3rd gen jbl subwoofer opinions?

Looking at the Polk Audio db 842 and mm1 since I've heard mostly good about these 2. But wondering how different they are in performance since one is a good amount cheaper than the other. Also, has anyone tried a CT sounds hydro 8?

 

Eazy, I spent weeks looking at replacment subs. I narrowed it down to 2 based off of reviews found online of people that have put them in a Tacoma. It was the 8" Pioneer TS-A2000LD2 or the

$170 Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 8" Dual 2-Ohm Punch Series Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8. I went with the Pioneer. The main reason was because people had said that the mounting holes lined up with the factory holes. I can confirm, they do. Is it louder than the factory JBL sub? No. Does it have more impact? Yes... if that makes sense.

 

I heard mostly about the Polk Audio subs. Didn't hear much about these 2

 

Thanks for this info. I mainly only read about the two replacement subs you mentioned (Pioneer and Rockford Fosgate). I like the idea of reusing the factory sub mounting holes with the Pioneer, but I'm leaning toward the Rockford Fosgate because it appears to be the more popular choice and might hit a little lower in frequency than the Pioneer?

You said the Pioneer has more impact than the factory JBL sub... Does it sound any cleaner? Does it hit any lower in frequency than the factory sub?

 

I can't say that it's any cleaner, or hits lower than the factory sub. It does add a bit more to songs with bass/drums. I replaced all of the speakers though. My opinion (and Eazy if you're reading this) the single best thing you can do is replace those dash speakers first. I put in Audio Frog GS25s. I wish I'd of done that years ago.

 

Get a real enclosure & amp, vs a bandaid....

 

In case it's helpful for anyone else, I was also shopping subs and went to another forum for some help: https://www.diymobileaudio.com/threads/help-me-pick-an-8-subwoofer.456113/

Seemed the clear winner was the IDQS. Which wasn't a surprise. I ended up buying one but my project got derailed before I could start the install. Then I found a deal on a stealthbox (without sub). I jumped on that figuring it'd be a better box than stock. But then I realized the 10TW3 which normally comes in the box is a specific shape and also very expensive. Currently looking for a cheap 10TW3 to put in that box but haven't had much luck. I'd like to get back on this project but unfortunately it'll probably be another year till I have time to come back around to it.

 

I know you haven't tested this yet, but I would love to get any feedback on the Image Dynamics IDQS8 installed in the factory JBL subwoofer enclosure.

I've had my eye on this sub as well, but haven't found any write-ups on the Tacoma or 4Runner forums where someone installed a IDQS8 in the factory JBL subwoofer box, running off the factory JBL amp. I'm guessing the factory JBL amp might not be able to drive this sub, but I'd be happy with any improvement in sound quality and lower frequency extension.

On a side note, I'm curious if my BeatSonic Encore Amp would help with driving any of these aftermarket sub options as it already made a noticeable difference in loudness (and clarity) with the factory JBL sub.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have plans to use that sub anymore for the Tacoma. I guess there's a slight chance it'd happen but more than likely I've just gone in a different direction. Also, I never planned to run it off the factory amp, I have a Kenwood I was going to use to power my front components and sub. I doubt the factory amp would do a very good job pushing this sub.

Where in CA are you? If you're local I wouldn't mind getting together and letting you throw it into your truck to test out real quick.

 

Makes sense. I'm also doubting the factory amp could push an IDQS8, but it would be interesting to give it a try. I appreciate the offer!...but I'm not local. I'm about 3.5 hours north of you in San Luis Obispo. I haven't swapped my factory sub yet, so I would need to plan ahead with the harness adapters and some tools. Maybe one day in the future, if i'm down in the LA area.

For me, it's now between the

$170 Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 8" Dual 2-Ohm Punch Series Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

Rockford Fosgate P3SD2-8 and the Image Dynamics IDQS8.

If the OP ends up with a Polk or CT Sounds sub, I'm also very interested to hear the results.

 

I don't know if you read thru that link I posted but those audiophiles seemed to think the RF was a terrible decision for use in the factory box. Admittedly most of what they said went over my head though. And maybe I also wouldn't be able to tell by listening?

 

using any sub on the factory shoebox is a waste of time...

 

Thanks! I haven't read through the full thread on diymobileaudio, but sometimes I have a tough time listening to all of the "armchair experts" who claim something is bad just because the specs don't look good on paper, especially when they've never tried it for themselves. Half a dozen people tried to talk me out the BeatSonic Encore amplifier for my factory JBL system because it doesn't make sense on paper (ie: how do you amplify an amplifier when the factory amp supposedly puts out more power than the new aftermarket amp?). In the end, I bought it anyways after reading the overwhelming number of positive reviews, and found out for myself that it makes a very noticeable difference.

I'm not disagreeing with the hard data and specs posted on diymobileaudio, but my guess is little to none of the naysayers on there have actually listened to those subs installed in the factory JBL box. For every bad thing I've read about the

$170 P3SD2-8 8" Dual 2-Ohm Punch Series Shallow Mount Car Subwoofer

P3SD2-8 in the factory box, I've seen 5+ positive recommendations on this forum and on Crutchfield. My expectations are in check - I know a cheapo $200 sub in the factory JBL shoebox is never going to sound like a $1,300 Focal Utopia sub in a proper enclosure. I'm only looking for a modest, but noticeable, increase in sound quality...not a competition-winning system.

 

Replacing my factory sub with this Hertz.