Subwoofer setup

[Millerrh]

Just got my 4Runner and one thing that I am absolutely hating compared to my previous cars is the sound quality out of the non-JBL system. My thought is to swap the fronts/dash speakers with the Focal IS 690TOYs and get some sort of subwoofer to fill out the low end without all the distortion of the factory system.

I currently have 2 10" JL subs and an amp I can use, so ideally, I am hoping to find a box for 10" subs that fits nicely behind the back seats, ideally thin enough to not cover the sliding cargo deck.

Most of the installs I've seen on here are of huge boxes in the back (don't want to lose that much cargo space), super custom jobs on the side of the cargo area (don't want to pay that much), or slimline subs under the front seat (this one is actually intriguing, but was hoping to re-use what I already have).

So do you guys have any recommendations for small enclosures that go back in the cargo area and fit nicely in our trucks? Would love to see images of any you recommend.

Thanks!

 

[Tlowe]

Well the JBL system fits right in the little elongated cubby on the right hand side, so Imagine with some body panel removal, trimming, and moulding you could come out with a pretty nice, very discrete box that could house a 10-12.

I did some measuring for this purpose exactly and if you don't trim any of the outer plastic of the panel, at the widest point it is 8 inches. In that amount of space you could get a decent box and a hidden place to mount your amp and wiring too.

 

[Elephant_Turd]

Id contact jl audio if I were in your position. See what they have for the subs you own. I just did the system in my truck and from my recent experience, if you have regular subs (not shallow mount), you're going to lose trunk space.

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

I had this exact same problem. As someone who loves clean sounded stereo systems, I just couldn't deal with the non-jbl system anymore.

Just recently replaced the head unit, FOCAL speakers all around (including the IS1690TOY speakers) powered by a JL audio amp. I'm taking my car back to the shop in a week or so to have a custom box made to tuck into the rear panel.

Was hoping to use the Limited's JBL woofer enclosure, but nobody can tell me for sure if it will fit my SR5 Premium and that's not a risk I'm willing to take.

 

[keyser_soze]

My thought is to swap the fronts/dash speakers with the Focal IS 690TOYs and get some sort of subwoofer to fill out the low end without all the distortion of the factory system.

I currently have 2 10" JL subs and an amp I can use, so ideally, I am hoping to find a box for 10" subs that fits nicely behind the back seats, ideally thin enough to not cover the sliding cargo deck.

Most of the installs I've seen on here are of huge boxes in the back (don't want to lose that much cargo space), super custom jobs on the side of the cargo area (don't want to pay that much), or slimline subs under the front seat (this one is actually intriguing, but was hoping to re-use what I already have).

The Focals will sound a million times better than the factory speakers. Personally I would amp them to get the best sound.

Don't worry about the rear speakers it is a waste of time and money. Just fade to the front a little bit and you will primarily hear the fronts and the back will just be rear fill.

Throw the under seat sub idea away. They just can not compare to a real sub in any way. If you are concerned about cargo space get a single 10" hatchback sub box and put one of your JL10s in it. Mount the amp under one of the front seats.

This would please 90% of music people. If you happen to be in that last 10% add in a DSP and that will be about as good as it gets in a "budget" system.

 

[keyser_soze]

Was hoping to use the Limited's JBL woofer enclosure, but nobody can tell me for sure if it will fit my SR5 Premium and that's not a risk I'm willing to take.

It will, but you have to buy the panel and bracket from toyota. So you lose that small cargo cubby and its expensive for a small volume 8" sub.

I know some of the limited guys change the amp and sub, Im not sure what the max size you can fit in there, my guess is that it is still gong to be a shallow mount.

I thought about doing this when I built my system because it seemed nice to save the cargo space, but it just didnt seem cost effective and it wouldnt sounds quite as good.

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

It will, but you have to buy the panel and bracket from toyota. So you lose that small cargo cubby and its expensive for a small volume 8" sub.

I know some of the limited guys change the amp and sub, Im not sure what the max size you can fit in there, my guess is that it is still gong to be a shallow mount.

I thought about doing this when I built my system because it seemed nice to save the cargo space, but it just didnt seem cost effective and it wouldnt sounds quite as good.

I have the 3rd row option which looks almost identical to the Limited's rear with the subwoofer enclosure. But instead of where the sub is, I have a removable door and a small cubby. I was thinking that if I could remove that entire panel, and remove that small cubby, I could just squeeze in that woofer enclosure. But that enclosure is $400, for that kind of money, I wonder if it's worth it... I would only be able to put an 8" sub in there. The shop I've been going to is going to build a custom box for around $500 with the goal of getting a 10" sub in there.

Not sure what to do!

 

[rigtec]

Just got my 4Runner and one thing that I am absolutely hating compared to my previous cars is the sound quality out of the non-JBL system. My thought is to swap the fronts/dash speakers with the Focal IS 690TOYs and get some sort of subwoofer to fill out the low end without all the distortion of the factory system.

I currently have 2 10" JL subs and an amp I can use, so ideally, I am hoping to find a box for 10" subs that fits nicely behind the back seats, ideally thin enough to not cover the sliding cargo deck.

Most of the installs I've seen on here are of huge boxes in the back (don't want to lose that much cargo space), super custom jobs on the side of the cargo area (don't want to pay that much), or slimline subs under the front seat (this one is actually intriguing, but was hoping to re-use what I already have).

So do you guys have any recommendations for small enclosures that go back in the cargo area and fit nicely in our trucks? Would love to see images of any you recommend.

Thanks!

Hi Millerrh,

There are a lot of subwoofer mods on this forum, many of them are excellent but regarding subwoofer Install threads', the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] subwoofer mod is my "GO-TO" as a reference! Some time ago, I did a subwoofer write-up, but mine doesn't deal very much with the install aspect, but rather, Low frequency wavefront reproduction theory; which mostly explains what the sub is actually doing, how it works, and, is there to expose some of the myths that are cluttering the airwaves out there and causing much confusion.

But antman does an excelling job in choosing his equipment, and gives 'STEP BY STEP' instruction from beginning to end of the equipment install, wiring, system placement,... even goes into some of the wiring kits available; it's a great read, I know you'll enjoy it!

#347-http://www.toyota-4runner.org/989173-post347.html

#348-http://www.toyota-4runner.org/989174-post348.html

'Best to you'

rig

 

[Millerrh]

Id contact jl audio if I were in your position. See what they have for the subs you own. I just did the system in my truck and from my recent experience, if you have regular subs (not shallow mount), you're going to lose trunk space.

They are shallow mount. Had them behind the seat in my Tundra. The truck enclosure is pretty shallow. It will look funny, but would definitely not be large. Was hoping for something that fit the rear of the Runner better.
[MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION] - I actually have gone through most of the sub threads I could find before posting. Antman is one of the guys that I found out about the slim self powered options. Just didn't seem like a whole lot of options people have posted that I have seen with the type of install I was interested in, so figured I'd do some probing.

 

[mrichard89]

It will, but you have to buy the panel and bracket from toyota. So you lose that small cargo cubby and its expensive for a small volume 8" sub.

I know some of the limited guys change the amp and sub, Im not sure what the max size you can fit in there, my guess is that it is still gong to be a shallow mount.

I thought about doing this when I built my system because it seemed nice to save the cargo space, but it just didnt seem cost effective and it wouldnt sounds quite as good.

Are you using the MS-8 as the dsp in your install? If so, are you pulling the signal from the factory unit. Thanks

 

[kevinmai712]

Are you using the MS-8 as the dsp in your install? If so, are you pulling the signal from the factory unit. Thanks

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/174720-5th-gen-sub-enclosure-wanted.html#post1816432

stumble on this if that helps with a 3rd row

 

[Millerrh]

JL Microsubs are interesting. I think the ported nature of them scared me away initially. I'm usually a sealed box kind of guy. Prefer the added tightness and clarity of a sealed box.

BTW, just ordered the Focal front speakers. I see most people are Dynamating the doors when installing new speakers. The only installation I ever Dynamated previously was my truck rear where I had the subs right up against it to prevent rattling. So my experience with sound deadening material isn't very big.

How necessary is it to Dynamat the front doors? What sort of improvement in sound quality will you see if those are Dynamatted? Wondering if I should pick up some prior to doing the install.

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

JL Microsubs are interesting. I think the ported nature of them scared me away initially. I'm usually a sealed box kind of guy. Prefer the added tightness and clarity of a sealed box.

BTW, just ordered the Focal front speakers. I see most people are Dynamating the doors when installing new speakers. The only installation I ever Dynamated previously was my truck rear where I had the subs right up against it to prevent rattling. So my experience with sound deadening material isn't very big.

How necessary is it to Dynamat the front doors? What sort of improvement in sound quality will you see if those are Dynamatted? Wondering if I should pick up some prior to doing the install.

Just do it! Cannot quantify improvement in sound quality but it's there (if you care) and you'd have to do a before and after test to really know. Biggest improvement to me is in cabin sound reduction and killing the tin can sound when closing the doors. Priceless.

For that matter, look for cheaper alternatives. Dynamat is pretty expensive for what it is. Some have even used ac/heating duct sealer from Home Depot. Caution - some give off a strong odor.

 

[Shred_Head]

JL Microsubs are interesting. I think the ported nature of them scared me away initially. I'm usually a sealed box kind of guy. Prefer the added tightness and clarity of a sealed box.

BTW, just ordered the Focal front speakers. I see most people are Dynamating the doors when installing new speakers. The only installation I ever Dynamated previously was my truck rear where I had the subs right up against it to prevent rattling. So my experience with sound deadening material isn't very big.

How necessary is it to Dynamat the front doors? What sort of improvement in sound quality will you see if those are Dynamatted? Wondering if I should pick up some prior to doing the install.

I would highly recommend looking into the JL micro subs... I went with the JL cp108lg-w3v3 micro sub and have been really impressed with the sound quality coming from such a small enclosure.

Another option for sound deadening is FatMat. I installed 80mil in all 4 doors and it was really easy, aside from removing all the door panels & reinstalling them. It definitely takes some time to do all 4 doors, but it makes a huge difference.

here is the link for what i used, 25sf was all I needed for the doors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYAF9FY/ref=twister_B01A03EXK4?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

 

[Millerrh]

I would highly recommend looking into the JL micro subs... I went with the JL cp108lg-w3v3 micro sub and have been really impressed with the sound quality coming from such a small enclosure.

Another option for sound deadening is FatMat. I installed 80mil in all 4 doors and it was really easy, aside from removing all the door panels & reinstalling them. It definitely takes some time to do all 4 doors, but it makes a huge difference.

here is the link for what i used, 25sf was all I needed for the doors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DYAF9FY/ref=twister_B01A03EXK4?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

What sort of difference does the sound deadening material make? Is it just for stopping vibrations? Or is there a sound quality improvement as well? If so, what sort of characteristics in the sound are improved by using this kind of material on the doors?

 

[KuhDunkADunk]

What sort of difference does the sound deadening material make? Is it just for stopping vibrations? Or is there a sound quality improvement as well? If so, what sort of characteristics in the sound are improved by using this kind of material on the doors?

It's a range....

Reduce outside road noise
reduce vibrations/squeaks
Provide good acoustics for sound inside

I will tell you this, I had my entire tailgate dynamatted and the tail gate is so heavy now! The stock struts can't lift the door on it's own. Even when assisted, it still droops down a bit. Just waiting for Gobi to send my new stronger struts to replace.

 

[keyser_soze]

I have the 3rd row option which looks almost identical to the Limited's rear with the subwoofer enclosure. But instead of where the sub is, I have a removable door and a small cubby. I was thinking that if I could remove that entire panel, and remove that small cubby, I could just squeeze in that woofer enclosure. But that enclosure is $400, for that kind of money, I wonder if it's worth it... I would only be able to put an 8" sub in there. The shop I've been going to is going to build a custom box for around $500 with the goal of getting a 10" sub in there.

I hadn't thought about the 3rd row at all, that really limits your options. With the 3rd row cargo space is precious so it just might be worth it to have a side mounted sub. The modified factory route will look the best, the custom box will sound the best.

Are you using the MS-8 as the dsp in your install? If so, are you pulling the signal from the factory unit. Thanks

Yes and yes. I made a harness adapter and pulled the front and rear signal straight from the factory Entune unit. From the MS-8 I have an amp for the front components and sub, the MS-8 powers the rear speakers. It sounds great

How necessary is it to Dynamat the front doors? What sort of improvement in sound quality will you see if those are Dynamatted? Wondering if I should pick up some prior to doing the install.

Like others have said it makes a small difference. It cuts a little bit of road noise, it give the door a more solid feel when closing, it also give the speaker a little better sound on the low end.

I say its worth it because its so easy to install.

 

[Millerrh]

I hadn't thought about the 3rd row at all, that really limits your options. With the 3rd row cargo space is precious so it just might be worth it to have a side mounted sub. The modified factory route will look the best, the custom box will sound the best.



Yes and yes. I made a harness adapter and pulled the front and rear signal straight from the factory Entune unit. From the MS-8 I have an amp for the front components and sub, the MS-8 powers the rear speakers. It sounds great



Like others have said it makes a small difference. It cuts a little bit of road noise, it give the door a more solid feel when closing, it also give the speaker a little better sound on the low end.

I say its worth it because its so easy to install.

Would you say it tightens up the bass? Makes it more punchy without loose distortion sounds? If so I will be all over doing this to my doors. I love good articulate yet deep bass. The looseness and distortion of the stock system is horrendous.

 

[keyser_soze]

Would you say it tightens up the bass? Makes it more punchy without loose distortion sounds? If so I will be all over doing this to my doors. I love good articulate yet deep bass. The looseness and distortion of the stock system is horrendous.

Yeah you can tell a difference with and without it bass wise. The added sound deadening benefits also mean you can have clearer music without having to turn the volume up as much. I think its worth it.

I should add that I haven't done my rear door or hatch. I use the OEM speakers as rear fill so I really don't hear them at all from the drivers seat. Maybe the passengers can hear them? I don't have rear passengers very often and even then I don't care if they like my stereo.

 

[VolksDragon]

Here's the thread on my JL MicroSub install. It's awesome, and fills in the low end perfectly without sacrificing a crazy amount of space or usability. YMMV.


http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...il-premium-finally-integrated-my-amp-sub.html