Crunch time audio opinions needed-under seat sub dilemma

[theladyviola]

The time is closing in for the audio stuff to come together as everything sits in a pile. The last piece is a powered sub for under the passenger's seat. I've basically narrowed it down to two, but considering the following 3:

1. Kicker Hideaway 11HS8
2. Kenwood KSC-SW11
3. Sound Ordinance B8-PTD

Consider price the same on all 3 and take that factor out. Consider they're all coming from the same source and take that factor out. I'm purely interested in sound/quality/longevity.

Yes, I've searched and I've read about everything there is to read on all 3 of them. There's some good info but basically a lot of theoretical ramble with little follow-up on actual performance over time. So please chime in!

No, I'm not considering another setup. Been there, done that in my other vehicle. This one is staying simple.

Other considerations for the install (these are already set in stone and acquired):

-'04 Sport 4wd with non-functioning JBL system; I'm running new wires to the doors and ripping out the dead weight sub/amp in the cargo area
-JBL GTO components up front
-Infinity Reference in rear doors
-Alpine power pack in dash for door speakers
-Kenwood DDX374BT HU
-I listen to every genre from jazz to Bollywood to 80's rock/pop to hip hop (no country, sorry. Live in Nashville and that's enough)

Opinions (not the smelly ones) are welcome. I haven't gotten to actually hear any of these 3 or I wouldn't be asking. I don't know anyone who has them.

Thanks!



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[riceandpho]

personally, i would do the separate amp and sub , reason being you can upgrade either or to change the sound. if doing the sub and amp combo built in, i choose a infinity basslink, rockford fosgate Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Single 12" 300W Powered Subwoofer
or the jl audio. i prefer the jl if money is no object, they make good stuff.

 

[theladyviola]

personally, i would do the separate amp and sub , reason being you can upgrade either or to change the sound. if doing the sub and amp combo built in, i choose a infinity basslink, rockford fosgate Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Single 12" 300W Powered Subwoofer

or the jl audio. i prefer the jl if money is no object, they make good stuff.

I briefly considered the Pioneer TS-SWX2502 but I never did the research to see if it would fit under the seat. If it did, I'd probably just buy that box unloaded and put a different brand sub in it.

Pretty set on it going under the seat. I'm set on that aspect more so than the all in one. I like the incognito and not sacrificing any of my usable floor space.


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[riceandpho]

I briefly considered the Pioneer TS-SWX2502 but I never did the research to see if it would fit under the seat. If it did, I'd probably just buy that box unloaded and put a different brand sub in it.

Pretty set on it going under the seat. I'm set on that aspect more so than the all in one. I like the incognito and not sacrificing any of my usable floor space.


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or having a person build a sub box in the rear cargo area like a jl audio stealth box.

 

[drei4runner29]

I would check Sonic Electronix. I actually had this in mind for my wife's vehicle since she doesn't want too much of a booming system in her vehicle and plus I just spent a decent amount upgrading her sound sytem and HU w/ backup camera. Check it out and see if the specs meets your needs, plus it's cheaper than the others you mentioned, NVX QBUS8v2 Quick Bass 8" Universal Amplified Subwoofer BOOST (QBUS8 v2), but unfortunately, they're all sold out at the moment. I've heard a lot of great things from this company as far as their speakers and sound deadening mats are concerned. Don't know how fast you want to purchase the sub and amp combo, but if you can wait, check it out.

 

[riverwolf]

For sound quality, your best bet is to reuse the OEM sub enclosure. You're not going to gain any cargo space by removing it. Just replace the driver and use your choice of amps to power it...go with one of the tiny class D units and you might even find one that fits in the OEM amp location. Look for a driver that likes .6ish ft^3 sealed enclosures. Use a modelling program like WinISD instead of taking a a car audio manufacturer marketing group's word for it. ;-) Since the 4Runner is effectively a really tiny tightly sealed room you'll get a ton of cabin gain so a sub that models with ~50Hz f3 will do great. The cabin gain will balance the 2nd order rolloff of the sealed sub to easily get you 20Hz response, if not lower.

For good driver choices without paying for the name, shop somewhere like Parts-Express. Their Dayton Audio house brands represent excellent value and sound quality, especially in the Reference and Ultimaxx lines. A driver with approximately 4.5" of mounting depth should work in the OEM enclosure w/o cutting. If you want to go with something a little beefier, you'll need a spacer ring if cutting the ribs at the back of the box doesn't get you enough clearance. And if you really need to go big, you'll need to fab your own grill cutout in the cargo panel. Still should offer you the stealth look while maximizing sound quality.

See this post I made back in Feb for an idea of what I think you should look for. According to the simulations, the RE would be a great match for the OEM sub enclosure. It's no longer available at Parts-Express, but it does appear to still be available at Sonic Electonix for only $60.

Good luck.

-Brent