Hey, people. I'm very new to audio stuff. Usually I'd say that the stock Bose is fine for me, but honestly there's just no freaking bass and that drives me nuts...

OK, so my question is has anyone mounted subs behind the seats? Perhaps with real shallow subs?

My dad has a Pontiac Solstice GXP and it has a 10" sub behind the passenger seat which is really nice. I'd like to do that for both seats. This would be for a C5Z. I don't need a lot of power at all, just a little kick.

These are the thinest subs I could find:
http://www.woofersetc.com/p8045/Thin...-Subwoofer.htm

I've never even heard of the brand, nor do I know what I'm looking for with sensitivity or anything... I just understand the power handling stuff... I was thinking of using a single channel 500 watt amp (which would probably still be over kill for me).

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

On a side note, I did find these:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...o+13TW5-3.html

which look like a far better product. I know JL is a great subwoofer from what I've heard and the only sub I've ever owned was a Baselink so anything is better than that.

 

Wont work for behind the seats as you still need an enclosure with a min volume for the speakers to work. For the JL you need .8 cu ft box, which even if you go long and flat is still a box 18" x 24" X 4.5" deep. Thats quite a lot of seat travel to loose, and forget about cutting into the car, the gas tanks are right behind the panel behind the seats. There are a lot of eclosures made to go in the center sorage compartment in the back that will be a lot less hassle. Also, there will be other issues with adding just a sub. You may want to consider a complete system replacement. Take a look at the C5 audio FAQ. Depending on expectations a new system does not have to be that expensive.

 

Exactly the answer I was looking for! Thanks!

I use the middle compartment... I'm trying to loose as little space as possible and I'd like to hide the aftermarket stuff as best I could. I also use the right side compartments for the tire-fix kit and a first-aid kit.

What about really good component speakers? Do any have enough bass to kick a bit better than the stock Bose?

EDIT: I may be able to free up the middle compartment, but I still want to hide anything and everything done to the system. I just want a better sound.

 

None of the available components are going to give you anywhere near the bass of a sub. Since trying to do any small mods to the Bose system is a lot of trouble, your best bet is to pull the stock system and install a good set of speakers, a sub, and proper amp(s).

I was thinking and there may be a middle ground for you. Since you have a Z you don't have to worry about loosing the storage for your removable top. You may be able to build an enclosure that goes behind the partition, is long, flat, and holds both the amps and sub yet still allows access to the center storage. You could build the box with two compartments, a sealed one for the sub and the other for the amp(s). The amp(s) could be hidden with a small fan like what is used in computers would keep them cool. Since the pins for the center cover are toward the rear of the car, even if the box overlaps the cover you sould still be able to take it off. While everything wont be completely hidden, it wont be out on display either. Also, if you do go with a box in the center storage, ditch the shallow mount idea, there are better subs out there for a lot less $ if mounting depth isn't an issue. Guys like Kale and pentavolvo can help with that more than I can.

Here is a link to a box volume calculator you can plug some numbers into just to get some ideas http://www.bcae1.com/spboxnew2.htm

I have some nearly new stuff that I pulled out of my 04 when I bought my 08 that I'll let go for a good price. If you have any interest contact me directly at rcmigpilot@aol.com

 

I don't have my Z right now. My Z was totaled in an accident so I'm buying another one. The one I'm looking at already has a very good partition in it. Have you seen anyone with a partition like the one you're talking about?

One thing about the Zs is that they didn't come with the compartment covers. If they fit, I'd do a sub in the center (and I wouldn't use a shallow mount for that since there's plenty of room in there) and get a cover for the compartment. The side compartments are definitely already used, but I can clear the center compartment if needed. I usually just keep the car cover in that, but I'm sure just buying a second cover and leaving one at the 2 places I park my car is fine.

Thanks for the input. BTW, what kind of stuff did you have in your 04?

 

The box would go behind the partitian, not replace it. If the center compartment is an option you are much better off going that route. If I were you I'd get a good set of 6 1/2" components for the front, a good sub in the back and a good bridgable 4 channel amp (back channels bridged and going to the sub) mounted behind the passenger seat. This is a simple, relatively inexpensive and with the advice of some of the aforementioned gurus, can yield good results.

My '04 was all Alpine electronics and Infinity reference speakers. I had a CDA-9856 head unit, MRP-F250 50 X 4 amp, a MRP-M450 sub amp feeding 6 1/2" components in the front, coaxes in the back and a pair of 8" subs wired for 2 ohms so the amp was sending 400 watts to the subs. I built a slanted box that set all the way to the back of the hatch area and still allowed the top of still go into the mount. 400 watts going to the subs that were pointed at the front of the car would rattle your teeth. Since none of the stuff is a good match for the '08 everything's been sitting on a shelf since it came out of the '04 a year ago December.

 

Gotcha... I'd prefer not to change the head unit. Changing out all of the other stuff is fine, and I'll probably just use the center compartment. I know there's adapters to use the stock head unit with aftermarket equipment. The only way I'd change out the stock head unit is if I get a double din modded bezel and put in a DVD/GPS unit. I like the Pioneer Z110BT.

If I upgrade all the components, get a new 4 channel amp (like you suggested) and a 10" sub, then I can upgrade the head unit later if I do have issues with the stock head unit...

I think that's the route I'd like to go. Thanks, rcmigpilot... You've been awesome.

 

You might want to give serious consideration to a new head unit. Changing to an aftermarket single din isn't hard and you will get much better results. First problem you're going to have is stock radios don't have sub outs. Second, its been proven that the stock head rolls off base at higher volumes. Third, overall sound quality will be lacking. You don't need to go expensive to get better quality in a head unit. The one I have, in addition to sub outputs, you can also control the sub level from the head unit. I'd let it go for $150, shipped, including the face plate and wiring adapters. It doesnt have much time on it and even though its only about 3 years old that model has been discontinued. If you want to research it the CDA-9886 is the closest in the current line up.

 

IMO the oem headunit from the c5 will work fine with upgrades. you can deff fit a 10 in the center cubby and put a cover on it no problem. also can cram an amp under the passenger seat to keep it stealthy

 

By the time you get done buying adapters, etc to make everything work including an ipod adapter, it's cheaper to get a new head unit on a net cost after selling off the stock unit and speakers.

As for the rear center box you could but a cover off of a FRC or Coupe and get some bracket to install the center cover.

I think Southernparts sells a complete set of covers for $200 that fasten on with velcro.

 

It's not really about the money. I like the stock head unit because it keeps the look of the car stock. I don't want someone breaking into my car because they see a system. It's happened a lot to my friends. I was originally worried someone would steal the basslink out of my Firebird, but realized nobody likes those anyway. LOL

I don't plan to sell any of the original equipment. Even if I replace the head unit, I'll be keeping it unless for some reason I run out of money down the line. (which can easily happen)

In my neighborhood, I don't worry about theft as much as I worry about jealous a-holes that vandalize cars. (Really, it's just my immediate neighbors.) Going to have to clear out the garage and park the new Z in there I guess. But I do occasionally park in areas that I could expect my stereo to get stolen. The stock head unit is good enough to me, I think I'd rather stick with it as long as I could.

 

It's no harder to steel a stock radio or an after market radio since they mount the same way. No one is going to notice your stereo head unit if you go with a single DIN unit anyway.

On A Z06 no one can see in your trunk so you have no worries there. Don't know why you would hold on to stock pieces, especially stereo equipment.

 

That's not what I mean. It's easy to break a window and get into a car to steal anything. But what is something worth? If I bought a Pioneer Z110BT and put it in, that's more incentive to steal my HU than a bone stock GM radio. That's more-or-less my point. And if I have a Pioneer Z110BT, then it's likely I have aftermarket amps and/or speakers. Even with a single din radio, it's likely there's more aftermarket equipment.

Aside from that, the stock radio fits my needs unless I decide I want XM. But even then I can use my phone for that.

 

if ur happy with the features of them oem headunit there is no reason to change it just to add an amp. i have done quite a few installs utilizing the oem headunit in c5s

 

To each his own. If you live in that bad of an area, maybe it's time to move.

 

Oiy... Like I said, my neighborhood is fine, but sometimes I park in neighborhoods that aren't.

There's a low theft rate in my area. But my neighbor is an a-hole because I refuse to fix his computer. That's the only thing that's bad in my neighborhood.

 

A couple of whacks with a bat should straighten him out

 

LOL! Believe me, that's been a though on many occasions. I have a special bat just for the job too. It's made out of oak.

 

I'm curious if you have looked at Elemental Design's low profile sub. They ask for 0.3 to 0.5 cu ft. I have seen them placed under seats in Subarus. Those guys loved them. I haven't seen much talk of them here...

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=106

 

Mounting Depth: 3.000"
Total Height: 3.400"

It's not gonna fit under a vette seat