When I say it doesn't sound right, I mean there's no THUMP. The low & long bass is reproduced just fine, but it's the THUMPS (like in techno-like music for example) that are not as loud / hard-hitting as they should be. I don't want a crazy loud system, but the "thumps" I'm referring to are honestly about half as loud/hard-hitting as the long deep bass parts of songs.

I've tried playing around with the PunchBass settings (0, +6db, +12db), the crossover frequency, as well as the subwoofer/bass controls from the factory deck... can't really find the right sound/setting.

I have 2 12" Phoenix Gold XS subs (in a normal box) powered by a 301M Rockford Fosgate amp (which gets the high-level input signal from the subwoofer wires from the factory deck - my factory sub is disconnected). Is this where I went wrong? Should I have hooked up the high-level input from the normal rear speakers? It's the only thing there is left to try I guess... and I'd have to go back to the store to get that done since I'm not good with this stuff myself - even refuse to try (no tools/knowledge/experience).



I had this hooked up in a previous car and it sounded awesome (but this was with an aftermarket deck with line-outs). The subs haven't been used in a while but I don't think they're damaged. The box isn't in the best shape, but it's the same box they were in before and I think it's in the same shape too.

Your advise is highly appreciated.

NOTE: Installing an aftermarket cd player is NOT an option.

 

Probably too low a signal from the stock sub leads, try this, connect an RCA connector to the OEM sub leads plug that into the amps low level, [RCA] input, that way you will maintain OEM sub control. 94

 

Your last car didn't happen to be a hatch/wagon did it?

 

the right box would make a difference believe it or not.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by soclean1k_JDM &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the right box would make a difference believe it or not.</TD></TR></TABLE>



I would get a custom made sealed box with the volume of air calculated to match the specs of the subs, have them fiberglass the inside (basically spread hardener all throughout the inside), and probably have the airspace divided among the two subs. Then I would have someone that knows what they're doing set the amp settings. Also, get an aftermarket deck or at least an audio controller.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by craigsaid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your last car didn't happen to be a hatch/wagon did it?</TD></TR></TABLE>
This is what I was thinking.

 

Hey guys, it's been a REALLY long time since I've updated this thread, however I haven't bothered with this issue since the summer... until yesterday.

Acting upon a previous suspicion that it was the subwoofer output from the main deck that was causing a poor, filtered signal, I switched the high-level inputs of my amp to be hooked up to the front speakers instead of the factory sub. The sound quality was the same.

The problem was actually the subs I was using. They were old, unused for a few years, and the box was in terrible shape. Forget air-tight, it wasn't even tight... there was probably half an inch of play between the side panels of the box.

So I bought this:



They sound great hooked up to my Rockford Fosgate 301M amp, running high-level inputs from the front speakers until Thursday when I go get my amp re-wired to the factory sub-wires. I look forward to having the sub volume control built right into my deck!

 

Damn! You got the terminator. I drop by at an audio store and saw that same box. When we turn it up. It was pounding the ground and the bass was punchy. Would be nice to see some video if you got. By the way, how much was it?

 

I'd be glad to take a video, but honestly it won't give you a more accurate representation of the sound, of the feel, etc. You got a better idea of how the system performs in the store.

I picked it up for $200 CAD so I imagine you should be able to find this for $150-175 USD if you're in the States.

I think it's a fantastic deal for 2 12" subs for someone who's not an audiophile or looking for crazy loud DB's, but just a nice thump-for-the-buck if you know what I mean. One big upside of buying a box & speakers combo from a company is that they design the box for the actual subs' acoustic's so the frequency response is optimal. Even I know that the wrong size box can make a great sub sound not-so-great.

 

Well the first problem is you got phoenix gold. But thats beside the point. Get the GAIN

 

i would recomend to make sure that your rca cables and power wire arnt wired on the same side i now that can cause some problems with sound f the subs

 

The box look very good from the outside but i don't know how it wire from the inside. I study audio alots so i usually build my own system. I have 2 Kicker 12" wire in parrallel power by a HIfonics and it was pounding. Buiding a box means that you what to hear the different frequency of your music and design.

 

i dont think subs will just die out(not work) if you store or not use it for a while, unless it was damaged while being stored. did you check your sub wirings? posite negative? or the box placement... did you mount it different? facing front or rear? or maybe check the input levels? knowing that you had an aftermarket deck before, giving you more output (volts)

about the box...yeah...youre right about that one...

then again, you got your new subs now...

cool....

 

its because you have it running through the high level input it will never sound as good as it should. make sure if you change the radio get one with a high voltage pre-amp output anything about 4 volts will be great. get a crossover and a capacitor it will be like adding a whole new system. . .it makes a big difference. . . if you want it to hit more of the faster beats turn up the low pass frequency but not too much or you will pop the leads right off the back of your speaker cone