Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio I don't like that I can localize the sub to the trunk...

I just installed a subwoofer in my trunk. It's a bazooka tube with a built in fixed crossover at 85Hz. My front speakers are Pioneer's that are supposedly linear to 80Hz or so, then fall off to about 20Hz.

The problem is that when I set the bass level to the volume I like, it's just so obvious that the bass is in the trunk, and it's very distracting. Is that just the way it is supposed to be?

Now I know that the lower the frequency, the less able your ear is supposed to be able to localize the sound. So maybe the higher frequencies coming from the sub are the problem. Normally on my home theater sub, I would just dial down the crossover frequency. Do you think sending only lower frequencies to the sub would help me not localize the sub to the back?

In that case, can I install a crossover in line with my inputs (I'm using high-level inputs to the sub as recommended by bazooka) and filter out frequencies above, let say, 65-70 Hz? I know how to calculate the crossover frequency of crossovers in series, by the way.

I am interested if anyone else has the same problem. Am I just too picky, or do I just have to get used to it? Remember, up until now I've only had the stock speakers to work with, so even with this problem everything sound so much better than it did before.

thanks!

I'd cut the sub at no higher than 75Hz or maybe even a little lower.

Then, I'd cut the Pioneers up front as low as possible. An adjustable x-over would be great. Just turn them up to the highest volume you'll listen to in full-range mode. Dial up the hi-pass crossover just enough to get rid of the distortion.

You might also have the Bazooka volume set a bit too high. Bazooka's are extremely efficient. Try dialing it down a bit to better balance your system.

The Bazooka I've got in my Ranger is annoyingly efficient. It's difficult to match to my plate components up front. I'm either going to have to get a 4ch amp and amplify everything separately (currently in tri-mode) or get a less efficient sub. I'll probably do both.