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BestCarAudio.com

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate Jeep Audio Kits

 Jeep Audio

Rockford Fosgate has entered the Jeep audio system upgrade market with solutions like no other. If you have a 2018 through 2023 Wrangler four-door or a 2020 or newer Gladiator, the new Stage 5, 1,800-watt all-in-one audio kits are the only premium solutions on the market. Let’s look at what makes these sound system upgrades unique.

Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Stereo Upgrades

Let’s start with the components common to the 18WRNGLER-STG5 and 20GLADR-STG5 kits. Both kits include a pair of Element Ready Rockford Fosgate M5-series amplifiers. A four-channel M5-800X4 amplifier provides up to 100 watts of power to each front and rear speaker, and an M5-1000X1 can crank up 1,000 watts of power to the system’s subwoofers. The kit includes a mounting plate that securely locates the amplifiers under the driver’s seat.

The Wrangler and Gladiator kits include two sets of TMS65 6.5-inch Element Ready speakers in Jeep-specific enclosures. The front speaker pods are a drop-in fit for the lower part of the dash, while the rear speakers are in a new soundbar overhead enclosure. The kits also include a set of M2-TS 1-inch tweeters on mounting plates for the dash.

 Jeep Audio
Jeep-specific speaker pods loaded with TMS65 coaxial speakers deliver clear and detailed sound.
 Jeep Audio
A set of M2-TS 1-inch tweeters on top of the dash ensures that every note is reproduced with exceptional clarity.

Both systems include a digital signal processor with a pre-loaded tune. The processor can detect the type of vehicle it’s installed into (Wrangler or Gladiator) and load a calibration optimized for that particular Jeep. The DSP integrates seamlessly with the factory-installed source unit and detects which radio is connected through its CAN bus communication. When combined with the Jeep-specific settings on the amplifiers, your installer doesn’t have to spend any time configuring the system, worrying about load resistors or measuring voltage or frequency response. The Rockford Fosgate R&D team has done all that work for you!

 Jeep Audio
An included digital signal processor handles all system integration and calibration to deliver stunning sound quality.

All of the upgraded components mount to the factory fastener locations. The R&D team at Rockford Fosgate 3D-scanned every part of the vehicle and created the pods, brackets, wiring and enclosures to fit perfectly with no modifications. Integration wiring features factory-style connectors and T-harnesses, so no cutting or splicing is required. Each kit has a fuse holder on a custom bracket and all the power wires for the amplifiers. Finally, a remote subwoofer level control mounts in the dash and looks like the controls on the radio. How’s that for classy?!

 Jeep Audio
The TMS65 speakers in the overhead speaker enclosure sound great, and Rockford Fosgate nailed the styling.
 Jeep Audio
A custom subwoofer level control matches the cosmetics of the climate and audio system controls.

2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler Subwoofer System

Now, let’s talk about what’s unique to the 18WRNGLER-STG5 kit. This system includes a pair of subwoofer enclosures that fit by the rear windows in the cargo area of the Wrangler. Each enclosure features a T1S2-12 12-inch subwoofer. These aren’t dainty little shallow-mount subwoofers. The T1-series slimline subwoofers are top-of-the-line drivers that feature technologies like the IDHS copper cap heat-sinking shorting ring and VAST surround design. The cones are a matrix of carbon fiber, PMI and glass fiber, so you know they will sound great, even with the volume cranked!

The design of the subwoofer enclosures and the overhead soundbar match the cosmetics in the vehicle while looking cool. All enclosures feature Element Ready materials and designs, so they won’t fade from UV exposure, melt in the hot sun or crack in cold winter climates. Anyone who sees your Wrangler will know you’re serious about sound and quality at first glance.

 Jeep Audio
Element Ready subwoofer enclosures feature T1S2-12 Power Series 12-inch drivers.
 Jeep Audio
The Rockford Fosgate subwoofers look right at home in the back of your Jeep and deliver tight, deep bass.

If you have a Wrangler Unlimited with the premium audio system, Rockford Fosgate created the WRNGLR-TRIM to return the cargo area to its original condition so the new subwoofers fit perfectly.

 Jeep Audio
If your Jeep has the premium audio system, the WRNGLR-TRIM kit will restore it to stock to work with the upgraded subwoofers.

Jeep Gladiator Subwoofer System

The Rockford Fosgate subwoofer system for the Gladiator fits under the rear seat and features a pair of 10-inch T1S2-10 Power Series subwoofers. The enclosure is made from an Element Ready material that will face all the challenges you or Mother Nature can throw its way. In the enclosure, you’ll see metal inserts for mounting hardware and a spot for the OEM bolt holder. There are no worries about keeping the hardware for the doors safe. The 20GLADR-STG5 includes a jack relocation bracket behind the rear driver’s side passenger seat. The Rockford Fosgate team has indeed thought of everything!

 Jeep Audio
The 20GLADR-STG5 kit includes an under-seat subwoofer enclosure loaded with Power Series T1S2-10 shallow-mount subwoofers.

World-Class Jeep Audio System Upgrades

Whether your Wrangler or Gladiator came with the base-level sound system or the premium option, the Rockford Fosgate Jeep audio upgrade kits are perfect for people who are serious about their music. From flawless radio integration, seamless mounting and premium audio components to perfect fit and finish and professionally tuned sound, there is nothing like the 18WRNGLER-STG5 and 20GLADR-STG5 on the market. You even get your own Rockford Fosgate Jeep rubber duck with the system. We doubt you’ll give this one to a fellow Jeeper, though!

 Jeep Audio
Each Jeep audio kit includes a Rockford Fosgate Jeep rubber duck, paying tribute to the act of Jeep ducking. #duckduckjeep

If you’re ready for serious sound in your 2018 to 2023 Wrangler four-door or 2020 or newer Gladiator, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the Stage 5 Jeep audio upgrade kits. You can find an authorized retailer near you using the Dealer Locator on the website.

For more information about Rockford Fosgate audio products for your car, truck, motorcycle, side-by-side or boat, follow them on Facebook and Instagram and check out their amazing videos on YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412

Rockford Fosgate T1D212

Without investing in an understanding of the technologies that improve speaker performance by reducing distortion, choosing one driver over another based on features and specifications alone can be challenging. The 12-inch Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412 are good examples of premium subwoofers laden with modern tech that outshine competing products. Let’s take a deep dive into the 12-inch T1 Power Series subwoofers from Rockford Fosgate.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412 Features and Specifications

The T1D212 and T1D412 are identical subwoofers, aside from their voice coil impedance and some minor variances because of differences in moving mass. The T1D212 has a pair of 2-ohm voice coils, while the T1D412 has dual 4-ohm coil windings. Both drivers are rated to handle 800 watts continuously, with peak power ratings of 1,600 watts.

Rockford Fosgate built both solutions around unique die-cast aluminum baskets featuring Flex-Fit. The Flex-Fit feature means the mounting locations for the hold-down screws are slotted to allow the driver to be aligned perfectly with the rest of the installation. Each driver includes an aluminum trim ring with a mesh grille to conceal the mounting hardware for a clean and classy appearance.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
The Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412 subwoofers include a cast aluminum trim ring and mesh grille.

The cast aluminum basket incorporates cooling vents under the spider mounting lip. These vents help hot air escape from the top of the motor. They also prevent pressure build-up under the cone and spider at higher excursion levels to improve linearity. The T-yoke includes a vent to improve power handling and release pressure under the dust cap.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
Cooling vents in the basket and the T-yoke improve linearity and power handling.

These T1-Series subwoofers feature Rockford Fosgate’s Inductive Damping Heat Sink. While this feature looks at first glance like a way to help improve motor cooling, it has a second equally important benefit. When current from the amplifier passes through the voice coil winding, it produces a magnetic field. This field interacts with the stationary magnets in the speaker to push the cone outward or pull it rearward. However, as the voice coil moves through the magnetic gap, that motion creates a secondary magnetic field in the voice coil that can oppose the field created by the amplifier. The result is reduced efficiency and some midbass output attenuation. The IDHS system helps to short out this unwanted current flow. As a result, subwoofers with this technology play louder with the same power as drivers without it. Including IDHS also improves midbass performance, making subwoofers like the T1D212 and T1D412 seem to “hit harder” than those without it. Win, win and win.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
The IDHS feature improves power handling and sound quality.

These Power Series subwoofers feature 3-inch diameter anodized aluminum voice coil formers wound with copper-clad aluminum wire. While using CCAW seems counterintuitive based on everything we know about connecting amplifiers to batteries, it reduces the weight of the moving assembly in these subwoofers while providing a specific impedance. As such, this conductor choice allows the design engineers to specify a specific impedance and moving mass. The latter improves midbass performance. Good midbass is crucial to getting the subwoofers’ output to blend seamlessly with the midbass drivers in the front of the vehicle.

A Kevlar fiber-reinforced paper cone is bonded to the voice coil assembly. Reinforced paper is ideal for woofer cones as it offers an excellent stiffness-to-mass ratio. A tall rubber surround that uses Rockford Fosgate’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique geometry provides the upper compliance. The VAST design allows for increased cone surface area by moving the outer attachment point closer to the perimeter of the basket. The 12-inch T1 subwoofers have an effective piston area (Sd) specification of 548 square centimeters. Popular comparable subwoofers from other brands have 486 to 510 square centimeter piston area specifications. With VAST, you get a lot more subwoofer for your money.

Each subwoofer uses a pair of progressive-roll poly cotton spiders. A spun-laced, Nomex-reinforced collar strengthens the connection between the spiders, the voice coil and the cone. The tinsel leads from the voice coils are sewn to the spiders to ensure silent operation at extreme power levels. Rockford Fosgate provides spring-loaded push terminals capable of accepting 8 AWG wiring for speaker wire connections. A jumper block integrated into the speaker connection block simplifies selecting between voice coil series and parallel wiring. Rockford Fosgate calls this their SWIFT terminal design.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
The SWIFT feature simplifies the choice of series or parallel wiring and keeps everything tidy.

T1-Level Power Series Subwoofer Applications

Using the Box Advisor on the Rockford Fosgate website, we see a recommended sealed enclosure volume of 1.25 cubic feet for the T1D212 and the T1D412. This enclosure results in an F3 frequency of 43.03 hertz and a Qtc of .745 for the T2D212. The slightly lower moving mass (Mms) and higher resonant frequency (Fs) of the T2D412 results in a Qtc of 0.862 and an F3 of 40.43 hertz. Both would sound magnificent.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
The 1.25-cubic-foot sealed enclosure response: T1D212 in red, T1D412 in yellow.

The Box Advisor suggests 1.75 cubic feet tuned to 40 hertz with a 4-inch diameter round vent for vented enclosures. This design produces a nice bump at 53 hertz, adding more than 6 dB of efficiency over the sealed enclosures. The F3 frequency for these designs is right around 32.5 hertz. Based on the excursion graphs, an infrasonic filter set to 25 hertz would keep cone excursion under control in the bottom octave. If you want to trade that bump for increased low-frequency output, lowering the enclosure tuning to 33 Hz is an option. However, the difference isn’t significant, and the infrasonic filter remains required either way.

Rockford Fosgate T1D212
The 1.75-cubic-foot, 40-hertz-tuned vented enclosure response: T1D212 in red, T1D412 in yellow.

Premium Power Series Subwoofers from Rockford Fosgate

In the land of “bigger is better,” Rockford Fosgate’s T1 subwoofers include features you won’t find on most products with similar ratings. No, these aren’t inexpensive options, but the added features outlined above more than justify their price by measurably improving performance. If you’re serious about bass that sounds great, hits hard and performs reliably, drop by a local authorized retailer and ask about the Rockford Fosgate T1D212 and T1D412 Power Series subwoofers. You can find a Rockford Fosgate dealer near you using the locator on their website. Follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook and Instagram, and check out the fantastic videos on their YouTube channel.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

Why are Speakers Different Sizes?

Speakers Different SizesWhen you head to your local mobile electronics specialist in search of new speakers, there are a few criteria to keep in mind. Choosing a speaker size can go one of two ways: You can pick something that fits a specific mounting location or you can choose based on the characteristics of the speaker relative to its size. Are you interested in knowing why speakers come in different sizes? Good! You’ve come to the right place.

What Does a Speaker Do?

It is the job of a speaker to convert the electrical signal from your amplifier into motion. The motion of the speaker cone excites the air around it. As the cone moves forward, the air in front of the cone is pressurized. As the cone moves rearward, the air is rarefied. These pressure waves extend out from the speaker and our ears detect these minute changes in pressure as sound. Pretty simple, isn’t it?

Things to Consider in Terms of Reproducing Sound

Speakers Different SizesWhen it comes to reproducing sounds, the lower the frequency, the harder it is to produce the sound. For every doubling of frequency, the speaker cone has to move a quarter the distance to produce the same level of output. As example, if your subwoofer has to move 2 mm to produce 95 dB of output and 40 Hz, it only has to move 0.5 mm to reproduce 95 dB at 80 Hz. To reproduce 95 dB of output at 160 Hz, the cone only has to move 0.125 mm.

The size of a speaker cone affects how much sound the speaker will create for a given amount of input signal. Let’s generalize things a little (because a lot of external factors affect this statement): A 12-inch speaker cone has to move twice as far as a 15-inch speaker cone to produce the same amount of output at a given frequency. That also means the 12-inch speaker requires more power to produce the same sound as the 15-inch.

Bigger is Always Better, Right?

Based on this logic, you should simply select the biggest possible speaker for every application, right? Well, it’s not quite that easy. When we get into midrange and high frequencies, the speaker cone has to move back and forth very fast. A 1,000 Hz tone requires that the speaker move forward and backward 1,000 times a second. A 10 kHz tone requires 10,000 of these same motions per second. If we use a big speaker with a relatively heavy cone, it’s very hard to keep up with the input signal. Why? Inertia.

Speakers Different SizesLet’s use an analogy to help explain this. Imagine that you are at a parade and waving a flag. The pole is 6 feet long and the flag on the end is 3×5-foot. You wave the flag back and forth as fast as you can. Even if you are really strong, the fastest you can wave it back and forth is once, maybe twice a second. Now, look at the little kid standing beside you at the parade. He has a little paper flag that’s 2×3 inches on a 5-inch-long plastic stick. His little hands can wave that flag back and forth five or six times a second.

Speaker engineers have to balance several characteristics to achieve specific goals for a given design. Let’s compare the weight of a speaker cone for a 10-inch subwoofer to that of a 10-inch midrange used in concerts and public address systems. A typical 10-inch sub that is designed to play frequencies below 150 Hz has a cone assembly (cone, voice coil, former, half the spider and half the surround) that weighs around 150 grams. A 10-inch speaker designed to be used for midrange frequencies (150 to 1 kHz) has a cone mass assembly of around 40 grams.

Clearly, the lighter assembly can move faster and keep up with the reproduction of higher frequencies.

Is Lighter Better?

Now we face the conundrum of balancing low- vs. high-frequency output. A lighter cone will move faster and is capable of producing extended high-frequency output. A heavier cone has a lower resonant frequency and thus, can produce more low-frequency output. Combine these generalizations with electrical issues affecting voice coil inductance, and we further hinder high-frequency output. It starts to become clear that we need different-sized speakers for different applications.

Subwoofers

Speakers Different SizesMost subwoofers are sized from 8 to 18 inches. Since subwoofers are designed to play frequencies below 100 Hz in car audio applications, they need a lot of excursion capability and a low resonant frequency. This means subwoofers will have relatively heavy cones. At high excursion levels, cones are exposed to significant stresses, so the cone has to be strong, and this further contributes to their weight. Subwoofers have to handle a lot of power. This power allows us to move the cone over relatively large distances. Power handling requires bigger components in the form of large-diameter voice-coil formers and windings.

Midbass Drivers

Speakers Different SizesA dedicated midbass driver is typically designed to play from around 50 to 500 Hz. Sizes are typically 6.5 to 8 inches in size, but some people have used 10- and 12-inch drivers. The cone has to be heavier than that of a midrange, but not heavy enough to slow it down for higher frequencies.

If you look at the frequency content of a performer, you will see that many voices extend down to 100 Hz. Accuracy in speed is important in this frequency range. Resonances and non-linear behavior causes harmonic distortion. This is often perceived as “warmth” in the midbass region. We do not want anything extra in our music, so accuracy is what matters.

Midrange Speakers

Speakers Different SizesMidrange speakers become a balancing act of several different characteristics. Of course, the cone has to be relatively light, but managing linearity and distortion becomes an even higher priority. It’s easier to hear distortion at midrange frequencies. The cone has to balance mass, damping and strength to prevent deforming and cause harmonics. The suspension has to be very linear.

Managing inductance also becomes a more significant issue because it can reduce high frequency output. Midrange drivers for typical car audio applications vary in size from 6.5 inches and 6×9 inches on the large side down to as small as 2.5 inches. Many midrange drivers try to do double-duty as midbass drivers for use in two- or three-way audio systems. While this is a minor compromise, it is a necessity. We consider midrange speakers to cover the range from 100 Hz to 3,000 or 4,000 Hz.

Tweeters

Speakers Different SizesTo reproduce frequencies above 2.5 kHz, tweeters need very light cones. Tweeter cones don’t move very far, so they don’t require much excursion, but there still has to be a suspension. Resonances in the cone can wreak havoc with frequency response. Premium tweeters may make use of features like ferrofluid in the gap to improve power handling. Premium tweeters may also include a copper pole-piece cap to reduce inductance and distortion.

Directivity Considerations

Another consideration when choosing speakers is that all speakers above a certain frequency start to become directional. Directivity refers to a reduction in high-frequency output as you move off-axis to the speaker. If you choose your speakers and design your system carefully, you can minimize the effect of directivity. The only real consideration would be to have your tweeters pointed at you.

The Balancing Act

The applications for the information in this article vary, depending on your overall goal for your audio system upgrade. A simple set of coaxial replacement speakers will be chosen by the size application. If you are building a high-end audio system with multiple amplifiers, channels, digital signal processing and custom speaker mounting locations, then choosing the right speakers in terms of their quality and intended application becomes more important.

Learn More about Speakers and Their Different Sizes at Your Local Retailer

Your local mobile electronics specialist retailer can help you choose the right speakers for your application and performance goals. Drop in at a local shop today and have a listen to their demo board or demo vehicle. It’s an amazing experience!

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, RESOURCE LIBRARY

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU EQ and Line Driver

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU

When it comes to the most stereotypical car audio upgrades, most enthusiasts think of subwoofer systems. Whether you have a small sub in the trunk or a wall of woofers in the back seat, hearing and feeling the beat in your music is a game-changer. Depending on your mood or the music you’re enjoying, having the ability to fine-tune your subs lets you switch from tight and tweaky to ground-pounding and violent in less than a second. If you want the ultimate control over the bass in your vehicle, the Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU universal parametric equalizer and line driver is a great choice. Let’s check it out!

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU
The RFPEQU is an all-in-one line driver and adjustable PEQ, including speaker-level inputs and remote turn-on detection.

What Is the Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU Line Driver Feature?

The Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU is a stand-alone signal processor designed for installation between the radio and your car audio system’s amplifiers. The processor will accept stereo inputs up to 10 volts RMS and can provide up to 10 volts RMS to maximize the performance of any amplifier brand. The integrated level control allows your installer to configure the RFPEQU to act as a line driver by boosting the incoming audio signal to ensure that you can keep the gains on the amps all the way down.

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU
The RFPEQU RCA outputs can provide up to 10 Vrms of clean signal to push any amplifier to its limits.

The RFPEQU can also work as an integration processor. Your installer can connect the balanced differential inputs to the speaker outputs of a factory-installed or aftermarket radio. Not only will the processor provide a clean signal, but it can also generate a remote turn-on output to activate any brand of amplifier. The auto turn-on feature is enabled automatically when using the high-level input. The RCA harness uses a Molex-style connector with white, white/black, gray and gray/black wires with RCA ends. If your installer is wiring the RFPEQU to a radio with RCA preamp outputs, they can use the RCA jacks. If your system only has speaker outputs, they can cut off the RCA ends, leaving left and right positive and negative wires to connect. It is a very intelligent design.

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU
The RFPEQU includes a speaker-level input jack to accept signals from a radio up to 10 Vrms, making it an excellent integration processor.

Rockford Fosgate Punch EQ

The Punch Equalization curve, also called Punch EQ, has been around for more than 50 years. It was first invented to compensate for acoustical deficiencies of the automotive environment, but now is an excellent solution for bringing the factory speakers in your car or truck to life or adding some boom from a subwoofer system. Designed with the Equal-Loudness Contour (formerly the Fletcher-Munson curves) in mind, Punch EQ allows you to dial in up to 18 dB of boost at 45 hertz and 12 dB of boost at 12.5 kHz. The equalization gives you the kick you want without risking massive damage to subwoofers, typical of level control adjustments. You can think of Punch EQ as having a built-in infrasonic filter.

The high-frequency boost works like the loudness control on a factory stereo. When the volume is low, it’s hard to hear bass and treble frequencies. You can dial in more EQ boost, and the system will spring to life.

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU
The Punch EQ curve features bass boost centered at 45 Hz and a treble boost at 12.5 kHz to bring your music to life.

Modular Remote Level Control

The Punch EQ level is adjustable using the included remote control. The remote has a single knob mounted in a compact plastic housing. Utilizing the provided metal bracket, your installer can mount it under your dash or in a storage compartment in the center console. If you want something more customized, your installer can disassemble the remote and surface-mount the front face for a more integrated look. Rockford Fosgate includes a silver label plate and mounting nut. Finally, Rockford Fosgate provides a short extension cable to relocate the LED off the circuit board. If your installer wants to put the knob in the side of the steering column and the LED on the top, it’s not a problem. Those Rockford Fosgate engineers are smart!

Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU
The remote Punch EQ Control can be surface-mounted, flush-mounted or disassembled for a custom application.

The Ultimate Car Audio Integration Solution

If you want to improve the sound of your car stereo system, the Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU and its remote Punch EQ feature is perfect. If you need a line driver, it’s got you covered. Want a remote bass boost control? Yeah, taken care of. Need a factory radio integration solution? Bingo, it nails that one, too! As mentioned, it works with any amplifier brand, so it’s a Swiss Army Knife for car audio upgrades.

Visit a local authorized retailer today and ask about the Rockford Fosgate RFPEQU. It’s an excellent solution for so many car audio upgrade needs. You can find a retailer near you using the Dealer Locator tool on their website. Oh, and be sure to follow Rockford Fosgate on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about their amazing products and the events they attend.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 Superwoofers

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19

When most people think of Rockford Fosgate, they remember that this brand has been delivering car audio products that enthusiasts have craved for over 50 years. Rockford Fosgate’s experience has made them a leader in the development of high-performance amplifiers, speakers and, of course, car audio subwoofers. Rockford has a truly incomparable solution for those who are truly fanatical about their bass. We’re talking about their flagship 19-inch Power Series T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 drivers. Let’s check them out.

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 Superwoofers

There are three series of subwoofers in the flagship Power Series. The T1 drivers are available in 10-, 12-, and 15-inch sizes. The T2 drivers start getting crazier with 13- and 16-inch diameters. At the top, we have the T3 19-inch drivers. To put that size into perspective, a typical 18-inch high-power subwoofer has an effective cone area of about 1,140 square centimeters. The T3 19-inch subwoofers have cones with a massive 1,472 square centimeter area. That’s an increase of 29%, which translates directly into an increase in efficiency and output.

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19
The T3 19-inch superwoofers feature a cone made from two layers of glass fiber laminated on either side of an aramid fiber honeycomb core.

The T3 19-inch superwoofers are available in two models. The T3S1-19 has a single 1-ohm voice coil, while the T3S2-19 has a single 2-ohm coil. Speaking of voice coils, the aluminum voice coil former on these drivers has a diameter of 5 inches and includes a single edge-wound layer. Winding a flat wire around a cylinder on its edge isn’t easy to manufacture, but the single layer means no insulated air pockets of heat, as found on multi-layered coils. This means more thermal capacity, translating into more power handling and less thermal compression for improved overall efficiency.

The voice coil former is vented between the upper spider and the cone to release air pressure and heat at high excursion levels. Power ratings for the T3 19-inch drivers are 3,000 watts continuous with 6,000 watts as the peak. For daily duties, a single T2500-1bdCP is a great choice. Two T2500-1bdCP in PowerSync (strapped) mode will give you more than enough jam if you want to see who has the loudest system.

Keeping the massive 19-inch woofer cone under control is no easy feat, especially with linear excursion capabilities in the 2.7-inch range. As such, the chassis of the T3 woofers is very tall. The mounting depth is 15.62 inches. The chassis is a two-piece die-cast aluminum design with heat sink fins and extensive venting. The motor structure uses a dual-gap, multipole neodymium push/pull design with the voice coil having a dual winding design. A large neodymium magnet slug sits inside the voice coil and provides the electromotive force needed to move the cone. This geometry reduces inductance to numbers well below what some 10-inch woofers with 2-inch voice coils have. As such, the 19-inch woofers produce reasonable midbass – something many woofers today can’t claim at these power levels. As has been proven repeatedly, Rockford Fosgate doesn’t just do things big; it designs for sound quality and includes technologies that most other companies overlook to improve performance. Think of it like a Top Fuel Dragster combined with a Formula 1 car.

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19
The T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 drivers stand almost 16 inches tall. This height allows for component placement that prevents cone rocking.

T3 Superwoofer Cone Assembly

The cones of the T3 superwoofers feature top and bottom layers of glass fiber that are laminated over a low-mass, high-strength aramid honeycomb core. This is the same construction used in aerospace applications. An aluminum dust cap ensures stability at high excursion levels.

The surround is made from injection-molded foam and uses Rockford Fosgate’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique (VAST) geometry to maximize the driver’s surface area. An aluminum clamping ring keeps the outer edge of the surround affixed to the chassis.

The Power Series T3 subwoofers use a pair of progressive Nomex spiders that are spaced several inches apart. This geometry is crucial to maintaining linear excursion at high power levels. Any rocking and the voice coil could make contact with the top plate. The tinsel leads from the voice coil are sewn to the upper spider to prevent noise and damage. Electrical connections to your amplifier(s) are made via a pair of massive spring-loaded terminals that can accept 4 AWG wiring. Just for some math fun, 6,000 watts into a 1-ohm load requires 77.4 amps of current continuously with peaks of over 92 amps. Yep, 4 AWG sounds about right.

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19
A pair of Nomex spiders keeps the massive cone and voice coil assembly centered in the tight magnetic gap for improved efficiency.

Subwoofer Enclosure Simulations

By now, you should know that the Box Advisor tool on the Rockford Fosgate website is a valuable resource. We looked up the suggested enclosure for a T3S1-19 and were presented with a vented design with an internal volume of 8.0 cubic feet and a 69-square-inch vent that tunes the system to a ground-shaking 24 hertz. This would make a stunning subwoofer solution for a large home theater. In a van or SUV, it would be capable of scaring most audio enthusiasts. If you want maximum output for competitions, 6 cubic feet tuned to around 40 hertz will produce a nice peak where most vehicles are efficient. Based on the simulations, neither design has any power handling issues that are affected by excursion limitations above 20 Hz.

Rockford Fosgate doesn’t recommend a sealed enclosure for the T3S1-19 or T3S2-19, but it will work if you have 3.5 cubic feet of airspace. You’re probably better off with a 13-inch T2 in a vented enclosure. Unless, well, shock factor!

Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19
Predicted free-field frequency response and output of the Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19 in an 8-cubic-foot enclosure tuned to 24 hertz and driven with 3,000 watts.

Amazing Bass from the Rockford Fosgate T3S1-19 Superwoofers

If you have to have the biggest, baddest subwoofer on the streets, drop by a local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the mighty T3S1-19 and T3S2-19 superwoofers. You’ll need a well-constructed enclosure and lots of power to get the most out of one of these beasts, but the performance will be well worth the investment. For more information on the Power T3 superwoofers or any of the amazing car audio products from Rockford Fosgate, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Filed Under: ARTICLES, Products, RESOURCE LIBRARY Tagged With: Rockford Fosgate

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