Stealth Box advice needed.

[Cartman]

Got a couple of questions about Stealth boxs

1. I've seen the MTX and JL audio boxs - are there any other companies that make one. Which one is the best?

2. How hard are they to install, is it a question of following the instructions or are there special tools needed, how long does it take.

3. Where is a good place to install the amp since it needs air space around it but I want it out of the way so evil people (the ass that broke my window) don't try to steal it or I hit it loading stuff into the back.

 

[leenjen]

Q logic also makes a stealthbox for the explorer, but it doesnt come with a subwoofer.
you could mount the amp under the rear seat. of if you install a fan in the plastic trim in back, you can mount an amp in there. or if you dont want to deal with mounting an amp, get the amplified MTX thunderform. nobody can answer the question "what is better." it's all a matter of personal preference. i've heard that the MTX hits a lot harder than the JL, but if you put in a JL10W6 (to replace the crappy W0 that comes with it) it sounds really good.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Where, online, can I see a MTX unit?
This seems like a much better idea than getting a used factory sub unit. Right?

 

[leenjen]

it's a much better choice than a factory replacement.
i know crutchfield sells them (their site might be www.crutchfield.com). you can check ebay. sometimes you will find a good deal on them. also try MTX's website:
www.mtxaudio.com

 

[leenjen]

here is a picture off the mtx site of what it looks like after it is installed
Dead Link Removed
here is what it looks like before installation
Dead Link Removed

 

[Bill Kemp]

Thanks guys. Thought I'd put something in the X that my wife would like also. For a change.....

 

[Bill Kemp]

Now I got one (maby more) more question.
I need the amplified thunderform?

 

[KMac]

Not necessarily. You can buy a separate amp or go with the MTX built-in amp. I think it's about $150 more for the amplified unit. Probably not a bad way to go.

 

[Bill Kemp]

Thanks....

 

[98greyxlt]

Originally posted by leenjen
if you install a fan in the plastic trim in back, you can mount an amp in there ..... but if you put in a JL10W6 (to replace the crappy W0 that comes with it) it sounds really good.

leenjen -

do you think it's absolutely necessary to mount a fan behind the panel if the amp is back there? that's where i mounted mine, bolted to the sheetmetal, just in front of my stealthbox. i had thoght about the heat issue, but didn't bother installing a fan.

another good amp location is beneath the front passenger seat. mine isn't a power seat, and there's plenty of room down there. we had trouble finding a good spot for the amps under the rear seats because if you mounted them too far under the seat, the seat would actually be resting on the amp when they were folded down.

last thing... i thought the jl stealthbox came with a 10w1, not 10w0.

 

[leenjen]

98greyxlt: what kind of amp do you have? heat is the enemy of all car audio equipment. it robs power and life from your equipment. if you have a good amp and headunit (high preamp output voltage), you'll be fine. my subwoofer amp has 2 built in fans and my headunit has 5 volt preamp outputs = my amp barely gets warm, even after listening for a long time with the volume turned way up.
it's a good idea to mount a fan, but it isn't necessary. but remember: the hotter your amp gets, the less power it can put out; and the shorter it's lifespan will be.
but like i said, if you have a really good amp the heat shouldn't be a problem.

 

[98greyxlt]

leenjen-

the amp i have back there is an alpine mrv-100m. puts out about 100x1 rms. headunit is alpine cda-7878, with 4v preouts. if it helps, i ripped out all the jute fabric on the back of that panel too... whaddya think? should i open it back up and mount a fan back there?

 

[leenjen]

it sounds like you should be fine. 100 watts doesnt generate tremendous amounts of heat. and with the 4 volt rca's, it doesnt have to work very hard to achieve that 100 watts. and you cleared away some extra airspace. you most likely dont need a fan.

that's why the factory amps go bad after a while (even though they aren't high power), the heat gets to them and they aren't made as well as a good aftermarket amp.

 

[98greyxlt]

thanks for the info, lee.

mounting the amp back there turned out to be a great idea... totally out of the way, and out of sight... i'm pretty happy with how the stealthbox hits too... i got it for a good deal on ebay, along with the pioneer 3ways. anyway, i know you're not the biggest fan of the stealthbox. i think a big plus is my head unit. gives me a huge amount of control over the sub and its sound level.

 

[Black Magic]

Stealth boxes look great. Also take the time to go and get Vynal Dye to match your interior for the piece that goes on the outside. It looks 1,000x's better than the black orgional color.