Recommendation for Budget Car Subwoofer

hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 10:42

Hi everyone, now with the Supercheap auto sale going on, I'm looking for a budget but good (oxymoron I know) 10 in (or more if possible) subwoofer which gives the same amount of bass as my Logitech Z623 PC sub. I know they're completely different things, but I don't need high quality bass, just in line with the Logitech unit.I know nothing about cars or audio so don't want to get ripped off by a salesperson there.

Don't worry I'm not going to be the hole who cruises down the street blasting loud glass shattering music in the middle of the night. We're very concious of others and am looking to add a little bass to our music. Currently have a Corolla sedan 2010.

Am planning to keep our factory speakers as am happy with their quality.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Automotive Car Audio Subwoofer

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 10:45
    +2

    Unless you're getting a new amp as well, you'll need to know the specs of your current sub and current amp. Impedance and power mostly. Also - unless you're wanting to also put in a box, you'll need to know the mounting dimensions and other specs of the current set up (depth, whether it's open box (?) etc).

    I know nothing about cars or audio so don't want to get ripped off by a salesperson there.

    It's probably better to be ripped off by a salesperson than to spend money on a sub that won't fit your car at all. Also you'll probably need someone to install it for you if you really know nothing about car audio. Go into Supercheap Auto, let them have a look at your car, recommend a sub, and also fit and install the sub for you.

    • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 11:05

      I was considering this all in one unit:
      https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/pioneer-active-slim-line…

      If I'm getting a separate amp and sub, then I plan to install the latter in the boot. Closed box is good.

      • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 11:07

        How much is the slimline one? I generally wouldn't recommend something like that unless you're really out of options, because… well… you can only get so much out of something with those dimensions. Plus you tend to pay a slight premium for the form factor and convenience.

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 11:11

          Oh okay, I shall get a separate sub and amp then. It's $239 after 20% off. I was told to avoid Sony at all costs when purchasing my head unit last year. That only leaves us with Pioneer and Kenwood - I find that Autobarn has more choices.

        • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 11:13

          @hexapling:

          It's $239 after 20% off.

          Ah. Yeah, that's quite the premium. You can get a far better sub and amp for that money. Only problem is that unless you know someone, getting the custom box for the boot tends to be expensive too, plus the install. Still - you'll get far better results.

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 11:17

          What about this:
          https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/pioneer-12-subwoofer-in-…

          It's in the box all ready to go.

          Chuck in this amp and it should be good?

          https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/pioneer-2-channel-amplif…

          Also can I keep my stock factory speakers? Not too fused about the tweets.

        • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 11:20

          @hexapling: Yeah, adding a sub won't affect your speakers, that's fine. Talk to the Supercheap auto people about compatibility between the sub and the amp - all my knowledge comes from research for adding my own sub, and I chose one that was compatible with the car's existing amp so I'm not as aware of the requirements for if you're putting in a separate amp.

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 12:10

          Will do! Many thanks for all your help. Oh and do you know of any good dashcams for front and back of the car recordings?

        • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 12:12

          @hexapling: No worries - I've gotten a lot of good advice from OzB so I'm glad I get the chance to give back. There was a recent deal on a front+rear dashcam…

          Edit:

          https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/404566

          Blueskysea Mini 0906 GPS Dual Dash Cam Capacitor 1080P Rear View Backup Camera $144.49 Delivered @ Baiklov Amazon AU

          Read the thread though, apparently can be had for cheaper, e.g.

          The price posted isn't a bargain. Get it from eBay with PLUG5 code for $141.16:
          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/152691639118

          or

          Get the package with hardwire kit for $154.23 with PLUG5 Ebay Code:
          https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232719190260

          AND

          If you buy a $100 ebay gift card for $90 using the current ebay deal (PGIFT10), then you could get a further discount.

          (All credit to lplau)

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 12:16

          3 negs…what about this:

          https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/gator-1080p-barrel-dash-…

          Is it powered by the car battery or cigarette lighter?

        • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 12:22

          @hexapling:

          Negs are because the price isn't that good, see the eBay links haha.

          Can be wired both ways, but will need a separate 'hardwire kit' if you want to plug it into a fuse (don't plug directly into battery haha).

          Though I don't know about gator brand - I'm not sure they're much (if at all) better than fairly generic ones, don't see many reviews for them. For that money (for a 1-way dashcam), you might as well put down a bit more and get an actual name-brand (e.g. Blackvue).

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 12:25

          lol, I don't know what you just said about the fuse/battery, but I'll be sending it off to be installed by a pro.

          Thank you for all your advice. My wallet is angry now :(

        • HighAndDry on 24/09/2018 - 12:26

          @hexapling: Hahahaha pass on my apologies to your wallet. Yeah - if you're getting it wired in any way but just through the 12V ciggy port, getting a pro is probably a good idea.

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 12:32

          Will check with the installer. Cheers!

  • Findo on 24/09/2018 - 14:31

    Dynamat makes a huge difference to how your car audio sounds. I’ve put dynamat in my boot and all four doors, and now the bass is much less boomy and no one can hear much outside the car. My neighbours don’t get as pissed off either.

    • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 18:54

      Yeah, that's not my worry - I have very sensitive hearing and hear things that others don't. For that reason, all my music is played at the lowest possible volume. Some have even commented they cannot hear the song…

  • dcep on 24/09/2018 - 15:12

    i would just cutout the rear parcel shelf to chuck in a pair of 6x9 and be done with it.

    forget about the sub, already got enough bass from 6x9s

    • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 18:55

      So leave everything as is and just change the 2 rears to 6x9s? Any particular brand that balances budget and quality?

      • Euphemistic on 24/09/2018 - 19:13

        Yeah switching out factory speakers can make an improvement in bass. Factory speakers are generally budget at best, and getting some 2 or 3 way speakers can help, especially if you are going for quality over volume. Just adding a budget sub might make it a bit boomy

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 20:27

          And with 3 way speakers I won't need to get an amp thus saving $$? Should I go with component? Don't really care about the high frequencies, just want the lows.

      • dcep on 24/09/2018 - 20:36
        +1

        https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Alpine-SPS-619G-6x9-Car-Speakers…

        $116 after PHOME20 code

        this 1 can run off factory HU , just plug n'play , can skimp on amp if you're tight, so just straight swap the speakers no need anything else, your factory HU will drive it well as this pair runs on lower rms than others

        i think you can get 6x9 adapter bracket for corolla 2010 from ebay, so no need hack/drill

        • hexapling on 24/09/2018 - 21:19

          Awesome! so this is for the rear 2 speakers. What about the 6.5 fronts and the tweets? Can I leave them as is?

        • Findo on 24/09/2018 - 23:15

          @hexapling: usually people switch out their front speakers first, then go to the rear parcel shelf speakers. If all you’re doing is looking for more lows, whack a sub in, it’ll be much easier than taking half your car apart.

        • Euphemistic on 25/09/2018 - 06:49

          @Findo: also what music are you Listening to? Dance music benefits the most from a sub, other types not so much.

        • hexapling on 25/09/2018 - 08:56

          Most of it's '80s pop with a couple of '90s eurodance and a few '80s rock tracks.

  • Micko179 on 25/09/2018 - 09:10

    Budget Sub options:

    1 get a cardboard box & write 'doof doof' on it or if you're willing to spend a bit more…

    2 get a 12" sub & sit it in a 20 litre bucket!

    • hexapling on 25/09/2018 - 09:16

      1 sounds perfect! I'm considering between a loaded or sealed…what type of duck or chicken tape to use for the latter to ensure maximum bass?

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