Hi, I am thinking about replacing the stock subwoofer in my Expedition and I really do not want to put a big box in it, so I am wondering if I just replace the stock Subwoofer that is built into the rear panel with one of those MTX ones, will it really sound a whole lot better? Does anyone have the MTX Thunderform?

OR will I just have to install a seperate sub box? Thanks!

 

The MTX Thunderform is designed to fit in the right rear cargo area of the 97-02 Expy. The Thunderform for the Expy is not a powered sub, so you'll need an amp for it. I don't think the amp for the stock sub will work with the MTX, because it's expecting 4 ohms and I think the stock sub is 2 ohms. So if you're installing a new amp, the MTX can handle up to 225 watts RMS. Another option is the Stealthbox by JL Audio. Both the MTX Thunderform and the Stealthbox for the 97-02 Expy install into the same location, both are single 10" drivers, but the Stealthbox has a built-in 300 watt amp. So instead of installing an amp somewhere else, all you need is a line input and 12v power to the sub. Either way, the sub will be completely installed into the sidewall of the cargo area. Both the MTX and the JL Audio come with install kits that include a new speaker grille enclosure. Please note though, that on the JL Audio web site it says that the install kit "is not compatible with Ford premium sound subwoofer grille (you must purchase the standard factory side panel from Ford parts if vehicle is so equipped)."

I had an unpowered JL Audio Stealthbox in my 97 F150, and it was awesome. That one has two 8" drivers, and I had a Precision Power 300 watt amp driving it. Since I have an 04 Expy with AdvanceTrac, I can't put the Expy Stealthbox in my truck (the one that fits the 03+ Expy installs into the center console and isn't compatible with AdvanceTrac, probably because of the wiring for the switch). So I may just put the Stealthbox from my F150 into my Expy (you'd better believe I took that puppy out before trading in the truck).

Anyway, good luck with your sub install!

 

MTX Thunderform is and always has been available as a regular or amp powered enclosure with a 10" sub. The 10" powered unit is all you will need. Puts out at least twice the thump compared to the stock Mach System Sub unit. Your stock amp will power the non-poweredThunderform but you will loose 50% of the thump. Several sellers on ebay offer the powered unit new for under $300 shipped. Just make certain its the newest model, I believe the newest model has a T4500 sub. Hope this helps....

 

Thunderform was first released as a loaded or unloaded enclosure, unpowered. Then MTX later released an amplified version. I believe it was 100W to begin with, then they've improved it to 200W RMS now. I didn't realize they had a powered version for the Expy, but apparently they do.

At any rate, none of the ones I found on Ebay are powered. They're all loaded, unpowered. The new Thunder4500-based version lists for $500 -- you may find a used one for under $300, but I highly doubt anyone is going to sell a new one for that.

 

The info I posted about the Stealthbox was incorrect -- it's unpowered. It handles up to 300W RMS. My bad.

 

So what you guys think, a box or thunderform?

 

Well IMO, I agree with ugotkern that the powered sub would be the way to go. If you can find a good deal on one on Ebay, great. But if not, Crutchfield has them for $500 if you can swing it.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-FuXYHEs...EN1AT4&g=77100

Looks like it has speaker-level inputs so you should be able to just wire it directly to the factory speaker wire to the existing sub.

 

PCGUY, go with a powered MTX Thunderform. If you want to spend an extra $200 from Crutchfield then thats your choice. But as I mentioned before they sell new powered units on EBAY for $300 Shipped. I just bought 2 in the last few months and they are definately worth it.

P.S. The MTX Thunderform has always included a sub, the only option was powered or not.

 

Hey I was reading that those Image Dynamics subs are way more better than the MTX Sub and are made to work in very small enclosures - so I was thinking, that if I replace the 10" MTX with an Image Dynamics 10" DVC sub would that sound even better? BTW, I have a 400W RMS Rockford Fosgate Amplifier to spare for the sub so I dont really need a powered one!

I actually am doing a seperated 3 way setup with Mids, Highs and Lows all seperated. I am wondering, is it possible to install the amplifiers and crossover inside the rear side panels? I want a totally clean install.

Thanks for your input guys!

 

pcguy,

There are currently six items on Ebay that come up with the search "Thunderform Expedition" from two different sellers. One seller has a single item with a starting bid of $204.99 and a Buy It Now price of $214.99. The other seller has five identical items, all with a starting bid of $204.50. These are all FEN10/FEN10-T45 subs, which are unpowered. The FEN10A/FEN10A-T45 is the powered model. I could only find two powered Thunderform subs on Ebay right now, and neither are for the Expy. If there are other items at different times which are powered Thunderform subs for the Expy, and they are priced below $300, if you can find that deal that's great. Sounds like you don't need a powered sub anyway.

The Thunder4500 driver is only rated to handle 225W RMS at 4 ohms. You said your amp is rated 400W. What impedance? 4 ohms?

Regarding the idea of switching out the driver, you'd be better off finding a FEN10U, which is the unloaded version of the Thunderform enclosure. Why pay for the Thunder4500 driver if you're not going to use it? Unfortunately, no one is selling these on Ebay and the best price I found using a Google search for FEN10U was $195. Not much better than the loaded version.

 

Sorry your other question was about where to mount the amps and crossovers. In my experience, you put the crossovers behind the panels, near the speakers, and use tape or velcro strips to secure the crossover in place. But an amp will need to be mounted to the floor, usually under a seat. Amps are heavy, expensive, and generate a lot of heat. You don't want it clanging around behind a side panel.

 

I replaced my blown sub with a Memphis audio duel cone and wired it for 2ohms. The sound is better than factory and I have only $75 in the change over. My 98 only had a 8" sub in it though.
I replaced the sub in my lexus with a duel cone MTX wired to 2ohms also. Worked great.

 

Actually, I've had both the MTX and the Image Dynamics.

Here's my take. The MTX will give you low end, but it will not be super tight or extremely controlled. It will "bump" along ok.

I was skeptical of the Image Dynamics in my next truck as I didn't think it would make that much difference. I was totally wrong. It "HIT" like a hammer. It pushed nearly 120db on a sound meter.

Overall, the Image Dynamics was much more musical, meaning not only did it play louder and hit harder, but it was tighter, more controlled and blended better with the rest of the sytsem.

The Image Dynamics was substantially more in price when you figure the cost of a custom box and separate amp, but the bottom line is I could listen to the MTX for about an 30 minutes then be "fatigued" of listening. The Image Dynamics never gave me that feeling.

I still have both in my garage. If I ever reinstall, I would use the Image 10 in a hearbeat.

Good Luck.

 

So you used the Image 10" in the MTX Thunderform box?

I heard that the JL Stealthbox is way more better than the MTX Thunderform, am I correct? Thanks for all the input guys!

 

I'm sorry, I didn't clarify. I had a custom wood box built for the Image Dynamics. Maybe it's just me, but there were a few things I didn't care for about the MTX box.

1. The only way I saw to mount it was to actually tap a screw into the resin. (dealer confirmed). Well, it ended up working loose and then the box was no longer "sealed" properly.

2. The resin box of the MTX sounds "funny" too me compared to wood. I don't know why but maybe it is just me.

BTW, my total system was at the time, an alpine head unit, Rockford fosgate 5x7 in the door with ferro fluid tweeters, an Image dynamics 10 and a Punch 250a running the sub. I also have a 30x6 fosgate amp that I have used with the back 2 channels bridged to deliver 180w to the sub. Believe it or not, the install was totally clean. You couldn't see anything. I designed the system myself, but had it installed. Even the shop guys were suprised by the sound pressure and by the quality.

Also, in my opinion. the JL is substantially better than the MTX, but the Image 10 Dynmanics in a good encloser will blow the JL away. (based on personal experience). I used to have people with 2 JL 10's who couldn't believe I only had 1 10" and was outperforming them.

Good Luck. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them. Unfortunately, those days are behind me and the equipment is in storage (wife really wants it in her truck, but she has enough distractions while driving---LOL)