Aftermarket subwoofer in trunk?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Bay Area
Aftermarket subwoofer in trunk?
Has anyone added an aftermarket subwoofer in their trunk? I have a new '04 E500 with Premium & Appearance packages. I don't have that pass thru compartment from the trunk thru the rear seat. I'm looking to add some extra THUMP to my sound system.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
I am looking to do the same thing.. I haven't done it yet, but here is what I found out:
If you have Harmon Kardon, there is a humble sub located on the rear deck. From this, you have already wired for you a sub signal line. Also, the main battery is located in the truck as well, so wiring is very simple- nothing needs to go through the cabin or through the rear seats for that matter. You could wire it yourself very easily.
If you have Harmon Kardon, there is a humble sub located on the rear deck. From this, you have already wired for you a sub signal line. Also, the main battery is located in the truck as well, so wiring is very simple- nothing needs to go through the cabin or through the rear seats for that matter. You could wire it yourself very easily.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 297
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From: Bay Area
Originally posted by Brav
I am looking to do the same thing.. I haven't done it yet, but here is what I found out:
If you have Harmon Kardon, there is a humble sub located on the rear deck. From this, you have already wired for you a sub signal line. Also, the main battery is located in the truck as well, so wiring is very simple- nothing needs to go through the cabin or through the rear seats for that matter. You could wire it yourself very easily.
I am looking to do the same thing.. I haven't done it yet, but here is what I found out:
If you have Harmon Kardon, there is a humble sub located on the rear deck. From this, you have already wired for you a sub signal line. Also, the main battery is located in the truck as well, so wiring is very simple- nothing needs to go through the cabin or through the rear seats for that matter. You could wire it yourself very easily.
So I would just pull the signal plug from the stock sub in the back, and plug it into an aftermarket one in the trunk? How would is sound without it being ported directly into the main cabin, though? Wouldn't most of the sound just get "muffled" by the rear cabin seats?
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Originally posted by kyee
Yes, I do have the Harmon Kardon upgraded audio system.
So I would just pull the signal plug from the stock sub in the back, and plug it into an aftermarket one in the trunk? How would is sound without it being ported directly into the main cabin, though? Wouldn't most of the sound just get "muffled" by the rear cabin seats?
Yes, I do have the Harmon Kardon upgraded audio system.
So I would just pull the signal plug from the stock sub in the back, and plug it into an aftermarket one in the trunk? How would is sound without it being ported directly into the main cabin, though? Wouldn't most of the sound just get "muffled" by the rear cabin seats?
My $0.02
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Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
I have been thinking about a speaker replacement myself for some time now. If this is that easy, this would probably be a very good mod to do. The HK has no bass, and sounds like crap when you try to put the bass up. I keep my bass on a very low level because of this. The stereo that was in my Lexus blows away this thing. And yes, I do listen to a lot of rap.
Any brand recommendations? I don't want any thumping bass, I just want crisp and accurate bass that does not crash.
Any brand recommendations? I don't want any thumping bass, I just want crisp and accurate bass that does not crash.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,399
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Originally posted by alewifebp
I have been thinking about a speaker replacement myself for some time now. If this is that easy, this would probably be a very good mod to do. The HK has no bass, and sounds like crap when you try to put the bass up. I keep my bass on a very low level because of this. The stereo that was in my Lexus blows away this thing. And yes, I do listen to a lot of rap.
Any brand recommendations? I don't want any thumping bass, I just want crisp and accurate bass that does not crash.
I have been thinking about a speaker replacement myself for some time now. If this is that easy, this would probably be a very good mod to do. The HK has no bass, and sounds like crap when you try to put the bass up. I keep my bass on a very low level because of this. The stereo that was in my Lexus blows away this thing. And yes, I do listen to a lot of rap.
Any brand recommendations? I don't want any thumping bass, I just want crisp and accurate bass that does not crash.
For subs- if you want good clarity and value, go for a JL sub. I think the W-3 series is good. For better value, go with a W-0. I think the difference is that the W-3 handles 300 watts, the W-0 handles 100, and only has one voice coil.
I have always had good luck with them.
I dont think the amp choice is going to make a huge difference in this setup, but again JL makes amps now that are like the older PPI (competition grade).
There are probably a couple other makes that you could get cheeper, but you cant go wrong with JL. In the end, it probably wont matter too much. Just go with a name you trust, a setup you've heard, and do NOT get a bass tube. They suck.
I'm going to attempt to install my own setup when I get back from NY in 2 weeks, I'll keep us posted.
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Sub in HK7
Originally posted by Brav
I'm going to attempt to install my own setup when I get back from NY in 2 weeks, I'll keep us posted.
I'm going to attempt to install my own setup when I get back from NY in 2 weeks, I'll keep us posted.
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Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 210
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From: Amsterdam
E500
I think Phase linear has the best subs on the market right now-please consider them,I have them in my 2001 C200K in combination with 2 amps-BPX1100.1(2200W) for the sub and PX300.4(1200W) as 4 channel and trust me the combination is awesome but even if you are fixing the sub alone go for phase linear!!
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11
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From: LOS ANGELES CA
03 E500,05 CAYENNE S, 98 LANDCRUISER
I added a 12"phoenix gold titanium sub,2 5.25 2 way speakers in the rear. All in a custom box mounted under the rear deck. I only wanted to replace the sub but the hk sub had 2 spkrs on each side. I also replaced the front tweeters with jbl pro tweeters that really sound bright. The sub and the 2 5.25's is powered by a fosgate amp w/bass control. The bass control switch was mounted just under the cig lighter. The amp is hidden in the compartment just above the spare tire,it needed a fan inside the amp to cool it. Didnt really cost a lot but a huge improvement in the sound. It sounds better than my gs w/ML audio! I just didnt like my car going back to its stock height after the dealer dropped it when the amp was installed. Now I have to go back to the dealer to have it dropped again! Not everyone can really get away from the Mod bug!
