How important is subwoofer box size?
 

I've got a 12' JO Audio sub that calls for a ported box that is 1.75 cubic feet. The only decent box I can find that's that size is $85... The rest are even MORE expensive. Just for a single sub box.

Now, I've found plenty of higher quality ported boxes that are 1.6 cubic feet for about $50. Should I go with one of these?

If it helps, my sub has a 300W RMS and 600W Max and my JL audio amp is only 250W so the sub will never actually reach RMS max.

Nevermind. I found one on Amazon for $50. It was on sale and was a little bigger (1.9 cubic feet) but should work fine.

Enclosures are extremely important, I can't emphasize that enough. Cutting corners on an enclosure is about the last thing you should do. If your on a real tight budget build it your self, don't look for any box that is cheap. Every box sounds different, why settle for one that may not suite you just because it's cheap. Also I personally would use this sub in a sealed enclosure. A W0 is really not going to supply much more than filler and low end detail. A regular ol mass produced ported enclosure may increase output on the very low end, but you will lose the detail in the higher range.

What if I adjust the frequency on the amp to the lower Hz and let the rear speakers (Very good speakers, producing a lot of great low frequency sound along with high frequency) take over the "higher" low frequency sounds that the sub can't put out due to the ported box.

I already ordered it last night.

In a low budget system you will be fine, if your looking to get the most bass a ported may be better for you. Also depends on what you listen to, if your a fan of that "gangster" pop may even be better off. It really all depends on your tastes and expectations. Most of the music I listen to doesn't have synthesized bass so that higher range is important to me.

I listen to a wide range of music, but hip-hop is one type that is expected to be played on my radio. That, a little hard rock, and some Depeche Mode. :D

I would like the most bass. Everything should be in the mail by the end of the week, so I'll see what it sounds like. Worse comes to worst, I can always return the box and get a new one.

box size is VERY important