Help me decide Please...BSW Sub System or JL Audio Stealthbox

[Rado]

Ok, I need to make a decision if I should get the 8" BSW sub system @ $650: X5 Subwoofer / Sub System for BMW X5 | BSW

or 10" JL Audio stealthbox @ $550 without amp:
JL Audio Stealthbox® Custom-fit fiberglass enclosure with 10" W1v2 subwoofer Fits 2000-2006 BMW X5 at Crutchfield.com

If anyone has either please let me know how you like it. Also, I have a Hualingan head unit.

Another question I have is the JL does not come with amp, so what amp should I get that goes with the sub (up to $150 max)?

OR I should buy and empty custom enclosure from someone in the forum and buy separate sub and amp (have no idea what to get though for separate sub and amp)

Please help me decide.


Any feedback would be appreciated.
I have 2001 X5 non dsp (only factory amp and hualingan head unit)

Thanks.

[pezho405]

Well i would go for BSW but i was at a stereo shop getting my subs installed, i just got a 12 inch in a nice box, very great job at Garner's Stereo in Asheville NC.

Well anyways, JL spends a couple months developing a system for a specific car, they spend about 60,000$ on just one car testing different combinations and stuff for different cars.

I would assume that BSW only deals with One brand mainly and JL with many car brands. and that BSW would be better....but 8" seems a little too small...

[chilliwilli]

IMO, you'll most likely get similar results with either (although size may slightly matter, in this instance). Just adding a sub, from either brands, may be of little significance sound clarity/quality-wise...however, a complete overhaul of your soundsystem by either brand, will offer a much better/sharper listening experience. If that were the case, i'd vote for JL.

[Rado]

Thanks guys, but I still can't make the decision. I like the JL enclosure and the bigger 10" sub but I have to buy an amp and I think rockford fosgate P300 would be ok. What do you think. Or maybe someone bought the BSW setup and is happy but I need to know.

[Rado]

Still trying to make a decision. I got an offer from bsw for a 10% discount, which is great, but I'm still concerned about the 8" sub they offer compared to 10" from JL. I found a great amp choices to pair with the JL - one is rockford fosgate P300-2 and the other is kenwood kac-7205.
Anyone out there - help me decide what to do.

[Gixxerboy63]

I bought a new JL stealthbox. If you have a good head unit and a strong amplifier with a very low THD index (and it sounds like you have), it will the next best thing to a custom trunk box without limiting your cargo space.

My history with a JL Stealthbox; I bought my first steathbox for a new Toyota 4-runner over 14 years ago and it was powered by an old school Soundstream amp.... I wanted to keep my cargo space clear and I remember the output was awesome.

My current Stealthbox fit and finish is top shelf, however, the Sub is not performing at optimal conditions (although this has nothing to do with the Stealthbox itself). I am working through input issues with my factory head unit, so I have ordered a JL Cleansweep to provide a corrected signal to my PDX-5. I am also adding a separate Alpine PDX-1 for the sub.

My X5 is going back to the stereo shop on Thursday to accomplish this. Once I get the vehicle back, I will be able to give you a better review.

[Gixxerboy63]

Got my X5 back this evening. The JL cleansweep is amazing... It totally unleashed the power of my Alpine amps and JL stealthbox... It even looks factory. JL all the way!!

[jst2878]

if your located in the NY area i have an alpine digital amp that fits where your cd changer goes and an alpine type s 12". it has an absolutely amazing sound and you will not be disappointed. could be a great alternative for u. I was able to screw the box on the cargo plastic mat and it never moved.

[Rado]

Thank you all guys for your input. I already purchased BSW system and will let you know how it is once I find time to install this weekend.

[Bassethound]

Does someone mind posting pics of their installations? I am in the market for a sub but am also concerned about taking up too much cargo space. Thanks in advance.