Hideaway subwoofer

Looks interesting. Would love to see a write up on this post installation.

 

Definitely keep the tweeters and go with component speakers up front. It creates a much more appealing sound image and clearer highs.

Also if you're going through the trouble of installing a new HU, new speakers, etc... I highly suggest you sound deaden the front doors (at a very minimum). Your door panel will be removed for the speaker install, spend the extra money and time and do it right with the sound deadener.

I would also amplify the speakers. An appropriate amp will really push the speakers perfectly and make it sound much better.

I figure if you're in the market for better sound, just do it right. And read: that doesn't mean it has to be crazy expensive.

Just my $0.02

 

thanks for the input, I will take the tweeter thing into consideration! any wallet friendly recommendation for speakers/tweeters/amps or specific things to look for? I already have installed a new HU last summer and do plan on sound deadening. like u said, doors are off anyways. I will be doing the entire cab, maybe not the roof but we will see hahaha how would I wire an amp to power the speakers? must I run new wires to everything from the amp? I don't remember what outputs my HU has but would I need RCA to amp? cuz I will already by running some to my hideaway.

 

This is my entire set up. Sounds amazing.

 

Run a power lead (usually 2 ga) with an appropriate inline fuse from the battery into the cab. I went through the driver's side grommet on the firewall, behind the kick panel, under the kick plate, under the carpet to under my driver's seat. I ran the power lead into a distribution block so I could split the power to run to the amp (under my driver's seat) then under the carpet to the powered subwoofer which is under my passenger seat. I used a negative distribution block to run the ground to the closest seat bolt and then again under the carpet to the powered subwoofer under the passenger seat.

From the HU you need to run the RCAs to the amp for the speaker signal. You also need to run the remote wire that turns the amp on with the ignition. From the amp run new quality speaker wire to each of your speakers.

For speakers I am running the Polk Audio 6.5 slim mount in both the front and rear. I still kick myself for not running components up front but I would have had to either buy 4runner sail panels or cut a hole in my door panel to mount the tweeters.

 

Where did you mount your speaker amp?

Edit: just re-read that, so is the amp under your driver's seat for your speakers or for your sub?

 

subbed

 

The amp powers the speakers only. These little compact subwoofers are powered with their own internal amp. All you have to do is run a lead to it and ground it.

 

I had that type setup and it gives you just a little bass but not much, I went this route and get a lot of bass, but if you want under the seat it works ok

 

The gain is not a volume knob.

The gain is used to match the voltage. The noise you hear when you crank it up is not it getting louder, it's the amplifier clipping aka burning itself and the subwoofer.

Do some research. All you need is a basic DMM to properly set the gain. All you are doing is setting the input voltage.

 

I am well aware.

 

That is a great sub. I had the same one, but the solo baric, square one, in my old Tacoma and it hit hard! I just didn't like that it took up one of my seats in the back. But it sounded amazing!

 

My amp is under the drivers seat.

 

I still plan to try and put two 6.5 subwoofer/midwoofer in the rear panels and power them with a amp from under the seat. I have to many projects going on right now to do it. I want to do the complete install at one time including sound deadening. I have to admit, this thread has made me consider just throwing one of these under the seat.

 

I have one of these in my Ext Cab. It sounds really good I think. Especially considering the price. I got mine off of Jet.com for around $100.

 

Looking to the

$270 11HS8 Kicker Hideaway Powered Enclosure HS8 - Used Acceptable

11HS8 but seeing over 900 refurbished units sold on flea bay from one seller alone went with Amazon and 4 year warranty for $10.
What's breaking or are they returns ?

 

I threw in a pair of these GTO638 speakers. Great sound with highs and lows! I had to install a small amp to push them, but well worth it. I can drive down the highway with my windows down turn up the music and hear everything clearly with 0 distortion. For the price, they are amazing with great bass as well. I am looking to upgrade the hideaway sub as well. Mine is an older Kenwood KSC-SW10 and it doesn't like to be turned up past 1/2 volume.

Subd!

https://www.harmanaudio.com/jbl/GTO638_.html

 

I would go with a combination of heat from installing them in hidey holes with no ventilation, and abuse from people cranking them up and trying to get more bass from such a small speaker. Or maybe they have some deal with Kicker or Kicker's insurance so they get *all* of their open box returns, whether they have been installed or not, test them, and if they test good, just label them as 'refurbished', and if they don't test good, actually refurbish them.