Stealthbox

Are they worth the money or should I try to get Mr Marv to build something for me. Thxs.

 

i think the stealthboxes look nicer, only because i do not like to look with the plastics all removed

 

she hasn't been on in a couple of months, but last in knew GreySky72 had one and loved it

 

If price is a deal breaker for the JL stealthbox, you can also try and find the old Scosche box for the second gen Tacoma that slides right in the passenger side rear and swap the sub with a better shallow mount 10".

 

Thxs for the input.

 

Hey Guys, this is my first post here, but I love this forum!

I just purchased the JL Audio Stealthbox and will hopefully take delivery on Wednesday, so I'll be sure to follow up with pics and thoughts after I get it in the truck!

As background, I use to "professionally" install and compete in SQ+ (1-150 class), so sound quality and hard-hitting bass is definitely important to me.

I normally like to fabricate my own enclosures for the pride factor (and to save a few bucks), but don't currently have the time to screw around, so I decided to just spend the bucks. I also didn't want to clutter the interior with a plethora of 2-channel amps and crossovers and sound processors, so I decided to also purchase a new amp. I bought the JL Audio XD600/6 (6-channel Class D amp) to power all my mids and highs as well as the Stealthbox.

The amp: This thing is tiny! It has a smaller footprint (10.23" x 6.65"x) than a sheet of letter size paper and provides 75W RMS per channel. For the mids and highs, this is way more than enough power! Sound is very clear and crisp. For temporary bass, I threw in one of my old bandpass boxes (tuned 38 to 66Hz) running 2 x 12" Lanzar DVC's that I used to compete with. Using channels 5&6 at 2ohm stereo, power output is rated to be 100W RMS per channel. While my old subs really need more power to get the most out of them, this amplifier does do a very good job of producing good controlled bass and decent volumes and SPL. I expect the JL Audio 10's (especially by virtue of being in a sealed enclosure) to be a higher-tuned, tight-hitting bass enclosure. It probably will not "boom", and the SPL levels will be lower than my 12's, but I'll definitely let you know my thoughts!

FOLLOW UP (July 3rd):
OMG! Let me start out by saying get this box!!!

I finally got around to installing the Stealth Box. By virtue of it being a JL Audio box, I definitely expected good tight bass and good sound reproduction. However, by virtue of it being a sealed enclosure with dual 10's, I definitely expected it to under perform in comparison to 2 of my 12 DVC's in a bandpass enclosure. I WAS DEAD WRONG!!!! These dual 10's hit harder that my 12's do in this current configuration! Sound quality is excellent with a good wide spectrum of frequencies! It provides good tight, hard-hitting bass for my rock and drops low and plays the boomy bass of my country, pop, and bass cd's!! I am absolutely thrilled at how this box is performing!!

Just a couple of hints that the install sheets don't talk about:
1. remove the rear seats (as in the rear seat backs)! You only have to take out 6 bolts to remove your rear seat and without doing this, I could not stuff the box down into the space (there is a bolt that you have sticking out 1 1/4" out of the box that secures it to the back wall).
2. before you do this install, use sound-deadening mat on every piece of bare metal possible!!! Yes, this box will shake your panels like you wouldn't believe (especially since you are bolting the box to your back wall)! However, don't waste your money on Dynamat or any of the other "car audio" sound deadening material because it's way overpriced! Just go to your local building supply and ask for "ice and water shield underlayment". It comes in rolls, is the same material as Dynamat, has a self-adhesive side and the opposite side is coated with a silvery material. We discovered this years ago in car audio and tested it against Dynamat and found it worked just as well at 1/3rd the cost!!

OK....hope this helps you out in your decision-making!

 

Hey TnA, any updates on the box? Any pictures of your install???

 

I just installed mine and i LOVE IT. I'm running it off a JL 250/1v2 like they recommend and it sounds great! Install was easy and straight forward

 

Sorry.....I so totally did not take any pictures during the install. If you want, I'll gladly take a photo of the finished product.

As for the box, I'm still very happy w/ it. It provides great sub-bass without sacrificing my cab space. Unfortunately, I've now gotten used to the amount of bass that it produces (I'm only pushing 100 watts) and am considering a larger amplifier.....but don't let that fool you....at 100 watts (50 per speaker), the box will still shake you up in the truck!

Oh....and the sound deadening....an absolute must! There was no way I would be able to enjoy this box w/ all of the back panel rattle that I initially heard. But after the sound deadening, I'm free to crank it up as far as it will go and enjoy getting shook up without having to hear nasty buzzes and rattles.

 

You can run a 500/1 on these all day with no issue and sounds great

 

Hey TNA, have you bought a camera yet?

 

militaco, if you just want to see the JL Stealbox installed check out this thread. It has a couple of good pic's of it.

 

1. I thought the Stealthbox for the double cab was ported, not sealed.
2. That Peel n Seal type stuff is NOT the same as dynamat. Its asphalt based instead of butyl rubber based and the constraining layer of metal is thinner.

 

Hey militaco, sorry to say that I've been a bit absent....sorry for the unintended tease. However, I see hookedontronics has been doing quite a bit of work on his taco (pretty impressive!) and has lots of photos posted of his build. His link is in this thread. Check it out!

DevL, the Stealthbox is a sealed enclosure. As for the Peel N Seal type stuff that you are referring to....yes, the asphalt based version is very common but is not the version that I'm referring to. This is discussed in depth in the threads about sound deadening. I've been using this stuff since 1995 when I used to professionally install and compete in 0-150 SQL+ competitions. I'm a bit out of date and am not personally familiar with the newer materials that people are using....I just know what is tried and true and extremely affordable.


@ hookedontronics (or anyone else who can speak on the matter)....a bit off-topic (and I'll gladly accept a link assist if there is one) but I've been considering getting the factory roof rack rails for my taco but am concerned about the height interfering w/ my after market power sunroof (I like to keep the sunroof popped up). Anyone have any experience or knowledge on this?

 

Here's mine. I love it sounds great and no one knows it's there.