Fitting a Subwoofer

Esse85

Is it easy to fit a subwoofer in your car?

I bought a 15" one and i ve never fitted anything like this before, can the average joe do it or should i bring it to an expert?

Do i need an amp?

Kimbot

More than likely you will need a an AMP but some woofers have amps built in.
Only do it yourself if you know what your doing cos it can be a pain in the rear at times.

Esse85

Here's the radio
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370016843658&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.co.uk%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dm37%26satitle%3D370016843658%2509%26fvi%3D1

Here's the sub
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CLARION-XW-1500-SUBWOOFER-CAR-SPEAKER-15-1200-WATT_W0QQitemZ370015859355QQihZ024QQcategoryZ18805QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

These are my speakers which are already fitted
http://www.theloudest.co.uk/?sectionid=2&page=view_product&product_id=80

Kimbot

You will need an AMP to power it.

VODKA-MAN

yes u will definatly need an amp.its an easy job if you know what your doing but you could get a professional to install it for around 40euro id say!!that would be your best bet:)does it come with a sub inclosure??or do u have one already??

Kimbot

VODKA-MAN wrote: »

yes u will definatly need an amp.its an easy job if you know what your doing but you could get a professional to install it for around 40euro id say!!that would be your best bet:)does it come with a sub inclosure??or do u have one already??

Agreed, plus I would advise someone that will let you watch so you change anything in future if you know what way its setup.

crosstownk

The sub will easily match the head unit - and then some. As stated, you will need an external amplifier to power the sub. Get a bridgeable stereo amp - 2x100W will do you for now. You're also going to need a box to mount the sub into. The dimensions of the box will have a major effect on the sound. Clarion should have recommended enclosure sizes for that sub.

Esse85

I dont have a box for the sub, any suggestions on where to get one?

Id also be grateful for any suggestions on the kind of amplifier i need.

Thanks

VODKA-MAN

you can either buy a box or get one made to suit that subwoofer.go to your nearest car shop which sells audio equipment and inquire.
if you are just looking for an amp to power the sub alone i would suggest a monoblock ampfier.the size of the amplifier will depend on thr RMS power of the particular subwoofer

also,those speakers you have bought claim to be 350 watt RMS?i presume you already have an amplifier powering these??

crosstownk

VODKA-MAN wrote: »

if you are just looking for an amp to power the sub alone i would suggest a monoblock ampfier.the size of the amplifier will depend on thr RMS power of the particular subwoofer

Sub appears to have a nominal of 600W - which is more than adequate.

A monoblock will do the job, but I'd chose a stereo bridgeable to allow for future expansion. As the OP is still using the HU's amps set, he could easily benefit from buying a bridgeable now and using it later to power front or rear and then getting a monoblock to keep the sub happy. But getting an amp that will provide 600W nominal at this point is overkill as the HU's amp set is in use - unless the OP plans on buying amps(s) for front and rear.

A monoblock is good, but if the OP decides in the future to upgrade to a dual voice coil subwoofer (sweet) then a monoblock will have to be discarded.

I use a 4 channel stereo amp (bridged) to power a DVC - it returns some serious bottom end.

Esse85

VODKA-MAN wrote: »

i presume you already have an amplifier powering these??

No, im a total newbie when it comes to this, i ve no amp at all.

Esel

VODKA-MAN wrote: »

also,those speakers you have bought claim to be 350 watt RMS?

350W RMS per pair.

Run_to_da_hills

DA Autostore in Stillorgan have fitted amps and subs into three vans belonging to me over the years without probs, Duncan knows his stuff as he had the contract for fitting car stereos and subs for Argus. He would also recommend the matching amp for your speaker and would also have a 15" cabinet for that speaker.
http://www.thebestof.ie/dublin-south/300/1/1/the_best_of.aspx

That sub you have is not 1200w RMS if it was it would be about three times the weight and cost. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/diobahn-AW1205N-12-1000W-RMS-Ultra-Subwoofer_W0QQitemZ350003632096QQihZ022QQcategoryZ18800QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem Yours would probably just peak at 1200w however it would be loud enough for the average car.

Esse85

Im no where near Dublin so that rules that out.

Any links to an amp i could use?

Esse85

Would this amp be suitable?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3000w-Subwoofer-Amplifier-Monoblock-Sub-Bass-Amp-Car_W0QQitemZ270180463967QQihZ017QQcategoryZ18797QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

mountain

try secure sounds, they have a place in cork, and one in waterford.

SecureSounds

No, whatever you do don't buy those amplifiers they are pure.........well you probably know what I am going to say.

For that kind money you can get a good quality amplifier with a warranty in Ireland.

The amp you will need will depend on the impedence of the voice coils in the subwoofer so dont buy one until you check that first.

There is an amp buying guide on our website but I wont post a link as boards dont like us to, shame as they can be very helpful in situations like this.

SecureSounds

crosstownk wrote: »

A monoblock is good, but if the OP decides in the future to upgrade to a dual voice coil subwoofer (sweet) then a monoblock will have to be discarded.

QUOTE]

You are totally off the mark there, You can use single, dual, quad voicecoil subs on a monoblock if you wish, but it will all depend on the voice coils impedence.

Esse85

I checked out that site thanks.

Esse85

My sub has two x 4 ohm coils, can somebody tell me what amplifier i need that will go with my head unit, speakers and sub?

Thanks

crosstownk

SecureSounds wrote: »

You are totally off the mark there, You can use single, dual, quad voicecoil subs on a monoblock if you wish, but it will all depend on the voice coils impedence.

Point taken - but my real angle was from the point of view of using the amplifier in the future for a stereo application. If a monoblock is used then it will always be that - mono. A bridgeable stereo amp is much more versatile, especially if the OP is planning future expansion of the system.

Run_to_da_hills

crosstownk wrote: »

Point taken - but my real angle was from the point of view of using the amplifier in the future for a stereo application. If a monoblock is used then it will always be that - mono. A bridgeable stereo amp is much more versatile, especially if the OP is planning future expansion of the system.

When it is turned up full and it is heard two blocks away I don't think anyone will ever notice the difference

Im using a single Ground Zero Plutonium GZPA 1.3000D monoblock connected to two 1kw RMS 4 ohm subs.

Esse85

Sorry guys, the new links are



I have the following

Here's the radio
http://www.pixmania.com/ie/uk/317005/art/clarion/dxz768rmp-cd-mp3-car-radi.html

Here's the sub, its two x 4 ohm coils.
http://www.clarion.com/us/en/MungoBlobs/642/34/XW1500(Manual).pdf

These are my speakers which are already fitted
http://www.theloudest.co.uk/?section...&product_id=80

Im looking to get an amplifier to support this, could you suggest what i need?
Budget £180-200

I just changed the links there.

SecureSounds

Are you the guy emailed us ?

Thought we gave you suggestions.?

Esse85

Yes im the guy that mailed you but i didnt find the following answer very helpful:

"Being a 15 we would recommend the Focal FP 1.800, €699.99, top quality bass amp and plenty of power.

For something cheaper we have a 1200 watt mac Audio for €200.00"

Not much choice or links to compare.