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SUBWOOFER Question

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Old Jul 12, 2003 | 07:55 PM
  #1  
coolexplorer's Avatar
coolexplorer
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SUBWOOFER Question

hello, i have a 2003 xlt and i already replaced my factory speakers and now moving on to the woofer. First, what size sub is in the rear pasenger panel? second, can i just go get a sub and install it with the factory amp what ohms? third, if i replace the amp, do i need an converter?
i was looking at getting a rockfordfosgate woofer and amp.

thanks
 
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 10:02 AM
  #2  
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ThePheonixx2
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From: Fayetteville, NC
SUBWOOFER Question

i know on a 94 it is a 6" woofer
 
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 10:17 AM
  #3  
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jbond
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SUBWOOFER Question

You should really look into the Thunderform by MTX. It fits in the side just like the factory sub with the premium sound system. Sounds great. I have a 200w Pioneer amp driving mine.

Happy Listening!

P.S. I connected mine using the output of the factory amp into the line level inputs on the Pioneer. Got much better response that way (vs direct from head). The factory amp is actually mounted on the factory sub enclosure but can be removed and mounted inside the side panel without any problems.
 

Last edited by jbond; Jul 15, 2003 at 10:21 AM.
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 02:56 PM
  #4  
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SUBWOOFER Question

The MTX Thunderform or Clarion equivalent (cant remember the name) are the way to go. If you have the extra $$$ get one with a built-in digital amp and 10" sub. They retail for about $400 but you can find them cheaper if you hunt. I got the Clarion (visually identical to the MTX) for $200 brand new on sale at Crutchfield. The beauty of the digital amp is that it is IN the enclosure and does not require anything other than a power feed from the "remote" purple wiring harness lead and RCAs from your head unit to the sub. No extra wiring, no power lead to the battery, etc. Installing it was a bit of a PITA since you have to remove the wall panel but I LOVE it!
 
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Old Jul 15, 2003 | 10:39 PM
  #5  
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SUBWOOFER Question

i was looking for a direct replacement of my factory sub which can be powered by the factory amp. if this is not possible, i would like to replace the amp with a small power amp. any more suggestions?
 
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 07:20 AM
  #6  
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devil421
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SUBWOOFER Question

For the cost, why not just get a better setup? Seems like a waste of money to minimally improve your system when a little more money could GREATLY improve your system.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 08:44 AM
  #7  
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SUBWOOFER Question

devil is right. You will be far happier if you upgrade. Try www.autco.com. It's where I got my equipment and they are very reasonable. Pioneer Power amp, Pioneer Bass amp, Pioneer door speakers, and Thunderform totalled under $700. VERY HAPPY with everything. Its relatively low power (400w + 200w) but I have a friend with over 1000w and he thinks mine sounds great.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 09:19 AM
  #8  
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PrPlayboy
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From: New Canaan, CT
SUBWOOFER Question

In the 2003 the sub is a DVC 8" rated at 60watts per coil at 1.3ohms each. One of the biggest issues with the stock sub is that you have no control of it. Changing the sub might sould slightly better but still with out being able to control the sub dirrectly you will be in the same situation as the stock set up. If you want to replace the sub and continue with the factory sub amp try and match the sub specs as close as posible. You do know there is an audio section on this board right? I am on there all the time along with others that dont always come to the Explorer section. You will probly get more replys on that section then here for audio concerns.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 10:03 AM
  #9  
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devil421
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SUBWOOFER Question

One of the best online places I have found is www.bsless.com.
I am not affiliated with them in any way other than being a customer. Their prices are VERY hard to beat. I got a pretty decent Pioneer setup for very little money (head unit, speakers and cd changer) then the amped sub from Crutchfield. Nothing like a NEW seat-vibrating system for under $600!
Spend the money and ditch the stock junk.
 
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Old Jul 16, 2003 | 08:00 PM
  #10  
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SUBWOOFER Question

wow, thanks for all the responses! hmmm, you know what, i have to think real hard now if it's going to be a hassle replacing the factory sub. probably i'll wait and get a 8"sub and box. we'll see.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 08:03 AM
  #11  
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SUBWOOFER Question

It's really no sweat replacing the sub. Go to the auto part store and get a interior panel removal tool (about $7). Buy the Thunderform sub box ( they come unloaded (no speaker), loaded (with speaker), and powered (includes built in amp). The built in amp is cool and convenient but overpriced. I recommend the loaded box. The directions come in the box and are very accurate and complete. I swear it won't take an hour from start to music.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 09:21 AM
  #12  
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devil421
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SUBWOOFER Question

A 100w, integrated Class D amp for $100 is overpriced? Did you fall and bump your head? The sheer convenience makes it worth it, since you don't need a battery lead and the associated pains anymore (oh yeah, and they are 5X more efficient than traditional amps).
 
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 09:36 AM
  #13  
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jbond
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SUBWOOFER Question

You see,? That's why they offer it both ways. Some people think its a good deal, some don't. Besides, I like my bass amp to be 200w with my 400w power amp. 100w doesn't provide the bass balance I like. You can buy a 200w amp anywhere for $89. Less on ebay. Personally I think its a mistake to not run a power cable. I know the figures say its ok, but why not? $35 for the kit is not much money, it only takes a half hour to run it, and you never have to wonder if it will be ok, for this amp or any other. Convenience is a factor, but unless you are also changing out the head unit (I don't think this was mentioned) the integrated amp will also leave you without the ability to make adjustments to the power level or the bass freq response. Just my opinion.
 

Last edited by jbond; Jul 17, 2003 at 10:13 AM.
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Old Jul 17, 2003 | 11:25 AM
  #14  
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devil421
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SUBWOOFER Question

The head unit part is a valid point, however I would expect anyone looking to install a quality sub would have long since ditched the stock head junk. To each their own I guess.
Have you actually seen/heard/felt an integrated 100w digital amp powering a 10? If not, you should before making any judgements about it.
 
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