I've been doing some research to see if anyone was able to swap the factory sub and dropping in an aftermarket one in the stock enclosure. Somebody in the MDX forum was able to mount a slim Cerwin Vega sub (adding an amp) and was able to substantially upgrade the bass to the factory system.

https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rdx-performance-parts-modifications-162/after-market-sub-723800/

With the RDX, does anybody know the depth of the stock sub enclosure for the ELS sub? I'd prefer to go this route as opposed to a full exterior box enclosure for a cleaner install and also to save cargo space. I've found an 8" sub from Pioneer that can be installed free air and has a depth of only 2 1/2 inches. I wonder if I could replicate the same results as the guy with the MDX with the 2013 RDX. A modest amp would also be needed as well.


Or I'm also considering removing the spare tire and using that space with a shallow sealed box with amp. But I'm not really keen on losing the spare tire, so replacing the stock unit would be the only option outside of an exterior enclosure.

Has anybody been able to measure the stock enclosure and see what could fit in there? What do you think?

 

I stumbled on the way to access the Sub area from a
"Backup Sensor Install" instructions on the internet.

I was going to tear the existing unit out and build a mounting board to fit in it's place, it looks quite large so I might be able to mount a 10 inch sub in there and maybe even a 12? Dunno?

Thinking of putting in a DLS Open Air model, which comes in 8/10 or 12 inch, and a DLS Amp.

I like the DLS Amp cause you can feed High Level in.

I haven't found an easy source to purchase the DLS yet. Internet product line sellers looked thin an limited when I was researching.

 

So you think there is enough space and is realistic to put a 10" (or maybe even 12?) in the stock enclosure? That's interesting.

My concern is that mounting a larger sub (free air) would cause vibration issues with the added power from the amp on the vehicle chassis. I def need to check it out first to see what will work to determine what I will need to purchase ahead of time.

It's either a slim 8/10" sub w/ modest amp or larger sub/amp in the spare tire well with a compact sealed box. I'm not sure yet.

Anybody go aftermarket sub/amp in their RDX?

 

The existing enclosure and it's speaker will go into storage. What I meant by "in there" means the area that the newly fabbed mounting board will go.

 

Right, so what you're sayin is that with a fabricated/custom board, a 10 to 12" sub could fit? Your saying there's enough space for that, right?

How much depth would say there is? more or less than 6 inches?

 

I have not yet gained access into the area yet, therefore what I want to do might not be possible. I will post something of my project when it happens.

 

My plans to remove the existing speaker and install a different one has changed. I was at a audio shop inquiring about that and they advised to leave the existing speaker in because the original amp may turn off when it doesn't see the OEM speaker. If it's best to leave the OEM speaker hooked up then I will just add an amp and a removable speaker box.....oh well I guess it's better doing a lot of re-work.

 

Any progress on this? Would really enjoy the sound system more if I could get more bass out of it.