Subwoofer upgrade
01-21-2012, 09:54 PM
#1
Subwoofer upgrade
Hi guys, been doing research for past hour without any success. Ive been thinking on upgrading my OEM sub for one single 10' JL Audio W7 just to add a bit of bass. I'm sure I will need to add a amp to give some juice. I really don't want to sacrifice my trunk space by adding a bulky box. Have someone done this on their RL and if you guys can provide photos of their setup that will be great.
BTW, I will have to look for a professional audio installer in NOVA or MD area to do this project.
BTW, I will have to look for a professional audio installer in NOVA or MD area to do this project.
01-21-2012, 10:07 PM
#2
is there any way to just upgrade the existing woofer with a higher quality unit? but just leave everything else the same? that would be my suggestion.. if possible. not sure if it is that easy though...
my gut is that unless there is some plug n play sub you can swap in... trying to put in a third party sub/amp that woudl work right with the existing Acura sound system / noise cancellation system / etc.. might be a hassle.
luckly for me, the factory system is plenty for me.
my gut is that unless there is some plug n play sub you can swap in... trying to put in a third party sub/amp that woudl work right with the existing Acura sound system / noise cancellation system / etc.. might be a hassle.
luckly for me, the factory system is plenty for me.
01-21-2012, 11:10 PM
#4
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
There are plenty of threads on how to put and amp in on the factory wires and how to disable the noise cancellation.
So is the question here really about a stealth install?
If so, the question really comes down to budget, because there is some really creative ways to put systems in now a days.
So is the question here really about a stealth install?
If so, the question really comes down to budget, because there is some really creative ways to put systems in now a days.
01-22-2012, 05:48 AM
#5
Racer
is there any way to just upgrade the existing woofer with a higher quality unit? but just leave everything else the same? that would be my suggestion.. if possible. not sure if it is that easy though...
my gut is that unless there is some plug n play sub you can swap in... trying to put in a third party sub/amp that woudl work right with the existing Acura sound system / noise cancellation system / etc.. might be a hassle.
luckly for me, the factory system is plenty for me.
my gut is that unless there is some plug n play sub you can swap in... trying to put in a third party sub/amp that woudl work right with the existing Acura sound system / noise cancellation system / etc.. might be a hassle.
luckly for me, the factory system is plenty for me.
01-22-2012, 05:34 PM
#6
here are some free air subwoofers that could work There is quite a bit listed. I plan on tackling this in the sping since i could use the truck space. Possibly mount the amp down in the spare tire well. you may need to remove the carpeted area that covers the rear deck if you get a deeper sub
Infinity 100-9
Kicker 10C104
JL ZR800-CW- 8" sub possibly make a adapter to fit in factory hole
Alpine SWR-T10 Shallow Mount Type R 10" sub
Infinity 100-9
Kicker 10C104
JL ZR800-CW- 8" sub possibly make a adapter to fit in factory hole
Alpine SWR-T10 Shallow Mount Type R 10" sub
01-22-2012, 06:25 PM
#7
Senior Moderator
Get a small amp and put it inside the quarter panel behind the lining. Then put the speaker backed up to the quarter panel. One speaker like either of mine will leave plenty of space.
Space was a requirement and keeping the spare accessible was too. I have changed a tire before with a huge double 12" box and it was not fun. I have changed a tire with this setup and praised my own forethought.
Space was a requirement and keeping the spare accessible was too. I have changed a tire before with a huge double 12" box and it was not fun. I have changed a tire with this setup and praised my own forethought.
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01-22-2012, 08:51 PM
#9
Senior Moderator
Made them myself. If I had to do it again, I would use fiber glass. However, I had never worked with the stuff before and was nervous to try. If you are going to have a professional do it, that is really the only way to go. They will agree and will insist to do it that way. It is a much cleaner and compact way to go.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
01-22-2012, 09:03 PM
#10
Made them myself. If I had to do it again, I would use fiber glass. However, I had never worked with the stuff before and was nervous to try. If you are going to have a professional do it, that is really the only way to go. They will agree and will insist to do it that way. It is a much cleaner and compact way to go.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
01-22-2012, 09:41 PM
#11
Made them myself. If I had to do it again, I would use fiber glass. However, I had never worked with the stuff before and was nervous to try. If you are going to have a professional do it, that is really the only way to go. They will agree and will insist to do it that way. It is a much cleaner and compact way to go.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
As for keeping them down, I used velcro, believe it or not. This was a big question I had throughout the whole process because I thought most of the weight would be at the front of the speaker. However, later on I realized the majority of the weight lies in the coil and magnet which is at the back of the speaker. This keeps the boxes from titling forward. Still, I used contact cement to hold some industrial velcro to the liner and the bottom of the box. I did the same thing for the amp.
jus kiddin why didn't bolt it down instead?
01-22-2012, 10:51 PM
#12
Senior Moderator
Just leave the car. The speakers are old.
I thought about bolting it down, but that required more work than necessary.
I thought about bolting it down, but that required more work than necessary.
01-23-2012, 07:53 AM
#13
01-23-2012, 09:00 AM
#14
Senior Moderator
With 3"x4" of industrial strength Velcro cemented to the liner, you would think it is bolted down if you tried to pull them up and didn't know any better.
01-23-2012, 09:27 AM
#15
01-23-2012, 10:20 PM
#18
Senior Moderator
I tried huffing Velcro once, nothing happened. 
One more thing glue is better for.
One more thing glue is better for.
01-24-2012, 09:54 AM
#19
Velcro is the way to go.
Zelaya- I have one 10" W7 and it packs PLENTY of bass. If you're going for a sublte increase in bass that would be the way to go.
I actually have my amp mounted under the passenger front seat. Noone can tell its there, it doesnt impede the movement of the seat either. I havent really had an issue with trunk space either with the 10" woofer back there. Changing tires was easy too. Not having an amp back there is the best part. The sub comes out easy.
If you were going for a factory replacement, Carbon Legend recommended great free air subwoofers but then I'd be concerned about the rear deck rattling to shit.
You could go with the small subwoofers that have the amps already in them. They save ALOT of space
Zelaya- I have one 10" W7 and it packs PLENTY of bass. If you're going for a sublte increase in bass that would be the way to go.
I actually have my amp mounted under the passenger front seat. Noone can tell its there, it doesnt impede the movement of the seat either. I havent really had an issue with trunk space either with the 10" woofer back there. Changing tires was easy too. Not having an amp back there is the best part. The sub comes out easy.
If you were going for a factory replacement, Carbon Legend recommended great free air subwoofers but then I'd be concerned about the rear deck rattling to shit.
You could go with the small subwoofers that have the amps already in them. They save ALOT of space
01-24-2012, 10:34 AM
#20
Velcro is the way to go.
Zelaya- I have one 10" W7 and it packs PLENTY of bass. If you're going for a sublte increase in bass that would be the way to go.
I actually have my amp mounted under the passenger front seat. Noone can tell its there, it doesnt impede the movement of the seat either. I havent really had an issue with trunk space either with the 10" woofer back there. Changing tires was easy too. Not having an amp back there is the best part. The sub comes out easy.
If you were going for a factory replacement, Carbon Legend recommended great free air subwoofers but then I'd be concerned about the rear deck rattling to shit.
You could go with the small subwoofers that have the amps already in them. They save ALOT of space
Zelaya- I have one 10" W7 and it packs PLENTY of bass. If you're going for a sublte increase in bass that would be the way to go.
I actually have my amp mounted under the passenger front seat. Noone can tell its there, it doesnt impede the movement of the seat either. I havent really had an issue with trunk space either with the 10" woofer back there. Changing tires was easy too. Not having an amp back there is the best part. The sub comes out easy.
If you were going for a factory replacement, Carbon Legend recommended great free air subwoofers but then I'd be concerned about the rear deck rattling to shit.
You could go with the small subwoofers that have the amps already in them. They save ALOT of space
01-24-2012, 10:47 AM
#21
Suzuka Master
iTrader: (1)
if it were me, I would try something like this:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...2-10CVT82.html
See how it performs on the stock set up, and then if need be upgrade the amp.
It all depends on your taste and what you want to hear.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...2-10CVT82.html
See how it performs on the stock set up, and then if need be upgrade the amp.
It all depends on your taste and what you want to hear.
01-24-2012, 02:28 PM
#22
I have the leads from the stock amp going to the aftermarket JL 500.1 . I have the JL amp gain turned up to maybe 35% and then since I can control the bass with the factory subwoofer EQ setting, I have that on -3. I can give people headaches or heart palpatations with that setup alone LOL
02-20-2012, 06:53 PM
#30
I can build a custom enclosure for you if you want one and ship it to you. I can do it to any vehicle really just need to tell me where you want sub placement and ill take care of the rest. If your interested let me know and ill discuss the details with you. I have photos of my old system on here already which isnt really stealthy as you want. But my last simple sub additional was in a Lexus RX330 and might fit your needs.
I can do it for any size sub you want and the air space you desire.
Actually... is this losing too much trunk space for you?
This was my old system and then i upgraded and rebuilt and it has been in my car un-carpeted for months now as im not sure im keeping the car or not. If your interested in a setup that takes the same amount of space as above minus the plexi then my 1 - 10" Sundown might be right up your alley. Just a thought.
I can do it for any size sub you want and the air space you desire.
Actually... is this losing too much trunk space for you?
This was my old system and then i upgraded and rebuilt and it has been in my car un-carpeted for months now as im not sure im keeping the car or not. If your interested in a setup that takes the same amount of space as above minus the plexi then my 1 - 10" Sundown might be right up your alley. Just a thought.
Last edited by DXplicitOne; 02-20-2012 at 07:01 PM.
02-21-2012, 08:33 AM
#31
Senior Moderator
That's nice work! What's holding the Lexus' box down?
02-21-2012, 08:48 AM
#32
Nice work Dxplicitome! I'm sure shipping this enclosure should cost a arm and leg.So far I've narrow on doing one W7 10' with a JL audio 500/1 amp but I'm putting this mod on my last priorities. It seems almost every member here has done this mod on their vehicles and tab it from the factory amp.
02-21-2012, 10:40 AM
#33
Actually... is this losing too much trunk space for you?
This was my old system and then i upgraded and rebuilt and it has been in my car un-carpeted for months now as im not sure im keeping the car or not. If your interested in a setup that takes the same amount of space as above minus the plexi then my 1 - 10" Sundown might be right up your alley. Just a thought.
02-21-2012, 05:26 PM
#36
oo7spy - The Lexus box is not held down by anything and it doesnt move. A combination of the weight from the box and sub as well as the wide foot print and carpet to carpet friction on the bottom keeps it right where you see it. She didnt want any holes of any sort in any panels etc etc when doing this so no mount for that one.
Zelaya - Shipping the enclosure may be less than you think. I use a business Fedex account to ship items like this and its not that heavy given that 70-80% of the enclosure is fiberglass. Just throwing it out there. If you do move forward with the install you will want to tap off the sub signal to maintain the sub level control in the OEM head unit and dont forget to disable the noise cancelling unit.
ojmcduffie - Thanks.
HEAVY_RL - Shits ill!
Zelaya - Shipping the enclosure may be less than you think. I use a business Fedex account to ship items like this and its not that heavy given that 70-80% of the enclosure is fiberglass. Just throwing it out there. If you do move forward with the install you will want to tap off the sub signal to maintain the sub level control in the OEM head unit and dont forget to disable the noise cancelling unit.
ojmcduffie - Thanks.
HEAVY_RL - Shits ill!
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