Looking to add a sub to our '68 Mustang convertible. Budget is ~$200 inc. an amp (if needed). I'll be the first to admit that I am no audiophile and a real newbie at this. Here's what the car has now:
Kenwood KDC-352U Deck
4" JBL speakers in the kick panels
Fosgate 6" speakers in the rear interior quarter panels
I have not installed the dash speaker yet but I know that it will not give much bass. The current system sounds great to us except it lacks bass (no surprise here). Now, I realize that this is a convertible and we will not get great sound at our price point considering what we have in it. We just like to occasionally listen to classic rock and some country--no hardcore rap or anything real bassy. Just to be clear, we don't want to rattle windows or announce to the neighbours that we are coming down the street. I also do not want so much bass that the body panels start to rattle--after all it is a 45 yr old car and our primary use of it is just to get out and cruise to shows and rides.
I'm leaning to the first one that is totally hidded behind the seat cushion ("IF" I can mod it enough to fit back there--I have my doubts at this point), but have a feeling that it is made from no-name components and the Infinity unit may be better (??) although I would loose some trunk space. Looking for suggestions but, don't really have the room for a seperate amp (hence the all in one unit). Thoughts
I am not audiophile myself, but I do know a few things about sound and subs. In general, speakers are a lot like piston engines (this is a car forum). You need to keep the sound waves in the front away from the back. So with this in mind, I think you will be much better off with the one from Crutchfield.
The main reason why is that it is basically a powererd sub in a box like what you see in the home theater setups at your local Best Buy. The one from CJ assumes you can isolate your trunk from the passenger section (basically using your whole trunk as a sub box). That is usually pretty hard to do.
I am not audiophile myself, but I do know a few things about sound and subs. In general, speakers are a lot like piston engines (this is a car forum). You need to keep the sound waves in the front away from the back. So with this in mind, I think you will be much better off with the one from Crutchfield.
The main reason why is that it is basically a powererd sub in a box like what you see in the home theater setups at your local Best Buy. The one from CJ assumes you can isolate your trunk from the passenger section (basically using your whole trunk as a sub box). That is usually pretty hard to do.
Two words. SOLO BARIC. You can build your own cabinet, 8" or 10" is plenty for adding some low end. An inexpensive monobloc style amp run at 2 ohms is more than enough power and can be found inexpensively.
Man, I cannot wait to get to this part of my resto... Will know I am nearing the end of the long, long trip...
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Steven
Hickory, NC
1966 Coupe
Replaced
Full floor pan
Firewall
Full cowl
Radiator support
Shelby Drop done
Up next:
4 wheel drum to disc conversion, rebuild front suspension/steering, taillight panel, trunk floor,302 and AOD upgrade, wiring harnesses back in, and hopefully only patch panels on the quarters
E=MChuck Norris
I have been completely satisfied with my Bazooka subwoofer, mounted in my 1967 convertible. As the name implies, the Bazooka is tubular. It fits nicely in the trunk alongside the passenger quarter panel, and is mostly hidden by the spare tire. It gives all the bass you need and then some. I have a 6" BT series with a built-in amp. It requires a battery connection and is powered on with the ignition, but only needs simple RCA connections to the head unit (I have a Custom Autosound USA-630 system). I did the installation myself with no difficulty.
I could try sending some photos, but I have installed a black carpet kit and the Bazooka is black too, so it's even more camouflaged now.
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Bruce G.
1967 Candyapple Red Convertible
Massaged 289 (original), Edelbrock Performer 4bbl, AOD, Factory A/C, PS, PB, Power top, Exterior Decor Group, Interior Decor Group
I'm also considering the Infinity Basslink from Crutchfield. Forget that back seat set up from Custom Sound/Audio. First it's not for verts, second 2 subs is meaningless, on show systems 2 are for show. You can't tell where sub bass is comming from.
That Bazooka chairwriter mentioned may be better if you use your trunk. I plan on the Infinity on the driver side left ledge above gas tank. Very little remaining trunk space.
I have 5" Pioneers in kick panels and 6x9s in inclosures on the floor in back.
It's interesting to experiment with your home or computer sound system. First you can put the SINGLE sub woofer most anywhere and can't tell where the bass is comming from. Rarely does a home system have 2 subs. Turn the sub off and the sound is suddenly hollow.
Last comment: As we old folks have observed since subs became popular the low bass transmits fine under most conditions. IMO the sub in your trunk will be heard just fine with the top down at 70 mph. The 6x9s will be straining to be heard!
Bass from center speakers? With a sub in the trunk it's a good idea (IMO) to put low freq limiters on the other speakers to avoid distortion at high volume.
Slim
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My '64 1/2 vert. Ordered May '64. D code 4 speed, handling package, caspian blue, accent group, Ford blue manual top.
'68 vert. driver. Owned since '77. C code AT, AC, PS, P disc B, PT lime gold, standard black interior and top. NOS RF fender and left quarter.New top and folding glass.
The first system is a free air design which uses your trunk as the sub box. You have to have the trunk COMPLETELY sealed or else it will lose efficiency. The Infinity is ok but I don't think it will give you the "home theater" feel thats being discussed. You can have a much better single sub system built up that will far surpass that basslink but it'll also cost more. Convertibles are difficult to make a good stereo system for as you need a lot more power than the average system uses.
I recommend a set of nice component speakers front and rear and power those with an external amp. I bet it'll do exactly what you're wanting.
The first system is a free air design which uses your trunk as the sub box. You have to have the trunk COMPLETELY sealed or else it will lose efficiency. The Infinity is ok but I don't think it will give you the "home theater" feel thats being discussed. You can have a much better single sub system built up that will far surpass that basslink but it'll also cost more. Convertibles are difficult to make a good stereo system for as you need a lot more power than the average system uses.
I recommend a set of nice component speakers front and rear and power those with an external amp. I bet it'll do exactly what you're wanting.
Have you owned a vert and done a sound system in it? I referred to home theater for the sub woofer experiment. Where do you suggest a vert owner put these component speakers? I've owned verts as my daily driver since 1961. Sound in a vert with the top down is a challange!
No question if you want great sound with the top down you need outdoor concert power...
maybe 500 watts per channel! I'm tallking sound power delivered by the speakers not the numbers for power handling which mean nothing!
Bass is not the big problem with a vert once you have a powered sub. You can hear the subwoofer a 1/4 mile away. We are discussing putting a sub woofer in a 68 vert...the subject of the OP!
Our fellow VMFr chairwriter just got back from a 10,000 mile trip in his vert. He said above he has a Bazooka powered sub in the trunk of his vert and sounds great. Didn't say it is rock concert or home theater.
Just me but since chairwriter lived with his vert for a 10,000 mile trip I value what he said!
Slim
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My '64 1/2 vert. Ordered May '64. D code 4 speed, handling package, caspian blue, accent group, Ford blue manual top.
'68 vert. driver. Owned since '77. C code AT, AC, PS, P disc B, PT lime gold, standard black interior and top. NOS RF fender and left quarter.New top and folding glass.
I have been completely satisfied with my Bazooka subwoofer, mounted in my 1967 convertible. As the name implies, the Bazooka is tubular. It fits nicely in the trunk alongside the passenger quarter panel, and is mostly hidden by the spare tire. It gives all the bass you need and then some. I have a 6" BT series with a built-in amp. It requires a battery connection and is powered on with the ignition, but only needs simple RCA connections to the head unit (I have a Custom Autosound USA-630 system). I did the installation myself with no difficulty.
I could try sending some photos, but I have installed a black carpet kit and the Bazooka is black too, so it's even more camouflaged now.
I like the fact that it will fit beside the spare, and that it sounds like it would be easily removeable. Try to send a pic if you have a chance please. For wiring, I assume that it just needs a keyed power,ground and then the 2 RCA plugs right up to the head unit (?), although I'm sure it comes with decent instructions. I would not of considered a 6" unit until I read your note. I may try to hear one at a local stereo shop. P.S. If you could fit inthe 8" unit, would you go that way??
I have an old fosgate 10" single sub in a properly sized sealed enclosure which sits up against the rear of the seat, I mounted the amp to the box and powered it with a cheapo small 200w amp I had laying around (it's a cheap no-name amp - I think really 50w RMS) - works decent but could use a better amp as it's just barely enough fill at mid volume. I'm sure it would be much better with a decent amp but it works fine as-is and the key is getting a properly sized enclosure to the sub that you choose. Just read the manual/specs for the sub and it will list box voulme - pick a pre-made one of the right size or make your own that tucks it up against the back seat.
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1968 Mustang Convertible was I6/auto now built 306/C4/8", disc brakes
1966 Mustang Coupe - driver I6/C4
1990 Mustang NCAA/7-up Convertible
A few ways to go with this in my opinion. No matter what you decide to do I'd recommend trying to listen to the various setups you're contemplating in person (if possible).
* The least expensive option is to use either the Bazooka or Infinty powered subs with your existing head unit and speaker setup. For what you are wanting either of these will probably be sufficient. Where this setup will start lose its luster is if you decide to crank the volume up. I suspect that distortion will come on pretty quickly.
* The best option based on your budget (imo) was suggested by Z06killinsbf. I'd look into a decent set of component speakers up front (either 5 1/4" or 6 1/2" depending on space), a good set of "rear fill" speakers (such as 6" 2 or 3 way speakers to fit your current location or something similar that fits the stock location) and a good quality 4-channel amp. This setup will give you very good audio quality all the way around and will probably get as loud as you will ever want.
If you buy new parts you will certainly be above 200 bucks, but if you are willing to shop the used market a bit you can find some REALLY nice quality parts and be right on budget. I've used quality used audio components for years without any significant issues and may have some stuff laying around that I'd cut a fellow VMFer a good deal on (if you go this route).
* The optimal setup would be a bi-amp setup with components and a separate custom built sub enclosure. This is way above your listed budget though so I won't really go into detail about it unless you want me to.
In regards to wiring any of the subs you listed or separate amps will require a 12V power wire, a good ground, and a switched power/remote wire (The remote wire will most likely be the blue one hanging off the back of your Kenwood wire harness). Personally, I'd use an 8AWG power and ground wire for either of the powered subs you're currently looking at. You can get by with 10AWG but that would be cutting it a bit close on the Infinity. I usually use 12-16AWG wire for the remote.
Also, take into account that a class D amplifier (used by the Infinity) will probably have a current draw of 14-18 amps. I'm not sure what your electrical setup is but you 'll want to think about this. It's probably a non-issue but worth knowing.
Two words. SOLO BARIC. You can build your own cabinet, 8" or 10" is plenty for adding some low end. An inexpensive monobloc style amp run at 2 ohms is more than enough power and can be found inexpensively.
I'm also considering the Infinity Basslink from Crutchfield. Forget that back seat set up from Custom Sound/Audio. First it's not for verts, second 2 subs is meaningless, on show systems 2 are for show. You can't tell where sub bass is comming from.
O.K. that pretty well settles my decission against the back seat unit--no one has suggested it for us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slim
That Bazooka chairwriter mentioned may be better if you use your trunk.
I'm trending that way also.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slim
It's interesting to experiment with your home or computer sound system. First you can put the SINGLE sub woofer most anywhere and can't tell where the bass is comming from. Rarely does a home system have 2 subs. Turn the sub off and the sound is suddenly hollow.
You are right......we have a bedroom converted to the computer room with a small sub and 2 satelite speakers for the computer--you can't tell where the bass si coming from but it really fills the room.
Quote:
Originally Posted by slim
Bass from center speakers? With a sub in the trunk it's a good idea (IMO) to put low freq limiters on the other speakers to avoid distortion at high volume.
Our fellow VMFr chairwriter just got back from a 10,000 mile trip in his vert. He said above he has a Bazooka powered sub in the trunk of his vert and sounds great. Didn't say it is rock concert or home theater.
Just me but since chairwriter lived with his vert for a 10,000 mile trip I value what he said!
Slim
Well, if he is stlil happy after a 10,000 mile odyssey, then that speaks volumes (no pun intended) about the sound quality. Really, all we want is to have sound that is on par with our '04 Focus (factory stereo) while it is standing still--I know we won't get great sound while rolling down the road.
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Sub Woofer Speaker For a '68 Convertible??
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