Slim subwoofer (under seat/under dash)

Started by jeffsimply, March 1, 2016, 14:36

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jeffsimply

March 1, 2016, 14:36 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Recently upgraded my speakers with some Focal Access 165s from a chap on here. Got them installed fine, and lined the doors with soundproofing material. My headunit is a cheapo Alpine which I fear may be the weak link now.

Bass response is poor. The SQ is ok and there aren't any rattles anymore, but overall the listening experience is not optimal as the speakers stop reproducing any sound below 60hz and the volume of even 65hz is very muted. Once driving all bass becomes very quiet, I suppose this is somewhat inevitable in a soft top, although I tried it with the hard top too.

So I decided to buy a slim subwoofer (after much dispute with the OH when I said I wanted to do away with the drivers side storage bin and install a proper subwoofer).

Reviews online are scarce (probably for a reason) and there isn't much information on here either. People use the word 'good'. Or "it adds bass but it won't turn your car into a nightclub".

I'm going to get it installed later and either take it straight back out and send it back or if I'm happy then I'll post a detailed review including some tones to show where it works and whether it'll work for the type of music you like.

I personally like a bit of everything, this includes bass heavy rap where car systems normally fall down without a dedicated sub.

Topdownman

#1
March 1, 2016, 15:19 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I will be looking at one of the active underdash units at some stage. I have been impressed by the comments of people who have done the underdash after having a rear bin install saying that  the are so much better, even with the top down you still get more bass. I never really planned to do this but I have done similar changes as you  to my stereo and it is disappointing.

There is no way I would give up one of my bins but the underdash space will not be used otherwise!
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beavisrules

#2
March 1, 2016, 16:20 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I did an underdash install as I couldn't afford what I really wanted.

Was thinking one of these just put beheind the drivers seat , or even mounted to it.
 m http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001UDIGAC? m .

Instead I got a factory bass box from a volvo V40 and strapped it under the dash. Punchy dual coil 2ohm speaker and comes with simple to wire amp.
Also would loved to try fitting the Harman Kardon bass box from Rangerover , but they never come cheap enough to warrant the possibility of ending in the bin.

jeffsimply

#3
March 1, 2016, 16:49 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Losing 6" of seat movement though? I have an inch or so space behind my drivers seat. I would sit closer to the wheel but sadly my legs hit the steering wheel. So I'm thinking behind the passenger seat so shouldn't be too much of a compromise.

We shall see.

shnazzle

#4
March 1, 2016, 17:31 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I mounted my "Underseat" woofer behind the passenger seat at first and don't underestimate how much space you lose. It made it very uncomfortable for me to sit in the passenger seat. It was swiftly moved under dash.
Unless you're single and never carry passengers, behind the seat is no place for it to be

EDIT: oh, and the bass from there was pitiful
...neutiquam erro.

jeffsimply

#5
March 1, 2016, 18:37 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Managed to test fit it before it got dark and needed more tools than I wanted to get out in the dark.

Yes it's definitely more than I thought as far as lost space, but I could still sit relatively comfortably... The jury is still out however.

I bought this particular one as it's weight was quite a lot more than the others, but it's got solid heat sinks all the way round, so a lot of the weight will be there rather than the cone itself... I am genuinely already considering sending it back and I haven't even listened to it yet.

I'll at least try it before getting rid. I'm planning on taking the dashboard out to put some padding behind to get rid of the various rattles and squeaks. I'm sort of hoping I find a massive empty space big enough for something nice... But I'm starting to see why everyone puts those Inphase subs in the drivers footwell...

StuC

#6
March 1, 2016, 19:31 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Yeah, not many "massive empty spaces" in the 2. It is well packaged.  s:-D :-D s:-D
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beavisrules

#7
March 1, 2016, 20:09 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I was also tempted to try out one of the spare wheel subs you get nowadays but couldn't figure out how they work.
these things -  m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272132934639 m ?

there sure is some funky designs out there!.

vx220

#8
March 1, 2016, 21:54 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Buy Other Sound Equipment... BOSE

I fitted one of these under the dash

 m https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Tswx1 ... 98&bih=279 m

It made a world of difference, despite having reasonable, amped components in the doors. I think you need to deaden the doors as well, including sealing the access holes in the inner skin.

jeffsimply

#9
March 1, 2016, 23:05 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Where abouts did you fit it under the dash?

Any compromises anywhere?

vx220

#10
March 2, 2016, 06:28 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "jeffsimply"Where abouts did you fit it under the dash?

Any compromises anywhere?

Iirc slightly to the right of the steering column

Only thing I had to do was move an ecu type thing about an inch

Fairly sure you wouldn't have to move that if you went for the InPhase Usw10

shnazzle

#11
March 2, 2016, 09:36 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "vx220"Fairly sure you wouldn't have to move that if you went for the InPhase Usw10

Correct. Snug as a bug. No need for moving anything. The only thing with the InPhase is that it only has two supports on opposite ends. Needed a very crude home-made bracket I fashioned out of some sub-1-GBP metal brackets from B&Q.
..and a sponge  s:D :D s:D  haha. This sounds funny but it really is the best way to absorb road vibrations and keep it firmly in place and stop it from swinging around down there.
...neutiquam erro.

osborne900

#12
March 13, 2016, 19:12 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I've got a Kenwood underseat in my merc which would go behind a passenger seat with a bit of a recline going on. Works really nicely.

vx220

#13
March 15, 2016, 11:16 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
Quote from: "osborne900"I've got a Kenwood underseat in my merc which would go behind a passenger seat with a bit of a recline going on. Works really nicely.

What model number, as some of the Kenwoods will slide up under the dash?

Fin

#14
March 16, 2016, 18:12 Last Edit: January 1, 1970, 01:00 by Guest
I ended up with this one's predecessor:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bass-Face-POWER8-2-8-Active-Underseat-Under-Seat-Car-Subwoofer-Amplifier-/231786706976?hash=item35f7907820
It fits behind the driver's seat fairly well, and gives a decent amount of noise   s:D :D s:D   I lose about the last 2 notches on the seat runner, but I'm a short-arse anyway, so it's not a biggie for me   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:
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