Question about subs in 09 A/C 3.5 SE

[srwong]

Well first off, I'm going to be getting my car next month. A 2009 Nissan A/C 3.5 SE. And I like a little extra bass with my music. =) I don't know a lot about this type of stuff, so any input would be greatly appreciated.

I've read through other forum posts about people adding subs to their A/C, and it looks like getting a 12" sub would be too tight of a fit, and pretty much takes up the whole trunk. And I've seen others with 10" subs and that seems to be the best bet. So I was wondering what would be better. To get the Premium package with the Bose system, and then add 1 or 2 subs in the trunk. And if so what size? Or if I should just get the stock system and then add some subs, and what size?

I don't want my whole trunk space to be taken up because I would be using since I commute to Las Vegas from Cali for work. Thanks in advance.

[shortys408]

i would say not to get the bose system. It is difficult to change just one aspect of the bose system and you would have to change all of the components. So I would say don't buy bose, and use that money to go aftermarket.

[Rolling Estonian]

Go aftermarket for sure. as for space my 12" and amps take up all the space behind the 40 in the 60/40 split rear seats. So I've lost quite a bit of trunk space, but that's what I figure the rear seats are for.

But really if you're trying decide what sub to get general rule of thumb is 12" a little louder than 10", but the 10" will be a little clearer.

[AppleBonker]

First, congrats on the future new car. I'm sure you'll love it as much as the rest of us here (getting my 3.5 coupe was one of the best decisions I've made in a while).

I would agree with shortys on this one. I got the Bose system in my car (before I gutted it) purely because I wanted the additional perks to that package. If I didn't care about the entire package, I certainly wouldn't have gotten it just for the Bose system. To be honest, the basic OEM stereo really isn't that much worse than the Bose system. Plus, if you save the money from that, going entirely aftermarket can yield an excellent sounding system at a lower price point.

It probably is possible to get a single 12" in the trunk with minimal modifications (I've got one, but my modifications to the trunk were fairly extensive). I think fitting 2 12s would be nearly impossible. There have been numerous people that have added either single or dual 10s to the trunk. There's a box on eBay that fits well up against the back seat that can house two 10s. At that point, it's all about personal preference. A single 10 will generally hit cleaner than a single 12. Two of any sub will be louder than one of the same sub. I would think that most people who have added a single 10" have been happy with it. This would keep most of your trunk space. Also, if you still want it to go loud, you could spend a bit more money on the single 10 and get the best of both worlds. A lot of this will obviously depend on your budget. When you get closer to taking the plunge and making a purchase, let us know and we'll see if we can help you come up with something that will fit what you're looking for!

[srwong]

thanks for all the great replies everyone. =) I kinda figured not getting the Bose would be a better idea. I've read that it is a pain to redo when you add an aftermarket to get a clean sound again. The first thing I plan on doing to my car when I get it is getting a new system, then of course dropping it and getting new rims and tires.

It probably is possible to get a single 12" in the trunk with minimal modifications (I've got one, but my modifications to the trunk were fairly extensive).

How do you like having the single 12? Is the sound really clear?Would you suggest getting a single 12, or 10?

And as for using the backseat for what the trunk was for. That's very true, and for that reason I might just take up a nice amount of trunk space to have a great system.

[AppleBonker]

How do you like having the single 12? Is the sound really clear?Would you suggest getting a single 12, or 10?

And as for using the backseat for what the trunk was for. That's very true, and for that reason I might just take up a nice amount of trunk space to have a great system.

I love my single 12" sub. However, I'm probably not the best person to ask on this one (my sub and amp combo are what most would consider ridiculously expensive). My particular sub hits very clean, gets very loud and is light weight to boot. This makes it rare and explains why it commands the price tag it does.

I would agree with previous sentiments that a 10 will hit cleaner but not get as loud as a 12 (assuming you're comparing the same sub from the same manufacturer but in two different sizes). It really depends on what YOU are looking for in terms of sound quality or volume. A single 10 will fit better in the trunk, and it's certainly possible to make an MDF box that is small and wont take up too much trunk space (browse through these threads, a few members have something like this). An MDF box can probably be made for a 12 in our trunk, but it's going to take up a lot more space. In order to save space, I made mine out of fiberglass (which is more expensive and time consuming - and if you have a custom box made out of fiberglass by a shop it'll get even pricier). So really, it all comes down to your personal preferences and how much you are willing to spend.

[Rolling Estonian]

I love my single 12" sub.

+1

mine is no Critical mass, in fact it's a JL W3. but it's great. I have it in an mdf box (pics coming soon) facing straight up. It does take up a lot of space (as I said before 40% of the trunk), but if I really needed the trunk space I would have kept my sentra (an 07, enormous trunk).

aside- I think when Borat, in his movie, was asking about p***y magnets in cars he was referring to the magnets in subwoofers.

[srwong]

thanks for all your input everyone. I still got a month before I get my A/C so that gives me some time to decide on what kind of aftermarket system I want, along with what size subs. I'm looking to spend no more than 2 grand on everything; new deck, amp and 1 sub, maybe 2 subs. lol

[AppleBonker]

thanks for all your input everyone. I still got a month before I get my A/C so that gives me some time to decide on what kind of aftermarket system I want, along with what size subs. I'm looking to spend no more than 2 grand on everything; new deck, amp and 1 sub, maybe 2 subs. lol

Yeah, check around and listen to some 10s and 12s. See if you can find one that you like. Besides myself and Rolling, there are more with single 12s in their cars that I believe like them, but you'd have to be willing to sacrifice more space (and weight, unless you get a crazy stupid sub like mine) to go this route.

[srwong]

alright, i'll do that. thanks! =)

[losenone]

Check the thread I posted up recently. Ive got a 10" Alpine R-Type in a slim box and it hits harder then most 12's ive heard.

[AppleBonker]

Check the thread I posted up recently. Ive got a 10" Alpine R-Type in a slim box and it hits harder then most 12's ive heard.

Gotta snag a camera and get some pics up. The more pictures we have of enclosures in the trunk, the better people will be able to assess how much space is taken up.