Major lurker for a while. Love the site. Posted a few times, but I suck.

Anyway. I was considering three subs: FI Q, SSA Icon, and SI Magnum (new one).

I have a LOT of rap music, and when I play it I of course I want it to sound nice. However, the rap music I like is mostly bay area rap and older rap (94-98) and the bass lines aren't always the Jeezy, Weezy, whatever the hell loud ones.

But when I'm cruising solo, I mostly listen to Soul (60s/70s), R&B (classic and contemporary), and Jazz.

Listening to this kind of music doesn't usually ring the subwoofer bell for most people, but can a sub be a valuable asset to these genres? Are there any suggestions on how to "tune" a subwoofer to make it come alive while listening to these genres? (When I say "tune" I'm not even sure what I mean, but I believe I'll be going for a single 12" in a sealed box, so not that kind of "tune".)

As of late, I think I'm most leaning towards the Icon, then the Magnum, then the Q. But would the Magnum better suit the Soul/R&B/Jazz sound better than the Icon? Anyone listen to these genres with $0.02?

BTW, it will most likely be running off a 2000 (year) RF 800a2 amplifier and I already have Alpine Type Rs (5.25" components and 6x9") getting underpowered by 40Wx4 Alpine MRP-250. Music sounds decently good in a 1996 Buick LeSabre, but feel I definitely should have went w/ a more powerful 4channel. I'm ready for the subwoofer soon and trust the SSA Forum's knowledgable experiences with products. Thanks in advance guys....

I'd be interested to try the new Mag. The Icon has been a solid SQ performer as well (from what I hear).

I believe a sub is a valuable asset to most if not all music types. More than likely once you add a subwoofer you'll hear notes played that you've never known were in the song.

tuning a sub can either come in the form of the enclosure or signal processing. With a sealed box the most tuning you can do is change the size of the box. But then with processing you can set crossovers and adjust EQ settings to change the sound.

But would the Magnum better suit the Soul/R&B/Jazz sound better than the Icon?

Really hard to say. I'd say the Magnum handles smaller enclosures a little more readily than the Icon does, but given enough space or an IB setup, it's right up there

Honestly, if you're looking to get the biggest improvements I'd worry less about the subwoofer, ditch the 6x9's and work on the front stage

But would the Magnum better suit the Soul/R&B/Jazz sound better than the Icon?

Really hard to say. I'd say the Magnum handles smaller enclosures a little more readily than the Icon does, but given enough space or an IB setup, it's right up there

Honestly, if you're looking to get the biggest improvements I'd worry less about the subwoofer, ditch the 6x9's and work on the front stage

X2

A nice set of component speakers up front will make a world of difference. Better midrange and midbass will be much more satisfying for Jazz, R&B, and Soul IMHO. Most people do stuff ass backwards. Get the sub, then everything else. I'm guilty of it too.

Thanks guys. As far as the front stage goes, I kind of went the cheapo route. I sort of regret it, but I was extremely strapped for cash at the time, but those Type Rs are "alright" for what they are. Once my poker bankroll gets enormous, then I'll think about toys. (Talk about assbackwards, I was thinking Hybrids/Sundowns/3 batteries/etc w/ no source of income at the time!)

As of now, I just want to think about a subwoofer that fits the above listening preferences. I also want a subwoofer that can get "babied" right now, but in the future could handle a little more wattage--nothing extreme and probably not even as bold as a SAZ-1500D, but just want to have a higher ceiling just in case I go on a 6 month heater.

Sounds like I can't go wrong with either the Icon or the Magnum in a sealed enclosure....