subwoofer choices-help?

[Prodigyv2]

Hey everyone,

So im a huge audio noob but I want to get a sub (maybe 2) to give me a bit better low end sound. I have been reading tons up on different sub companies but still dont know what I want or should get. Kinda leaning towards kicker, jl audio or alpine but not sure what sub still.

I do know that I deffinitely want to make a stealthbox in my jack space (or remove that whole panel and just make it fit there and redo the fabric) and then I also am considering doing a second one on the other side - kinda depends how the first goes. I just cant put a sub box in my trunk I carry stuff (such as hockey equipment) around far to often to kill my trunk space.

With all that said, i just found these kickers online but was wondering what people think about these?
http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-Two-10-inch-Kicker-Subwoofers-W0QQAdIdZ265907076
The others I just found are these - http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-electronics-10-s-12-s-15s-mtx-competition-subwoofers-W0QQAdIdZ280735303

also, is there certain subs that will sound better in my homemade fiberglass box and certain ones that will sound like shit?

I am not in a rush due to being in India for another month but I guess I just really want to play with this stuff when I get home :)

[RTEnthusiast]

JL Audio. I'm what you'd call a true audiophile. I've heard tons of Kickers and all it is is hard "boom boom". It lacks the purity and finesse that JL Audio has.

Also, dude, stay the hell off Kijiji. You won't know if they've been beat to shit and pumped hard. If you're going to buy used subs, make sure they've been lightly used. Kickers, after Sony XPlod, are the most commonly used brand by ricers. It's like the rarity of finding an unmolested 10-year old Civic that hasn't been riced out.

That being said, I have a set of almost-brand-new JLs with a JL box in a JL amp if you're looking. PM me.

[Kinn]

I'm in the same boat as you. Want to add a Sub but can't give up any cargo space. the best solution I've found so far is this http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_stealthbox_detail.php?fit_id=1655

It's expensive and an amp is extra, but it's the best solution I've seen so far.

[S.F.W.]

Also a big fan of JL. Running JL throughout my car right now.
Pioneer is another good option.

[schmat66]

my dads running JBL and i love the sound!

[Prodigyv2]

That being said, I have a set of almost-brand-new JLs with a JL box in a JL amp if you're looking. PM me.

pm'd


kinn - check out stealthboxes that go in the spare tire spot, alot harder to find but just search stealthbox in the forum im pretty sure you can find a link. I think itll be fun to make one so im gonna give it a try.

[bluntman]

I purchased my stealthbox from this website:

http://www.audiointegrations.net/home.html

[Kinn]

pm'd


kinn - check out stealthboxes that go in the spare tire spot, alot harder to find but just search stealthbox in the forum im pretty sure you can find a link. I think itll be fun to make one so im gonna give it a try.

You did see the link i posted right?

[dave2010GT]

You want to save trunk space and get some serious sounbd quality go with slim subs from Pioneer.

I'm not saying I've got the best audio system on here but everyone who has listened to my setup could not believe the bass coming out of the single 12" I have in my trunk.

Look at the TS-SW3001S4 with the GM-D7500M. So much power and yet they are all space saving products :)

[hyper7boy]

I've got a Kicker 12" Comp VR with a custom box and it pounds HARD!!...but thats pretty much it :( Sound quality isn't terrible because it was tuned properly but it could be much better. but, keep in mind I am using the factory head unit with I will soon be upgrading to the new Alpine Double Din :D Anyways, I have been considering buying a new sub for my car that I can put in a stealth box. There is a company called "Fi" that apparently makes amazing subs that work great in small enclosures if you decide to go with the stealth box. I've heard the "Fi Q" pounds really hard and has even better sound quality. Maybe try one out?..As well this company is dedicated to subwoofers! They don't make anything else..

https://ssl.perfora.net/www.ficaraudio.com/sess/utn154dd2ea04ba82f/shopdata/0050_Speakers/0030_Q/product_overview.shopscript

[Cab0oze]

Check out rockford fosgate too... I had a small P1, which was ok for the price at the time, but the bas was a bit harsh/flat. Now I've got a single 12" P2 that I picked up from a random dude on kijiji for 100 bux, box included. That single sub perfectly completes the audio system, it has the cleanest sounding bass of any car I've ever been in, and if i want it loud, man does it go loud. Highly recommended.

(so if you see one of these great subs, you dont ignore it because everyone else said to get JL)

[Impressive]

I had a set of Kickers in my old car and I must say I was quite impressed with them, despite what people here are saying. I would personally look at, as mentioned before, JBL, Pioneer, Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio and also Cerwin Vega`s VMax line of subs. I was planning on getting a JLw6 to put in my stealthbox but I have decided instead that I`m going to go with Vmax myself.

[Default User]

Nobody ever asks...

What type of music do you listen to? What kind of bass are you looking for? What is your budget?

Rock, Alternative punchy-bass vs Reggae, HipHop, Jaz, rumbly-bass

Also, building a custom enclosure isn't easy. Believe it or not, there is a lot of technical work that goes behind building a proper enclosure. also, enclosures are built specific for the subwoofer.

That being said, Alpine, Pioneer/Premier, and JL have never let me down. Mmats, Earthquake (before they lost their minds) and Orion have been bulletproof for me in the past. Stay away from Audiobahn, Sony (Xplod series), and Jensen.

If you can find it Red Line 12" subs are primo and have never EVER blown on me. (Damn I wish I never sold those)

[pacmann33]

I love my JL 8W3

[Prodigyv2]

Nobody ever asks...

What type of music do you listen to? What kind of bass are you looking for? What is your budget?

Rock, Alternative punchy-bass vs Reggae, HipHop, Jaz, rumbly-bass



I dont really want to go over $500 for the setup I dont need a system that shakes my review off or breaks any glass. :)

I primarily listen to rock and alternative but I have a pretty wide range of music tastes, I think id like to focus it on a rock/alternative.



Ya Kinn - saw the link and followed it but was in awe of how much it costs i almost cried :P

Thanks everyone for all the help, keep it coming? :D

[schmat66]

Nobody ever asks...

What type of music do you listen to? What kind of bass are you looking for? What is your budget?

Rock, Alternative punchy-bass vs Reggae, HipHop, Jaz, rumbly-bass

Also, building a custom enclosure isn't easy. Believe it or not, there is a lot of technical work that goes behind building a proper enclosure. also, enclosures are built specific for the subwoofer.

That being said, Alpine, Pioneer/Premier, and JL have never let me down. Mmats, Earthquake (before they lost their minds) and Orion have been bulletproof for me in the past. Stay away from Audiobahn, Sony (Xplod series), and Jensen.

If you can find it Red Line 12" subs are primo and have never EVER blown on me. (Damn I wish I never sold those)


now now im running 20 year old earthquakes :headbang:chuckle:thumbsup

they bummpppppppppp

[RetroLite]

Sorry guys JL seems to be overrated price to watts and distortion value doesnt seem reasonable to me. Nice subwoofer is a Rockford P3 or Infinity Kappa's/ JBL's GTO Series are clean ive had 2 P3's previously than i had 2 JBL GTO1014D's wired for 2 ohms with no distortion at 900 watts RMS and than I had just 1 JBL GTO1014D which wasnt enough kick. Best Subwoofer was the P3's.

If you actually look at the sensitivity for a JL subwoofer take the 10W7AE its only 84.3 dB when a JBL GTO1014D is 91 db thats quite a bit louder not to mention the fact that the Frequency Response on a JL 10W7AE is only 30.6 Hz where a JBL GTO1014D can go down to 25 Hz.

Its like buying a Sony TV vs a LG TV, 100 bucks more for the Sony TV while it actually uses a Vertical Alignment Panel (cheapest Display Panel available to produce) but they charge you more meanwhile LG uses a In-plane switching (IPS) Panel which doesnt flicker when you tap it because they use twice the number of resistors for each Pixel and has a better viewing angle. Some brands are over rated including JL Audio. Just my 2 Cents.

[Default User]

now now im running 20 year old earthquakes :headbang:chuckle:thumbsup

they bummpppppppppp

Nice!!!


I dont really want to go over $500 for the setup I dont need a system that shakes my review off or breaks any glass. :)

I primarily listen to rock and alternative but I have a pretty wide range of music tastes, I think id like to focus it on a rock/alternative.


Based on your budget and type of music, I would look into 10" or 8"
- Pioneer/Premier line
- Blaunpunkt OD series

clean hitting bass in smaller enclosures

[JayJay18]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?53219-Phillie86-s-Daily-Ride/page2

Little too expensive for yourself but something to look at.
DaveGT is right about the pioneer they do have great subwoofers and very efficient amps and me being an Alpine fan id say go with the Type X 10". Only problem with that is the sub alone is 225$ and then amp is over 300$, but overall its a freaking AMAZING subwoofer, it can take a pretty nice beating.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_16663_Pioneer-Premier-TS-W2502D2.html
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_23656_Pioneer_GM-D8500M.aspx

This shall do great for you at the budget you supplied.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_25516_Alpine_SWR-1043D.aspx
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_18186_Alpine_PDX-1600.aspx

This is a little more but also a great choice

JL is overprice IMO aswell
JBL subwoofers are monsters when you get into the GTI series which are way over your budget

[TheMaterial]

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/p_23656_Pioneer_GM-D8500M.aspx


Do not get this amp if its going to be in a tight spot...this thing runs so hot you can almost cook an egg on it. Called Pioneer and spoke to them about it as it was a concern in our store, and they said it supposed to run a little hotter than normal. I said okay so we put up another one thinking maybe it was a defective heat sink and the 2nd one ran just as hot.

Car audio is all about personal opinion, and I say go into a local shop(s) and listen to what they have. You may like the more rumble sound the kicker gives, or the tighter sound of a pioneer or alpine. Once you find what you like find it on sale or go to a site like sonicelectronix and get it for a decent price. Or see if the sales guy will do a package with an amp and sub.

[RTEnthusiast]

Sorry guys JL seems to be overrated price to watts and distortion value doesnt seem reasonable to me. Nice subwoofer is a Rockford P3 or Infinity Kappa's/ JBL's GTO Series are clean ive had 2 P3's previously than i had 2 JBL GTO1014D's wired for 2 ohms with no distortion at 900 watts RMS and than I had just 1 JBL GTO1014D which wasnt enough kick. Best Subwoofer was the P3's.

If you actually look at the sensitivity for a JL subwoofer take the 10W7AE its only 84.3 dB when a JBL GTO1014D is 91 db thats quite a bit louder not to mention the fact that the Frequency Response on a JL 10W7AE is only 30.6 Hz where a JBL GTO1014D can go down to 25 Hz.

Its like buying a Sony TV vs a LG TV, 100 bucks more for the Sony TV while it actually uses a Vertical Alignment Panel (cheapest Display Panel available to produce) but they charge you more meanwhile LG uses a In-plane switching (IPS) Panel which doesnt flicker when you tap it because they use twice the number of resistors for each Pixel and has a better viewing angle. Some brands are over rated including JL Audio. Just my 2 Cents.

JBL GTI = Absolute sh*t. Have it in the parents' Camry Hybrid. Horrid sub.

[SammyBros]

Well if your looking for a stealth box that fit's in the side compartments you would have to go with 8's or 10's.. they will most likely be for a sealed sub enclosure (lack of space), as well as shallow mounted. It all depends on how many watts (RMS) you want to push and your quality of bass.

8 inch - would be good quality but not as many lows.
10 inch - gives a good punch but also does not produce lows as well as bigger coned subs.
12 inch - in the range of some lows that we humans can hear, and good punch. (what I have)

So it all depends on what you would like, and your budget. Truly it all depends on your amount your willing to spend.

[RetroLite]

JBL GTI = Absolute sh*t. Have it in the parents' Camry Hybrid. Horrid sub.

Thats great man, but I never once said GTI ....... but thanks, and for your sake than I hope it didnt come stock cause that would probably be why it sucks and I doubt your running a proper amp and a proper box, And the fact that you put a $500 dollar subwoofer into your parents Camry is a little concerning and hence why I think its bull****. As I know for a fact a GTI 10" is 600 watts RMS and 3000 watts peak.

[quality control]

I am selling my two Cadence 12" subs which were 300 watts RMS each. Was running a Kicker KX1200 on these two subs and they sounded good. Sealed box so a little tighter bass.

If you are interested and want to hear let me know. Great option if you are looking to save some money. I will let them go with the box for $140. They are laser blue in colour and look amazing.

[RTEnthusiast]

Thats great man, but I never once said GTI ....... but thanks, and for your sake than I hope it didnt come stock cause that would probably be why it sucks and I doubt your running a proper amp and a proper box, And the fact that you put a $500 dollar subwoofer into your parents Camry is a little concerning and hence why I think its bull****. As I know for a fact a GTI 10" is 600 watts RMS and 3000 watts peak.

Yeah, it's in a proper box. The car comes with the JBL "Synthesis" system stock, and the speakers are more than adequate for a stock system. The subwoofer and amp I've put in myself. If you look at my past posts you would be able to tell I'm a hardcore audiophile and I know what I'm doing. The higher-end JBL series are nothing more than "adequate" for the average listener. For much less you can get into better, superior sounding subs.

Why wouldn't I put a $500 sub into my parents' Camry if my parents are the ones who want their system properly set up, and they're willing to pay for it?

Also, RMS and peak wattage are numbers ricers use to say "OMG MINE IS LOUDER". Again my friend, it's not about volume or hard they pump, it's about the quality.

[yearoftherat]

Also, RMS and peak wattage are numbers ricers use to say "OMG MINE IS LOUDER". Again my friend, it's not about volume or hard they pump, it's about the quality.

Noting worse then hearing an obnoxious loud rattling trunk.

[Flagrum_3]

Sorry guys JL seems to be overrated price to watts and distortion value doesnt seem reasonable to me. Nice subwoofer is a Rockford P3 or Infinity Kappa's/ JBL's GTO Series are clean ive had 2 P3's previously than i had 2 JBL GTO1014D's wired for 2 ohms with no distortion at 900 watts RMS and than I had just 1 JBL GTO1014D which wasnt enough kick. Best Subwoofer was the P3's.

If you actually look at the sensitivity for a JL subwoofer take the 10W7AE its only 84.3 dB when a JBL GTO1014D is 91 db thats quite a bit louder not to mention the fact that the Frequency Response on a JL 10W7AE is only 30.6 Hz where a JBL GTO1014D can go down to 25 Hz.

Its like buying a Sony TV vs a LG TV, 100 bucks more for the Sony TV while it actually uses a Vertical Alignment Panel (cheapest Display Panel available to produce) but they charge you more meanwhile LG uses a In-plane switching (IPS) Panel which doesnt flicker when you tap it because they use twice the number of resistors for each Pixel and has a better viewing angle. Some brands are over rated including JL Audio. Just my 2 Cents.

For a guy who likes to talk numbers, you realize you were overdriving your subs? As the GTO1014s are rated MAX rms 350W each.So 2 subs would equal 700wrms max, your lucky you didn't blow them.But audiophile talk here you realize numbers are only slightly important if your looking for SQ and in saying that I'll put my JL10W6v2 ProWedge against any sub you mentioned, SQ wise!...Also Where are you getting your distortion numbers from? I run 425wrms into my sub at 2ohms and get absolutely zero distortion at full.Thats where the JLs shine, thats why their efficiency is low-Low efficiency in a sense, corresponds with low distortion.Its in the design of the driver...I will agree with you that JL are overpriced in a sense but its all relative.You can find deals on them, I did, along with several other members here.I purchased all my JL equipment at approx half the list price.

Just my 2c,

_3

[Prodigyv2]

Noting worse then hearing an obnoxious loud rattling trunk.

agreed! i do not want my car to rattle if i wanted my car to bounce and bump and sound like it was falling apart i would be looking for a couple 15" subs in a massive box in my trunk -that is deffinitely not what i am after!

As far as you other guys that are arguing over speakers - keep arguing this is great info for me choosing what im looking for. haha

[Flagrum_3]

agreed! i do not want my car to rattle if i wanted my car to bounce and bump and sound like it was falling apart i would be looking for a couple 15" subs in a massive box in my trunk -that is deffinitely not what i am after!

As far as you other guys that are arguing over speakers - keep arguing this is great info for me choosing what im looking for. haha

Considering your budget, you should take a good look at what JayJay posted (P#19), reasonable price and pretty good performance.One 10" sub should be enough for you.But remember two of the most important factors overlooked is the RMS match and more importantly the Box conf.Most times 'rattle' is caused by either woofer distortion or bad resonances caused by poorly matched speaker box configurations (dimensions).So matching whatever sub you get with a proper enclosure is important.Thats why I went with the JL ProWedge myself....can't beat a factory matched combo.IMHO.

_3

[RTEnthusiast]

Thats why I went with the JL ProWedge myself....can't beat a factory matched combo.IMHO.

_3

Beautiful advice. My combination personally, as I told you previously, is two JL 10" subs, in a JL-manufactured box, powered by a JL amp. It's been just over a week since my car's been dead, and I miss them dearly.

[selective sound]

Jl audio has my vote and there are some great deals on JL right now.

[Kinn]

While we are on this topic - and at the risk of a hijacking. I need some advice.


I'm thinking of replacing the stock sub in my 2010 MS3. I want to keep the hatch clear however, so it looks like my best solution is this.

The JL stealth box http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_stealthbox_detail.php?fit_id=1655
It costs a small fortune but looks like the cleanest install and I've never compromised quality for price. It doesn't look like it comes with an amp though. So what else am I going to need to make this work? Guessing the stock amp won't drive this properly; do I need to add another amp? If so, how does that get wired into the current system? I'd like to keep the rest of the system stock for now. I listen to a mix of House and Classical so it needs to be deep rich bass but with minimal distortion. I'm hoping that's what I'll get with this…comments?

I'm a total noob when it comes to car audio so I'll need it in plain English.

Sponsors - please feel free to PM pricing for the solution including install costs.

[Prodigyv2]

Yes you will need an amp, you will also need wiring, there are many threads on how to do this so ill just let you search that.

As for the stock deck, I am also planning on doing that and I will be buying a line output convertor - also many threads with how to wire that.

That box looks awesome, I however don't have the money so I will be compromising quality for price lol.

I hope I was a little bit of help as you hijack my thread :-) haha

[RedRaptor]

Here a picture of the AudioIntegrations 10" stealth/jack enclosure on my 2004 hatch.

Very happy with it. :) (Thanks Bluntman!)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/924/img0146sx.jpg

[baymoe]

First time seeing pictures of that in a hatch. Looks great.

[Flagrum_3]

Here a picture of the AudioIntegrations 10" stealth/jack enclosure on my 2004 hatch.

Very happy with it. :) (Thanks Bluntman!)

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/924/img0146sx.jpg

Thats a nice clean set-up.Just wondering though, Do you have a grill for the sub? hate to see the thing get jabbed.Also wheres your amp(s)?

_3

[ST3ALTH]

Yeah thats similar to my setup, I have an 8" JL though.... Love it and love the sound!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/IMG-20110523-00013.jpg

My amp is mounted in the tray under the floor boards in the back hatch. SUPER STEALTH lol

[RedRaptor]

Thats a nice clean set-up.Just wondering though, Do you have a grill for the sub? hate to see the thing get jabbed.Also wheres your amp(s)?

_3

No plans for a grill. Hopefully my 100lb Shep/Lab doesn't puncture it when he's riding up to the cottage. Amp is mounted on the back of the 40 rear seat.

[bluntman]

This is the optional grill kit that you can buy for the sub box:

http://www.audiointegrations.net/i/PF%20GRILL/M3H1004_Grill_640W.jpg

http://www.audiointegrations.net/i/PF%20GRILL/PF10V2_Grill_1_640W.jpg

[Flagrum_3]

Yeah thats similar to my setup, I have an 8" JL though.... Love it and love the sound!

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/IMG-20110523-00013.jpg

My amp is mounted in the tray under the floor boards in the back hatch. SUPER STEALTH lol

So are mine, two amps and my cap, beat u to it lol...But don't u worry about overheating with that tray cover there?

RedRaptor; you should definately see if you can find a full grill as shown in St3alth's ride.Your dog is going to destroy that thing lol.


_3

[Kinn]

So no chance of just using the existing cables and amp from the stock Bose system for a replacement sub?

[Flagrum_3]

So no chance of just using the existing cables and amp from the stock Bose system for a replacement sub?

I don't think the amp is powerful enough, but I couldn't tell you for sure.Wires almost for sure you'll need better...You can try messaging McGuyver as he's done the transformation thing from Bose...just suggesting.

_3

[RTEnthusiast]

It'll sound like ass if you do that.

[woodsball_delight]

go to caraudio.com/forum. youre getting input from alot of people who are running stealth setups with drivers not being able to perform anywhere near their potential


you can pay someone to design you to spec a box in the dimensions you want on car audio. I paid 10 bucks from RamDesigns. but seeing as you have no idea what youre doing go to one of the site sponsors and just let them take care of you... a bad install will just sound horrible.

[Kinn]

go to caraudio.com/forum. youre getting input from alot of people who are running stealth setups with drivers not being able to perform anywhere near their potential


you can pay someone to design you to spec a box in the dimensions you want on car audio. I paid 10 bucks from RamDesigns. but seeing as you have no idea what youre doing go to one of the site sponsors and just let them take care of you... a bad install will just sound horrible.

Ageed...Just needed to know if I was looking at a plug-and-play solution and if not, I'll let the experts do the work.

[PEPSIGIXXER]

Go Alpine Type S great kick for the buck. and make sure to power the sub by itself to get the most out of your sub.