Another sub in stock location thread

[Jacob99]

Okay, before you guys yell at me. I've searched thoroughly. Here's what I'm learned in my reading on this topic:

1. PTO seems to be the man when it comes to audio installs
2. I should look for something in a "free air" type of application
3. MTX4510 and CDT EF100 seem to be the best bang for your buck
4. If I'm updrading door speakers I should go with a 5 channel amp??

Only problem I have with the search is a lot of the stuff is from 2007 and prior and many of the links no longer work and some of the pics are no longer up either. I think there was a write up at one point on how to do the install, how to remove panels to access the stock sub compartment, etc. I'm unable to bring that info up.

Also, I see that some people say we can use an infinite baffle type of setup in the stock location. When I Google "infinite baffle" it seems to mean the same as a sealed box. Would that require building a sealed box in the stock sub cavity, or does the 3/4" MDF spacer act as the sealed box?

Sorry to post on a subject that's been covered a million times, but I thought maybe others could also benefit from some more current information/links.

[jcantanixon]

Okay, I've got a bunch of that stuff saved so I'm going to hook you up with a ton of info in a bit.

[Jacob99]

Awesome. Thanks!!

[jcantanixon]

I took the pdf instruction sheet and broke it up into pages so that I could post it here.

[jcantanixon]

Here are a few pictures I took when I was removing that panel.









I know there's a few missing between these, but I can't find them.

[jcantanixon]

Here's a couple pics where a guy installed a sub that required a 3 inch MDF ring in order to fit. He also had to trim the plastic a little, but it came out clean.





Thread with more pics

[jcantanixon]

Here are the crutchfield instructions, pretty much the same as the ones from my first post, but not as thorough.







That should be everything you need to get to the sub.

To answer your other question, infinite baffle means that you're not using an enclosure at all, just sealing the front from the back of the speaker. Some examples are where the sub is mounted in the rear deck of a sedan...so the entire trunk is the enclosure. Another example is speakers mounted in the ceiling of a house, so they're free air to the attic. This is not something you can duplicate with the limited space between the sub and the outside panel of the Pilot. Most people have had success with shallow mounts subs and using sound deadening to seal off the area behind the sub, and/or using it to reduce the panel vibrations.

Hope that helps!!

[Jacob99]

Awesome man. Thanks very much! While we're on the subject of audio installs. I was looking at the Infinity reference 6022si's which I think is the replacement for the discontinued 6012's. These speakers don't require an amp, so what would be the purpose of the 5 channel amp? Couldn't I just run a mono amp for my sub and the door speakers would get power from the HU or the factory amp if there is one?

[jcantanixon]

The only reason to get a 5 channel is if you're going to push more power to the door speakers. The Infinity speakers can handle from 2-50 watts RMS, so while they would sound better with an aftermarket amp, the stock head unit is fine for most people. The "trick" is they are 2-ohm, so they pull more power from the head unit than most speakers that are 4-ohm (including stock). Infinity is banking on the fact that factory wiring is super thin and adds another 2 ohms of resistance to the load, and if not, the stock system is okay with a load slightly lower than 4 ohms.

[Jacob99]

The MTX sub looks like it's also discontinued. Anyone else have any other recommendations for a (free air type) subwoofer that will fit in the stock location?

[Jacob99]

How about this one? It's free air and shallow mount. A little pricey but I can get it for about $100 on Ebay. Anyone know if this thing is any good?

Pioneer TS-SW841D Shallow-mount 8" 4-ohm subwoofer at Crutchfield Signature

[Jacob99]

Any suggestions folks? I'm looking to get this stuff ordered asap. Thanks.

[jcantanixon]

Sorry, I didn't recommend a sub because it seems like everyone has their own opinions and ideas about car audio brands vs quality vs value, etc.

However, since you asked more than once and nobody else gave any suggestions, I'm going to chime in. I've found that in shallow mount or stealth type applications, the subwoofers from Elemental Designs Elemental Designsoffer the best bang for the buck. Never heard of ED? Yeah, me neither until a couple years ago, but now I strongly recommend them. Great products, great customer support. I also like the fact that the company is based in Iowa and manufacturers everything on site. They even have "open house" events letting customers tour the facility. Not many companies can say they manufacture products in the United States and they take pride in that and their production team in Iowa.

Check out their blog Elemental Designs News Blog

Anyway, there are a few options from ED. Staying on the less expensive end, the SQ10 is super shallow like the Pioneer you linked to, but it's a 10 inch vs 8 inch, uses a traditional spider structure instead of a gimmicky air spring, handles more power, and has a higher ouput (more sensitivity). Also, it's cheaper and has a 5 year warranty. It's going to sound a whole lot better than that Pioneer, trust me

[Jacob99]

Originally Posted by jcantanixon

Sorry, I didn't recommend a sub because it seems like everyone has their own opinions and ideas about car audio brands vs quality vs value, etc.

However, since you asked more than once and nobody else gave any suggestions, I'm going to chime in. I've found that in shallow mount or stealth type applications, the subwoofers from Elemental Designs Elemental Designsoffer the best bang for the buck. Never heard of ED? Yeah, me neither until a couple years ago, but now I strongly recommend them. Great products, great customer support. I also like the fact that the company is based in Iowa and manufacturers everything on site. They even have "open house" events letting customers tour the facility. Not many companies can say they manufacture products in the United States and they take pride in that and their production team in Iowa.

Check out their blog Elemental Designs News Blog

Anyway, there are a few options from ED. Staying on the less expensive end, the SQ10 is super shallow like the Pioneer you linked to, but it's a 10 inch vs 8 inch, uses a traditional spider structure instead of a gimmicky air spring, handles more power, and has a higher ouput (more sensitivity). Also, it's cheaper and has a 5 year warranty. It's going to sound a whole lot better than that Pioneer, trust me

Sweet! I'll check them out. Any recommendation on an amp? I was looking at a JL Audio amp
175 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (250 watts RMS x 1 at 2 ohms).
I would assume I should wire it at 2 ohms, though I'm not too sure....

[jcantanixon]

Where do you want to mount the amp? Start with that and figure out the size constraints, then try to match the amp to the sub. If you decide to use the SQ10, it's a 4 ohm sub.