I generally don't like asking what the "BEST" is. But I guess I have to. I'm starting to look into subs strictly from a SQ point of view. My limitations are that I cannot go any larger then 8.5" in diameter. The best 8" I've heard was the W7. It's ok if the sub is expensive (I don't want it to be!), I'm simply looking for the best possible 8" sub below 50Hz. I want serious output and serious SQ. Sealed box is preferred, but I'm not limited to them. I don't think the list will be long but you never know.

Power available is:

350 watts @ 4ohm
or
600 watts @ 2ohm
or
1100 watts @ 1 ohm

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TEAM HYBRID AUDIO



"I have a 1500 watt hair dryer, but it sounds like sh!t"

I think you pretty much nailed it. If money was no prob and I needed a H/O sq 8, w7 is definitely on my #1 spot.
There was an 8" woofer shootout on eca forum, long time ago. w7 came out on top in higher output applications, while I think Image Dynamics was in there too, with applications that don't require oodles of output.

Given that you need output, w7 it is.

focal be line sub 21wx is one i would look at

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EVERY FAMILY HAS A RETARD IN IT. IF YOU THINK THAT YOURS DOESNT HAVE ONE, THEN ITS PROBABLY YOU.

The DD 8" driver in a custom box actually sounded fricken amazing and belted out a ungodly amount of low bass extension.

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Forbidden Audio Ltd. (1995)
Rob Atkinson

Eclipse / MB Quart / Soundstream / Power Acoustik / Parrot / Pioneer / Pioneer Premiere / Kenwood Excelon / Morel / Focal / Scosche / EFX / MTX / Bass Slammer / Audio Control / Blaupunkt / ARC / Stinger / Streetwires / Metra / Pac Audio / Bassworx / JBL / Infinity / Compustar Pro / Audiovox / Clifford / Autopage / Fusion / CDT and whatever else you need.

This is one of those very rare moments when I recommend a JL product. Given your criteria the 8W7 is your driver of choice.

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Pioneer - MB Quart - OZ
http://www.cardomain.com/id/37554
"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue..."

the only 8s Ive ever heard were the JL. I liked them but like pretty much everyone elese out there I think theyre overpricfed

I'm running 2 jl w7 8's on 500 watts . These are easily the best subs I have ever owned . Not quite as loud as the w6 v2 12's they took the place of but they will shake your booty off and sound great doing so . Transient responce is great and detail when shifting notes is amazing . They seem to be able to do everything I ask of them without ever sounding out of control . If space is a concern , I highly recomend these subs .
If it sounds like I have a woody for these speakers , its because I do .


james

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premier prs 880
focal k2p upgraded 6.5,s
tn52 tweets
2 jl 300/2,s
jl 500/1
2jl w7 8"s
tuned to 30 hz

we sell hertz at work they are made by electomedia(spelling) which if i am not mistaking they make addison amps as well... we put tons of the 8" subs in sealed boxes in vettes and they do very well.. if you are looking at the pioneer slims we sell them at work too... i am not a huge fan of them cus they have a low rms rating but in order to get a desent amount of bass you need to give the 8" like 350-400 rms... and from what we have done with them giving them like 150-250rms in sealed and ported boxes i was not impressed..

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MECP
MECP Bronze Level Certified
MECP Silver Level Certified

the model we sell tons of is the hertz HX 200
which is the 8 inch...

which plays down to 26hz
300rms 600peak
sensitvity 91db

http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com

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MECP
MECP Bronze Level Certified
MECP Silver Level Certified

The Soundsplinter RL-i 8" looks beefy..