenty of headroom.

[@saturninosalzido633]

Where can I install ds18 bilet tweeters in a 2011 door panel with out doing any modifications on the door panel it self

[@theblackpearlcaraudiochann7535]

You still planning in making a team deaf bonce usa video? I know u mentioned it at slamfest last year. I think it would be cool to make some videos showcasing different brands and different demos you've had 🤷‍♂️

[@RemingtonSteel]

Deaf Bonce subs are amazing

[@bobit8742]

how d4s amplifiers with sql, saw that 2 channels a/b about to drop, that is going be bad ass. drop some more 4 and 6 channels a/b for some sql heads. those jp 23 & jp 234 already kick ass

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I'm not going to argue with anyone, but I am completely alienated by those who obsess over SPL and booming bass. I want to be immersed in music, not battered by it.

[@johng6673]

Hutchinson Audio, are they SPL or SQL? And do you have any plans for Ground Zero?

[@epalahamelousialekava2387]

What recommendations do you have for a SQL subwoofers on your site?

[@josefrancisco8715]

And i got a quick question i got 3 10s punch hx2 and 4 8s sundowns e8 v6 wich one will sound better in a chevy tahoe the 3/10s or 4/8s thank u

[@peeweekirkland8177]

What about Deaf Bonce? Is it sql or an spl subwoofer?

[@GuestGuest-bz8us]

Guess its spl

[@JS-wc4xs]

I've got a limited amount of space, my amp only delivers 500 RMS power 1-4ohm, so I'm looking at a sealed enclosure SQL system (preferably 10-12" sub, maximum mounting depth of 8") does anyone have any suggestions? My mids and highs are focal so decent SQL there. My 10" W6 isn't cutting it.

[@trickedoutequinox3265]

Skar 12 SDR or SVR if u have only 500 watts and want the most bang for your buck imo

[@MrHouston314]

Sundown Xv3

[@maxxpayne309]

This is completely off subject but I bought a 12 inch sundown speakerphone you guys and Its got some foam Gine I have a warranty but I can’t find the paperwork is there anyway for me get this fixed as well as I Ordered your JP 23 amp I will need another one of those as well they get really hot so I’m gonna run two

[@LGmarge]

still waiting for that DD from d4s

[@justbreeze1991]

What are some SQL subs that you recommend around 1000wrms?

[@jeremyroberts6934]

American bass xr10's. I have 3 2 ohm wired down to 1.3 ohms. Sounds like my jl audio 10w6's from back in the day. Put them on a slaps 8000 watt amp upgrade ur alternator add agm battery under hood and add another agm in the trunk and put 5 layers sound deadener in the trunk. Pull your doors and headset and sound deadener then ur set.

[@rowboyto156]

are the demo vehicles like jerry aintloud and parkers sequoia spl or sql

[@xTinBenderX]

SQL

[@qui-gonjinn6115]

Price does both well

[@tuelyxplore984]

Would 2 12 inch Skar Zvx 's be overkill, I will be having it run on a genius 5200 watt Amp, I'm not looking to kill myself with just insane bass.. Donno if I'm gonna over do myself here lol

[@justforlaughs8988]

So for my build I did both which are both extremely expensive so for my build my hole front stage is audio dynamics I bought 2 4000 series components with 3inch mid drivers from there 3000 series on there dsp and 1000.6 amplifier so it's fully active my bass is deaf bonce 2 18inch dbsa418d1s in a steel caged 6th order series tuned on 2 Orion hcca17,000.1dsplx amps my alt is a brand x 390 running 15.4v with 400ah of yinglong this build has costed me just over $25000

[@AlienChoppa]

Jesus christ

[@justforlaughs8988]

@@AlienChoppa My Lord and savor how did you know?

[@1904audio]

400 ah is overkill but hey we all do it from time to time in some manner

[@justforlaughs8988]

@kickDee1904 it's not too bad she does ok I actually want more reserve power cause it is only going to benefit your set up 👍

[@alanvillarreal2288]

question, im trying to build a 5k-6k watt system but i dont tend to keep my vehicles for longer than 1 or 2 years so i want to be able to take that system out and put it on another vehicle, my question is, can i get away with just a battery bank, if so, how big? or do i absolutely have to buy a high output alternator? (im reluctant to buy it because i cant take it out and put it on a different car and that would be $500 wasted) i drive a 2003 4.7L dodge ram

[@enisbenslama7014]

It's not simple with all that wattage, but here in italy most of the SPL cars don't have custom or added alternator, but a lot of batteries. If you don't want change or added alternator, use real good AGM batteries (4/6, i don't know how much did you need) and use your system when the car is ON. After that, buy a charger for your batteries and charge them every time you think did you need it. Good luck and good work man!

[@K.GotScents]

dual ported boxes vs Boxes with one big port .. which is better? does it make a difference?

[@RemingtonSteel]

I've found that sealed boxes give a deeper lower bass note where ported give a louder "punchier" bass. I like sealed boxes but it seems like ported is way more popular.

[@74midwestbass74]

SQL FTW

[@bigbrudda-topic5522]

But I have a 2019 nissan sentra what kind of mids and highs would you recommend? I wanna keep a stock look but surprise people when they listen to my stereo.

[@bestdiycarcustomization941]

I have a 17 versa and I am running either hertz or focal 6.5s I can’t remember which ones I decided to buy and have two skar ddx 10’s on a skar rp 2000 for my lows

[@Contact_Info]

I just want punchy base that I can feel but really tight for edm music. Is that sq?

[@jeremyroberts6934]

Get 3 10s in Ported box. Go with old school pvc port box. Depending on what vehicle its going in needs to be tuned based off of your vehicles resonance frequency.

[@kevoc3911]

I Have an 06 silverado: can i fit one d4s 65 in the stock door speaker location & another one in a qlogic floor kick panel? (depth)

[@beardedforlife3740]

For the qlogic you'll just have to compare the depth of it to the mounting depth of the speaker. The stock location on your truck should fit them. Mine fits 6.5" speakers but I need adapters so I can have mounting holes

[@frankpoole4306]

Why not do both? Meca has a Best of the best class that judges both.

[@aslmx1918]

I want mine to sound like a Metallica concert in my car.

[@agallo121]

hm,, why did you not cover the topic of bass sql and, damping factor of these subs and amps that are loud and muddy as H (SPL) Also that you can achieve the same loudness with efficiency and less power also less electric. Maybe it would hurt the sales of the name faces you make so much $ from? I don't think so'' Or is it possible you don't know?. Not likely. I guess when you reach a certain level there are guide lines and threshold's you don't xcross.. yea

[@jayallison3538]

What would you recommend as a pro audio set up with bass

[@trickedoutequinox3265]

Depends how much space u have and how much power available u want or can afford

[@bigbrudda-topic5522]

I'm an SQL person

[@davidcharles1601]

Are the skar ZVX-15V2 good for sql

[@Contact_Info]

No, spl only

[@knockout_wj8886]

Have a question. I know there are 3 stages they use for amplifier dyno testing. And I know the impedance doesn't change on the dyno but does change in a automobile install. So there is certified, uncertified, and dynamic. Can you tell us which test would be closest to be ran in a automobile? Can't remember which one is that counts up till clipping, but to me that would be the one to go by. Cause we set or gain close to clipping. Take note I said 'CLOSE'. Also I personally look at the 2ohm rating to match with a subwoofer rms vs the 1ohm. I will also pay attention to the 4ohm test also. Plus I know if you want to run say 2 subwoofers that are say 500 watts each you want to run a 1,000 watt rms amplifier and so on. Thanks.

[@jpowens2253]

I know you probably already found the answer since the comment is 7 months old, but for future people with the same question, here's the answer. None of them are comparable to being on a sub in a vehicle. All the tests are done with a fixed resistance. A subwoofer will change resistance constantly, but this does not change the importance of the tests. This is because every subwoofer will have different responses even if they have the same or similar specs and the numbers will be useless to a person with a different subwoofer. So, instead we test amplifiers with something that can be repeated by anyone since all variables have been removed. The only difference being the amplifier itself.

[@fusiondensity3287]

D4S subs coming soon

[@furrychewbacca7]

This man's said V S instead of versus 🤣🤣

[@dnatech4477]

After your balls drop = SQL

[@cameronsmith2403]

I'm trying to do sql now that I have a good amount of bass I have some 6.5 skars in the front doors and 6x8 in back. If I want more vocals should I swap the 6.5 speakers for midrange?

[@SKISER83]

I do SQ.. 10inch subs

[@adamsdiyandrandomvids5379]

How much do you make off of KZbin and fb do you ever get stage fright lol

[@hksp]

sql only & absolutely no pro audio speakers

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

Jonhathan Plz Plz do a video explaining what Xmax is and what it is Not! I'm so tired of everyone saying Xmax is the distance the cone moves; you and I know it is not that!! That is excursion!!!

[@beardedforlife3740]

Xmax is the distance the woofer moves but only in one direction before leaving the coil gap. So technically it it the distance the cone moves, just when it moves out not in

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

@@beardedforlife3740 What you described is called "excursion limit"

[@beardedforlife3740]

@@scottiffanimccord1509 max linear excursion or xmax

[@beardedforlife3740]

@@scottiffanimccord1509 what you are thinking of is xmech which is the mechanical limits when the cone travels in either direction

[@scottiffanimccord1509]

@@beardedforlife3740 No my friend. Just do a search for "what is xmax on a sub woofer" then right me back and join the conversation thx. PS I am a big fan of Vance Dickason I read all his publications

[@mickfullfrequency9127]

Cause u have so many speakers in the Tahoe it’s still car audio and far from pro audio! Put a D&b or L acoustics rig in there and tune it with a RTA mic that would make it pro audio. Nothing worse than worse than talking out ur ass mr price!

[@mirkolazar9250]

You can't do both 😂 it's one or the other

[@ogairbender808]

Man I should have went with crossfire ,or DC,my 8 xv3 18,s are not all built in the USA .out of 8 of em 5 are made in China and scratched all to hell faded paint .man I'm so disappointed with them 8 grand of equipment and to me they are sullied for sure and no I'm not being petty I ordered 8 xv3 18 s supposedly built in America with love but nooooooooooo!!!

[@TheTherealdarkhorse]

Please stop giving advice. Just sell products.