removable sub

Division · 11-29-2009, 07:50 PM

All things considered, you're probably looking for something to replace the spare tire. With the spare tire removed, you have between 7" and 8" of depth to play with, which doesn't leave you many speaker options. The option I'm most fond of at the moment is 2fast4thelaw's JL13W5 installation (see his thread here) Something similar will give you the stealth look you're looking for, with the potential of being removable for track days.

There are a number of other shallow mount sub options available that serve as alternate's to the JL13W5, but you get what you pay for. JL makes quality gear, as do a number of other manufactures. As we all know, when you starting trying to achieve 'perfection', cost increases exponentially compared to 'what you get'. Achieving 80% may cost $10, 90% will cost $100, and 95% $1000 (and so on...), its up to you to determine what you need. This holds just as much weight in vehicles, as it does in audio. JL tends to be on the higher end of both price and performance, however you can get 'similar' performance for less money if you so desire. The Pioneer and Elemental Designs low profile subs come to mind.

Basically only you can break out your scales- Is keeping the spare tire important? Can I put a visible sub in the back hatch area? Do want higher quality components, or can I settle for less? Once you weigh everything, your choice will be simple.

edit rant removed.

ConchZ2 · 11-29-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Division

All things considered, you're probably looking for something to replace the spare tire. With the spare tire removed, you have between 7" and 8" of depth to play with, which doesn't leave you many speaker options. The option I'm most fond of at the moment is 2fast4thelaw's JL13W5 installation (see his thread here) Something similar will give you the stealth look you're looking for, with the potential of being removable for track days.

There are a number of other shallow mount sub options available that serve as alternate's to the JL13W5, but you get what you pay for. JL makes quality gear, as do a number of other manufactures. As we all know, when you starting trying to achieve 'perfection', cost increases exponentially compared to 'what you get'. Achieving 80% may cost $10, 90% will cost $100, and 95% $1000 (and so on...), its up to you to determine what you need. This holds just as much weight in vehicles, as it does in audio. JL tends to be on the higher end of both price and performance, however you can get 'similar' performance for less money if you so desire. The Pioneer and Elemental Designs low profile subs come to mind.

Basically only you can break out your scales- Is keeping the spare tire important? Can I put a visible sub in the back hatch area? Do want higher quality components, or can I settle for less? Once you weigh everything, your choice will be simple.

edit rant removed.

I totally agree with you………………

ConchZ2 · 11-29-2009, 08:05 PM

Division………….it’s hilarious how the truth gets edited!!
You left out the Civic!!

imag · 11-29-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Division

All things considered, you're probably looking for something to replace the spare tire. With the spare tire removed, you have between 7" and 8" of depth to play with, which doesn't leave you many speaker options. The option I'm most fond of at the moment is 2fast4thelaw's JL13W5 installation (see his thread here) Something similar will give you the stealth look you're looking for, with the potential of being removable for track days.

That is *exactly* what I want, with provisions for easy removal. I wonder if I can even build in some of the sound insulation onto the enclosure rather than the car.

It sounds like he's happy with the JL 13.5". I'm not worried about the money for the sub - if I'm going to do this, I want to do it right. My understanding of those subs is that they have to have exactly the right volume enclosure - any deviation totally screws them up. 2Fast did it right.

Anyway, thanks for posting - I don't know how I missed that thread!

As far as ported vs. non, everyone knows Big is correct. Sealed is always the choice if sound *quality* is the top priority. That doesn't mean ported doesn't get you more volume, or decent (even excellent) sound if designed correctly, but for flat response, sealed is ideal.

ConchZ2 · 11-29-2009, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imag

That is *exactly* what I want, with provisions for easy removal. I wonder if I can even build in some of the sound insulation onto the enclosure rather than the car.

It sounds like he's happy with the JL 13.5". I'm not worried about the money for the sub - if I'm going to do this, I want to do it right. My understanding of those subs is that they have to have exactly the right volume enclosure - any deviation totally screws them up. 2Fast did it right.

Anyway, thanks for posting - I don't know how I missed that thread!

As far as ported vs. non, everyone knows Big is correct. Sealed is always the choice if sound *quality* is the top priority. That doesn't mean ported doesn't get you more volume, or decent (even excellent) sound if designed correctly, but for flat response, sealed is ideal.

A few people think he is correct………………..just google

Division · 11-29-2009, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imag

That is *exactly* what I want, with provisions for easy removal. I wonder if I can even build in some of the sound insulation onto the enclosure rather than the car.

Actually owning a Z, I can comment here. With the in cabin noise at the levels it is (it is a sports car afterall) it would take a large amount of dampening to have an overall impact on sound quality. Yes - adding some will help... but no more than turning up the volume. The car is solid and well put together, I don't have a problem with rattles- its the road noise that's a killer. Since you'll probably be removing the foam blocks to put the sub in, adding a few layers of ensolite fabric might not be a bad idea. It'll keep you from having layers of butyl like material (edead, rammatt, dynamat, etc) and probably keep you at stock NVH levels, if not a slight improvement. Plus, you can easily roll it up and take it out on track days.

motoextreme · 11-29-2009, 10:41 PM

Not sure if you saw my pictures, its a bit big to pull in and out but as you can see there is no way to tell I have a system if I didnt have the Alpine head unit. Stereo hits pretty hard with a single 12". I don't really listen to rap or anything, more Alternative and Rock but either way, very deep base, I put it on Zero and the drums or movies are amazing. Here's my set up and if you wanted it removable you could just build it with quick connects.

Good luck man.

imag · 11-30-2009, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motoextreme

Not sure if you saw my pictures, its a bit big to pull in and out but as you can see there is no way to tell I have a system if I didnt have the Alpine head unit. Stereo hits pretty hard with a single 12". I don't really listen to rap or anything, more Alternative and Rock but either way, very deep base, I put it on Zero and the drums or movies are amazing. Here's my set up and if you wanted it removable you could just build it with quick connects.

Good luck man.

Thanks - that's a huge help. I will have a shop do it as well, but this provides a great template for what I want. I will also want to incorporate handles to allow it to be lifted out, amps and all. It won't be light, but I will only need to pull it once a month or so, so it's not that big a deal. Should be a cool piece of kit.

It will be a bit before I have the money, but I'll definitely post when done...

Cheers...

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Removable Hard Top	Whitey#1	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	9	08-10-2009 10:45 PM
The removable covers by the fangs	wstar	Exterior & Interior	26	05-08-2009 08:04 PM

11-29-2009, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
Division Base Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Central FL Posts: 199 Drives: 2009 370Z Sport Rep Power: 18	All things considered, you're probably looking for something to replace the spare tire. With the spare tire removed, you have between 7" and 8" of depth to play with, which doesn't leave you many speaker options. The option I'm most fond of at the moment is 2fast4thelaw's JL13W5 installation (see his thread here) Something similar will give you the stealth look you're looking for, with the potential of being removable for track days. There are a number of other shallow mount sub options available that serve as alternate's to the JL13W5, but you get what you pay for. JL makes quality gear, as do a number of other manufactures. As we all know, when you starting trying to achieve 'perfection', cost increases exponentially compared to 'what you get'. Achieving 80% may cost $10, 90% will cost $100, and 95% $1000 (and so on...), its up to you to determine what you need. This holds just as much weight in vehicles, as it does in audio. JL tends to be on the higher end of both price and performance, however you can get 'similar' performance for less money if you so desire. The Pioneer and Elemental Designs low profile subs come to mind. Basically only you can break out your scales- Is keeping the spare tire important? Can I put a visible sub in the back hatch area? Do want higher quality components, or can I settle for less? Once you weigh everything, your choice will be simple. edit rant removed.

11-29-2009, 08:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
ConchZ2 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: connecticut Posts: 329 Drives: 09 370Z red 6sp sprt Rep Power: 18	Division………….it’s hilarious how the truth gets edited!! You left out the Civic!!