More JBL MS-8 Questions

So...even with the mixed reviews it has received I bought an JBL MS-8. I found a deal on the bay that was too good to pass up so I decided to give it a try. It "seems" like the perfect solution for me, as my ear is pretty discerning, but my desire to tune for hours is non-existent. Hopefully this will help me get the most out of the stock tweeter locations so that the spending on the car can stop for a while. Hopefully I will have a better experience than Steven did.

My questions focus on setup. Obviously it is beneficial to run active with the MS-8. Currently my MRX-V60 is powering my front stage through passive crossovers with 4 channels bridged. I will be using the MS-8 to power the rear fill, as I have heard the MS-8 can do some pretty impressive things with rear fill, and I have people in the back seats quite often.

Should I run the front tweeters off of the MRX-V60 or the MS-8? I know they don't demand much power, but I don't want them under-powered either. However, I hate to "steal" that headroom from the front midbass.

Also, for those that have used one (Steven?) do you have any advice before I get started with the install? Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think running the tweeters on the MS8 should be more than fine. What midbass drivers are you running again?

My suggestion to you would be to run a single set of RCA's back to the MS8. I originally intended to run 3 sets but then realized there was no point since the MS8 does all the work anyway.

I was running the MS8 with 8gauge wire and it was fine. I wouldn't go overkill on what you run to it. I'd make sure you can easily get to the spot where you mount the mic. You'll be plugging it in a lot.

Lastly, I would think about a mounting point for the little screen but DO NOT mount it until you are satisfied with the unit.

 

Thanks for the input Steven. I am currently running the Eclipse SC6900 component set, though the tweeters may be replaced soon if the MS8 doesn't help...a lot. I am planning on the single set of RCA's, and have ordered another 2 sets to run to my amp.

As for the installation, I am planning to install it under the passengers seat. From your old pictures it looks like you did the same thing. Did you remove the air conditioner ducting from under the seat when you did your install?

 

I have never found a speaker that didnt like more power, but never found a tweet that didnt get stupid loud on 15w...

I would err on the side of midbass power.

 

Exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks!

 

Yeah I removed the vent duct. It actually comes apart in two pieces. There's quite the snake of ducting under the carpet in the food well and what you see under the seat is more like an extension on the end. It just sort of slides off the end. I think I actually cut mine on the table saw to make it a little shorter so it would clear just enough.

 

That is what I was hoping to do on the passenger side as well. I was curious where you terminated it, thanks for the details.

 

Same place, just made it shorter.