I have had my '05 TL/MT for almost 2 years and I have been completely happy with exception of the so-called premium sound. The mids and highs are fine, but the system sorely lacks good quality lows. I found the discussions posted here quite informative, however one question has yet to be asked or answered. "Is there a better aftermarket sub that will flat out replace the factory one and provide 50% or better sound and feel without sacrficing the trunk?" I thought I would eventually get over the lack of good passionate bass, but after all this time all it has done is frustrate the heck out of me...

I use my trunk to haul equipment daily, and some days the euipment can be larger than normal and hence the entire trunk area is needed, so I can't really justify putting in a sub box that will be in the way frequently. And yes, I do haul big stuff and I use the back seat area too. The most I was willing to do was a JL Audio Powerwedge setup, but it seems too much of a pain. I have picked at the brains of several award winning installers around here, and all have been left scratching their heads. One installer in particular recommended a Earthquake SWS sub, mounted where the factory sub is, with a custom made sealed box that would fit inside the top cover of the trunk area, making it look completely factory. Or possibly a Diamond sub with a similar set up as the Earthquake, but it would require a bit out of the height of the trunk...

I like deep full passionate bass, the sort of bass you would get at a live band performance or true home theater sound... It would be about 50% more than what I get from the factory subwoofer, but definitely not enough to make panels and doors fly off.

Anyone have any suggestions or experience with these products? Or am I simply SOL?

 

Actually this question has been asked and answered many times.

The general consesus is that Free air subs (which the stock is) don't perform very well and therefore there isn't really a replacement that will make a difference. You best bet is to install an aftermarket sub/system of some type.

 

Let me better clarify by saying in general I don't think it is recommended but it has been done.

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=replace+stock

 

Thanks Brian... I don't know how I missed that... Probably too much looking, and it was right in front of me...

I just got back from a installer, we have a fairly good plan... Gonna take the rear deck out, make a mold, and custom make a reinforced box out of it, put in a Diamond 8" sub, the box will be sealed and lined with Dynamat. Even the regular rear deck speakers are going to be given some dynamat too. Then gonna use a concealed Boston Acustics Amp to push it. In all, it looks like the system will sound 100 times better, still be 90% factory. When finished, it will look 100% factory with no trunk space lost at all...

Will post some pictures when the project kicks off, and more when its done...

Thanks again Brian...

 

How much is your installer charging to make the a box where the factory sub is? What sub are you gonna use? I will be buying a 06, or 07 tl hear very soon, and am going from a CL with a 150db system. When i test drove the TL the sub was the only laking part of the stock stereo, and its not that bad, but i would like a little better bass. Please post pics when done. thanks, Chris

 

Sure thing Chris...
Using a 8" Diamond Sub, and a Boston Accoustics amp... both new... JL has one that will fit too, BUT my guy isn't a JL dealer (drat). My last 3 subs were all JL, and I was very happy with them. I haven't heard anything bad about Diamond, so I am enthusiastic... The entire set up is going to cost me $600 in parts, install and labor. The box will probably take a few days to make and cure (for which they will only need the car a half day to get the rear deck out and make a quick mold). Then a half day to put everything in... I may have them Dynamat all the other speakers in the process but it depends on how long that will take in addition. However, contrary to what u may find up there, here the guy is giving me a HUGE discount... He knocked $100 off... That sealed the deal...

I can't start on this project until the 6th of september due to a very full calendar. Then I will go back exactly one week later for the final install...

Will post asap...

Mike

 

You will be happy with the JL. I have always been a big car audio buff. I have owned jl 10w3's, 12w6's, and a w7. I Had a w7, and met a guy named mark who at the time was a diamond dealer. I actually met him at a car audio event up hear. He told me to swing by his shop, and he would throw a diamond 12 inch tdx which at there time was the best sub diamond made. The sub simply was amazing. Great sq, with spl. I sold my JL w7 and bought a tdx and was happy with it, untill Diamond came out with the D9 which is now there top of the line sub. So i sold the tdx and bought 2 12 inch d9's. Upgraded all the amps, and my cl's stereo is simply amazing right now. I have Mb quart Q componets in door, premium 6x9 componets in rear, 2 12 inch subs, upgraded alternator, 2 stinger batteries, 7 inch touch screen tv, and all kinds of other stuff. Anyways, both companies are great. The only sub i would consider other then diamond or JL would be The idmax 12 but only if i was simply going spl. Also, if your guy is a diamond dealer, and installs the amps did you know they actually have a lifetime warranty now? A lifetime warranty on an amp is unheard of. Definatly post updates. Id ideally do the install myself, as i have in the past, but never attempted fiberglass, and i dont want the tl to be the test car.
Chris

 

I did this without taking out the rear deck..just some cutting. Also, I did not make a mold but integrated the enclosure into the rear deck...sounds awesome..and I have yet to upgrade the factory amp..night and day difference..lows are low, deep and tight..The Elemental Design 8" sub I am using has a lot to do with the incredible bass response also. Here's the link to my project:
my subwoofer project

 

Looks really good... I know u just did cutting, but I opted to take the whole thing out so that the guys don't get the trunk messy. When it comes to the car, I am beyond anal that its clean. Trunk included. Plus, I don't want to leave my car there for several days. The cost of a rental would be considerable given how long it will take for the box to cure. Plus, we plan to use the entire enclosure to make a larger sealed box, that way it can be slimmed down a tad and stretched to fit without affecting the carpeted cover. I am sure there will be tweaking here and there, but what project like this doesn't have any?

Thx for the pic... Should prove to be useful...

Mike