Hey Guys,

I'm trying to configure a system for my 2005 F350, which is a regular cab. My primary concern is whether I need a sub-woofer or will the bass be sufficient with only component speakers. What do you recommend? It it worth the additional $344.98 for the 5-channel amp, 12" sub-woofer, and box enclosure?

Head Unit - Pioneer AVIC-X910BT - $618.00
Pioneer AVIC-X910BT (avicx910bt) - Car Stereo Head Unit In-Dash Receiver - Sonic Electronix

Component Speakers (F&R) - Polk Audio MM6501 - $199.99 Each
Polk Audio MM6501 - 6-1/2" Component Systems - Sonic Electronix

4-Channel Amp - Polk Audio PA500.4 - $209.99
Polk Audio PA500.4 (pa5004) - Multi-channel Amps - Sonic Electronix

Total: $1,227.97 w/o Sub-Woofer


5-Channel Amp - Polk Audio PA1100.5 - $399.99
Polk Audio PA1100.5 (pa11005) - 5-Channel Car Amplifier/Amp - Sonic Electronix

12" Sub-Woofer - Polk Audio MM1240 - $129.99
Polk Audio MM1240 - 12" Subwoofers - Sonic Electronix

Single 12" Angled Truck or Hatchback Box (12ANTCM) - $24.99
Custom Enclosures 1TRUCK12 - 12" Angled Subwoofer Enclosures - Sonic Electronix

Total: $1,572.95 w/ Sub-Woofer

 

Every speaker has it's limits. The woofers in most components will not go below 100hz. Human hearing extends a little more than an octave below that to 20Hz. You're missing alot of music without sub woofers.

 

Those component speakers have a frequency response of 40-25,000 Hz. I know that I will get a lot more "thump" with the sub-woofer but is it worth the extra money?

 

You will regret not putting in a subwoofer regardless of what kind of music you listen to. Unless it is strictly talk radio. Component speakers do a great job of sound reproduction - but they have limits. Depending on your type of music, I don't know that I would get a 12" subwoofer. I would probably use a 10" if available (personal preference). I have run 15"s, 12"s,10"s and 8"s - both individually and up to four together in trucks and sport utilities - I have found the 10"s or single 10" to be the most versatile subwoofer. I am going to tell you in advance that a regular cab pickup is difficult to get good sound from a subwoofer though. Just my 2 cents. Thanks, Mike

 

Thanks for the advice guys... I'll look at the 10" sub-woofer.

 

once you here it with the sub you'll wonder how you listened without one. it's a dramatic difference regardless of musical taste. and about regular cabs you'll never get the same sound as a car or suv, but it is still worth the effort and money

 

Even though the components are rated down to 40hz, it takes substantially more power to produce 40hz from a 6" woofer than it takes to produce it from a 10" sub woofer. The power difference makes the lower freqs levels drop sharply, but a sub would overlap a little and even out the levels of the range.

 

Cool! I'll include the sub-woofer. It would be a shame to invest that much $$$ and not get quality sound reproduction! I love bass anyway... I just needed confirmation. Thanks!

 

I went the same route and tried it w/o the sub. Ended up adding it and was very glad I did. You won't regret it.

 

Wow... You should stick to giving advice about something other than audio.

1. Human hearing only extends down to about 96Hz on most humans with zero hearing loss, and then the sense of feel takes over down to about 20Hz.
2. An octave below 100Hz is 50Hz. Another octave below that is 25Hz.

Uh... No. Wrong again. Power does not affect frequency response of differing sized drivers differently.

 

This is the idea. You're cross over will most likely try to limit the 6" speaker's low range, then the subs would fill in the rest of the low range.