Sub replacement

If you search, there are a few threads going about this right now. Focal seems to make a 5" true subwoofer that might fit in the factory box with little mod. Just dropping in implies using the facory amp, too. We're all struggling with trying to mod our cars the least possible whiel still getting decent sound. I just "dropped in" replacement speakers and now am getting the head unit to drive them because without it, pearls before swine. Same thing with the sub. Putting a good sub or mid sub in there without changing the amp would give you least possible return on investment.

 

The thing that is odd about the sub is that it comes with a dedicated amp. So you would think the power should be there and puting in a high quality driver would help a lot. Since the stock driver looks like pure junk.

As discussed in the other thread, I will have the Focal woofer tomorrow and put it in Friday night or Saturday and will report back my findings. I am not expecting real sub bass just appropriate and acurate base fill to give the sound some body, palpability even .......Steve

 

I put a little Bazooka tube behind my passenger seat and it sounds pretty good. Gives me enough bass to think I have a real stereo without rattling the car to death.

 

I installed my Focal 5" last night, unfortunately the coil is misaligned which creates a buzzing sound. It works well enough in testing to show real promise. Not deep base, but real base fill and punch. I hooked the original driver up in place of the passive unit along with the Focal in a push-push config and that is even better. I am going to order two new Focals and send the bad one back. The stock sub amp has plenty of power from what I can tell........Steve

 

Please update us when you get 2 Focals in there. Is the rest of your system stock right now?

 

Yes, I figure I will change one thing at a time and see how it builds up......Steve

 

Glad it seems like you're on the right track. Not knowing about the focal sub at first, I've gone a different route, also adding one thing at a time. Was supposed to have the head unit installed Friday, but UPS screwed up the delivery thursday, so now that's into next week. If I still feel I need a sub after the head unit replacement, we're going to try to stick it in the facory sub amp location under the dash. Not going to rule out starting over if you rave about youirs though. I'm no stranger to redoing expensive mistakes.

 

Did the Focal just drop in easily to the stock enclosure?

 

Had to get out the Dremmel and open up the cutout 1/4 inch. Then used two layers of Dynomat as a spacer to bring the speaker out flush with enclosue......Steve

 

So I have 2 Focal Utopia Be® 13 WS Shallow-mount 5" 4-ohm subwoofers installed in the stock F430 base enclosure between the seats running from the factory sub amp.

The amp puts out plenty of power and the sound is much fuller and punchier than before. The cabin is filled with a richness that was missing with the stock sub/passive setup.

This setup will not produce sub base, just enough to really fill in the bottom that is missing from the door speakers.

The issue I am working on now is that the stock enclosure is not very strong and is leaky. So I am getting some enclosure buzz. I am going to remove it and see if I can brace it a bit internally and dynomat the crap out of it.

So far my little project shows promise and I will report back over the weekend including some pictures.......Steve

 

Thanks for the update. I guess you feel this is worthwhile to do? I went for a drive today and with the engine and road noise, the "hi fi" stereo option pretty much sounds like am radio.

 

I was checking out my new head unit, tweaking options while driving and found myself forgetting to shift now and again, looked up to see 7500 rpm Definitely not hearing the motor over the stereo now, unless I want to. Just need to get a sub in there.

 

Which head unit did you get????

 

KDC-BT948HD
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Ist the stock sub amplifier in the sub box or under the dashboard?

Or is the amplifier under the dashboard only for the door system?

Greetings Christian

 

This is all you need .

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/Subwoofers/Subwoofers-By-Size/TS-SWX251

 

Thanks for the link but i want to keep the original sub box and i have already a Focal Sub for the replacement.

Greetings Christian

 

I thought you wanted deeper bass . You can also try a stronger cleaner amp. Factory amp suck. The Utopias you should produce good mid bass

 

Mid bass is all you are gonna get in that cabin anyway. I'll take nice fat midbass any day.

My guess is that you can fix up that sub enclosure by lining the inside with fiberglass. If you don't want to deal with it I would guess a car stereo dealer would be able to knock it out for you.

I would like to upgrade my system too. My head unit may be giving me fits. But getting a handle on what drivers will mount in that sub enclosure would be handy. Two 5" drivers wired in parallel.

So PLEASE post back to this thread.

 

I just wait for my Focal delivery.

I will use the facotory sub box and build in two Focal Utopia 13 subs.

The box became a Dynamat covering inside and i will separate each sub,
so i have to clue in a plate in the box.

I will post more pics later.

Greetings Christian
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