Anyone have experience with JL stealthbox?

I just installed a JL stealthbox with 2-10" Jlw1s in my 2010 double cab tacoma. It is powered by an Alpine MRD-M605 amp.

 

I haven't dealt with the Tacoma stealth box, but I have worked with them in an extended cab early 90's Chevy and a 2003 Ram Quad Cab.

They wanted more boom in the Chevy, so they went to W3's which involved heating up the back wall of the stealth box (plastic older design) with a heat gun and pressing it further back so it was pressed all the way to the floor to clear the W3 magnets and pushing then with a JL 500/1. It was LOUD.

The Dodge one blew out the surround after a couple of years, and a W3 dropped right into it with no mods. That is running off of a Kicker 700.5.
That one sounds really good, but too small of a box for that sub to really show what it can do.

Not sure how a W3 would fit into that enclosure.

 

I have a Stealthbox in my 2010 pushed by a JL J2 500/1 and I'm very happy with it. I had to tweek the EQ and crossover on my head unit to get it the way I wanted it but once I did it sounds great.

 

Do you have an aftermarket head unit? How are the subs wired?

 

Once in a while I hear about someone being disappointed with this item, but the vast majority (including me) is very happy. You've got a great amp to push that sub. It should sound fantastic. Check your install. What gauge wire did you use? Check amp gains and all connections. And you did drill through your back wall and bolt it down as the instructions indicate, right? That will make a difference. Does your HU have a sub output level control? I wouldn't think swapping the drivers out would be a good idea. JL's engineers spent a lot of time finding the best use of that space and the enclosure is designed specifically for those W1s. Nothing much deeper will fit anyway. If you don't find anything, you might try taking it to a reputable shop and have them take a look. My full review on this unit is here: http://www.crutchfield.com/s_13694312/JL-Audio-Stealthbox.html?search=tacoma+stealthbox Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

I thought I knew, but this is strange: JL's website says this box uses the 4 ohm version of the 10W1v2 drivers - making the total load of the stealthbox 2 ohms. http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_stealthbox_detail.php?fit_id=1583

But Crutchfield indicates the 8 ohm version of the same driver is used, making the total load of the stealthbox 4 ohms.
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_13694312/JL-Audio-Stealthbox.html?search=tacoma+stealthbox

Perhaps there are 2 versions floating around out there?

Edit:
OP, if your stealthbox's impedance is 2 ohms, you're getting 600 watts out of your amp. If it's 4 ohms, you're only getting 400 watts. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cP0FxRS2Sax/p_500MRDM605/Alpine-MRD-M605.html

 

For anyone who cares, I just got off the phone with a tech at JL audio. He confirmed that they did indeed use the 8 ohm driver in this stealthbox at one time, but all new ones come with the 4 ohm drivers (total load = 2 ohms). Crutchfield's website is just a little behind on this (called them too and they're updating). The JL tech is researching further, will email me an approximate time when that change was made and I'll post it here, but it's easy enough to test yours yourself with a multimeter to see which one you have.

 

If everything is correctly done, I would assume your head unit is the culprit.

do you have the stock headunit? Time to dump that.

do you have an aftermarket head unit? It's time to see what the preout voltage rating is. If it's around 2V, it's robbing you of a lot of potential.

My old honda had a single 12" single coil with a 5.5 volt head unit
I now have a single 10" dual coil with a 2 volt head unit

It doesn't matter how much I try fiddling with the knobs, I can't get anywhere near my old setup.

 

Just installed one last month, powered by JL 900/5 and the entire back wall is deadened.

Initially, the system lacks mid bass (from the component), that was because i didn't finish doors deadening. Last week, i managed to complete two front doors, and now the entire systems sounds clean and "complete" with the "holes" sealed airtight. No, the Stealthbox won't win you any competition, you won't get the earth shattering, window breaking LOW bass response but i'm more than happy on the outcome. I got a pretty good system, if i turn loudness to 3/4 of the volume, it turns heads.

What i am saying is... it could be mid bass that you are missing from your bass component, hence the system lacks SQ, it may not be the sub.

 

I have one with the recommended jl 250/1 amp. It sounds great and it is really loud when i turn it up. I surprise a lot of people when i tell them it's only running at 250.

Conclusion: JL stealthbox is a bit pricey but fit and finish is perfect, very clean design and it sound great. well worth it IMO, especially if you can find one used and save a few bucks

 

How much cutting is involved, is it a difficult install?

 

Hey I'm going to be replicating rodgers sub box ill let u know

 

Wow this an old thread...I would have expected the JL Audio Stealthbox to have more threads! Anyways, I'm thinking about getting this and wondering what everyone thinks about it. Also, wondering if anyone has suggestions for a good amp to go with it and if I can use it with the stock system! Because of money I'd like to just get the amp and stealthbox. I do not have the JBL system either. Thanks for the help in advance everyone!

If anyone has a good self installation guide out there that they want to share I'd definitely appreciate it!

 

I would look for any amp putting out between 300-400w RMS at 2 ohms. In this case a basic mono amp like the Alpine MRP- M500 would run you around $200 and provide plenty of power.
Also, if you were to go with a custom built box for a single 8 or 10 from Mr. Marv you might be able to afford upgrading your speakers AND running a 4 or 5 channel amp to power your whole system. For what you would be spending on just the Stealthbox you could end up with a completely updated system.

Just some food for thought.

 

What ever you need Lmk .... I'll get it for u for cheaper. I work for online car stereo

 

JStradaXR - Really appreciate the help, definitely will get in touch when I get closer to making a decision!

XJBaylor - Do you have any suggestions in terms of stereo system upgrades? Speakers, Amp, Sub? I am absolutely clueless about stereo components when it comes down to it. I dont want some outrageous system, saw the stealthbox and how it fit behind the seat, out of the way and have always wanted to get one. Any other suggestions would be awesome! Also, would like to keep the stock head unit if possible (just do speaker/amp/sub upgrade). Thanks again for the help

 

Anyone that pays 700 bucks for 2 100 dollar subs and some wood is outta their mind, what a ripoff

 

Sad thing is they pay for it.

 

It really is unfortunate for a lot of people...at least I was smart enough to come to TW to look for some great advice from you all!

 

Its plexi, not wood.
The subs arnt that shitty, they do their job well
Id rather have a box I know fits perfectly than a custom box I hop fits.

just sayin