Hi,

I've decided the stock Bose stereo could use a little low-end boost I've been reading through the forums and gaining some very valuable information (thanks to all!)

My goals are loud, clean sound in the smallest possible space without breaking the bank. After doing a lot of digging around, I came up with the following setup.

Since space is an issue (as well as cost), I'm going with one sub. A 12" ought to do.

Image Dynamics IDQ12 D4 v.2
http://www.cardomain.com/item/IDSIDQ12D4V2

This sub has had very good reviews. It is rated 350W RMS, can fit in a tight space (.55-1.0 ft3), and has a decent price point of $181.

Phoenix Gold XENON 400.1
http://www.cardomain.com/item/PHOX4001

This amp also has very good reviews, RMS Power: 400W x 1 @ 2 ohms, which will match up nicely to the IDQ12 D4 @ 2 ohms, and comes in at $179.

So that is rougly $360 for the amp/sub combo. It should hit plenty hard, and is a good fit for my goals!

Now my questions. The amp recommends 8 guage amp wiring, but I'm thinking of going with 4 guage. 400W is on the high end for 8 guage wire, so maybe this amp will benefit from a little less resistance with 4 guage (or overkill?) I can also upgrade to bigger amp later without rewiring. Is there any problems running 4 guage wire through the RX-8 (fit OK? where do you run your wire?)

I'm tapping into the rear speaker wires to get a signal to the amp. I found this interface adapter, will it work ok?

Stinger SALOC interface adapter
http://www.cardomain.com/item/STISALOC

The box I will build from 3/4 MDF. I want to take up the least space possible, so I'll probably get as close to the .55 ft3 as I can (the smallest recommended by ID). I'm thinking of doing a trianglar shaped box so it will sit in the back corner of the trunk (against the rear seat), with the sub facing into the trunk space at a 45 degree angle. This should help keep the sub out of the way of other items. Has anyone done an enclosure like this? Any problems?

Last question: Will this 400W amp need a capacitor, or would there be any significant benefit to adding one? If so, any recommendations?

I haven't thought much about where the amp will be placed, probably between the sub box and the tire kit. Maybe I'll build some sort of platform for it with rotary emblems extruding through the carpet

Thanks in advance!
mohrt

 

Make sure you can fit that 12 in there if space is a consideration. 1 Good 10" sub will do the job sufficiently. I have an Alpine 5 channel with 1/2farad capacitor and 1 10" Infinity Kappa Perfect 10" sub. Sounds awesome.

 

The trunk space should be tall enough, and I chose this specific subwoofer because it can operate with as little as .55 ft3 of sealed air space. I figured if I can fit a 12" in there, then I may as well get the extra power handling and bass response I'm sure a 10" sounds great too!