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The following outlines some of the guidelines to follow when constructing an enclosure for your Signature
Series Subwoofer. Please note, the performance and reliability of these drivers depend on them being
used in the proper application.
Materials and Construction
Your subwoofer enclosure should be construction from at least 3/4" thick MDF or marine grade plywood.
Panels with large unsupported areas should be braced internally to reduce flexing. All panel joints must be
connected using good quality wood glue, then sealed internally using latex caulking, silicone or construc-
tion adhesive. For absolute maximum performance, the interior of your enclosure should be sealed using
paint or a layer of fibreglass resin.
Enclosure Choice
Clarion has provided two subwoofer enclosure designs for each of the Signature Series drivers. The
sealed design is suited for those looking for the ultimate in sound quality with smooth frequency response
and excellent low frequency output (<30Hz). The vented (Bass Reflex) design offers an increase in effi-
ciency of 3-5 dB at the expense of some low frequency output. The Clarion Signature Series drivers were
not designed for 'one note' High-SPL applications. These drivers were designed to reproduce music accu-
rately, and will achieve realistic listening levels when installed properly. If you are looking for more output
(louder), then Clarion suggests the use of a vented enclosure design.
Multiple Subwoofers
Clarion recommends that each subwoofer be installed in it's own enclosure. In the event that one driver
should stop functioning, the remaining driver will continue to perform properly. Drivers that share a com-
mon enclosure may be severely damaged if one of them is not functioning properly. If you are building
an enclosure for multiple subwoofers, please contact your authorized Clarion dealer for enclosure volume
and design specifications.
Amplifier Choice
Clarion recommends that you use only a high quality amplifier with our Signature Series products. The
following chart outlines several amplifier / subwoofer combinations that are known to work well and be reli-
able.
Subwoofer Quantity Load Amplifier Power
SSW1001 1 2 Ohm 800W
SSW1001 2 1 Ohm 800W to 1500W
SSW1201 1 2 Ohm 800W
SSW1201 2 1 Ohm 800W to 1500W
As always, when installing an amplifier, please ollow all the manufacturers instructions and recommenda-
tions for proper power and speaker wiring size and practices.
Exceeding the power handling capabilities of these, or any other subwoofer, or operating them in an
improperly designed / constructed enclosure will cause permanent damage. Damage due to abuse,
neglect or improper installation may no be covered under warranty.
Safety
Your subwoofer enclosure must be properly secured to your vehicle. In the event of a collision, a loose
subwoofer enclosure could potentially cause lethal injury to vehicle occupants. Use large gauge installa-
tion hardware to secure your enclosure to your vehicle at all times.
Subwoofer Application Information