8" Sub

[kars85]

I've got a 3rd Gen explorer with the audiophile system. I'm not really concerned about getting huge bass, but a definite subwoofer upgrade is needed.

I'm content with replacing the stock 8" with an aftermarket one and don't want to go through the work of building a box. However my concern is the SQ available with the type of setup the stock sub has. Is it a free air setup or sealed? How many sq ft of air?

 

[aznboi3644]

its a sealed box...the eD 9Kv.2 works well in small sealed enclosures.

 

[Anime]

The factory sealed box is pretty ideal for a lot of aftermarket 8's that are designed for sealed enclosures. It's around 0.5 cu ft., so you can find lots of subs, from the super thin ones for small enclosures to the regular ones, that will work with that volume. You may have to get an MDF trim ring to go on the outside of the enclosure to make the sub fit, depending on the depth.

JL audio makes an 8", the 8W0, which works good with the factory amp due to it's low power requirements. A few other inexpensive subs like the Punch 8's take 100-150W but will still work good with a factory amp. Something like the Premier (Pioneer) 8" is shallow enough that it will drop in, though a little overpriced.

It's usually worth upgrading the woofer anyway, the factory ones tend to go out.

If you haven't already, you may consider upgrading your factory speakers as well.

 

[kars85]

that's awesome about it being a sealed enclosure and ~0.5ft^3. i might need the depth if i go for the sound splinter rl-i8. the amp i'm not so worried about, i have an arc audio to replace the factory amp.

anyway, if it's total depth is ~18cm and weighs 18lbs, can the factory setup handle that?

http://www.soundsplinter.com/rli8_subwoofer_information.html

MDF Ring-http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_43&products_id=70

 

[Infinity08]

Make sure you get the dual coil model. It still won't draw full power from the factory amp, but it will be better than the single 4. Ford factory subs are dual 2 ohm ran parallel for a 1 ohm load to those little class-D amplifiers. If you want to upgrade the amp to get more power later, we can help with that, too.

BTW, those SS woofers are VERY nice. The RL-S15 are absolutely gorgeous, and sound even better. I built a hometheater sub using one. It was incredible.

 

[Beastb15]

Make sure you get the dual coil model. It still won't draw full power from the factory amp, but it will be better than the single 4. Ford factory subs are dual 2 ohm ran parallel for a 1 ohm load to those little class-D amplifiers. If you want to upgrade the amp to get more power later, we can help with that, too.

BTW, those SS woofers are VERY nice. The RL-S15 are absolutely gorgeous, and sound even better. I built a hometheater sub using one. It was incredible.

who woulda thought. I started building a coffee table/ sub for an rlp15

 

[Infinity08]

who woulda thought. I started building a coffee table/ sub for an rlp15

The one I built ended up being finished and used as the stand for a 73" Mitsubishi TV. We used some hardwood veneer, stained it, and cleared. It is gorgeous, and sounds incredible. Now, if he'll get the rest of his new stuff in :drool:

 

[kars85]

if/when I upgrade, I will definitely be throwing out the stock amp. I was going to use an Arc Audio I had on my IDQ, but I can't find it!

I like the one or two year old models of audio equipment....I save mucho $$$

 

[Infinity08]

if/when I upgrade, I will definitely be throwing out the stock amp. I was going to use an Arc Audio I had on my IDQ, but I can't find it!

I like the one or two year old models of audio equipment....I save mucho $$$

Hell yes. Also, if you're a member of some audio forums, you can pick up NIB or lightly used high end stuff on the cheap.

 

[bennettj325]

Infinity08- care to mention any boards that you would recomend?

 

[Infinity08]

ICIXSound.com
DIYMObileAudio.com

Those 2 are my favorites due to slightly higher maturity levels, but caraudio.com and caraudioforum.com are HUGE and will offer a bit more to choose from.

 

[todd-one]

so what your saying is to get an 8 inch 4 ohm dual voice coil and wire that paralel also. thanks in advance.

 

[oplitic]

ICIXSound.com
DIYMObileAudio.com

Those 2 are my favorites due to slightly higher maturity levels, but caraudio.com and caraudioforum.com are HUGE and will offer a bit more to choose from.

I love to read on icixsound.com never post, but like to check out there info and whatnot. Was thinking about looking into Elemental Designs, love there eDead, how's there equipment?

 

[Infinity08]

I've used my fair share of eD equipment, and it has all been good to me. I even have a custom center channel speaker they built for my Home Theater. Currently, that center channel and a few oz's of eDead v3 are the only products I own until my basement is done- then the custom subs bust loose.