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Old 11-11-2012, 10:21 PM   #1
mrkyle3
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Default Upgrading sound system: underseat sub?

Hi guys, I'm pretty experienced when it comes to mechanical modifications but have 0 experience with car audio but am looking to tackle it around Xmas time.

What it comes down to is that the stock audio sucks and I'm tired of it. So I am looking at upgrading.

This is what I have so far:
1. Metra Axxess ASWC http://www.amazon.com/Metra-ASWC-Universal-Steering-Interface/dp/B0039H2W66?tag=citofgamonlco-20
2. Clarion CX501
3. Radio wiring adapter harness http://ae64.com/20-pinfwdharness.htm

However, I would also like to have a subwoofer to hear those lows better. I do not enjoy making my windows pulsate or my rearview mirror come loose. I also enjoy my trunk space.

I was thus looking at the underseat subwoofers, in particular the factory ones because I don't need a super powerful sub.

Here are my questions:
1. Can I use any year underseat sub in my car? For example this one is only $100 http://www.subarugenuineparts.com/pr...oducts_id=1130 [Versus http://www.subarugenuineparts.com/pr...ucts_id=1822 ]
2. Do I need anything extra to hook up a sub other than the above things I will be buying?
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Old 11-12-2012, 10:45 PM   #2
bmxscoobracer
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Read the Sticky* offset's Car Audio Manifesto and FAQ. Number 20.
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Old 11-12-2012, 11:07 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmxscoobracer View Post
Read the Sticky* offset’s Car Audio Manifesto and FAQ. Number 20.
Yes I read the sticky.

It is talking about aftermarket options whereas my questions specifically regard the Subaru accessory ones.
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Old 11-15-2012, 08:58 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkyle3

Yes I read the sticky.

It is talking about aftermarket options whereas my questions specifically regard the Subaru accessory ones.
Bump.
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Old 11-15-2012, 09:39 AM   #5
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Okay so, here's your problem. You can't install the Subaru Factory underseat subwoofer because it isn't made for your model year. You can only install the trunk subwoofer if you wanted a direct hookup for Subaru Equipment.

It definitely isn't worth it to buy the factory subaru underseat sub and then try to make it work, the cost per gains simply isn't there. You're better off buying an aftermarket option like the Pioneer Slim loaded sub box with an amp:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...TS-SWX251.html

or the Sound Ordnance B-8PT:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_777B8PT...Sound+Ordnance
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Old 11-15-2012, 10:16 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XERO287
Okay so, here's your problem. You can't install the Subaru Factory underseat subwoofer because it isn't made for your model year. You can only install the trunk subwoofer if you wanted a direct hookup for Subaru Equipment.

It definitely isn't worth it to buy the factory subaru underseat sub and then try to make it work, the cost per gains simply isn't there. You're better off buying an aftermarket option like the Pioneer Slim loaded sub box with an amp:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...TS-SWX251.html

or the Sound Ordnance B-8PT:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_777B8PT...Sound+Ordnance
Thanks so much you perfectly answered my question!
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Old 11-15-2012, 10:29 AM   #7
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No problem!

Due note that I did say you have to buy an amp when going the pioneer route, you'll likely get better sound quality as a result though.
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Old 11-15-2012, 04:08 PM   #8
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FYI, if the measurements are correct on Sonicelectronix, I don't think that sub will fit under the seat.
I don't think that something 6" tall will fit under the seat in my 2011. I just measured my passenger side quickly and I don't think anything taller than 4 or 4 1/4 inches will fit. I have my driver's side most of the way down so I don't think I would get much more clearance there.
And the 19" depth would have it taking a lot of the floor in the backseat.
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Old 11-15-2012, 05:05 PM   #9
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Solution? Cut off legs, flip around. Problem solved.
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Old 11-15-2012, 07:50 PM   #10
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Or get that Sound Ordinance one...it seems to be reviewed positively by a lot of people on Crutchfield.

It'll also be a simpler install as it is just one piece.
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Old 11-15-2012, 08:34 PM   #11
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.........^Makes no sense.

Quote:
Or get that Sound Ordinance one...it seems to be reviewed positively by a lot of people on Crutchfield.

It'll also be a simpler install as it is just one piece.
I actually have this sub. It's lovely, but after a while it makes you wonder what a correctly mounted sub could do.
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Old 11-16-2012, 09:52 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bpang1
Or get that Sound Ordinance one...it seems to be reviewed positively by a lot of people on Crutchfield.

It'll also be a simpler install as it is just one piece.
Yeah I'll probably get the sound ordnance one.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kroller2012

Ill sell you the premium sound system, subwoofer with wiring harness for under seat and clarion head unit for $550
I can buy them all new for ~480. Actually around $430 if I get the scratch and dent subwoofer which I don't care about because it'll be under my seat.
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Old 11-16-2012, 03:46 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XERO287 View Post
.........^Makes no sense.



I actually have this sub. It's lovely, but after a while it makes you wonder what a correctly mounted sub could do.

It does make scenes. It is the premium Kicker woven fiber speakers along with the Panasonic under seat mounted sub and the clarion head unit. all come with the premium sound package through Subaru.
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Old 11-16-2012, 04:05 PM   #14
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....Sense*****

It doesn't make sense because for the money, that isn't worth it at all.
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Old 11-17-2012, 12:41 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by XERO287
....Sense*****

It doesn't make sense because for the money, that isn't worth it at all.
Shhh.. Don't startle him.
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Old 12-09-2012, 08:39 PM   #16
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I didn't want to start a new thread for this question.

To power my sub I am planning to run a wire to the unused heated seat fuse in the drivers side fuse box. The sub I am getting has a 15A fuse, as does the heated seat circuit so it should provide enough power.

My question: do I need a relay?

I have been doing research for about 2 hours now and can't seem to find this information. What I have found are that subaru relays are $34 and I can't find any kind of aftermarket relay that would work for a cheaper price.
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Old 12-10-2012, 08:05 PM   #17
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No you don't need a relay. Just grab a volt meter and see if its constant on or if it comes on with the acc. I think that circuit comes live when the key is on acc.

What sub are you talking about though?
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Old 12-10-2012, 09:02 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkProphet View Post
No you don't need a relay. Just grab a volt meter and see if its constant on or if it comes on with the acc. I think that circuit comes live when the key is on acc.

What sub are you talking about though?
Ok thanks.

I was going to get this one:
http://www.amazon.com/BASS600-8-Inch-Profile-Amplified-Subwoofer/dp/B000OSZA44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355191312&sr=8-1&keywords=underseat+sub
I don't want a high-powered one, just something to fill in the bottom end.

I did some more research and I found that the sub has a remote on wire, so I'm assuming that there is a relay associated with the amp that flips when the radio receives power. So even if I tapped into a constant-on line it should still not draw any power when the car is off. I still want to tap into the heated seat fuse so I don't have to go through the firewall though.

Sorry if I'm not making much sense, I've had a 3-4 day crash course in car electronics.

Last edited by mrkyle3; 12-10-2012 at 09:11 PM.
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Old 12-10-2012, 09:56 PM   #19
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I'm going with the sound ordinance. It just arrived today and I test fit it under the seat, it's perfect. If I mount it left/right it won't take up any rear seat foot room, and it i mount it rear/front it only sticks out an inch or so.

Also, the Boss audio unit you linked only accepts line level input, so you will need to split off wires and add a line out converter for another $25 and more complicated wiring.

I read the reviews for all those other cheaper under seat subs from amazon and it seems they have reliability issues. The sound ordinance was only a little bit more and I'd prefer reliability for car audio over cheapness.

It's the best reviewed powered inderseat sub and at $150 it's still pretty reasonable, even comes with the wiring kit from crutchfield so if you don't need to wire in another amp it's pretty much all you need. In addition, it has line level inputs so you just need to splice in the factory head unit speaker outs and you're all set.

Edit: also, nothing boss audio makes inspired any confidence. It's all pretty generic and the general reviews show it. Might as well buy your car audio parts at kraken or O'Reily.

Last edited by Mephiska; 12-10-2012 at 10:07 PM.
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:10 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mrkyle3 View Post
. I still want to tap into the heated seat fuse so I don't have to go through the firewall though.
That just sounds dangerous. I'd rather run a dedicated wire and not risk anything with the wiring, because damn do I love my seat heaters on the way to work in the morning.

Just run the wire, it's not as hard as you think. Mounting the underwear sub is more difficult than that wire.
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:11 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mephiska View Post
I'm going with the sound ordinance. It just arrived today and I test fit it under the seat, it's perfect. If I mount it left/right it won't take up any rear seat foot room, and it i mount it rear/front it only sticks out an inch or so.

Also, the Boss audio unit you linked only accepts line level input, so you will need to split off wires and add a line out converter for another $25 and more complicated wiring.

I read the reviews for all those other cheaper under seat subs from amazon and it seems they have reliability issues. The sound ordinance was only a little bit more and I'd prefer reliability for car audio over cheapness.

It's the best reviewed sub and at $150 it's still pretty reasonable, even comes with the wiring kit from crutchfield so if you don't need to wire in another amp it's pretty much all you need. In addition, it has line level inputs so you just need to splice in the factory head unit speaker outs and you're all set.

Edit: also, nothing boss audio makes inspired any confidence. It's all pretty generic and the general reviews show it. Might as well buy your car audio parts at kraken or O'Reily.
Ok I have limited knowledge here so bear with me, I'll try my best.

I believe that line out converters are for when you're connecting speaker wires to the amp, correct?

However, the clarion cx501 has specific sub RCA outputs. Shouldn't those be able to hook up directly to the amp?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mephiska View Post
That just sounds dangerous. I'd rather run a dedicated wire and not risk anything with the wiring, because damn do I love my seat heaters on the way to work in the morning.

Just run the wire, it's not as hard as you think. Mounting the underwear sub is more difficult than that wire.
Right but I don't have heated seats so it's an unused circuit.
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:16 PM   #22
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Right, missed your different head unit. If that works then great.

As for the seat heater, just confirm that the gauge of the wires is sufficient for your sub. I know the sub ordinance requires 10 gauge power wires. Also make sure your ground wire is at least the same.
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:24 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mephiska View Post
Right, missed your different head unit. If that works then great.

As for the seat heater, just confirm that the gauge of the wires is sufficient for your sub. I know the sub ordinance requires 10 gauge power wires. Also make sure your ground wire is at least the same.
Yeah that was something I was going to check. What I do know is that the sub has a 15 amp fuse in it and so does the seat heater circuit so in theory it should be fine but is definitely something I need to double check.

Thanks for being so helpful!
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:29 PM   #24
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Sub-wise, I have this MTX audio tube style sub with an integrated amp.
http://www.mtx.com/mobile/products/s...Tube/show.html
It doesn't take up much space in the trunk of my 05 Sti, and can be adjusted easily from very little bass to "vibrating the spoiler" loud. I also have an Alpine 4channel amp under the passenger seat, and the sound quality is surprisingly good on stock speakers.
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Old 12-10-2012, 10:40 PM   #25
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Do also take into consideration whether you will be placing the sub under which seats .. Used to put one in the passenger side and my gf was complaining bout the vibration under her tat is frustrating to her hahaha
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