Subwoofers sound like $%&@#

[Vonderbach]

Ladies and Gents,

My last (and first) post here was met with resounding replies, and I thank you for your help. I now have my system completely installed in my Chevy Avalanche thanks in part to my brother-in-law.

Here's today's problem: I went cheap on the subwoofers (I know, please don't beat me up any more than I have already done myself.) I went with Kicker amps, crossover and Infinity Reference series components....all quality stuff. But because of a depth limitation under my seats, I went with these Boss 10" Diablo Series Low Profile Subwoofers. They fit without any trouble, but when my system hits a deep note they tend to flutter or vibrate above what the music intended. (In other words, they sound horrid at higher volumes.)

Here's my specs

Kicker 300 Watt RMS Mono Sub wired in parallel.

Kicker ZX350.4 4Ch 350W running components (and eventually rear door Infinity Ref Series)

KICKER KX3 ACTIVE 3-WAY CAR AUDIO BASS CROSSOVER

One shallow under seat sealed box w/ 2 craptastic Boss 10" Diablo Subwoofers - "Downfiring"

I have a few thoughts as to whay may be the problem

• Downward firing, hitting carpet and not permitting full range of motion.
  
• Craptastic speakers - Buy good stuff. (Any quality low profile subs on the market?)
  
• Inadequate box size. See box specs here
  

If anyone can make an educated guess, I would be in your debt. Ask away if you need clarification on anything that might help.

Thanks!

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[Twisted_0912 10+ year member]

get new subs, there are plenty of quality shallow mounts out there. make sure the box is the right specs for the subs

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Boss subs = fail.

Look into the Kicker CVTs. They're nice shallow mounts.

 

[Vonderbach]

get new subs, there are plenty of quality shallow mounts out there. make sure the box is the right specs for the subs

Thanks!

In reference to your suggestion, I am looking at some JL Audio 10W1v2-4 which require .63 Cu Ft and my box only has .50 Cu Ft per side. Is this going to be a noticeable difference in performance?

Boss subs = fail.
Look into the Kicker CVTs. They're nice shallow mounts.

I will definitely check that out! Thanks

 

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

Knock your crossover down to lower frequencies. Boss isn't the best but they're also not absolute fail. They own Planet Audio now which still makes decent products (but I guess Ford also owns Lincoln). I'd start by turning your crossover down, if you have it tuned too high of course your subs are gonna sound like crap. Also look up the recommended box size for your speakers.

 

[Ferendon 10+ year member]

Boss subs = fail.
Look into the Kicker CVTs. They're nice shallow mounts.

Except for the fact that they self-destruct? I've seen so many of those locked up and ripped, it's pathetic. Pioneer is no better. The new Rockford P3S is one we've had really good results with, durability-wise, it just doesn't sound too good.

 

[smoka 10+ year member]

The subs probably aren't stiff enough to handle the pressure from the bass. I bet if you look at them when they make that noise the sub will look all wavy.

Here are some choices for you. I don't have much exp but I'm sure they are all 10x better than what you have.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_10598_MB+Quart+RSH+252.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_16661_Pioneer+Premier+TS-SW1001S4.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18211_Pioneer+TS-SW2501S4.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9849_Kenwood+eXcelon+KFC-XW1000F.html

Also the RE SL series is nice but expensive.

 

[Sarthos 10+ year member]

It could be related to your box being too small but before you spend a bunch of money on new subs I'd check the crossover. Mine sound just fine crossed at the max my amp will allow (150 Hz) but better crossed around or below 100 Hz, and some people's will do really bad if they try that.