aolsen

Hey guys. I want some extra thump in my car. I have the Bose System, it sounds great but can be better. Any suggestions on brand and speaker size? I'm thinking 12"...I don't want anything humungous that takes up a bunch of space in my trunk, but want something attractive, with quality bass. I've seen posts already about installing subs and amps, but right now I'm interested in what you guys know about brands, speaker sizes, quality, etc. Thanks for your help!

this is what I want the bass to do

jolenicz

Welcome to the subwoofer dilemma. Subwoofers need a volume of air to work with. This volume isn't negotiable; it's based on the size of the speaker. The space inside the enclosure is just as functional as the speaker itself.

The two methods to getting this volume is: 1) Buy a premade enclosure which is big, boxy, and does not fit your trunk space well or, 2) Make a custom enclosure which is the same volume, but fits your trunk space better. The Bose Sub uses option 2, by making a funky plastic shape that fits in the right side rear fender (at least, on my 02 C230 coupe that's where it was). If you want meaty bass, you'll want a bigger speaker, and that also mandates a bigger enclosure.

I have had one 12" sub in a sealed enclouse for several vehicles now, so I'm used to the size. It's about 15"x15"x15", more or less, and eats up a lot of trunk space. But, I took out the Bose system to put in this sub, and there is no comparison.

I love my JL Audio 12" W0 sub, even though it's their bottom tier. I imagine that it's hard to go wrong with a name brand sub in an appropriate enclosure. Find a car stereo shop and test out a bunch of subs to know what you like, even if you won't buy it there.

TruTaing

The sedan has it on the rear dash. It is just open air w/o an enclosure at all.