Room for Sub Box?

[synesthete]

Hello, all! I've been spending the last couple hours browsing through the last four years of posts on here looking for examples and suggestions for installing a sub box. I'm not an audiophile and don't know my right from left hand when it comes to audio equipment. I've relied heavily on friends and a very nice Best Buy/Geek Squad representative, who was very helpful and matched all my online prices. That said...

I got two 10" Kenwood subs and a box, and I'm worried about the box fitting all the way in the back, allowing the third row to be used. Not that I use the third row, but that, with a large family expected, we probably will. So I don't want this installation to crap up the third row.

I did see one or two examples (http://www.piloteers.org/forums/atta...s-hpim0436.jpg), but I'm just trying to make sure this is an economical option. Installation isn't until next Saturday, so I have time to figure it out before then. Any suggestions, advice, and/or examples would be very much appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

[synesthete]

So while the kiddos were napping I took everything out and stuck the box in. No way in hell it's fitting only in the back. I could put one of the third row seats down and it fits nicely there, but still isn't what I really want. Any suggestions, options, and/or examples? (Btw, mine's a 2003.)

[oejeffrey]

Well just to throw in my two cents worth.....It really comes down to two things...how much money do you want to spend & what kind of results are you looking for ???
I think if you can balance those two options out you should be ok. If you are looking for a sound quality improvement then I think you need to add new speakers up front. Replacing the factory speakers ( if you want to call them speakers ) with something from Polk,C.D.T. or maybe even Focal. These speakers should produce huge results !!
In your posting though you were referencing bass so may I steer you over to your local installer. I try & stay away from best buy. My theorey is why get involved with a kid installing a stereo that is just there for the summer when you can get involved with someone who does this for a living and reputation depends on his work.
You had wanted to save space so may I recomend something from Alpine in the shallow series. I think the new line up of Alpines R subs has a 10 inch shallow mount that fits into the factory location without the need of a box. I have a shallow mount MA Audio in the stock location with no modifications to the stock location.
I would encourage you to look up my thread under Audio & electronics for a idea or two. In that thread section you will see seveal people who have made wonderful modifications to the Pilots stock system and it is also a place to get other ideas as I promise you I do not have all the answers.

[synesthete]

Thanks, Jeffrey.. I really appreciate it!

To be clear, I'm upgrading the entire system. And I mean entire. I'm replacing the whole thing with a Sony Xplod CDXGT540UI deck, Infinity 6.5" REF6022I speakers (both pairs), two Kenwood 10" KFC-W2512 subs, and a Kenwood KAC-9105D amp.

Links:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Sony+-+X...&skuId=9448396
Infinity - 6-1/2" 2-Way Car Speakers with Plus One Cones (Pair) - REF6022I
Kenwood - 10" 4-Ohm Single-Voice-Coil Subwoofer - KFC-W2512
Kenwood - 1800W Class D Mono Amplifier with Low-Pass Crossover - KAC-9105D

At first I bought a rather large sub box that I soon found wouldn't fit. Fortunately, I was able to find a refurbished QLOGIC QLH-10D65 dual sub enclosure for even less than the original box. This QLOGIC box is one of the few hatchback sub boxes I've seen that should fit.

Picture:


Link: QLOGIC QLH-10D65 QLogic QLH-10D65 10-inch Type 1 Dual Subwoofers Enclosure Refurbished

According to the dimensions, the box is 27-3/8"W x 12-1/8"H x 12-3/8"D1 x 8-3/8"D2. The depth dimensions of the cargo area behind the third row (with seat up) is approximately 18" on the bottom, 14" on the top at about the 12" height. So I should be good to go with room to spare!

I'll update the thread after it's installed on Saturday.

Also, just to comment on the installation, I totally understand what you mean about not wanting some kid who just does it for the summer. But at the same their installation is guaranteed, they're nationally certified, and they have a large company that stands behind them and will fix anything they screw up. I'll take that over a small shop with guys who may or may not know what they're doing.

Thanks again for your help! If you have anything else, please let me know!

[synesthete]

Link didn't come through on the deck: CDXGT540UI - BestBuy

[oejeffrey]

I hope that works for ya. I hate the idea of you putting a single din system in your Pilot but ya gotta do what is right for you. I would love to see more pics when you get your system installed.

[synesthete]

Out of curiosity, why do you hate the idea of a single din system in the Pilot? I enjoy the extra space to put crap in. I'm a constant note taker, so I welcome the extra space for pens, notepad, the remote for the stereo, etc.

So, an update: everything is BEAUTIFUL! Took them approximately 8 1/2 hours to install everything, and they did a great job. Sounds beautiful and they were able to do some custom work on hiding the amp. Where'd they hide it? Under the passenger seat. They had to take out a small part of the front part that was there for show, and I gave them the OK to take it off to save space.

The hatch box fits beautifully, too. Can't beat a dual 10" hatch box which allows me to use the third row and keep my subs. (As an aside, I had them disconnect the old, crappy sub.)

Pics are below:
Head unit w single din


Sub box (dual hitch box):

As a side note, this was the ONLY dual hitch box I was able to find that would fit the cargo area with the third row up, and it's NO LONGER MADE. Therefore, I suggest finding and buying one as quickly as possible if this is what you need. It's a QLOGIC QLH-10D65 dual 10" sub box. There were like three places I found on the web that had them, most of which were refurbs. Mine's a refurb from codemicro and it works beautifully. It was like $52, and they had incredibly reasonable shipping, too: $20 for 2-day shipping from California. They even re-caulked it, which was the only complaint I had read about the box.


Just showing the sub cord. He put it so it goes between the third row seat and the cargo area. Fits wonderfully.


Here's the view of the amp under the passenger seat. You can't even see the amp from the back. This doesn't stick out the front whatsoever. They had to take the seat off to do it, as well as cut the very front aesthetic piece out to get it in there, but that's it. Love how it's hidden.

So, that's it. It is possible to keep that third row while having nice subs.

[oejeffrey]

Nice insall there...very nice. Well I guess I shouldn't have used the word hate....that is a little strong for a single din vs a dbl din. I personally feel as though if you have the space for a dbl din why not take advantage of it?? I am going to go the route of a Dbl din DVD player. If you are a note taker and need the extra space then I understand completely. Looks like a sweet set up though....That sub set up should thump!!!

[synesthete]

I definitely know what you mean, but I can't afford the DVD player right now. Or, at least I shouldn't. Granted, they had a hell of an 18 month no interest financing deal I took advantage of, but it would have been hard to justify that to the wife.

The subs ABSOLUTELY pound, and it's AWESOME. I've never heard and seen music as I can now. It's incredible.

[Supergonz]

Thanks for the info guys, I am currently looking at upgrading the system in my '07 Pilot at a local sound shop. I'm looking at a double DIN Kenwood DNX6160, new speakers all around and an amp'd sub. I wasn't familiar with the box you got, but will definitely look into one now! I was disappointed to find out that Stealthbox only makes sub boxes for '09 and newer Pilots.
Great forum, lots of great info. Glad everyone seems willing to help.
Cheers!

Joe

[andysample]

nice install. are you still able to use the audio controls on the steering wheel?

[charly]

Very nice system, enjoy the BASS....

[synesthete]

Originally Posted by andysample

nice install. are you still able to use the audio controls on the steering wheel?

Sorry for getting to this three months late, but yes, and it cost extra. The head unit has limited choices for what could be programmed, though. I loved how in the stock head unit the top button would switch the memory radio stations; the new head unit will only search one radio station ahead instead of only going through the memory. The middle buttons are still volume. The lowest button skips through source (CD, AUX, USB, Tuner).

So, overall, only slightly annoying but WELL worth it.