CAR AUDIO - SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE - GUIDANCE

[parajuanjo]

hello everyone! my name is Juan Jose, and i declare myself as a noob-amateur in audio installing.

But I enjoy struggling with new challenges, and this is my next/current challenge:

- vehicle: suzuki swift (4 door/compact/hatchback).
- soundproofing all 4/5 doors with sound deathening panels
- replacing oem speakers with aftermarket "mid-level" speakers
- building a low-volume subwoofer cabinet (8" speaker, 200 rms, as per manufacturer it requires a 12 liter/0.42 cft enclosure in bass reflex configuration).
- keeping the oem head unit (unless I can find some equipment that can keep steering wheel functions/etc).

planned subwoofer model: JBL Stage 810
planned amplifier model: pioneer GM3500T or GMA3702 (which are very similar... probably same internals with a different case and name?)

as per my calculations, the enclosure could "tightly" fit under the front passenger seat (plan is to have the speaker firing backwards & tilted, and the bass reflex vent firing forward). with some protection to avoid it being stepped on by a potential person sitting in the back seat. and installing the amp below the driver seat.

so the question is:
- talking with a friend (audio enthusiast), he said that placing the enclosure under the seat should not provide the "full potential" of the sub, compared to installing it in the trunk (to be honest, it could fit, and not waste a lot of space, however I would prefer to keep it empty/clean).

What do you say? is there "any big difference" installing it in the trunk?

 

[somebodyelse]

I doubt it would make much difference given cars are small relative to bass wavelength, but maybe those with car audio experience would know better. It would be worth mentioning car audio in the title to attract attention. If you can't edit it then ask one of the mods if they can do it for you.

 

[DVDdoug]

It might make it "better" if you can feel the bass in your body!

planned subwoofer model: JBL Stage 810...

... building a low-volume subwoofer cabinet (8" speaker, 200 rms, as per manufacturer it requires a 12 liter/0.42 cft enclosure in bass reflex configuration).

Unfortunately, it looks like JBL doesn't publish the Thiele-Small parameters for that driver so you can't model/predict how it's going to perform in the box.

 

[voodooless]

Unfortunately, it looks like JBL doesn't publish the Thiele-Small parameters for that driver so you can't model/predict how it's going to perform in the box.

They do, it’s in the manual. Box size seems okay. I would probably tube it lower than the manual suggests, though.

Trunk installs are usually in a corner, so may yield slightly more cabin gain than underneath a seat. It may also have a but moor room to breath. But overall, it’s not a huge difference. Just install it where it’s convenient.

 

[parajuanjo]

They do, it’s in the manual. Box size seems okay. I would probably tube it lower than the manual suggests, though.

Trunk installs are usually in a corner, so may yield slightly more cabin gain than underneath a seat. It may also have a but moor room to breath. But overall, it’s not a huge difference. Just install it where it’s convenient.

thanks, yes, though about breathing, that's why I think it will breathe better firing back (backseat feet space) with some protection, than firing down (considering the limited height space) and if firing up, it would make them orgasm in seconds... (well that's not a bad idea either haha).