X5M E70 - Subwoofer (Invisible but not Stealthbox)

[master1917]

Just visited another audio shop today (for the total of 2 over the last week) and nobody is keen to install a sub under the lid. The preference is to stick a box into the trunk. I really liked the look and feel of the all-across-shelf style box with 2 downfiring subs, but it blocks the ski hatch, prevents me from lifting the lid and prevents me from using the space if I need to fold down the seats. Started considering a box in the trunk and thought of 8" W7, but the owner told me it's too much of a speaker and its inefficient and for me as to sound good I would need at least a $1000 amp and for a cheaper amp (~C$500) I would need a different speaker, like Alpine or at least something more modest. I was also told that JL RD500/1 is by far inferior to Alpine and Rockford dollar-for-dollar and was offered a 750W Rockford for C$400or a 1000W Alpine for the comparable to JL RD $450...

The best part is that I got quoted $500 labour for amp install + $100 for wiring.. I was rather shocked as even though I want the knob wired to the front, the battery is in the back, the stock amp with connections is in the trunk area (left hatch). I was told 8 hrs of work.. not sure it's true. Another place quoted me $200 installation (all in) but not sure if it's the same quality work.

Overall when I imagine a big box in the trunk now seems like more of a burden than anything else... when I think that I also have to pay for it my excitement disappears! Back to the concept of a flat sub under the lid...

Back to the original decision - will the difference be worth C$1.5k - C$2k? for a sub given I am running premium system to begin with.. kind of gamble.

[Skyline]

Originally Posted by master1917

Just visited another audio shop today (for the total of 2 over the last week) and nobody is keen to install a sub under the lid. The preference is to stick a box into the trunk. I really liked the look and feel of the all-across-shelf style box with 2 downfiring subs, but it blocks the ski hatch, prevents me from lifting the lid and prevents me from using the space if I need to fold down the seats. Started considering a box in the trunk and thought of 8" W7, but the owner told me it's too much of a speaker and its inefficient and for me as to sound good I would need at least a $1000 amp and for a cheaper amp (~C$500) I would need a different speaker, like Alpine or at least something more modest. I was also told that JL RD500/1 is by far inferior to Alpine and Rockford dollar-for-dollar and was offered a 750W Rockford for C$400or a 1000W Alpine for the comparable to JL RD $450...

The best part is that I got quoted $500 labour for amp install + $100 for wiring.. I was rather shocked as even though I want the knob wired to the front, the battery is in the back, the stock amp with connections is in the trunk area (left hatch). I was told 8 hrs of work.. not sure it's true. Another place quoted me $200 installation (all in) but not sure if it's the same quality work.

Overall when I imagine a big box in the trunk now seems like more of a burden than anything else... when I think that I also have to pay for it my excitement disappears! Back to the concept of a flat sub under the lid...

Back to the original decision - will the difference be worth C$1.5k - C$2k? for a sub given I am running premium system to begin with.. kind of gamble.

I ran an 8" W7 for years with a mono JL 300w amp. It was great, plenty of power with a 300w amp; as long as it's a good amp.

Not sure of the cost on one of those; I got mine from a "non-dealer" on eBay. JL tries, (unsuccessfully,) to control retail prices at "list price" on their products. Some non-authorized dealers will grind off serial numbers, voiding any warranty. Basically, authorized dealers let stuff go out the back door to makes sales, (at greatly reduced prices,) and anything bought from a non-authorized dealer is supposed to not have a warranty. But as long as you've got a serial number on the item, you will get warranty service.