Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
#1
Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
First and foremost, I'll start out by stating that by no means am I an audiophile! That and despite what otherssay, I actually like Bose equipment (I have 4 Bose systems in my home!). However, even I found the base reflex from the Bose sub-woofer in the A3 lame. So, like other systems in the car, I though if I could just get it to 'breath' a little better (like intake...), I might be able to improvethe performance of the stock system.
I decided to cut away the qrt trim liner in front of the sub-woof and install a grill over it for protection and aesthetics.
Total time to install: ~30min. Would havebeen quicker if I didn't have to search around for the d@mn spring clip that came loose from the qtr trim liner.
Total cost: the best part - FREE! I asked an installation tech at Best Buy if I could buy a speaker grill from him. He just handed me one and said not to worry about it.
So, here it is:
Mark hole to be cut out using grill base as template -
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/0CF0F401680E4E70A8C70AF136D21E32.jpg[/IMG]
Pull qtr trim liner away from body -
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/D467C75D27B94BEAB8EA7B1297F50998.jpg[/IMG]
Cut out hole. I used a Dremmel with a carbide tip -
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/CA175BDC4B8D4F6E848313CD7676632A.jpg[/IMG]
Affix grill base to liner with fasteners -
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/E02536652D9B407AAB98F8D2962F7D02.jpg[/IMG]
Snap on grill cover and re-assemble qtr trim liner -
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/DD25CD66C72841738767390E6482FFA9.jpg[/IMG]
I've noticed a much improved base sound.Maybe not soimpressive for those of you determined todestroy your hearingbefore you're 40, but it's just fine for me![/align]
#2
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
awesome post! I too am not an Audiophile, but when I feel that the '07 A3 sound is worse than my old '95 Integra with a blown out speaker, something is wrong. May just have to try this quick fix. Has anyone else done easy mods to the stock sound? I have NAV+Bose, not sure if that matters. (only settings are base and treble)
#3
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
Damn,
I salute you! I bet bass has improved quite a bit as it can freely move more air volume. I know quite a few here wants more thump in the trunk and the way you did it looks like a viable option.
I salute you! I bet bass has improved quite a bit as it can freely move more air volume. I know quite a few here wants more thump in the trunk and the way you did it looks like a viable option.
#4
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
I've thought about that too. I think I would do just a black matte cloth to cover the opening to give it a more stealth like appearance. Too bad I'm not as good as A3Night at these sort of things.
Cheers!
Cheers!
#5
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
Fantastic job man. I'm with chef on that matte black grill as well but since you got it for free what the heck
Here is what I did to my subwoofer:
Btw - Just because I added a 10" doesnt mean I am trying to lose my hearing! If I can't feel the bass then its weak.
Here is what I did to my subwoofer:
Btw - Just because I added a 10" doesnt mean I am trying to lose my hearing! If I can't feel the bass then its weak.
#7
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
Thanx. On a few CD's with strong bass, I've actually had to adjust the bass input down a bit .
To Chef's comment about keeping it stealth, I too though about that. My original plan was to just drill a series of small holes in a pattern in front of the sub-woof. But I didn't know what that would end up looking like, didn't have the time to find outand so just I opted for the grill.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results. So is the dog...
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/433AA516A1A44E839D89D72CC1254978.jpg[/IMG]
To Chef's comment about keeping it stealth, I too though about that. My original plan was to just drill a series of small holes in a pattern in front of the sub-woof. But I didn't know what that would end up looking like, didn't have the time to find outand so just I opted for the grill.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results. So is the dog...
[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/433AA516A1A44E839D89D72CC1254978.jpg[/IMG]
#8
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
When you say that the sound has improved do you mean power-wise or sound quality? I think the draw back of the stock sub for me at least, is that it can be a little muddy/boomy. I like a nice tight kick drum sound from my sub.
#10
RE: Improve the perfomance of your sub-woofer
Hey L7
Sorry to respond so late...hope it didn't keep you from doingyour speaker mod. I really am pleased with the 'new'sound.
Anyway, I used a 6" grill. I believe the stock sub-woof speaker is 5 1/2".
LMK know your opinion...
Sorry to respond so late...hope it didn't keep you from doingyour speaker mod. I really am pleased with the 'new'sound.
Anyway, I used a 6" grill. I believe the stock sub-woof speaker is 5 1/2".
LMK know your opinion...