Underseat amplified subwoofers

[Kev78]

Are any of the underseat subs worth the money?

I’ve looked at the more expensive ones online (rainbow, phoenix gold etc). But I get the impression most are made by cheap Chinese companies and just have the expensive logo.

If I had room for a bigger enclosure I’d get one, but it’s for a pick up.

The system really lacks low end bass.

Thanks

[anonymous-user]

Yes!

I have a TVR with 8" subs in the rear and competition speakers in the front, and still , no bass. Due to it being convertible.

So I put a Kenwood KSC-SW11 under / behind the driver seat and it is superb. A proper kick in the back. Adds very good bass. Never going to compare with a proper sub but it is still excellent.

[Kev78]

The Kenwood seems to get good reviews.

I’m not sure Phoenix gold are what they used to be in the 90’s.

I might go for 2.

[gmaz]

Yes, I had a pioneer one that really helped. Even an upgraded JVC/Infinity setup wasn't able to overcome the low end blub-blub-blub of my Scooby but the underseat sub was excellent.

[aquarianone]

I've also got the Kenwood, in the Z4. (along with uprated Speakers, HU / amp)

Its decent enough, as long as you're not expecting deeeeep sub bass...cause it's not gonna happen to the same degree as a proper sub.

It's cheap and punchy and fills in the low end

[Kev78]

I’m thinking of going for 2 of the Phoenix gold subs I posted earlier in the thread.

Can’t find many reviews but they are 150w rms. seems like Phoenix gold aren’t what they once were though.

[OldGermanHeaps]

Is there space behind the seats? The kicker comp rt pickup boxes with the passive radiator perform really well, they go much deeper than the usual small driver ported underseat units.

[Kev78]

There is but I’m not sure how they come down.

The bench of the rear seat lifts up to create extra cab storage space.

I was looking at the JL boxes that are just over 5” deep.

[broncoupe]

You are right most of these products come from PRC, and are just a branding exercise
Still results can be good but do vary dramatically car to car
I have had good results with 8" subs but points to watch if the subs are free air,
Really good mounting say MDF panel to brace fibreglass
plenty of sound deadening and attention to air leaks
Usually a powerful amp with a good damping factor
People under estimate the importance of good clean power
Also spend some time tweaking the above comments to your front setup, you will be surprised how much extra Bass you can find