My friend wants subwoofers in his Jeep.

[BassJunkie]

Alright. I'm relatively new to this car audio stuff, and even newer to this forum, but I'd figure I'd give it a shot and see what opinions, feedback and ideas I get.

So about two months ago I installed 2 12" Kicker Solobaric L5's in a sealed 3/4" MDF box in my car and there's a Hifonics BX1500D pushing it. Well, my friend has this 94 Jeep Cherokee, and we want to install a set of subs in it. He's practically clueless with all of this, he just loves the way my car sounds and wants his the same way. So, I'm looking for good, cost efficient options, that I can use to help get this thing together. We're trying to get as loud as possible without sacrificing quality, and vice versa. Every product I mention is based only on what I've heard and reviews, so any input there would also be appreciated. I have several ideas on what I think he would like.

1. 2 15" subs in a ported box. I figured we'd box it with MDF, although I hear particle board is a better option? And what would sound better, if the subs were facing the exit of the trunk, pushed against the back seat or if we laid the sub box on it's back and had the woofers facing the ceiling?
I'm not sure that there is sufficient room in the back of his Jeep for two 15" ported speakers though, and it'd be a shame if we had to down to sealed enclosure. To my knowledge ported is both louder and clearer.

2. 3 12" subs in a "theater formation" if you will. One in the middle facing back, and on each side of that it is a bit diagonal. I'm sorry if there are names to these things, like I said, I'm new to this so bear with me please. But Again, I'm not sure that we have room to port 3 12" speakers. Since we will be building the box is it worth the extra effort to make a box ported?

I have another friend who has a single Kicker L5, but I believe he's using an Alpine amplifier. We are both extremely satisfied with what we have. I'm just not sure what's what with amplifiers. I don't know what makes an amp. The top brands, why they're the best. Hifonics and Alpine both seem to be pretty popular, but I was just going with what I could get cheap (I bought my amp refurbished off of SonicElectronix in order to save money).

If you don't want to elaborate on this whole setup can you at least answer me these questions:
1. Is particle board actually better than fiberboard?
2. Ported or sealed? What's the difference, in sound clarity, and what is your preference?
3. Would I eventually need to replace an alternator on either of our vehicles if we have similar setups? (if I need to elab on this question just ask)
4. What do you have, and why did you choose it?
5. I also have no opinion on any amps, I do not favor or despise any of them, I am completely unbiased, and do not know what I am getting into aside from my Hifonics. Any and all information you can give me, or just tips, ideas, anything, I would appreciate. I seriously don't have a clue with amps. LOL

 

[Sputter]

You might have better luck getting answers in a Car audio forum.

 

[Nestor]

Alright. I'm relatively new to this car audio stuff, and even newer to this forum, but I'd figure I'd give it a shot and see what opinions, feedback and ideas I get.

So about two months ago I installed 2 12" Kicker Solobaric L5's in a sealed 3/4" MDF box in my car and there's a Hifonics BX1500D pushing it. Well, my friend has this 94 Jeep Cherokee, and we want to install a set of subs in it. He's practically clueless with all of this, he just loves the way my car sounds and wants his the same way. So, I'm looking for good, cost efficient options, that I can use to help get this thing together. We're trying to get as loud as possible without sacrificing quality, and vice versa. Every product I mention is based only on what I've heard and reviews, so any input there would also be appreciated. I have several ideas on what I think he would like.

1. 2 15" subs in a ported box. I figured we'd box it with MDF, although I hear particle board is a better option? And what would sound better, if the subs were facing the exit of the trunk, pushed against the back seat or if we laid the sub box on it's back and had the woofers facing the ceiling?
I'm not sure that there is sufficient room in the back of his Jeep for two 15" ported speakers though, and it'd be a shame if we had to down to sealed enclosure. To my knowledge ported is both louder and clearer.

2. 3 12" subs in a "theater formation" if you will. One in the middle facing back, and on each side of that it is a bit diagonal. I'm sorry if there are names to these things, like I said, I'm new to this so bear with me please. But Again, I'm not sure that we have room to port 3 12" speakers. Since we will be building the box is it worth the extra effort to make a box ported?

I have another friend who has a single Kicker L5, but I believe he's using an Alpine amplifier. We are both extremely satisfied with what we have. I'm just not sure what's what with amplifiers. I don't know what makes an amp. The top brands, why they're the best. Hifonics and Alpine both seem to be pretty popular, but I was just going with what I could get cheap (I bought my amp refurbished off of SonicElectronix in order to save money).

If you don't want to elaborate on this whole setup can you at least answer me these questions:
1. Is particle board actually better than fiberboard?
2. Ported or sealed? What's the difference, in sound clarity, and what is your preference?
3. Would I eventually need to replace an alternator on either of our vehicles if we have similar setups? (if I need to elab on this question just ask)
4. What do you have, and why did you choose it?
5. I also have no opinion on any amps, I do not favor or despise any of them, I am completely unbiased, and do not know what I am getting into aside from my Hifonics. Any and all information you can give me, or just tips, ideas, anything, I would appreciate. I seriously don't have a clue with amps. LOL

1. MDF is better. It's denser. Use fibreglass if you can. It'll allow for more efficient enclosure space and has good resonant characteristics.

2. Depends on your sound requirements, the response in your vehicle, and your driver specs. Ported boxes "unload" below the resonant frequency and some speakers can't take it. Ported boxes are larger, but generally more efficient. I have two 10 inch Blaukpunkt drivers in my Titan in a sealed fibreglass/MDF enclosure. I didn't want to lose the use of my rear seat.

3. Depends on the size of amp, size of your alternator, and current loads. Class D amps make good sub amps because of their efficiency.

4. Blaukpunkt class D amp. (see above) 150W/ch.

5. See above. YMMV

See the12volt.com for lots of good info.

 

[bmurphy2121]

Another sub that you could get would be a Rockford Fosgate T1 sub. Its been a few years since Ive had a system but I remember when I was looking for a better set up the T1 was one of the top subs you could get. I had 2 MTX 8000's and a Rockford Fosgate amp and it was good but just one 10" T1 would produce better than both of the MTX's combined.

 

[annunaki]

Alright. I'm relatively new to this car audio stuff, and even newer to this forum, but I'd figure I'd give it a shot and see what opinions, feedback and ideas I get.

So about two months ago I installed 2 12" Kicker Solobaric L5's in a sealed 3/4" MDF box in my car and there's a Hifonics BX1500D pushing it. Well, my friend has this 94 Jeep Cherokee, and we want to install a set of subs in it. He's practically clueless with all of this, he just loves the way my car sounds and wants his the same way. So, I'm looking for good, cost efficient options, that I can use to help get this thing together. We're trying to get as loud as possible without sacrificing quality, and vice versa. Every product I mention is based only on what I've heard and reviews, so any input there would also be appreciated. I have several ideas on what I think he would like.

1. 2 15" subs in a ported box. I figured we'd box it with MDF, although I hear particle board is a better option? And what would sound better, if the subs were facing the exit of the trunk, pushed against the back seat or if we laid the sub box on it's back and had the woofers facing the ceiling?
I'm not sure that there is sufficient room in the back of his Jeep for two 15" ported speakers though, and it'd be a shame if we had to down to sealed enclosure. To my knowledge ported is both louder and clearer.

2. 3 12" subs in a "theater formation" if you will. One in the middle facing back, and on each side of that it is a bit diagonal. I'm sorry if there are names to these things, like I said, I'm new to this so bear with me please. But Again, I'm not sure that we have room to port 3 12" speakers. Since we will be building the box is it worth the extra effort to make a box ported?

I have another friend who has a single Kicker L5, but I believe he's using an Alpine amplifier. We are both extremely satisfied with what we have. I'm just not sure what's what with amplifiers. I don't know what makes an amp. The top brands, why they're the best. Hifonics and Alpine both seem to be pretty popular, but I was just going with what I could get cheap (I bought my amp refurbished off of SonicElectronix in order to save money).

If you don't want to elaborate on this whole setup can you at least answer me these questions:
1. Is particle board actually better than fiberboard?
2. Ported or sealed? What's the difference, in sound clarity, and what is your preference?
3. Would I eventually need to replace an alternator on either of our vehicles if we have similar setups? (if I need to elab on this question just ask)
4. What do you have, and why did you choose it?
5. I also have no opinion on any amps, I do not favor or despise any of them, I am completely unbiased, and do not know what I am getting into aside from my Hifonics. Any and all information you can give me, or just tips, ideas, anything, I would appreciate. I seriously don't have a clue with amps. LOL

1. As stated previously MDF is a better choice, ensure you predrill holes prior to screws and glue joints.

2. I would recommend looking here:http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37001
Vented will allow a system to play louder at a lower frequency when properly designed, but should not be constructed by the novice unless using plans.

3. I would recommend that you upgrade the "big 3" before replacing any alternator. The big 3 references the following stock wiring upgrades: battery to alternator, battery to chassis ground, and engine block to chassis ground. In newer vehicles I recommend supplementing the factory wiring with at least a 4 gauge cable for all of these going as high as 0 gauge.
Stock wiring is not designed for high amperage flow without loss.

4. I normally have run JL Audio in my vehicles. They have a no nonsense approach to design and are one of the few companies that still conservatively rate their products.

5. JL Audio again builds a great amplifier. Memphis makes some decent amplifiers for a reasonable price as well.

 

[Apilir]

Rockford Fosgate Rules

Rockford Fosgate Rules Check out Testfreaks you will see what I am talking about.. Probably the best Sound you would get,debatable, but still you cant discount it at all.