New install, but sub very quiet

[mgk645]

Hey all,

I recently installed new audio gear in my 2016 WRX, and while the front stage sounds good, the subwoofer is lacking at comfortable listening volume (below 50%).

Installed:
Kenwood DMX709S HU
Morel Maximo Ultra 6.5" compenents (front) 100w RMS
Pioneer TS-SW2501S4 10" sub 300W RMS (pickup slim sealed box)
Alpine R2-A60F 4ch amp, bridged 3/4ch for sub
knuconceptz 4awg OFC amp kit

I have set the gains on the amp with my DMM with the radio at volume 30 out of 40 using a 1khz test tone for the fronts and a 50hz tone for the sub (both 0db). I had the radio zeroed out for the EQ and fade/balance, but I did have the sub level at +10 (max). I have the HP filter set for ch1/2 at 80hz and the LPF filter set for ch3/4 at 80hz. The filters are set through the amp, not the head unit. When I run the 50hz test tone at volume 30 the sub rumbles the car and I can "feel" it. I like it. However, when listening to music (even bass heavy) at a comfortable listening level, say 15-20, there is no bass at all. It's all front stage....and it's very loud. I've messed with the EQ and dialed up the Low range to +9db and it doesn't make any difference. The sub is working, but I need to put my hand on it to tell it's moving.

Basically, I'm trying to get the bass down at the 15-20 volume level, but I'm lost at this point.

Any help would be appreciated (also hope I'm posting in the correct sub)

Thanks!

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[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

Try setting your gains with -6db tone...that would be closer to most music's recording levels

 

[2RZ-FE 10+ year member]

I use a -5db works great. Double check the wiring, ground, etc sounds like your deck settings are correct

 

[mgk645]

I'll give this a shot, should I re-do both front and sub at the reduced db, or just the sub?

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

I'd probably do both so the subs don't overpower the mids and high

 

[mgk645]

Alright, so huge thanks to the both of you! I readjusted the sub gain with a -5db 40hz tone, and it's amazing now. I did try a -5db 1khz tone on the fronts, but I didn't like the way it sounded with the -5db adjustment on the sub, so I left it at 0db.

Will the offset cause any issues?

 

[spokey9 5,000+ posts]

Alright, so huge thanks to the both of you! I readjusted the sub gain with a -5db 40hz tone, and it's amazing now. I did try a -5db 1khz tone on the fronts, but I didn't like the way it sounded with the -5db adjustment on the sub, so I left it at 0db.

Will the offset cause any issues?

It shouldn't cause any problems