Overall I think the upgraded audio system in the G8 is pretty good. The subs in the rear deck leave something to be desired. I have turned up the amplifier gain and they are more noticeable now but too "boomy" and "loose" for my tastes.

I like tight bass, I like to hear and feel the drum kick. I do not want something that will rattle windows and wake the neighbors.

My intent is to give up as little trunk space (if any) as possible and spend as little as possible. I just want a little more than the factory system is capable of producing.

I am exploring my options and have come up with the following:


10" Pioneer sub in a medium sized band-pass box run by a 200w amp that I already have. I am not sure if I want it taking up the trunk space and to drive it properly I really need a better amp. $$
Replace the OEM subs with something aftermarket. I don't know how much power the OEM amp puts out and if replacing just the speakers would really be much of an improvement. $
Add an Infinity Basslink to the system. Big sound while being a relatively small "all-in-one" unit. $$$
Utilize the space on the passenger side of the trunk behind the wheel well and make a "molded" sealed enclosure for my existing 10 and 200w amp. $ + time.What do you think?

I'd look at something like the new slim JL Audio subs. Memphis has one too. You could do just one, or heck even 2, but have a real sealed skinny box, low cf, and it won't take up too much trunk space. Your 200 watt amp would handle 1 just fine.

10" Pioneer sub in a medium sized band-pass box

If you want tight bass, maybe you should look at a sealed box instead. If you are concerned that the output will be inadequate, go ported.

My intent is to give up as little trunk space (if any) as possible

So is mine...I am giving up NO trunk space at all. My plan is to replace the stock 8's with Boston Acoustic's G108's. These may not be ideal for infinite baffle application, but therein is the compromise. I'll let you guys know how it turned out.

Would it be worth it to try and build a box under the package tray in order to save trunk space? and in return you could run a nicer 8" sub that doesn't have to be Free-Air??? or do you guys think it would rattle to much?

If you've got a GT with no spare, that well is HUGE! I think there's a few spare tire well sub boxes already out there. Get one of those and drop it in there. NO loss of trunk space and lots of room for a good sized enclosure for a 10 or 12" sub.

I guess I should have been more clear.

I already have the band-pass box, 10" sub, and amp in item 1. The box is bigger than I would like and to power it properly I need a better amp.

Replacing the OEM subs with something else would be ideal but I have no direct experience with free air subs so was hoping for some input.

A sealed box would be better suited to my app which is why I am considering it, see 4.

I thought about the spare well but there is the pump and things in there and leaving them there doesn't leave much space for a sub.

I appreciate the input, please keep it coming.

As for the spare well, it's just a huge chunk of foam. The compressor/sealer is quite small and could easily be tucked away somewhere else, maybe even the glove box since that's huge too. I didn't look to see if the center hold down is removable or not since that sticks up from the bottom quite a bit. There's nothing else in that big chunk of foam. It's just there taking up space.

I haven't looked that closely at the spare well other than to stuff a moving blanket (in case I need to cover the seats) and some bungee cords down there. If the pump really isn't that big then it might be the perfect option.

I was expecting something huge with the size of that foam. So I pulled it out only to find a small compressor deal and nothing else.

Has anyone tried using these Boston Acoustic G108's yet? 8" inch subs
And have any luck?

http://www.audiojunkies.com/blog/527/new-boston-acoustics-g108-subwoofer



Also, I think there was a person or two, that possibly tried Infinity free air subs......
Can anyone chime in?




...

Has anyone tried using these Boston Acoustic G108's yet? 8" inch subs And have any luck?

My plan is to replace the stock 8's with Boston Acoustic's G108's. These may not be ideal for infinite baffle application, but therein is the compromise.

The BA 8's have now been delivered, just need the time to install them - want to sound-dampen and seal the parcel shelf first. Again, these subs have only 0.67 Qts, a bit low for free-air application, but...I''m going for it anyway. :boink:

I was thinking about building a custom enclosure(i am a woodworker)for the existing sub setup-obviously swapping them and adding an amp,but as it is,they rattle the rear deck with only the gain turned up so I cant imagine what it would be like with a couple hundred watts!!

I decided to add a dual 10" box,amp and re-q...installing soon

I am thinking about putting two 12" Alpine Type-E subs in an enclosed box with a Alpine M650 Mono Amp in the G8. I had it in my other car but debating about putting it in the G8, becuz there is no way to turn it off via the factory stereo.

No one's suggesting Rockford Foagate? I have a pair of pro dvc's I bought back in 98 and they still are perfect.

I would also suggest a signal processor, such as the Audio Control EQX for easy install.

I am thinking about putting two 12" Alpine Type-E subs in an enclosed box with a Alpine M650 Mono Amp in the G8. I had it in my other car but debating about putting it in the G8, becuz there is no way to turn it off via the factory stereo.

Run your remote to a + speaker terminal. Not the best, but works.

can you put two 8 inch sub's in place of the one's that are in the rear deck? Or do you NEED a box with after market subs

You need to find free air or infinite baffle subs to put in the rear deck. Normal subs are designed for an enclosure of a certain size depending on the sub.

No one's suggesting Rockford Foagate? I have a pair of pro dvc's I bought back in 98 and they still are perfect.

I would also suggest a signal processor, such as the Audio Control EQX for easy install.
I use to be a rockford guy, but i went through too many subs. If you don't buy high end subs by rockford then your doomed. I use to work at Best Buy in the car audio dept. and I have seen a lot of rockford subs come back blown as well. They use plastic and foam to constuct many of there subs, where alpine use kevlar and rubber. But rockford does make some great amps.

Run your remote to a + speaker terminal. Not the best, but works.
so you are saying run the remote and power wire from the + battery terminal?

No, you just need something with some juice to turn on your amp. You can use a speaker wire (+) to make that happen.

If you run the remote to the battery, it will drain it quick.

Best thing for you todo is find the radio fuse and run the remote wire to it.

Avoid running the remote to the seat heaters, onstar and other added electronics.

you do NOT have to run a wire from the radio-go to any good car stereo supplier/installer and purchase a current sensing relay switch.it hooks up to the battery and to your speaker wires-when music is on,so is your sub!!!

the sony xplode amp i bought has it built in

relay is 20 bucks

No one's suggesting Rockford Foagate? I have a pair of pro dvc's I bought back in 98 and they still are perfect.

I would also suggest a signal processor, such as the Audio Control EQX for easy install.

I plan on putting my 12" 1000W Rockford Fosgate P3 in the G8 once I get it.... :wink2:

you do NOT have to run a wire from the radio-go to any good car stereo supplier/installer and purchase a current sensing relay switch.it hooks up to the battery and to your speaker wires-when music is on,so is your sub!!!

the sony xplode amp i bought has it built in

relay is 20 bucks

Thanks for the info :thumbsup:

The BA 8's have now been delivered, just need the time to install them - want to sound-dampen and seal the parcel shelf first. Again, these subs have only 0.67 Qts, a bit low for free-air application, but...I''m going for it anyway. :boink:

Any progress?

I have actually been getting more used to the the OEM subs with the gain turned up to ~75%. They aren't so bad for free (minus the $30,000 car :) ).

I haven't had time to really look any further into anything else.

im installing new system today ONE 10in JL w7 with JL 500/1 amp, door speakers ( dont no what kind yet) ill post pics once its done