subwoofer options for front/dash enclosure in mk4 golf

Lucias_D · Mar 22, 2016

Well, I finally got around to installing my system and I've decided to go with a single sub up front in my vehicle in the passenger foot well area. I'm looking for opinions on subs and implementation. Eventually I'll have a dedicated (20-40hz) driver in rear but it will be some time before this so lets assume this front has to carry the load.

Goals:

High Sound Quality/Musicality (SQ)
Frequency extension down to mid-high 30's @ 110-115db (in car)
Driver >$200
10"-12" driver (10 fits much better but open to 12")
<.8³ ft. Open to sealed and ported designs but overall size and port length (if applicable) need to be minimized
Driver depth. I'm going to say <6" but the shallower the better because I'm going to loose some space)
<400W
2ohms or greater impedance

So far I'm interested in:
Selenium 12WS600
Image dynamics CTX series

Current system:
Car: 2002 (MK4) VW Golf 4 door
All doors heavily deadened and insulated. Roof has been deadened and insulated too. Floors and tailgate still to come but half way there,
Fronts: Focal Polyglass 165 V15 6.5" components.
Rear:Stock speakers (not really used don't really care)
H/U: Pioneer DEH-80PRS
AMP - factory (I wired my pioneer to the factory amp for now) but getting 900.5 PPI amplifier soon)

Please chime in!

Majik · Mar 23, 2016

I suggest an Image Dynamics IDQ 10. Fits your depth & airspace requirements and is an excellent sounding driver.

Lucias_D · Mar 24, 2016

I had considered this driver, however in a sealed arrangement the driver has an f3 in the 40s with theoretical in car response applied. Also, the ported alignment requires a 4" port at almost 1.5ft for several tuning frequencies. Don't know where I'd put that! Still considering this, but may take some extra work. The 12 would be better for low feq extension going sealed using the same box size.

I'm going to contact Image Dynamics and ask for the T/S specs for the new(ish) IDQS, the shallow mount alternative. Haven't seen these used yet either.

Bminus · Mar 23, 2016

Stereo Integrity BM MKIV? ITs less than 3.5" deep and only need .5 ft^2 of airspace.. Plus it place nice and low.
It may not have the output you're wanting though?

Also,, I want to know how it does in a footwell install. lol

Mless5 · Mar 23, 2016

Ain't going to be nowhere near $200.

Lycancatt · Mar 23, 2016

the idq is a great suggestion. the si sounds very good up front, till you try to get it loud..then not so much.

Lucias_D · Mar 27, 2016

Apparently Image Dynamics hasn't released the t/s specs for those drivers but not to fear. I think I may have found what I was looking for. Sbacoustics 10-sw26dac76-4

Modeling this in a .75 cu ft enclosure the response curve looks too good to be true. Extension is nuts. This would also mitigate the complexity porting under the dash and build time. What do ya'll think? Not as sensitive as other drivers but it's a tradeoff going this route. Anyone tried these or heard the non-shallow variants?

Lucias_D · Mar 29, 2016

I was modeling the 4 and 8 ohm versions and found the 8 ohm version responds much better in a smaller box. On SBacoustics website they have a DVC version of this woofer as well (dual 3 ohm) which models nicely as well and gives me some flexibility down the road. Don't know if my amp is stable @ 1.5ohms (won't be pushing too hard), but I can't seem to find them for sale anywhere.

Lucias_D · Apr 11, 2016

Well, Solen.ca had all variations of the sbacoustics driver and the 4 and 8 ohm ones on sale. Because of the exchange rate I saved a bundle and ordered the 8ohm version.

I also ordered a "temp" box that's an .8cu ft truck wedge. This should allow me to try different placements in my car and see how it sounds.

Stay posted!

subwoofer options for front/dash enclosure in mk4 golf

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities