i need some help. im using a sundown saz 2000 and i cant decide what subs to use. fi bl 16s or the nightshade 15s. im having a box made for which ever i decide and theyre goin in a focus hatchback....no wall tho

to be honest you will not hear an audible difference between 1.5kw and 2kw unless you're competing it wouldn't make a difference.

Pick whichever fits your budget best, the Bl's are around 300 dollars or so and the NS comes fully loaded 525 dollars.

I have the Bl and love it.

I've owned both at the same time and they sounded totally different. The NightShades are substantially louder. The Bls play the lows a little better. Take your pick which criteria you like better.

did you post this somewhere else? coulda sworn I replied to the same thread already. I agree with Derrick, lol of course he actually self-tested both, but the NS should be louder and more SPL oriented than the BL. the nightshade fits somewhere between the BTL and BL from fi, but really closer to the BTL. NS will handle way more than 1500 watts rms, its powerhandling is closer to that of the BTL, which is known for taking 3-4kw daily.

the only problem u will have with running the nightshades is using the bare minimum box size. i believe they call for 3-3.5 cubes per sub before port and sub displacement and u only have about 7 cubes to work with before sub and port displacement and that is going above the top of the back seats. i would go with the bl's or drop down to 12's, that way u can build a decent sized box.

i have had both .... the shades are for me.

Bl 15"s will need the same size box as the NightShades. The only difference is the Shades have a little more sub displacement.

Bl 15"s will need the same size box as the NightShades. The only difference is the Shades have a little more sub displacement.

yeh if anything from what I've seen in the past, and what Jacob has told me, NS do better in smaller enclosures, and Fi woofers seem to do better in well almost the larger the better. I don't see where OP put anything about not having space, how much space do you have to work with willie?

i have ...well 8 cubes internal b4 everything but thats really fillin up the back. i actually went ahead and ordered the bls a little while ago so ill see what happens thanks for all the advice tho

If that is 8ft^3 before displacements (subs, bracing and port area) then you wasted your money because your box is going to be horrible small for 2-15" BLs (should of waited or tried to design box first before buying subwoofers). The only way I think they will get the box they deserve is with inverted mounting and aero ports. Just my .02

i run my shades in less then 6 cubes after dispacment.

x2...with that space, the NS's were definitely a better choice. 6 cubes is definitely do-able with the given space. the bl's will probably be choking in that small of an enclosure. you ask a question on a forum, people try to help, and then you go ahead and make your purchase regardless of advice. YOU ftl. lol

x2...with that space, the NS's were definitely a better choice. 6 cubes is definitely do-able with the given space. the bl's will probably be choking in that small of an enclosure. you ask a question on a forum, people try to help, and then you go ahead and make your purchase regardless of advice. YOU ftl. lol

People have been doing that lately and I dont understand why, they will ask a question and when we give them the answer they werent looking for they still do what they want to do (minus well not even made this topic).

One thing I notice in this thread is that people are talking about the old BL and comparing the old model BL to the current model NS. The new BL is using a 2 stack of 220mm magnets and has no pole vent, so the new BL is stronger then the original BL. Both drivers (BL and NS) handle well over 1000 watts. Either will be a good choice, but need to take it from an equal perspective of the new BL and the current NS.

also if he wanted a B-stock motor new soft parts they were very cheap and there is the Z-15 that would be actually closer to the BL than the NS that too is going on sale from what the little birdie told me but either company makes great products im sure you will be happy with the BLs

Edited October 14, 200915 yr by b-loud

8 cubes internal? ok, I would do a higher tune, like 35hz. that way your port will be short and take up less box volume, and no point in tuning low when box isn't large enough for woofers to have proper response to lower tones anyway. also go on the lower side of port area, like 12-13 sq. in. of port per cube as opposed to 15-16. doing these things will help you get the max out of your box. really just trying to help, and I'm assuming you went with BL's because of price, and after reading some responses you felt like they would still work even if not optimal choice. I understand, just allow some help with the box and you will still be happy.

Bigjohn, if i'm not mistaken were you not hitting 145's with your BL's? I noticed a vid recently on youtube of you hitting 143's... sorry for thread jack, was j/w