How much is too much? Im upgrading my audio this weekend. I started out with a Pioneer 4300DVD and now since I have a little extra cash I'm riding the fence on going ahead and doing subwoofers too.

In regards to the title I'll throw in my 2cts. I'm 27 yrs old now and I've always been a big bass fan. I've gone from one 12 up to three 12s at once in various cars I've owned over the years but ALWAYS had something. Most of the time I am pretty content with a standard two 12 set up. Now that I'm getting a little older in life, kids in the future etc I cant decide how much is TOO much.

I've been texting with a guy on local CL and I've got a 13.5" JL W7 with amp and cap on the line. He finally sent me a photo of the thing.....holy crap. My question is, will this thing be overkill? In past years I always started with 1, wasnt happy and got 2, wasn't happy got 3, etc. I've had MTX, Kenwoods, Orions, Pioneer Premier, but I've never had anything that powerful in my car before. Anybody who's heard one, is it as loud as it looks? Do you think that 1 sub will rattle all my nuts and bolts apart on the truck?

I'm sure I want something with more bass than what I already have. I just dont want to fill up my cargo area so I figured 1 sub wouldn't hurt. Then I remembered how I always wanted more in the past, so I said "why not start at the top". JLW7 is what I came up with, now everybody at work (with subs) are saying "i hope the guy sells you a set of ear muffs with it".

What do you guys think? I'm looking for deep powerful bass but not crack my rear window or wake up people in the middle of the night. I've read a few threads about the 8" factory upgrade but I'm just not quite sure if that will do it for me.

Ive had one 12 in both of my 4runners. Its plenty to me, its a good compromise between bass, and also still having cargo space.

As an option, you may want to start investing money in sound quality, over quantity (BASS.) I would ensure the box is tuned (properly) and the truck is deadened, for your next audio setup. In the end it is your decision, more BASS or better sound.

Do you want SQ or SPL?

The biggest factor in making the sound loud and clear is the box. You will definitely want to either make a good one or have one make one for you. Don't skimp on this.

What amp are you going to power the sub with.

If you want to do something different go with a 15" sub. Maybe an FI Q or SSD.

Bass is good and fine but if thats all you have and don't have any good mids and highs, it is just pointless.
You have to take the time to make sure it's clean and clear from high to low, otherwise its just getto.

I've had both SPL and SQ speakers set up in an SUV. Although they were 2 different brands I liked the SPL speaker better. The SQ speaker I had was even a higher watt subwoofer and I still favored the SPL.

My SQ speaker was Pioneer Premier, dont remember what the model was but I know it could handle more than 500watts RMS. As advertised the bass was very good quality but just didn't have the chest pumping bass.

I had a Orion P12D2 2ohm DVC which is an SPL speaker and to me that thing rocked at only 500watts RMS. I had two P12D2 12's in a 2002 Infinity QX4 a few years ago with a MTX mono D amp at 500watts each. To me that was plenty.....

My goal is to equal that but in just 1 subwoofer. The guy on local CL has a JL audio 13.5" W7 and a box that is "built to spec" as the ad states. The amp is a JL1000.1. The price is right but I've never heard a subwoofer that powerful. Also the W7 technically is a SQ speaker right? A SPL type in that power range would be like a Kicker solo baric L7.

w7 will be loud, but if u can get w6v2 its more balance, clear and loud, i wish i can upgrade right now.

After reading this, I'll be the first to say the 8" swap most likely isn't for you. I've had 10's and 12's in my previous 4runner, but always found myself keeping them turned down. The 8" hits pretty good, much better than the stock sub. It's enough to get the mirrors shaking and such, but it's far from the chest pumping base you're after.

The thing about this is you can always turn it down. I'm not familiar with the sub in question, but I really don't think it'd be "too" much as that's what the adjustments are for.

YouTube - ‪JL Audio W7 13.5 on 400rms‬‏

Thanks....

Just happened to have my headphones when I played that. Wow thats insane. I like listening to the music more than all that. I've got an old Kenwood 12 I might just buy an amp for. I think its 400w rms.

I've had my 12 in mine for a while and it's plenty for every day. I keep turning it down as well. The Boston GTA amps are a nice choice for a smaller unit... check my signature for my setup

I had a JL 8w7 running 400w RMS in a factory spec ported box, and that thing was amazing. I have always had subs and at one point had a 15" Kicker L5 running 1000w RMS. The 8w7 wasn't as loud as the Kicker, but man, you could not tell that thing was an 8. I can only imagine how hard the 13.5 would hit I'm just not sure how one of these in a sealed box would sound in comparison to ported.

I'd be willing to bet that the JL 13.5 w7 hits very hard compared to any (or many) 12-15" subs out there. I also think it would probably have among the best sound quality. I can't imagine you finding a much better setup for your tastes than that subwoofer. How much does the guy want for all of that, if you don't mind me asking?

I got 2 12 CVRs in my car. They're crazy loud, but to really get the best sound I'm going to get some new mids and highs soon. Just even everything out and you'll be good.

Jack

'06 Black Limited 4X4 4.7 V8, 20% Tint, Spidertrax, 2 12' Kicker CVRs, AVH-P3300BT, Removed Running Boards, Silverline Exhaust Tip Rerouted To The Side.

I have a (1) Rockford Fosgate T2 12 in a ported box and it is more than enough for bass. It also gives you the opportunity to have cargo space too.

Well one way to think about it is, it's easy to turn it down but impossible to make louder if it can't produce what you want with the equipment. Sounds like you like it really loud, I can understand. But as you get older it well gets old.... keeping your hearing gets more important when you realize your hurting it. (I'm 32 and the doc just told me I need to rethink my volume levels with my hearing starting to show signs of loss) a sobering moment.

Anyway, I would go with it. Worst case is it's loud but then you'll probably be happy then.