Powered Subwoofer Option?

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Marc311

Marc311

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I was installing my new head unit today and a friend showed me his new powered subwoofer. I realize this probably isn't up to snuff for the true audiophiles, but for many of us it is likely more than ample:
x777B8PT-f.jpeg

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_777B8PT/Sound-Ordnance-B-8PT.html?search=powered+subwoofer&nvpair=FFCategory|[rank500]Car+Subwoofers
It's about $160 bucks at Crutchfield and gets pretty good reviews. It measures 9-1/8"W x 3-1/4"H x 13-7/8"D. It's considerably thinner than others I've seen (like the Infinity Basslink).

I don't know for sure, but just by looking at it, it seems like it might fit behind the panel where the factory subwoofer goes. (I have a cargo box, so I can't remove my side panel very easily).

I doubt I'll add it at this point. I'm pretty happy with the sound with the new head unit and speakers. But if I was to add a sub, I know I would want the simple solution and this seems like it might be a good option for novices like me.

Anybody know if those dimensions will fit in the rear side panel?
 
Would your Blaupunkt have fit behind the panel in the cargo area?

Just the new speakers (cheap pioneers) made a huge difference. The new head unit (cheap JVC) helped some more. Together, they are fine to my ear - especially in a truck with AT tires. So I don't know if I will spend any more time and money on it.

But if I did . . .

I would want a solution that was 1) cheap; 2) easy; and 3) didn't take up space. For me, that would be an affordable, powered sub that would fit in the stock location. No separate amp, no additional enclosure, etc. It seems like this one might qualify, but I honestly don't know. I would love to know if it would fit in the stock location and if it would provide a noticeable improvement in the sound.

I know that's sacrilege to the resident audiophiles, but most people don't want to spend $2K+ on an audio system on a $8K truck. At least I don't - it's diminishing returns for me.
 
I was looking at that same sub. I hope someone gives it a shot and leaves some feedback. The only problem I see is that it does not seem to have mounting brackets because it was designed to slide under a seat.
 
I have a simple 10in Kicker Comp in a box from a Single Cab Sonoma and it sounds excellent and doesn't take up to much space. That combined with a nice headunit and good amp sounds great to me.
 
I've had great results with a powered 10" Bazooka Tube. I used to have a 10" powered and a 10" slave in a previous car. It was amazing.
 
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-L6ZUxskverl/p_108BASSLN2/Infinity-BassLink-II.html


Infinity Basslink - the only one of these worth using. A little more space needed than the others discussed here - but like comparing leaf springs to a 4-link -... These simply deliver -Rounds everything out- takes all the load off your door speakers say they can perform to their best- easily laid flat under a rear platform or drawer set up - remote gain control- stock or aft head unit- put them in many customer's vehicles- each install sold several others......
had one in my 60 for years - had to turn it down to hear the LT1 through a 3" exhaust
 
I don't think there's anything wrong with an Infinity Basslink, or a Bazooka Tube, or anything else. But that isn't the point. I'm sure you can get awesome sound if you're willing to give up more space, add more complexity, or spend lots of money.

I think some people, potentially myself, would like something that doesn't take up additional space, is close to plug and play, and relatively inexpensive. The Basslink does the last two just fine. But you can't hide it behind the side panel. That's fine for a lot of people. But I think some people would like something that can essentially just replace the factory sub in the same spot. I know that would be my preference with an aftermarket sub. Others don't mind giving up a little cargo area - that's fine too.

I also wonder the difference in sound quality between the Basslink and the SO sub. I think they are only about $30 different in price. But I think the Basslink has a bigger speaker and it definitely has a bigger enclosure. I'm curious whether the result is 50% better sound or 0.5% better.

Options are always good.
 
I've been looking at powered subs, too....after completing my install of a Scion T1806 head unit the audio quality has increased dramatically over stock, even with the original LX450 speakers. However, some half decent bass would totally bring the system full circle to 100% satisfy my "needs"...

I just plan to use a high/low RCA converter behind the head unit to get both channels then run the RCA's to the sub wherever I decide to mount it...

The main thing holding me back is the mounting location. I have the 3rd row seats removed but I do use the cargo area quite a bit for various day to day tasks. I have some extra room in the side panel due to the LX not having the factory sub there...but obviously, not enough room to install the powered sub.

If anyone has pictures of powered sub installations please post up!!!
 
Marc311 said:
Would your Blaupunkt have fit behind the panel in the cargo area?
Click to expand...

Probably. In my picture there is a 1500 watt inverter directly behind the sub and an OBA control system where the factory sub used to be. I never really measured.
Those package units are cheap and easy and fast. Unfortunately they can't deliver the sound that a more expensive unit and setup will deliver. However I wasn't interested in any of that fluff.
 
The :princess: has a baselink in her WJ and I have been impressed with it. We got it for like $75 as an open box item at best buy a few years ago. Size wise it would not fit in the side panel, but the one the OP linked might. The bass link is by no means a competition setup, but it adds just enough bass to improve the overall sound of her stereo, and I would probably by another one even if I had to pay full price:p
 
nay

there was a post by Nay a while back that showed the kenwood unit he fit in the stock location. He seemed happy with it. Search should turn it up. I saw it in some thread about new door speakers.
 
Thanks for the heads up. I thought it had been done before, but couldn't find it. Nay seemed pretty happy with his solution.

Here's the link for Nay's thread:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/208157-stock-location-mounted-powered-sub-bolt-new-stereo.html

That Kenwood sub has been discontinued, but the replacement has similar dimensions - actually a bit smaller. The dimensions are similar to the one posted above: 14-1/2"W x 3-9/16"H x 8-7/8"D. The one Nay installed was: 15-3/4"W x 3-11/16"H x 9-1/16"D.

So, based upon what Nay was able to install, it looks like the Sound Ordinance sub and the newer Kenwood SW-10 ($250) will both work.

I still don't know if I will invest any more money in my system. The more I drive it, the more I am liking the sound with just the JVC head unit and Pioneer speakers.
 
Sno bored said:
I have a slim sub in a box and an amp in the stock location. Nothing to worry about in the cargo area.
Click to expand...
How does that sound? Is it holding up over time? It looks like it would turn into a rattling nightmare with just that thin strap mount...or do you have it braced in there somehow?
 
2 E L O said:
How does that sound? Is it holding up over time? It looks like it would turn into a rattling nightmare with just that thin strap mount...or do you have it braced in there somehow?
Click to expand...

It sounds much better than stock. I've had it for about 4 years. When first installed, lots of rattles. It wedges in at the bottom and has the top strap. I put some second skin sound deadening on the inside of the cargo panel and some fabric sound baffeling, and it got rid of the rattles. I don't have all of the clips installed in my rear flare, so it sounds like a blown speaker from the outside.
 
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