Input on my "system"

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

I'm not big into car audio, but rather just like a little added bass with my music. I've got a 2003 4runner that has an OEM JBL system. My stock sub blew, so I picked up a JL 8w1v2 and a JL j2 250.1 amp. I'm currently pushing the sub just under RMS power (which is 150 watts). I can't afford to loose cargo space and don't want to be constantly pulling out my sub, so I chose to go this route because the sub fit in the factory box and amp hid nicely under the seat. I've been pleased with the added bass, but it still leaves a little to be desired. I'm currently running off the stock h/u and using speaker level inputs to the amp. I've got a new h/u going in this week, and I'll switch to using the sub preout's on it. I'm hoping that will improve sq. My only complaint right now is that the system "booms" way too much. I prefer a nice, tight bass if that makes sense. Right now it gets loud, but just lacks any punch at all. I know my enclosure is on the large size, but it's still within spec from JL. Any suggestions on what I could do to get a little better SQ and improved bass (the single 8" gets plenty loud for what I want, just not as tight as I'd like). I don't know if I just need more power, a different sub, or to change the enclosure size. Any input is appreciated.

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[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

Guess not...

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Is that enclosure ported?

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

is your enclosure sealed? Im taking it as it is...ideally, i would prefer a ported enclosure.

But if you want to keep it simple, i would say being that youre under powering her in the first place, a smaller enclosure size would be more ideal.

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

is your enclosure sealed? Im taking it as it is...ideally, i would prefer a ported enclosure.
But if you want to keep it simple, i would say being that youre under powering her in the first place, a smaller enclosure size would be more ideal.

He said he wanted tighter bass thou not boomier....

 

[chillin 10+ year member]

If the box is on the large side, try throwing some 2x4s in the box to take up space and see if you like the sound better

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER 10+ year member]

Box is sealed. The 8w1v2 is 150 watts RMS. I used a mm to set gains properly, so I should be pretty close to the recommended power. I can go up or down, just didn't want to push it too far. Looking back at specs, I may be bigger than I thought. It calls for .375 cu ft, the enclosure is around .6 ft^3. I can try reducing volume of the box if you guys think that'll help. I have the sub in the OEM enclosure, it's a pain to get access so I'd like to know for sure that it'd be worthwhile to tear into it. Thanks for the input.

Here's the current setup, box extends behind the OEM amp you see.

 

[T.I.K. 10+ year member]

put a brick or two in there, should tighten up the response