Sub Help

[ChandlerSwyng]

Never purchased subs so i am a noob when it comes to this but a friend has helped me out a bit. I am looking for some nice bass but nothing that will rattle like crazy and be obnoxious outside of the car. I want to clean up the lows and add some nice quality. Right now I am thinking about purchasing this. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ss-Bundle.html

Thoughts/Suggestions/Better alternatives?
Thanks in advance

[tmcmullins]

What's your end budget?

[ChandlerSwyng]

Originally Posted by tmcmullins

What's your end budget?

300 tops

[tmcmullins]

I been out the sound system game for a while so I don't know the latest and greatest brands. The link you posted looks like a pretty good starter kit. As far as installation goes, I used to always try to install myself or have a friend help me but it was never as stable as when I had a reputable shop do the installation. I think your on the right track I would shop around more or even visit a couple of different shops. Here some links I found that might help. I also rely on reviews...a lot.

This might be a good comparison to the one you're already looking at.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/MTX-TNP112D-Subwoofer-200W-Amplifier/dp/B00318KAGM/ref=sr_1_8?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1394212438&sr=1-8"]Amazon.com: MTX TNP112D 12" Subwoofer And 200W Amplifier: Car Electronics[/ame]

Holy Crap! but I don't know if I trust it. Amp might overheat easily.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/P106DVC-4200W-Subwoofers-1600W-Gauge/dp/B00HFW8BU2/ref=sr_1_11?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1394212328&sr=1-11"]Amazon.com: 2 BOSS P106DVC 10" 4200W Car Subwoofers Subs + 1600W 2-Ch Amp + 4 Gauge Amp Kit: Car Electronics[/ame]




I don't know if any of this helped but good luck to you and hope your system sound amazing.

[ChandlerSwyng]

Originally Posted by tmcmullins

I been out the sound system game for a while so I don't know the latest and greatest brands. The link you posted looks like a pretty good starter kit. As far as installation goes, I used to always try to install myself or have a friend help me but it was never as stable as when I had a reputable shop do the installation. I think your on the right track I would shop around more or even visit a couple of different shops. Here some links I found that might help. I also rely on reviews...a lot.

This might be a good comparison to the one you're already looking at.
Amazon.com: MTX TNP112D 12" Subwoofer And 200W Amplifier: Car Electronics

Holy Crap! but I don't know if I trust it. Amp might overheat easily.
Amazon.com: 2 BOSS P106DVC 10" 4200W Car Subwoofers Subs + 1600W 2-Ch Amp + 4 Gauge Amp Kit: Car Electronics




I don't know if any of this helped but good luck to you and hope your system sound amazing.

Thanks so much!

[soundman98]

is there anything specific that you're looking for in a sub? maybe the amp integrated into the sub box? fits in a corner? are you willing to loose your entire trunk to the sub?

personally, i wouldn't recommend rf products--imo, they have been pretty poor in terms of overall quality/output in the last few years.

regarding the links that @tmcmullins posted:

the first one is part of a nice product line, except that it is a 12" sub in a ported box(ported boxes are larger then sealed boxes), so fitment in the car might be difficult-- the trunks aren't all that large on these cars.. but i've heard similar subs as those, and they do decent-- no earth-shattering bass, but fill in the bottom end well. that is a nice package deal though..

the second one, note that it does not include a sub box at all. boss stuff gets a lot of crap in the more professional industry because it's not the most excellent equipment, but i think it would fit your needs well. i don't think that package would be the best though, because the power of that amp isn't needed, not to mention that amp is massive and will take up a lot of space in the trunk. i also don't think that any more then 1-10" is needed at the most.

i haven't installed my sub setup yet in the brz, but from all the reading i've been doing on everyone else's setups, it seems that shooting for installing an 8" sub with about 200-300 watts is perfectly adequate for just about all but the more demanding requirements. just about everyone says it doesn't take much to get really loud in these cars.

as far as what i'd recommend-- i'm going to hold off until you can get a chance to answer some of those questions-- i have ideas that will work for either option, just not sure if you're one of the kind of guys that would like to give up all of your trunk for a sub setup.

[ChandlerSwyng]

Originally Posted by soundman98

is there anything specific that you're looking for in a sub? maybe the amp integrated into the sub box? fits in a corner? are you willing to loose your entire trunk to the sub?

personally, i wouldn't recommend rf products--imo, they have been pretty poor in terms of overall quality/output in the last few years.

regarding the links that @tmcmullins posted:

the first one is part of a nice product line, except that it is a 12" sub in a ported box(ported boxes are larger then sealed boxes), so fitment in the car might be difficult-- the trunks aren't all that large on these cars.. but i've heard similar subs as those, and they do decent-- no earth-shattering bass, but fill in the bottom end well. that is a nice package deal though..

the second one, note that it does not include a sub box at all. boss stuff gets a lot of crap in the more professional industry because it's not the most excellent equipment, but i think it would fit your needs well. i don't think that package would be the best though, because the power of that amp isn't needed, not to mention that amp is massive and will take up a lot of space in the trunk. i also don't think that any more then 1-10" is needed at the most.

i haven't installed my sub setup yet in the brz, but from all the reading i've been doing on everyone else's setups, it seems that shooting for installing an 8" sub with about 200-300 watts is perfectly adequate for just about all but the more demanding requirements. just about everyone says it doesn't take much to get really loud in these cars.

as far as what i'd recommend-- i'm going to hold off until you can get a chance to answer some of those questions-- i have ideas that will work for either option, just not sure if you're one of the kind of guys that would like to give up all of your trunk for a sub setup.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to fit it into a corner. I want to clean up the lows and just add some more bass, but not so much that it ruins the song and everyone along the road can hear it. I'm completely new to this so any suggestions or links to packages would be awesome! Thanks!

[PineappleFriedRice]

Originally Posted by ChandlerSwyng

Never purchased subs so i am a noob when it comes to this but a friend has helped me out a bit. I am looking for some nice bass but nothing that will rattle like crazy and be obnoxious outside of the car. I want to clean up the lows and add some nice quality. Right now I am thinking about purchasing this. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ss-Bundle.html

Thoughts/Suggestions/Better alternatives?
Thanks in advance

My suggestions
($'s are rounded up for simplicity)


Option 1:
Infinity Reference 10 inch sub - $60
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Reference-1062w-High-Performance-Subwoofer/dp/B0028ARP1W/ref=psdc18_t1_B002GHBUFY_B0028ARP1W"]Amazon.com: Infinity Reference 1062w 10-Inch 1,100-Watt High-Performance Subwoofer (Dual Voice Coil): Car Electronics[/ame]

Boss Audio R1100M monoblock - $55
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Boss-Audio-R1100M-Monoblock-Amplifier/dp/B004S4XNEO/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_z"]Amazon.com: Boss Audio R1100M Mosfet Monoblock Power Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control: Car Electronics[/ame]

10 inch sealed box - $40
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ground-Shake...de6a06&vxp=mtr
8 gauge OFC wiring kit - $30
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KnuKonceptz-...item589feb62ea

Wired like this:


$185 total


Option 2:
x2 Infinity Reference 8" subs - $95
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Reference-860w-High-Performance-Subwoofer/dp/B002GHBUFY/ref=sr_1_11?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394302042&s r=1-11&keywords=infinity+reference+2+ohm"]Amazon.com: Infinity Reference 860w 8-Inch 1,000-Watt High-Performance Subwoofer (Single Voice Coil): Electronics[/ame]

Boss Audio R3400D - $95
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Boss-Audio-R3400D-Monoblock-Amplifier/dp/B004S4XNN0/ref=sr_1_18?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394307571&s r=1-18&keywords=class+d+monoblock"]Amazon.com: Boss Audio R3400D Class D Monoblock Power Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control: Electronics[/ame]

Dual 8" Sealed Sub Box - $40
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ground-Shake...fea02e&vxp=mtr
4 gauge OFC wire kit - $60
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KnuKonceptz-...item5af4d3f703

Wired like this:

or


$290 total

I do not recommend going with a 12" sub because fitting a proper enclosure for a 12 is a pain in the *** and it will take up your entire trunk space(see attachement). With both options, I linked slanted subwoofer enclosures so that you can fit them snugly behind your back seats.

The single 10, if fit in the back corner of the trunk will take up about 1/3 of the area width wise and will come up a little past your rear struts depth wise.

The Dual 8's will take up a little less than 3/4's of the area width wise and will be a little bit past the outside edge of a rear strut bar if you had one installed.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by ChandlerSwyng

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to fit it into a corner. I want to clean up the lows and just add some more bass, but not so much that it ruins the song and everyone along the road can hear it. I'm completely new to this so any suggestions or links to packages would be awesome! Thanks!

you've fallen victim to one of the most common misconceptions of subs -- that many are overpowering and can be heard by all.. all sub setups are adjustable, and so it is up to the installer/end user to adjust it to the appropriate volume level. many people do seem to adjust their sub setups to be just about the only thing that is audible instead of focusing on balancing it out with the rest of the system.

the setups that pinnaplefriedrice recommended are pretty good, and should suit your needs well. as i said before, if you're needs are only a little low end reinforcement, i'm not convinced that you need anything more then a single 8" sub for that, but that is somewhat personal preference..

the only thing i think he missed in the second setup, and i didn't think of until now, is that you're going to need a line output converter to generate the signal for the subs-- something like this:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/PAC-SNI35-Adjustable-2-Channel-Converter/dp/B001EAWS3W/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394331081&sr =1-1&keywords=line+output+converter"]PAC SNI35 Adjustable 2-Channel Line Out Converter : Amazon.com : Electronics[/ame]
the first setup he listed has the capability within the amp.

in his defense, he has the fr-s, so he might have preamp outputs from the deck already, where the brz doesn't have such capability.

speaking of, you'll need to buy some speaker wire as well-- any brand will do, shoot for 18 gauge wire.


some alternative options i can find would be these:

$120 blaupunkt all-in-one setup
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Blaupunkt-150-Watt-8-Inch-Preloaded-Subwoofer/dp/B0043EK3QK/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394331388&s r=1-10&keywords=8+amplified+subwoofer"]Amazon.com: Blaupunkt GTb 8A 150-Watt 8-Inch Preloaded Active Subwoofer System: Electronics[/ame]


infinity basslink $175. these are about the nicest all-in-one subs i've heard. trunk space is going to be somewhat of an issue-- both sides of the sub need adequate airspace to correctly work(i believe it's outlined in the manual), but the bass is tight enough for indie/rock/classical, but loud enough to rule snoop dog's latest hit as well.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Basslink-200-Watt-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B000063TJY/ref=sr_1_20?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394331694&s r=1-20&keywords=8+amplified+subwoofer"]Amazon.com: Infinity Basslink 200-Watt, Dual 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer System (Black): Electronics[/ame]


$150--this might be a possiblity-- it is primarily designed to stuff behind the seat of a single cab truck, so putting it in the trunk might not have the same result, but the cost is relatively cheap, and it is small and compact
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Storm-Laboratories-LOPRO10-Amplified/dp/B001CY13W2/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394334599&s r=1-19&keywords=8+amplified+subwoofer"]Amazon.com: Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO10 LoPro Series Low Profile Amplified 10-Inch Subwoofer, 1200W1 (Black): Electronics[/ame]


as far as other component packages-- i'd really recommend this sub box, because it's built right, and makes use out of the nearly useless space in the trunk, problem is the box-only blows your budget..
http://www.integrityconcepts.net/frs...rder-sale.html

but being that ^that^ is probably out of line:

sub$60
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-db840DVC.html

box $25
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Single-Subwoofer-Sealed-Automotive-Enclosure/dp/B0036UOZ5M/ref=sr_1_3?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1394332401&sr=1-3&keywords=8+inch+subwoofer+box"]Amazon.com: New Single Car Black Subwoofer Box Sealed Automotive Enclosure for 8-Inch Woofer 8S: Car Electronics[/ame]

amp $130
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-MRV-M250.html

amp kit(same as pineapple recommended-- they are nice kits, i'm putting one in my brz) $30
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KnuKonceptz-...item589feb62ea


total: $245
the bonus with this setup is that the main gear is all better-branded equipment(exception to the sub pineapple linked), and with a single 8", it would take up a little less trunk space.

also note that the amp has the capability to add a bass knob to adjust the volume of the sub easily. i've always used one in my cars because i'll tend to go from block-rockin rap to soft country, and i've found that different artists mix in different amounts of bass, so it is very difficult to maintain a specific bass setting while switching artists/genres a lot.


or you could run this sub instead if you want to save a little money, and mess with the local 'expert' car audio shops (all the shops near me are jokes, so i enjoy showing them gear that they say is either impossible to install, or they've never heard of)

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...oofer--295-484

i run that sub in a home theater off a 300w rms amp-- even with my bass addict style, it is still plenty loud.. the neighbors might have called once or twice

[PineappleFriedRice]

Originally Posted by soundman98

in his defense, he has the fr-s, so he might have preamp outputs from the deck already, where the brz doesn't have such capability.

Yeah, my stock hu had preamps. I just figured the brz's had that amenity since they do cost more lol...

[soundman98]

nah, the hu's in the brz's aren't as adaptable as the fr-s'.. as near as i call tell(haven't torn into my car yet, waiting for a warmer day), the brz unit is high-level output only, wich feed a factory amp under the seat. you'd think they'd keep the same unit to keep the costs lower, and i would really prefer to have been able to have the functionality, but it just means another reason to replace the deck..

[ChandlerSwyng]

Originally Posted by soundman98

you've fallen victim to one of the most common misconceptions of subs -- that many are overpowering and can be heard by all.. all sub setups are adjustable, and so it is up to the installer/end user to adjust it to the appropriate volume level. many people do seem to adjust their sub setups to be just about the only thing that is audible instead of focusing on balancing it out with the rest of the system.



the setups that pinnaplefriedrice recommended are pretty good, and should suit your needs well. as i said before, if you're needs are only a little low end reinforcement, i'm not convinced that you need anything more then a single 8" sub for that, but that is somewhat personal preference..



the only thing i think he missed in the second setup, and i didn't think of until now, is that you're going to need a line output converter to generate the signal for the subs-- something like this:

PAC SNI35 Adjustable 2-Channel Line Out Converter : Amazon.com : Electronics

the first setup he listed has the capability within the amp.



in his defense, he has the fr-s, so he might have preamp outputs from the deck already, where the brz doesn't have such capability.



speaking of, you'll need to buy some speaker wire as well-- any brand will do, shoot for 18 gauge wire.





some alternative options i can find would be these:



$120 blaupunkt all-in-one setup

Amazon.com: Blaupunkt GTb 8A 150-Watt 8-Inch Preloaded Active Subwoofer System: Electronics





infinity basslink $175. these are about the nicest all-in-one subs i've heard. trunk space is going to be somewhat of an issue-- both sides of the sub need adequate airspace to correctly work(i believe it's outlined in the manual), but the bass is tight enough for indie/rock/classical, but loud enough to rule snoop dog's latest hit as well.



Amazon.com: Infinity Basslink 200-Watt, Dual 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer System (Black): Electronics





$150--this might be a possiblity-- it is primarily designed to stuff behind the seat of a single cab truck, so putting it in the trunk might not have the same result, but the cost is relatively cheap, and it is small and compact

Amazon.com: Sound Storm Laboratories LOPRO10 LoPro Series Low Profile Amplified 10-Inch Subwoofer, 1200W1 (Black): Electronics





as far as other component packages-- i'd really recommend this sub box, because it's built right, and makes use out of the nearly useless space in the trunk, problem is the box-only blows your budget..

http://www.integrityconcepts.net/frs...rder-sale.html



but being that ^that^ is probably out of line:



sub$60

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-db840DVC.html



box $25

Amazon.com: New Single Car Black Subwoofer Box Sealed Automotive Enclosure for 8-Inch Woofer 8S: Car Electronics



amp $130

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-MRV-M250.html



amp kit(same as pineapple recommended-- they are nice kits, i'm putting one in my brz) $30

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KnuKonceptz-...item589feb62ea





total: $245

the bonus with this setup is that the main gear is all better-branded equipment(exception to the sub pineapple linked), and with a single 8", it would take up a little less trunk space.



also note that the amp has the capability to add a bass knob to adjust the volume of the sub easily. i've always used one in my cars because i'll tend to go from block-rockin rap to soft country, and i've found that different artists mix in different amounts of bass, so it is very difficult to maintain a specific bass setting while switching artists/genres a lot.





or you could run this sub instead if you want to save a little money, and mess with the local 'expert' car audio shops (all the shops near me are jokes, so i enjoy showing them gear that they say is either impossible to install, or they've never heard of)



http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-...oofer--295-484



i run that sub in a home theater off a 300w rms amp-- even with my bass addict style, it is still plenty loud.. the neighbors might have called once or twice

I can't thank you enough for all this help! I think I like the second to last 245 dollar option, those are all the items I will need correct? I'm definitely going with an 8 inch.

[niceguy21]

Just wanted to share my setup and my audio experience as well. To start, I currently have my own self-made Carbon Fiber enclosure. It's a ported version but also made plug for Extra bass As for my sub woofer I believe it's JL Audio 3V3 500 watt sub with JL Audio 500 watt amp. All this is wired with JL Audio Wiring Kit. I too was a noob when it came to audio installation and brand quality, however the trooper i am, I went forward and decided to buy everything needed to install my self after countless hours of searching reviews. Lol. Everything I bought was about $400 (subwoofer $160/amp $160/wiring kit $45/rest was tax & shipping). Im not sure but i feel like I got all this for a great price! As I waited for equipment to arrive I studied one of the forum threads explaining how to wire the everything, basically connecting from the battery to amp for current, tapping to remote wire/plugging in RCA wires behind my bespoke unit and routing all wires to the rear. Eventually days passed and then everything arrived, the same day I installed everything with the help with my brother and finished about 1 hour. Could of been faster but we were trying to get everything wired nice and neatly. In my opinion I think that 500 watts in sufficient enough for any persons needs, hits hard at about 35 volume with out being too much. Since I didn't use dynamatt in my doors they do tend to vibrate the higher I raise my bass. Also as a tip you may experience noticeable and annoying vibrations/rattling in my fiber glass trunk so you will need to throw in some rags/foam to avoid the rattling like I did. Personally I'm happy with how everything is now but may upgrade my speakers and WILL dynomatt my doors since they vibrate after 40 volume level and +4 bass.

I think I may have written too much lmao but hey knowledge is power! Right!

If you have any questions feel free to ask me!

Edit: I was going to attach a picture but I forgot so I'll post it after this one since it won't let me because of "administrator permissions won't let me"
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[niceguy21]

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