Rockford Fosgate P2 vs P3 Subwoofer
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Rockford Fosgate P2 vs P3 Subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate P2 vs P3 Subwoofer


Rockford Fosgate P2

Engineers at Rockford Fosgate designed the P2 subwoofers to dish out the kind of powerful low end you crave in your ride. Its responsive paper cone is reinforced with the same Kevlar® fibers used in bulletproof vests so you get the best of both worlds — warm bass that's exceptionally hard-hitting. Rockford Fosgate uses a new technique to attach the oversized rubber surround to the cone that increases the available cone area up to 25%, so this sub can push more air for even bigger bass. This P2 sub features an extended pole piece and bumped backplate that leaves more room for a heavy excursion, so it'll hit deeper lows without "bottoming out." Special venting keeps the copper-clad aluminum voice coils cool through heavy use for consistent bass performance over time. The P2 series subs work equally well in a sealed or ported enclosure, so you can choose the kind of bass you want for your system.

Rockford Fosgate P3

Rockford Fosgate designed the P3 subwoofers to stay strong even when the bass gets hot. This Punch P3 sub features a rigid anodized aluminum cone that holds its shape through heavy play while staying light and responsive. Rockford Fosgate uses a new technique to attach the oversized rubber surround to the cone that increases the available cone area up to 25%, so this sub can push more air for even bigger bass. The aluminum cone acts as a giant heat sink, directing heat away from the copper-clad aluminum voice coils. Special venting keeps the voice coils cool, so you get incredibly consistent bass performance over time. These P3 subs feature an extended pole piece and bumped backplate that leaves more room for a heavy excursion, so it'll hit deeper lows without "bottoming out." The dual 4-ohm voice coils allow you to wire the sub for 2-ohm impedance to get maximum power output, or for 8-ohm impedance if you're using multiple subs. The P3 series subs work equally well in a sealed or ported enclosure, so you can choose the kind of bass you want for your system.

Sizes

For the Rockford Fosgate P2 series subs, the diameters come in 8", 10", 12" and 15" sizes. With the P3 subs, Rockford Fosgate has offered available sizing at 10", 12", and 15". This allows you to easily compare comparable sub sizing across the two series, while the P2 series also delivers a smaller 8" sub that the P3 series does not. If you're working with the need for a smaller 8" installation, the P2 lineup might be the best way for you to go.

Voice Coils

In the P2 and P3 series subs, Rockford Fosgate has used a dual-coil construction. With this dual coil construction, Rockford Fosgate has also included a 2-ohm or 4-ohm configuration at each size. This will easily allow us to compare RMS power handling in the next section at comparable sizing.

Power Handling

For power handling in the P2 series, Rockford Fosgate has a range from 250 watts RMS at the 8" range, all the way up to 400 watts at the 15" range. The P3 series offers RMS handling starting at 500 watts in it's 10" line stretching up to 600 watts at its 15" sizing. If you're looking for more RMS power handling out of your subs, you'll want to consider the P3 lineup at comparable sizing.

Mounting Depth

The mounting depth between the P2 and P3 series is almost identical to each other. The difference here is hardly large enough to be considered as a deciding factor between the two lines and should be used more for planning space appropriately for the installation.

Recommended Enclosure Size

The recommended sealed enclosure for the P3 lineup is slightly smaller than the P2 lineup at comparable sizing. However, it's small enough to not be considered a deciding factor. Between the P2 and P3 lines, the recommended ported enclosure sizing remains the same.

Recommended Amplifiers

The recommended amplifier for your subwoofers will vary greatly depending on the size and quantity of subwoofers you select for your installation. The following lists are comparisons between amplifiers for subwoofers in the same dimensions between the different models. The list begins with a factory recommendation for amps that provide enough power handling for the subwoofer(s), and then move on to our professional recommendations that may vary slightly from the factory recommendations. These Classic Car Stereo recommendations may be an amp with a higher price point that will service the subs better, or an amp that provides RMS power handling over the recommended amount which will allow you to not have to maximize the output on your amp to provide full power to your subs.

Sub: (Qty 1) P2 10"

  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1 or P500x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1

    Sub: (Qty 1) P3 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1 or T750x1bd P1000x1bd or Dual 2-ohm P500x1bd
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1 or T750x1bd or P1000x1bd or Dual 2-ohm P500x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P2 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 2-ohm T750x1bd or Dual 4-ohm P500x1bd or R2-750x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 2-ohm T750x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P3 10"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 2-ohm P1000x1 or T750x1bd. Dual 4-ohm P1000x1 or R2-1200x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: P1000x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 1) P2 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm - R2-500x1 or Dual 2-ohm P500x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1

    Sub: (Qty 1) P3 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm T750x1bd, P1000x1bd or R2-1200x1 or Dual 2-ohm R2-750x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: P1000x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P2 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 2-ohm or Dual 4-ohm - T750x1bd or Dual 4-ohm - R2-750x1 or P500x1 or P1000x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 2-ohm T750x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P3 12"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm P1000x1bd, R2-1200x1 or Dual 2-ohm T1500-1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: P1000x1bd (Billy badass would do the T1500-1!)

    Sub: (Qty 1) P2 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm - R2-500x1 or Dual 2-ohm P500x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 4-ohm R2-500x1

    Sub: (Qty 1) P3 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm T750x1bd, P1000x1bd or R2-1200x1 or Dual 2-ohm R2-750x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: P1000x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P2 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 2-ohm or Dual 4-ohm - T750x1bd or Dual 4-ohm - R2-750x1, P500x1 or P1000x1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: Dual 2-ohm T750x1bd

    Sub: (Qty 2) P3 15"
  • Factory Amp Recommendation(s): Dual 4-ohm P1000x1bd, R2-1200x1 or Dual 2-ohm T1500-1
  • Classic Car Stereo Recommendation: P1000x1bd (Billy badass would do the T1500-1!)

    Price Points

    The jump in price up from the middle-class P2 line to the higher P3 line is a decent amount in cost. However, with the extra RMS power handling and upgraded materials, we'd recommend taking advantage of them if you do have the budget.

    In Conclusion

    The Rockford Fosgate P3 is the way to go. If you can't afford the P3, and you are a die-hard Rockford fanatic, then go with the P2. Otherwise, if you don't have the budget for the P3, go with the Kicker Comp R or the JL Audio W0. The P3 is one of the baddest subwoofers out there and I like it better than either of those Kicker or JL subs, but I wouldn't put the P2 in my own vehicle. We aren't going to sugar coat it.

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