Best bass without a sub

[Threehz]

If you already have an 2x amp then I would just find a nice set of components. Something like these:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_28065_VIBE-Audio-Black-Air-5-BA5-V2.html

of course there are a TON of cheaper sets that will do great, I just like the vibes, that's the set I plan on putting in my car. If you throw those up front with the amp pushing the 5.25's you'll have good mid/bass and the tweets will be a massive upgrade from the stock. Then you still have the rear speakers supporting.

That's just what I would do in your situation.

[couch.lock]

I'm thinking that's what I will end up doing threehz. Except probably with some good 6 1/2s. I actually already have 5.25s components in the front and although they do sound good, the bass is basically non existent.

[mdlimy]

you can use the most expensive components and still not achieve the sounds/bass you are looking for. In my experience the sound quality is determined more by install than type or brand of speaker.

I have had very good results with hertz 6.5 components in sealed pods, i couldnt find anything online or from the manufacture about weather the speakers are infinite baffle or made for a sealed enclosure but i went ahead and sealed the pods in my door on my volvo and they sounded great, strong clear mid bass that i was very happy with. Did the same with the rear door speakers wich are the same speakers but they had larger pods which i noticed allowed the speaker to hit some lower hz and a bit harder.
check out the audio forums for info on installing, and building sealed enclosures, some spray foam can do alot of good if you are smart about it.
just my .02

Robbie

[StereoInstaller1]

Let me see if I can clarify something: better speakers generally are intended to be used with a sub. They were never designed to make bass, if you are spending that kind of money (meaning more than $50) you are supposed to already have a sub.

That is how the industry sees it.

I can tell you this: a $50 8" woofer in one of my $200 boxes combined with stock PS speakers and a $100 4 channel amp makes some pretty amazing SQ-type sound and takes up virtually no space. Weighs under 30Lbs (box, amp, woofer together) and doesn't cause rattles either.

It just cannot make ghetto boom, but it doesn't sound like that is a goal for you.

Just so you know.

Luke

[Threehz]

Luke does have a point. If you want some real bass then you should get a sub.

That being said, before I had a sub I had some Lanzar 6x9's in back and 6.5's in front of my car, both just plain old coaxials, and I had some badass bass for having no woofer.

After rereading this thread I have changed my answer a little. Your idea of powering some 6x9's with your amp and having stock or premium powered by the deck should sound great.

If you really like your music though, I'm sure you will eventually want to get a sub so I would think about that before investing in smaller speakers to 'make up for' the lack of bass. Just my 2 cents but you will probably be happier putting in a little extra time and money to put even a decent sub like a bazooka in.

[NC318e30]

I'm in the same position as the op... premium sound doesn't have much base... just want some better mids without a sub. Modern cars without subs have enough for me, that's what I'm going for

[StereoInstaller1]

I'm in the same position as the op... premium sound doesn't have much base... just want some better mids without a sub. Modern cars without subs have enough for me, that's what I'm going for

The big issue here is you are fighting the E30's acoustics.

I have done 6X9's in E30s before, amped and not. By the time they get loud enough to make some bottom end, they drown out the fronts horribly.

For the couple hundred dollars and 30 pounds or so, the difference in clarity of the mid/treble afforded by simply taking the strain off of the main speakers is remarkable.

What I build is not some dumb kid boom, it is quality sound intended for all types of music.

[NC318e30]

Thanks for the information! I've built some pretty tricky sub boxes so I believe I'm fine there so I guess what my next question would be is where would be the best placement? I'm thinking an 8" woofer.

On a side note has anyone ever installed a small shallow woofer inside the car, not in the trunk? maybe in the rear shelf?

I should also add that a while ago the PO had the factory headunit and speakers wired up to a 4-channel alpine amp in the trunk. All done professionally. With that said I love my factory headunit with the infrared thing and wish to keep it. So could I just wire in a small sub off of the amp?

[dashboardmonkey]

If you know what is good for you, you will listen to Luke. I worked for Luke for 2 1/2 years and I personally know the amount of r&d that goes into what Luke builds. It all starts with a pencil, paper and a tape measure. Luke's boxes are top-notch quality in every way.

[StereoInstaller1]

All of my boxes have 1 thing in common: they seal ALL of the output of the woofer into the cabin. Thus, all of my boxes use the handy hole that BMW decided to put in virtually all E30s, the skipass hole. Most guys don't even know they are there, but if your car is later than roughly 10/85, you have one.

Here are a couple of pics of the 8" box I build. Feel free to copy it.




It get a layer of 1/4" closed cell foam over the MDF to make for a perfect seal:


This is what is in my DD currently. LOTS of trunk left.

[NC318e30]

I wasn't trying to say I wasn't listening to Luke... I can build my own custom box as I made a very similar one of the one above for the wrx I had. I make my box in the same mannor Luke does. I was simply just asking some questions. With that said I do love your boxes Luke, they look fantastic! Just exploring/ toying around with other ideas is all. I'd like to know if I could use the existing stuff I have already tho. Thanks for the help guys

[StereoInstaller1]

Thanks, man...and right on...bust out that tablesaw, get busy!

If I can help, let me know. I love seeing quality DIY stuff. You can spend time on details I just can't do for production.

GL!


Luke

[NC318e30]

Yeah man for sure!! In the subie I had the sub facing the rear flat up against the back and covered to matched my blue suede headliner I did. Turned out nice. I've got a 91 318is and have had the back seat out once and was pretty sure I don't have a skihole unless you have to knock it out? So I'm assuming you have found it best to fire it towards the cabin? What if I don't have a rear armrest?

[StereoInstaller1]

You don't need an armrest seat, but you do get to whack your car with a hammer.



I cut a couple inches of foam out from the seat back, you really cannot tell.

As you saw in the pictures, it is not simply facing forward, but 100% sealed into the cabin.

Your car has the vinyl seats, they are rarely an issue. 5 minutes of careful work with a utility knife makes a huge difference, but even that is not really necessary on your seats.

[E30 331is]

NOT Thread jacking..... has anyone used something like this or would this be an option?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=265-362