Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Advice on adding a sub to existing system

I have replaced the stock head unit with a Kenwood KDC-215S CD player that I had taken out of my old Accord. I have a set of 6 1/2 Pioneer components in the front doors and some Pioneer 6855's in the rears.

Head unit is rated 22w RMS/45w peak x 4.

In keeping with my mild, yet a lot better sounding than stock system, I would like to add a subwoofer to this existing set-up.

1. I'm thinking of possibly a 10 or 12 inch in a sealed enclosure or bandpass type of box located in the trunk (I'm leaning more toward the 10).

2. I'm looking for a very inexpensive, yet worthy, amp to power the thing.

3. 2-channel just for the sub? 3-channel? 4-channel?

4. Suggestions and advice on set up with use of my existing head unit and speakers.

5. I'm not looking for anything too radical and I don't plan on entering any competitions. Unfortunately, COST is my biggest issue.

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Ted Bush
'00 T-Red SVT
#1027/2150
Built 12/20/99
racertb@yahoo.com

[This message has been edited by racertb (edited January 20, 2001).]

My advice is to go to thezeb.com and look around. I know you can get a Planet Audio 4-channel for $190, I just bought that it will be installed next week, that would be good for your speakers. I'd get a mono amp and use it for your sub. My suggestion is to email them and tell them that you need a sub and a mono amp to push it and tell them what your budget is. They will probably help you out. thenewwoofersetc.com is another place you can email and tell them what you are needing and Andrew will help you. I emailed woofers and told him what subs I had and he sent me some choices of amps that would work well. Good luck I am a car audio novice, and that's how I got a good system.

I would go to www.madisound.com and check out the Vifa 10" sub on the "on sale" page. It is just under 50.00 and would make a very good woofer that wouldmatch up well with the components you have. Another option that could be even better would be the Martin Sound 2601 from www.martinsound.com. It is also a sub-50.00 sub that would be hard to beat for under 50.00.

Both would work well in a 1-1.5 cubic foot cabinet. Good luck.

As far as an amp goes, I would go to ebay and look around for a 50 watt per channel amp by a company like PPI, RF, Phoenix Gold, Alpine etc...that is if you don't mind buying a used amp.

Thanks for the input--I've been looking at several 10 and 12 inch subs in the $50-70 range including a JBL, Kenwood and Pioneer--any opinion on these "name" brands?

Now, what are some suggestions and options on hooking this up (with amp of course) with my existing set-up?

Thanks in advance--

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Ted Bush
'00 T-Red SVT
#1027/2150
Built 12/20/99
racertb@yahoo.com

For the brands you mentioned, the order that I would recommend would be probably JBL, Pioneer, Kenwood. Kenwood is only last because I have not heard one. The Vifas/MS 2601s would be a substantial improvement over any of the previosly mentioned subs.

If I were you, I would get a 2 channel amp and run it off of the RCAs on the HU. The kenwood may even have a sub output. If it does, you may not even need a crossover if the HU has one or If the amp has one. If your HU does not have a sub out, definitely get an amp with built in crossover.