Self-Powered Subwoofer Q's

2001 ACR · Post by **2001 ACR** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:36 pm

I'm kind of new at this whole audio deal. So far I have 2 6x9 Infinity Reference Series in the back, 2 6.5" Infinity speakers in the doors plus the tweeters that came with them. I also have a Kenwood KDC-119 Head Unit.

My wife really wants me to get a subwoofer. Notice that I said my wife because I don't even listen to music anymore, I just love the sound of my ACR...

Anyways, I want to get an affordable sub and was wondering what you guys think about self-powered subs, specifically the one's made by Infinity, Boss, and Bazooka. There's always good deals on ebay for this stuff. I'm not looking for glass-shattering power, just something to supply the lows which my 6xp's can't.

What do I need to look for (other than RMS power) in a self-powered sub? What connections/outputs does my headunit need? Are there better places than ebay to get affordable subs?

nineball · Post by **nineball** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:47 pm

that hu has a single pre-out (rca connection), so you could use that to get a signal to your sub. as far as power, well that can be a monster. not all power ratings are even. some amps are over rated, some are under. as you are just looking to add some bottom end you won't need anything really powerful. i would guess that a decent quality 10" self-powered setup around 100rms would be more than enough for you. personally i have never been a fan of self-powered subs and always went with a nice quality sub and amp. you will have to run the exact same wires to the trunk either way.

ebay is a good jump off point, but not the best place to buy equipment. use it as a tool to see what things sell for and then possibly head over to a car audio forum to but from an individual. you still have the chance of being ripped off, but not as great imo.

depending on what you want to spend you can even buy a prefab enclosure for the sub, with an amp rack. something like this is an easy way to mount a sub and only lose minimal room. or you can go to any local car audio place and buy a pre-fab'd typical box pretty cheap. this then gives you your choice in subs and amps.

on a side note, most of the reviews i found for that hu were not good. a lot of people complaining about the unit over heating and the cd eject stops working. good luck with it.

jT · Post by jT » Thu Feb 14, 2008 10:05 pm

id saw if you just want a little addition to your music and nothing excessive give this a try.. ive heard some good things about it but dont have any experience with it myself

Inifinity Basslink
10" enclosed powered subwoofer, 200w RMS

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IR6aVf6JSs ... 108BASSLIN

you can get it brand new on ebay and other internet stores for $150 or less.. the Crutchfield price is really high

Knoxville_R/T · Post by **Knoxville_R/T** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 7:56 pm

^^I would have to 2nd that. The bass link is a nice unit and should be enough if you don't need trunk rattle bass.

2001 ACR · Post by **2001 ACR** » Fri Feb 15, 2008 10:31 pm

Thanks guys. I think I'll end up going with the Inifinity Basslink. Do you know of any places that install audio equipment, other than Best Buy?

jT · Post by jT » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:15 am

come on, you can do it yourself.. its not rocket science.. and youll have that fresh long last feeling of accomplishment

Adionik · Post by **Adionik** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 2:38 am

Its not hard at all.

I love my 12" memphis

2001 ACR · Post by **2001 ACR** » Sat Feb 16, 2008 10:55 am

jT wrote:come on, you can do it yourself.. its not rocket science.. and youll have that fresh long last feeling of accomplishment

Setting up a car audio system can't be anything like a home theater system, can it? What are some good threads/posts in the forum that'll show me what cables I need and how to go about setting everything up?

Wisher2 · Post by **Wisher2** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:52 pm

Setting up car audio is much more than plug and play. you want your system to image correctly and be equalized . But not everyone is an Audiophile