car audio experts

[Lunk1]

OK...her is the question. I am planning to put a subwoofer under the back seat of my crew cab truck. The space available is 12DX24WX8H.

How large of a sub would I be able to put in an enclosure that would fit in that space. I understand there is an enclosure volume requirement based on the sub size?

Would it need to be a low profile sub?

[DCI]

Check out jl audios stealth boxes and their slim line range of subs very good suns bit pricey but you could get em secondhand cheaper i have two 12w6d4's in my car and they sound great in a custom made sealed box

[austinite]

Stealth boxes are WAY over priced. But they sure sound good!. You can put up to 2 12 inch subwoofers in a sealed enclosure. Many companies make sub boxes for your truck that will snugly fit. , such as A-Trends. Then you would choose a sub(s).

The sub would have to be a shallow sub. JL Audio makes the best sounding subs and they're not power hungry so you don't need a monster amp.

If you're going to build the box yourself, every sub manufacturer has internal dimensions required for either a sealed or ported box.

typically the amp is either mounted under the front pass seat, or on the back wall of the truck. onto a board that's epoxied on. If only using one sub, you can mount the amp on the other side.

[austinite]

Let me know if you need any detail info lunk, I know this crap in and out, from wiring to custom appearance,

[crazy mike]

I like your input Aust~ Hey you could do an article on this for us...ha!! J/K ...crazy mike

[crazy mike]

Per the thread title I have a littlt different Q's about my door speaker OK Lunk. ? ...cm

[austinite]

I like your input Aust~ Hey you could do an article on this for us...ha!! J/K ...crazy mike

lol. I could write a book on car stereo. Maybe bias but I have the best sounding vehicle on earth. USACI said so, twice

[crazy mike]

Ok , Listen I have a Pristine 1993 Volvo 960. So beautiful and 109,000miles only. Anyway I just blew the midrange front door speaker a typical 6-1/2". I am partial to Polk Audio. So who makes the best replacement speakers. Any advise for me to look at as far as manufacturers. ...crazy mike

Oh it is just factory stereo and no amp, but is has just great sound for what it is . ...cm

I know this isn't a big deal but would you recommend, if I up grade all the speakers. Are Polk Audio good. ??

[austinite]

Fvck. You picked the MOST difficult car to deal with. That thing isn't even 12 volt, lol. But you're looking for sound quality, choose FOCAL.

Focal uses an inverted tweeter dome, which is patented to them. It's a handmade french speaker with incredible attention to detail. One of 2 Audio companies that test their products in cars, not studios. So they're made for cars.

The inverted tweeter narrows down projection, unlike a dome tweeter that projects everywhere. When you narrow down projection, you're able to bypass things that might deflect the signal before it reaches you. The tweeters are adjustable so that if the speaker is sitting flat, you can still direct it at you.

They use a neodymium magnet which is much lighter, but twice as strong. This allows you to fit most of their speakers in a shallow spot.

Factory radios put out about 8 to 10 watts, and focal is super efficient so you can run it with or without an amp.

[austinite]

Ok , Listen I have a Pristine 1993 Volvo 960. So beautiful and 109,000miles only. Anyway I just blew the midrange front door speaker a typical 6-1/2". I am partial to Polk Audio. So who makes the best replacement speakers. Any advise for me to look at as far as manufacturers. ...crazy mike

Oh it is just factory stereo and no amp, but is has just great sound for what it is . ...cm

I know this isn't a big deal but would you recommend, if I up grade all the speakers. Are Polk Audio good. ??

Not a fan of polk. They make decent home audio stuff. But when they started selling to the big box stores, demand went WAY UP and research and development budget went WAY DOWN. Their old stuff is nice. Today, not so much.

[Hazard]

Want a set of home audio speakers? Sonance

[austinite]

Want a set of home audio speakers? Sonance

Nice. Focal and Klipsch fan here

[Lunk1]

Thanks A. I'm not a kid anymore but being an 80's child I still like to crank the hair on occasion. I'm trying to stay within a budget of around $800 or so, installed. (remember, guys like me don't get paid that well).

I would love a touch screen head but most likely would put me over budget. I def want a nice head with usb and 3.5 jack, 4 5X7's (love polk audio and Infinity), and 1 sub under the back seat. Not sure if 1 or 2 amps are needed?

Open for suggestions in within these parameters.

[Lunk1]

I may have created a monster with this thread lol

[Hazard]

Nice. Focal and Klipsch fan here

Klipsch is okay..... I've installed so many sonance speakers my fingers bled.

I've done home theaters and home audio for quite a few really big names. Baseball and football players, actors, music artists, a very famous producer/record label owner..... And a big name high end club in NYC...... Sonance is all that sold out here. Kinda biased opinion maybe lol.....

[austinite]

^ 5x7? So it's a Ford. Are you doing the install? If not, I can recommend someone.

You'd be surprised what deal you can get.

Kenwood DDX model touch panels are cheap now. You'll need a mounting kit and wiring harness. Depending on the sub you choose, amp prices will vary. You can get all you want for around your budget, installed.

This is what I would do:

Kenwood DDX 319 + kit/harness
Atrends sub box
Rockford sub
Rockford amp
Rockford 5x7's

Run 5x7's off the head unit and amplify the sub. You should be able to get all that equipment for around $600 including the amp wiring kit.

[Hazard]

I've also got 2 twelve inch kicker subs and a kenwood amp I'm no longer using

[austinite]

Installation will vary depending on the store. If they use butt connectors, electric tape and T-Taps, they'll be cheap. If they solder and heatshrink connection, run power wires opposite side of RCA's to prevent electromagnetic interference, flushmount radio, etc... it will cost more.

[DCI]

Aust we are way too similar

[Lunk1]

^ 5x7? So it's a Ford. Are you doing the install? If not, I can recommend someone.

You'd be surprised what deal you can get.

Kenwood DDX model touch panels are cheap now. You'll need a mounting kit and wiring harness. Depending on the sub you choose, amp prices will vary. You can get all you want for around your budget, installed.

This is what I would do:

Kenwood DDX 319 + kit/harness
Atrends sub box
Rockford sub
Rockford amp
Rockford 5x7's

Run 5x7's off the head unit and amplify the sub. You should be able to get all that equipment for around $600 including the amp wiring kit.

Yes..f150 crew cab. The vehicle specific boxes are too expensive so just a standard box. I plan to have it installed (cpl diff. places local I could go to).

So you don't think the 4 5x7's need an amp?

[Lunk1]

I've also got 2 twelve inch kicker subs and a kenwood amp I'm no longer using

No soliciting...read the rules LMAO

[austinite]

Yes..f150 crew cab. The vehicle specific boxes are too expensive so just a standard box. I plan to have it installed (cpl diff. places local I could go to).

So you don't think the 4 5x7's need an amp?

Not if you get efficient speakers like the Rockford Prime series. If you want to amplify and save money, I would only amplify the front 2 speakers (that's where you are) and run the rear ones off the deck. That way you can get a 4 channel amp, run 2 channels to the front and bridge the other 2 to the sub.

What year is your crew cab? Does it have a an electronic rear glass?

[austinite]

Also have to remember, factory radios put out a quarter of a volt. When you upgrade, you'll be getting 2 to 4 volt output. And increase wattage from 8 to 10 watts, to 25+. Coupled with aftermarket speakers, it's a world of difference. The factory paper cone and foam surround speakers are garbage in comparison with a butyl rubber surround and silk tweeter. .

[Lunk1]

Not if you get efficient speakers like the Rockford Prime series. If you want to amplify and save money, I would only amplify the front 2 speakers (that's where you are) and run the rear ones off the deck. That way you can get a 4 channel amp, run 2 channels to the front and bridge the other 2 to the sub.

What year is your crew cab? Does it have a an electronic rear glass?

01...no

[Lunk1]

If I can buy the equipment right, I have a friend who is very qualified to install for cheap to free (maybe case of beer lol). I always have him solder and heat shrink connections at work

[austinite]

sorry, F150 or 250+?

[Lunk1]

sorry, F150 or 250+?

yeah, sorry 01 f150 supercrew

[austinite]

Yeah you can get a A-Trend box for $80 or so. Car stereo shops negotiate big time. Especially a small chain. Stay away from big box stores.

[DCI]

Aust, I think you'll like the set up I have.

Amps:
JL Audio 300/2 S1
JL Audio HD 750.1
Phoenix Gold 30 band Eq
Phoenix gold interconnects
Alpine 9855R hu

Subs

JL Audio 12W6D4 X2
Focal K2P front speakers

[austinite]

Aust, I think you'll like the set up I have.

Amps:
JL Audio 300/2 S1
JL Audio HD 750.1
Phoenix Gold 30 band Eq
Phoenix gold interconnects
Alpine 9855R hu

Subs

JL Audio 12W6D4 X2
Focal K2P front speakers

Very nice. JL 3002 is incredible. Regulated power supply. HD 750 also, the only 2 series they make that are regulated. So you're getting the advertised wattage regardless of voltage. Slash and HD series are the best amps ever.

Alpine deck has a burr brown D2A (digital to analog) converter. Super fast and outstanding output.

LOVE the W6 subs. Probably the most accurate subwoofer I've ever heard. Has to be in a custom box, not very forgiving when air space is miscalculated. That and the 8w7.

K2P, one of my favorite kevlar speakers. Just incredible.

PG rca's are dual shielded with split tips, highly conductive and electromagnetic killer.

Excellent taste my friend

[austinite]

I've downgraded since I got my escalade. But only because I don't want to replace the deck (no garage).

1 set of focal No. 6 berriliums in the front.
1 set of focal KRX2 in the back.
2 JL 8" W3 series subs

Everything is powered by the JL HD900.5

16 gauge wire for speakers and 12 gauge for the subs.

Audio control LC6i to clean up the factory deck and a kinetik power cell. believe it or not, the powercell, amps and the audio control piece are all under the center console.

The entire truck is sound deadened and looks completely factory. Tweeter housings were internally expanded to adjust tweeter direction.

[DCI]

I knew you would like it cost a fortune but that was years ago when I was young and stupid. But the stereo has moved from car to car with me.

My friend designs his own speakers, has made his own solo baric bookshelves and they sound epic. He designed the sub box for the lovely powerful bass from it.

The W6's have that great powerful sound but tight deep bass aswell, the W7's are crazy but the 6's are 90% as good as them imo.

The focals are great but you really have to mount them steady and get the tweeters to bounce off each other on the A pillars imo and the eq was set up by the same friend who did the box really good ear he records music etc.

Was a pain to get into the car as the car an integrated everything in it ie the stereo does all the air con etc so had to run custom power cabling and custom mountings in the dash to get it right. I need a good fiberglass person though to make the hu mounting better

[austinite]

I knew you would like it cost a fortune but that was years ago when I was young and stupid. But the stereo has moved from car to car with me.

My friend designs his own speakers, has made his own solo baric bookshelves and they sound epic. He designed the sub box for the lovely powerful bass from it.

The W6's have that great powerful sound but tight deep bass aswell, the W7's are crazy but the 6's are 90% as good as them imo.

The focals are great but you really have to mount them steady and get the tweeters to bounce off each other on the A pillars imo and the eq was set up by the same friend who did the box really good ear he records music etc.

Was a pain to get into the car as the car an integrated everything in it ie the stereo does all the air con etc so had to run custom power cabling and custom mountings in the dash to get it right. I need a good fiberglass person though to make the hu mounting better

Metra makes some incredible mounting kits. They integrate AC controls, even electronic. You might not need a custom dash piece.

[austinite]

Sorry lunk, total highjack!

[DCI]

I've downgraded since I got my escalade. But only because I don't want to replace the deck (no garage).

1 set of focal No. 6 berriliums in the front.
1 set of focal KRX2 in the back.
2 JL 8" W3 series subs

Everything is powered by the JL HD900.5

16 gauge wire for speakers and 12 gauge for the subs.

Audio control LC6i to clean up the factory deck and a kinetik power cell. believe it or not, the powercell, amps and the audio control piece are all under the center console.

The entire truck is sound deadened and looks completely factory. Tweeter housings were internally expanded to adjust tweeter direction.

Dam show off with the beryliums excellent speaker but an utter pain to get right to set up.

Friend has the same amp in his car there is a great bang off it for such a small amp crazy piece of kit.

Great work on the speaker cable did the same meself but used house power cable from a wholesaler friend really cheap and thick copper cabling.

Have you heard the jl mini? I got to listen to it years ago and an audi with your speakers but with 4x8 inch focal subs sounded great. The escalade must sound great as its such a big space to fill and flat surfaces

[DCI]

Metra makes some incredible mounting kits. They integrate AC controls, even electronic. You might not need a custom dash piece.

I drive an Alfa Romeo unfortunetly they haven't been in the US for 20 years

Yeh sorry lunk for tge hi jack speaker nerds can talk forever lol

[austinite]

Ah. Yeah, custom for sure.

[DCI]

Lol you know too much it's custom all right lol

[austinite]

Dam show off with the beryliums excellent speaker but an utter pain to get right to set up.

Friend has the same amp in his car there is a great bang off it for such a small amp crazy piece of kit.

Great work on the speaker cable did the same meself but used house power cable from a wholesaler friend really cheap and thick copper cabling.

Have you heard the jl mini? I got to listen to it years ago and an audi with your speakers but with 4x8 inch focal subs sounded great. The escalade must sound great as its such a big space to fill and flat surfaces

Yeah the mini shows up at Texas Heatwave car show each year.

[FRDave]

OK...her is the question. I am planning to put a subwoofer under the back seat of my crew cab truck. The space available is 12DX24WX8H.

How large of a sub would I be able to put in an enclosure that would fit in that space. I understand there is an enclosure volume requirement based on the sub size?

Would it need to be a low profile sub?

You have a little over 1 cu ft of internal volume to work with, but only about 6.5" of mounting depth to work with if I'm reading your dimensions correctly. This is not bad and will give you a decent range of options to choose from. If you did go with a shallow mount, the new JL's and Alpines are nice and I have seen some great reviews on the DIYMA forums in regards to linear output with little to no distortion, all while requiring small sealed enclosures (back in the day all the shallow mount subs required large enclosures, defeating the purpose). If you can get your hands on a Stereo Integrity shallow mount, they are amazing, just hard to find.

Also, check out the Image Dynamics IDQ. Awesome Sq sub with good output and I believe the mounting depth will work for you, but can't remember off top of my head.