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View Full Version : New Subwoofer and Amp for $126.67



kaneboats
04-15-2010, 11:12 AM
OK, let me begin by saying I almost didn't want to share this because of the criticism I am likely to receive from the audiophiles. But, I suspect that many of you are like me in that you don't have $2,000 or more to drop into your stereo upgrade project. I wanted to add some bass to an adequate system. I did not like any of the options that were expensive. I did not want anything under my feet. I did not want to give up any leg room. I am not trying to wake up people who live along the lake either. I figured if I got some cheap equipment and didn't like it I could install it in my old Mustang or sell it on Craigslist anyway.

I purchased an Infinity 5 channel amp (refurb) off ebay for $78.61 plus 11 shipping. It replaced the Kicker 4 channel one that will go in the Mustang. The amp is absolutely perfect and the cabin speakers sound better. Here's a link to an amp like this one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Infinity-REF5350A-5-Channel-Complete-System-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ180494299300QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ Car_Amplifiers?hash=item2a064c70a4

I also purchased a cheap tube enclosure with 10" sub on ebay for $37 with free shipping. It does a decent job of adding a little bass for as loud as I can stand music being played. Here's a link to one like I have:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Marine-Audio-10-Sub-Tube-Boat-Subwoofer-Enclosure_W0QQitemZ380222945565QQcmdZViewItemQQptZ LH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item58870db91d

The installation was simple: swap out the amp and wire in the sub. Mounting the sub tube was much more difficult. I had to relocate one little fuse panel a few inches higher and to the port side. But, it does fit above the hump so it will rest on it (tube dimensions are 10.7" x 10.3" x 22.2"). The two straps are screwed in so it can't wiggle around. Best of all-- it cost no leg room and my feet aren't sitting on the grill.

I can honestly say that it sounds decent. I am sure it's not as pure as the better stuff, but for my needs it's fine. We'll see how long it lasts. The boat is kept in the garage and not covered when there is any moisture in it so that should help a lot.

Go ahead and criticize my system, but remember to look at the cash outlay. I did not use a credit card-- I used Paypal money from selling old crap I had in the garage. And, most important, my 15 year old daughter is extremely satisified with the outcome!

Jeff W
04-15-2010, 11:20 AM
that's a great affordable set up. congrats man!

Razzman
04-15-2010, 11:25 AM
Sweet! All that matters is that your happy (daughter too!), who cares what anyone else thinks. As long as the outcome is what you want then it was a success. :)

kaneboats
04-15-2010, 11:26 AM
Thanks! You know, using the HP crossovers probably makes as much difference as anything because the system gets more efficient. I think mmandley suggested the 5 channel amp. That was the right call for me. He also helped me get my HU settings straightened out-- that unit is a pain-- you have to consult the manual all the time to make any kind of change.

moombadaze
04-15-2010, 12:12 PM
For the price-thats awsome, love budget builds

sandm
04-15-2010, 12:31 PM
can't really see the amp, but I had 2 infinity kappa reference amps in an old eclipse gst and I loved them. they were clean, played loud and had a lot of adjustability. not a bad setup. I am sure that sub would disintegrate with a high power clean amp, but for lower volume listening like it sounds you were looking for, it should fit the bill nicely..

congrats..

byronkoz
04-15-2010, 01:01 PM
Good job Kane. Lots of people have used those tube subs or even open air subs and been totally satisfied.

cab13367
04-15-2010, 03:02 PM
kane,

Glad you decided to post. There are a lot of us that don't have or don't want to spend a ton of money on upgrades so it's nice to see some of the low budget options. If it does the trick for you, then that's all that matters!

Al

ian ashton
04-15-2010, 03:13 PM
Nice work! Thats pretty cool, I am suprised the sub fit op there, thats badass.

jmvotto
04-15-2010, 03:44 PM
Kane, great job. I had a tube in my honda once and it sounded good. I got my polk momo new on ebay for 39 bucks thats why it in the factory location;) Frugality and sounds good.

Rtmathew15
04-15-2010, 10:05 PM
Good for you. Anyway to save money. I like what you did.

2007 Outback V
05-02-2010, 12:19 AM
Kane-

How are your cabins wired to the Infinity amp? All six cabin speakers to the four channels?

I think I may have a big problem here, before I get into it, I wanted to know how your speakers are wired?

Thanks,

Chad

kaneboats
05-03-2010, 10:43 AM
Responded to your PM this morning. I just swapped out the 4 channel amp for the 5 channel. I think the 2 bow speakers are on the front and the 4 rear speakers are on the rear. If you got a bad amp I'm sure they will replace it-- it does happen sometimes even with non-refurb items.

jester
05-03-2010, 06:02 PM
I was looking for a Sub that sounds good and would fill in where the tower speakers drop off for in the boat when towing someone and this Sub does a good job. Thank you for posting this. I mean how could i pass up on a good deal like this and if it did not work I could see it to a high school student for the same price i got it for.

kaneboats
05-04-2010, 10:32 AM
Right on! Low risk endeavor.

kaneboats
05-16-2011, 02:21 PM
I picked up a Pioneer sub and sealed box from a guy who needed some cash. I was going to glass it in and replace my tube subwoofer. But, the box just didn't fit above the hump. Nothing would make it work. I decided to try swapping the Pioneer subwoofer with the cheapo one in the tube. While I had the tube out I also upgraded the interior wiring in it and resoldered the connections. I took a good look at the tube itself and it was all still in great shape. Holy crap does it sound different now! It is so much better it's amazing. So the old sub goes in the sealed box and into the daughter's car. I'm keeping the tube enclosure above the hump with the "new" Pioneer sub. I need to reset the x-over and gains, etc. but I'm really liking it.

WaterBullDawg1980
05-16-2011, 05:46 PM
It's all about what makes you happy and satisfied when it comes to music. And if you are, then thats all that matters.
:cool:

kaneboats
05-16-2011, 07:26 PM
You know, there's more than one way to skin a cat. But, when you get done, all you still have is a skinned cat. What do you do with that?

dusty2221
05-16-2011, 10:13 PM
Hang it on the fence to keep the others away?


Wait.....that's coyotes. Guess you could try a cat....lol

JesseC
05-16-2011, 10:57 PM
I like these kind of installs!! The ebay link is dead now, could you provide me with the info on what the sub enclosure is? That looks perfect to what I want to do! I already have an amp, just need a small sub. That looks perfect!!!

moombadaze
05-17-2011, 07:23 AM
all you still have is a skinned cat. What do you do with that?


Have chineese food?

kaneboats
05-17-2011, 09:40 AM
MA Audio 10" tube. That's all I remember. I couldn't find it anymore but this guy is selling one like it with an Infinity sub in it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-Infinity-1060W-Subwoofer-woofer-tube-MA-audio-NEW-/110688017652?_trksid=p4340.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%2 52BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D 110674855054%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D92151820954199569 63

STANG KILLA SS
05-18-2011, 02:51 PM
(im allitle late on this thread)

i have one of the bass tubes too and love it
best part mine was even cheaper, came in my 03 LSV, so i took it out when i bought the '11. has built in amp in the end.
mounting was super easy too. it wedged perfectly under the seat. not a single screw or strap :D (yes im that lazy) been there for 30+ hours on the hourmeter and never budged yet. just the right amount of bass. plus the passengers get a nice message. when you open the battery/storage area door it actually hits pretty damn hard.

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9517/subev.jpg

kaneboats
05-18-2011, 03:13 PM
Cool! Love stuff that works. Main thing for me other than expense was the foot room. I'm not that tall but I got some big ole feet and I spend HOURS in that driver's seat. I wasn't about to give up any of my space under there-- and stay away from my 2 cupholders!