[Closed] To sub or not to sub(woofer) in a vehicle

I recently upgraded the tape player/fm radio in my Leyland DAF (seriously). I wanted bluetooth and I wanted to be able to hear it, as the engine is incredibly loud!

I got a Pioneer head unit and then put in a 2 way Focal polyglass system I had from my old MX5 (6.5" woofers in the doors, passive crossovers and dome tweeters up on the dash). It was good, but struggling a little with the engine noise (it's really bad - you can't talk to the passenger on the motorway).

So I hooked up a Kenwood powered under-seat 150W sub I also had in the cupboard from the MX5 and it's made a huge difference. Mostly as it takes the high energy bass frequencies away from the inbuilt amp and door speakers.

I've always put subs in when upgrading the car stereo. Even a small one makes a difference.

FWIW, two layers of thick acoustic foam around the engine bay didn't make much difference to the engine noise in the cab. According to my pal, his daughter can tell when I'm coming round in the van as she can hear the engine from two streets away - so the noise is pretty intense!

It may have all changed, but as a younger man into drum and bass, had a few subs in the car, the only issue was that being such a small space, they tended to overwhelm instead of compliment, a well set up home sub in a decent size room, compliments the music or sound from TV. But it isn't all you want to hear. But then that is from 20 years ago, i am guessing they are more refined now...

If professional installer doing it, do they have a demo set up?

If space isn't an issue and cost isn't an issue, then sure why not get one?
I stuck a Blaupunkt powered sub (the speaker box had the amp etc. built into it) into a car years ago. It was great. I tried to keep it at a level where it enhanced the music without waking the neighbours.

I was going to mention it perhaps making a van boom and resonate, but if you are having it lined & insulated this shouldn't be a problem.

I would but I love drum n bass, breakbeat and hip hop etc. You don't have to go full teenage scally Nova with it presumably.

My XC90 and had a factory sub as does the current car - sound great, but I have no idea if a van is different to a car in terms of acoustics.

I would say that in a van, it's easy to install and place a sub. As already mentioned, the challenge is to not overwhelm the acoustics given it's such a large space - unless you are separated from the rear?

The main reason for a sub is not to throw huge bass out, but to separate out the different frequencies that a speaker has to try and output. Often the standard speakers are standard 1 way - no matter how big they are (often 6x9 in a van), they have to try and deliver low and highs from one driver. Irregardless of how good it is, you'll always have a muddy sound.

If you look to put co-axials in the door, you're not needing to run components in, so that's your first thing to consider - a co-axial will deliver a tweeter AND a mid - leaving your sub to be driving the lows.

The next thing is to consider the head unit - presume you'll need to run an amp? Would expect the standard head unit will be integrated so won't have a sub out - so you'll be needing some way to split the signals (which is usually an amp) - if you're using an aftermarket headunit, pay attention to the impendance output - pairing the output to the speakers correctly is important.

Either way, investment here ALWAYS pays off. I have a 2011 BMW 5 series and that came with the base sound system which was shite - 4 x 1 way speakers and two subs under the seats. No real amping at all as it was done by the OEM head unit. After upgrading the rear speakers to co-axials (they're in the roof at the back, so no components), fronts to components (only 4" so limited on what I can do) and then replacing the 8" subs with beefier, lower ohm versions, and then an inline plug and play amplifier (also slotted in a Apple Carplay upgrade and reversing camera also).

Instantly the sound stage and power was hugely improved - and the bass far FAR deeper. Probably cost about £700 but it makes listening to music something I really enjoy in the car now.

Do it if you can.

If you can spare some space under the front seats (don't need it for leisure battery, diesel heater etc) then I would, you can get some neat units designed to go under there. It's not so much about booming bass but they do help fill out the lower end nicely.

I got this one second hand for £40 or so: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-KSC-SW01-Active-Underseat-Subwoofer/dp/B002U0RSZ8

You can either feed it an RCA/phono signal or tap into the speaker wiring. Pretty simple to set up!

I have a Defender (so pretty comparable acoustics to a van!). The factory speakers were awful.

I fitted some Focal mids and tweeters which made a difference to clarity, but the Alpine sub made the biggest single difference to the overall sound. I will admit it does sound overwhelming and a bit 'boy racer 1990 Corsa' when you are stationary and depending on the mix of the input, but the difference at speed with all of the other background noise is amazing. Home audio has to deal with so much less variability in background noise that making a decision based on that vs in-car is like chalk and cheese.

In your situation I would definitely consider one, but go for one with controls close at hand to dial down the drum'n'bass in different situations.

As above depends how its done. If you're planning to fill the boot with 18" drivers and make your neighbours windows rattle (and your vehicle to shake to bits), then you can do one (and it'll probably sound awful too)

On the other hand, my 3-series came with a pair (maybe 6"?) of OEM ones installed under the front seats. They integrate nicely and aren't noticeable as "separate speakers", but do add noticeable grunt/depth.

Cheers one and all, I'll have a chat with the guys tonight.

It is a small woofer type affair as the one he showed me fit in the boot/wheel arch gap (boxed in).

I was concerned i'd be that knob at the lights with the big bowel inducing 'HUUUUD' but if it makes for a better/clearer sound without the knob bit, all good.

Not thought about putting it under the drivers seat. No plans to convert to a camper so that space is free. Would I always have the feeling I need a poo with all that base at my back door?

I've only had one car with a sub and it was a small one under the seat. It wasn't characterised by booming bass but it was the highest quality music and speech I've ever heard in a car. It was also a fairly quiet car not a van.

A sensibly sized sub can add some real depth to the sound. I would also recommend some sound deadening material in the doors - especially if they have never previously had speakers fitted.

If you have an additional amplifier between tue head unit and the speakers I would recommend a separate bass control so you can turn it up or down depending on what you are listening to.

Just so happens I was looking at this yesterday...

I have a new VW van coming in March, so I was perusing the dealer extras to see what tickled my fancy. There's a sub option, fitted under the passenger seat. It's a Kenwood unit, with a wired remote to adjust levels.
Should be plug and play if you are fitting to a recent VW.
https://www.kenwood.eu/car/speakers/subwoofers/KSC-PSW8/

A subtle sub in a car is a wonderful thing. Do it, you won't regret it.

I had a fantastic one in my Cavalier many moons ago, but I got rid of it as hearing damage was becoming inevitable....So addictive!

Decent speakers won't need a sub unless you're after something to shake your car to pieces. I used to just have an aftermarket head unit and 6x9's and they were plenty. You might require an amp if you're leaving the current head unit as they tend to have rubbish output in OEM form

My car is noisy and the regular drivers small - 5 1/2"

My sub definitely helps with volume and clarity.

My 20 year old car has a factory sub (premium audio) and it's great. MrsF's car doesn't but sounds fine. Might be worth it in a van though, just to remove the "tinny-ness" !

Ah wow, i loved having amps and subs in my car! To be fair was about 20years ago now but yes i was one of those with the pug 205 and 12" subs in the boot! Oh man i loved that set up. Gave up after the set up all got stolen for the second time.
If i was doing it now dont think i would have a boot full of Subs, it would deafen the kids lol, just go for the one.

Decent speakers won’t need a sub unless you’re after something to shake your car to pieces.

I disagree. My current car has decent enough speakers (Mix of Audison Voce and Prima) coupled with a reasonable amplifier (Audison Prima AP8.9). With the sub Audison 10” - can’t recall the model) turned off - the sound is still clear and tuneful, but it does lack a little depth. The sub really addresses that.

Cheers all, the little voice in my head is saying go for it.

You'll no doubt all hear me approach the Jenn ride camping field this year from down the valley.

I don't know what makes the difference but I only had a head unit and speakers in my first car and it had plenty of bass, especially for the questionable dubstep I was probably listening to at the time.... A friend had a sub and it literally shook the insides of me, it was way too much. You may be limited about the size of speakers you can fit if they're replacement door speakers, mine were cut into the parcel shelf.