"Standard Audio + Subwoofer" Question

[Bavarian]

Alright I actually like the standard audio system in the X5. I think it performs better with the mids and highs than the HK in the E46.

However, I would like some more accurate reproduction of the bass in the cabin. I've pretty much acquainted myself with the various options:

--> Separate boxed sub + separate amplifier
--> Replacement of mid-range speakers in the doors
--> Infinity BassLink self-amplified subwoofer
--> SAS Bazooka self-amplified subwoofer

First of all, let me state my intentions. I don't want to create a system that's gonna be heard outside of the car;

I also want to stay away from replacing existing speakers - that's a mess which I can't justify to pay for, nor cope with.

This leaves the BassLink and the Bazooka. Well, according the BavAuto they only sell the BassLink if you have the DSP. Supposing this is true, that unfortunately throws away my first choice.

However, a famed Toronto audio shop told me about the SAS Bazooka. I am aware they aren't as "good" as other high class subs. I just want to accentuate the bass in the cabin, and at 100W RMS power, I believe it's sufficient.

What are your opinions on this idea? I was quoted $500 including installation (about $410 US).

[Krunk Man]

Bazooka and Basslink are worthless...
I would compare the bass from that to only slightly better than what the dsp will have. Your going to crank your stero on a good song and these things will crap out on you.

You much better off getting a 10 inch High eff sub with a seperate amp in a sealed box.

For Example,
You could get a New Kicker 10inch L5 for around $130 on ebay
A Kx400.1 Amp, around $150'
Box is $35
Wires $45(Same stuff at any audio shop, this is how these places make their money)
install around $100-$150
This setup will blow away any sub bazooka even makes, and the quality is at another level.

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by Krunk Man

Bazooka and Basslink are worthless...
I would compare the bass from that to only slightly better than what the dsp will have. Your going to crank your stero on a good song and these things will crap out on you.

You much better off getting a 10 inch High eff sub with a seperate amp in a sealed box.

For Example,
You could get a New Kicker 10inch L5 for around $130 on ebay
A Kx400.1 Amp, around $150'
Box is $35
Wires $45(Same stuff at any audio shop, this is how these places make their money)
install around $100-$150
This setup will blow away any sub bazooka even makes, and the quality is at another level.

Got any pictures of this setup?

[Bavarian]

Originally Posted by Krunk Man

Bazooka and Basslink are worthless...
I would compare the bass from that to only slightly better than what the dsp will have. Your going to crank your stero on a good song and these things will crap out on you.

You much better off getting a 10 inch High eff sub with a seperate amp in a sealed box.

For Example,
You could get a New Kicker 10inch L5 for around $130 on ebay
A Kx400.1 Amp, around $150'
Box is $35
Wires $45(Same stuff at any audio shop, this is how these places make their money)
install around $100-$150
This setup will blow away any sub bazooka even makes, and the quality is at another level.

I am well aware that many subs are superior. However, I don't want to waste my cargo space with a sub in a box, plus an amplifier. Plus, if I were to go that route, I would want some better quality components (i.e. JBL, JL, Alpine, Pioneer, Rockford, Infinity).

The point is for it to be discrete and not waste the trunk. I actually use the SAV many times for its limited "utility"...

[Krunk Man]

I think you would be losing about the same cargo space with a small box as you would with a basslink.



The box is about 10x10x10 and the amp can be mounted on top of the box or inside the right compartment since you dont have dsp...




The basslink is Dimensions (H x W x D): 14-1/2" x 12-1/2" x 8"


Just trying to help, i was going to do the basslink but did the research and the thing is just a peice of shit for the price. You could get 5x better performance by going with individual sub/box/amp setup.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by Krunk Man

I think you would be losing about the same cargo space with a small box as you would with a basslink.



The box is about 10x10x10 and the amp can be mounted on top of the box or inside the right compartment since you dont have dsp...




The basslink is Dimensions (H x W x D): 14-1/2" x 12-1/2" x 8"


Just trying to help, i was going to do the basslink but did the research and the thing is just a peice of shit for the price. You could get 5x better performance by going with individual sub/box/amp setup.

Totally agreed with you on the separate sub/box/amp setup. I was also considering the basslink option until I heard it in the store...not very impressed. While it may seem that it's great to have everything in one unit (easy for install and removal), but the fact of the matter is that it's actually more cumbersome. If you want to remove the basslink, for example, you would have to pull the power/ground cables, remote turn-on cable, as well as the RCAs (or whatever that's feeding the basslink). That's about 7 wires total. Not to meantion that all these cables that you just pulled must be isolated somehow (don't want power/ground shorting out). On the other hand, if you have a separate sub/box/amp setup, the amp can be kept wired up in it's place (in the right panel, for example) all the time while you only need to pull 2 speaker wires (banana jacks) from the sub/box and out comes the box for your SUV (SAV) purpose. On top of that, there are so many hardware options in the $400 range...which is not that much more expensive than the basslink.

[bs90143]

I am with you Bavarian. All I want is a little bit more bass from my stock stereo. The speakers just can't handle quite the bass I would like. If I could have something that would simply plug into the stereo and take little space, that would be perfect. I don't want a system, just a little more bass.

[Krunk Man]

Your going to spend $400 for a piece of crap that you will be unhappy with in a couple of weeks.

Or you can do it the right way and spend like $50 more and have a kickass system that sounds good at low volumes... and when you crank it, it wont clip and sound like shit.

Getting the Basslink is like going to target and buying a TV/DVD/VHS combo. Just a bunch of cheap shit packed togeather and sold at a premium price.

[jmh]

Well it all depends on your needs and how much you want it to be concealed.
One example of a hidden subwoofer install using a 10" JL Audio sub is below



The sub won't be too expensive and depending on how perfect you want the
box to be it could be build for very reasonable money.

I always like retaining the stock look of a car and not to attract too much attention to it from the outside.
The amp could easily be mounted underneath the cargo cover.

- Jan

[Bavarian]

Jan, how long does it take to make such a custom box like yours, and what mods do you need to make to the right door panel itself? Cost?