Getting back into car audio after 10+ years – Sundown still good? (2022 Forester)

[Drummer65 10+ year member]

Hey everyone,

It’s been over 10 years since I’ve been active on the forums, but it’s great to see the community is still going strong.

My fiancée wants to add some bass to her 2022 Subaru Forester, and it’s been a while since I’ve kept up with what’s good in the car audio world.

My last setup years ago was a couple DD 9515g’s on strapped Sundown 7k amps, and I’ve also run Sundown and Fi subs in the past.

For her car I’m thinking something simple like:
• 1 Sundown SA-15 v3
• 1 Sundown SAEv4-2000.1
• Running on stock electrical (maybe upgrading to an XS Power battery if those are still the go-to)

I’d also rather not build a box if I don’t have to. I came across this prefab enclosure and was curious if anyone has experience with it or if it’s any good:

https://gpcaraudio.com/products/tru-spec-prefab-single-15-subwoofer-enclosure-sundown-sa-15v2

My main questions:

1. Is Sundown still solid gear, or are there other brands these days I should be looking at? Any newer amp technologies or companies worth checking out?
2. For getting signal from the factory system, is a line output converter like the AudioControl LC2i PRO still the best option? From what I remember, it converts speaker-level signals from the factory system into RCA preamp signals for an aftermarket amp.
3. If anyone has installed subs in a 2022 Forester, where did you tap the signal?

Appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance.

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[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hey everyone,

It’s been over 10 years since I’ve been active on the forums, but it’s great to see the community is still going strong.

My fiancée wants to add some bass to her 2022 Subaru Forester, and it’s been a while since I’ve kept up with what’s good in the car audio world.

My last setup years ago was a couple DD 9515g’s on strapped Sundown 7k amps, and I’ve also run Sundown and Fi subs in the past.

For her car I’m thinking something simple like:
• 1 Sundown SA-15 v3
• 1 Sundown SAEv4-2000.1
• Running on stock electrical (maybe upgrading to an XS Power battery if those are still the go-to)

I’d also rather not build a box if I don’t have to. I came across this prefab enclosure and was curious if anyone has experience with it or if it’s any good:

https://gpcaraudio.com/products/tru-spec-prefab-single-15-subwoofer-enclosure-sundown-sa-15v2

My main questions:

1. Is Sundown still solid gear, or are there other brands these days I should be looking at? Any newer amp technologies or companies worth checking out?
2. For getting signal from the factory system, is a line output converter like the AudioControl LC2i PRO still the best option? From what I remember, it converts speaker-level signals from the factory system into RCA preamp signals for an aftermarket amp.
3. If anyone has installed subs in a 2022 Forester, where did you tap the signal?

Appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance.

I can provide some information on newer brands and technologies.

 

[Jimi77 Premium Member]

Sundown is still a good company. 2kw may be a little much on stock electrical on a Forrester.

 

[ThxOne Premium Member]

What is Sundown? Is that a generic company? SIKE!! Yeah they are still pretty darn good.

 

[JLeal]

Hey everyone,

It’s been over 10 years since I’ve been active on the forums, but it’s great to see the community is still going strong.

My fiancée wants to add some bass to her 2022 Subaru Forester, and it’s been a while since I’ve kept up with what’s good in the car audio world.

My last setup years ago was a couple DD 9515g’s on strapped Sundown 7k amps, and I’ve also run Sundown and Fi subs in the past.

For her car I’m thinking something simple like:
• 1 Sundown SA-15 v3
• 1 Sundown SAEv4-2000.1
• Running on stock electrical (maybe upgrading to an XS Power battery if those are still the go-to)

I’d also rather not build a box if I don’t have to. I came across this prefab enclosure and was curious if anyone has experience with it or if it’s any good:

https://gpcaraudio.com/products/tru-spec-prefab-single-15-subwoofer-enclosure-sundown-sa-15v2

My main questions:

1. Is Sundown still solid gear, or are there other brands these days I should be looking at? Any newer amp technologies or companies worth checking out?
2. For getting signal from the factory system, is a line output converter like the AudioControl LC2i PRO still the best option? From what I remember, it converts speaker-level signals from the factory system into RCA preamp signals for an aftermarket amp.
3. If anyone has installed subs in a 2022 Forester, where did you tap the signal?

Appreciate any advice or recommendations. Thanks in advance.

https://www.subaruforester.org would be a place to check out and see what other Forster owners have done. Auto Harness House sells a harness adapter so that you don't have to cut into the factory harness. https://www.autoharnesshouse.com/82191_info.html

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

Only ten years?

I'm quite familiar with the Peerless and SB acoustics line of drivers; they are great in the right setup.

The 830875 is good to around 2k and then falls off pretty fast when off-axis, even faster given the placement in the lower door, assuming that is where they are going.

The SB29RDC tweeter is a ringdome radiator and great in a tower loudspeaker aimed nearly at you, but ring domes tend to be a bit problematic in a car, they have a fairly narrow directional dispersion pattern that limits their installation options.

But not all is lost.

For 30% to 50% less than the price of those Peerless and SBs, there are better options out there, in my opinion.

CDT makes a great door 6.5" in the HD series, and this tweeter from Seas is a high-demand product for the in-the-know car audio off brand old timers.

SEAS Prestige 27TFFNC/CG (H1406) 1" Textile Dome Tweeter- 4 ohm

SEAS Prestige 27TFFNC/CG (H1406) 1" Textile Dome Tweeter- 4 ohm

www.madisoundspeakerstore.com

The CDT:

CDT Audio HD-M6

Other tweeter options are:

CDT Audio ES-1200iS

One of the best all-around performers and untouchable for the price:

SA1 25mm Tweeter (pair)

HOLIDAY SPECIAL $99 PER PAIR Spec Sheet: SA1 Spec Sheet.PDF The SA1 is our component tweeter for use in uncompromising audio systems. They have a bright and airy top end, with excellent dynamics and detail. This is achieved with no forwardness or listening fatigue even at high levels...

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