Review: Kenwood Powered Sub

[Elmojo]

Okay, I'm gonna try to make this brief and offer to fill in details if requested.I bought a Kenwood KSC-SW1 powered sub for my V.I knew going in that this was not an earthshaker, which was not the goal.I just wanted something to fill in the lows a bit so I could drop the Bass on the head unit and take a bit of load off the factory speakers. I run with my windows down a lot at highway speeds, so I need to jack the volume to hear over the wind noise.I can't remember where I got it, but this seems about right: http://techronics.com/index.cf...72182I intended to install it myself, but after removing the head unit and seeing the nightmare of wires coming out of the loom, I decided to let someone with more insurance than me have at it!I paid my local Circuit City $66 for the install, and they did a great job.

Here's the biggy: I intended to put this thing under the passenger seat, since it's dead space and would be out of sight and not take up any cargo area.However, I forgot to mention this to the installer, and he assumed I wanted it under the driver's seat. I had no idea it would fit under there with the seat height adjuster!Bottom line, it fits fine, does not interfere with the seat height or lateral adjustment, and sounds/feels great!It has a corded remote that fits perfectly in that useless little slot underneath the arm rest.I couldn't be happier with the product or the installation.If you want something to loosen your fillings, keep looking.If you want to fill out the sound of your stock V for around $225, this is it.

[rdsworks]

For the price I would say this amp is kinda lame (not trying to start a war or anything)... I just put a Alpine PDX-1.600 (600RMS) in my V, with a Type R 12" sub. The thing makes the entire car shake at full level.

I paid 225$ +taxes for the amp, which is a steal for such a good product.

[Elmojo]

Exactly my point.The Kenwood is NOT there to shake the mirror off the windshield, it's only to fill in an otherwise weak bass response from the factory unit.

Plus, your suggested setup costs more, attracts unwanted attention from those with sticky fingers (and badges), and consumes part or all of the cargo area that makes the Versa so useful.

Thanks for your comment, though.

[Ever Victorious]

I had that exact same sub for 6 days before my whole setup was stolen (I still suspect that an installer at the stereo shop was the culprit, but I have no proof).

I felt it was a good purchase for increasing the bass a little without making it earth shattering or taking up any cargo space (mine was under the pass. seat).

[my_new_v]

I might do something like that. I have a big sub in the trunk and when I play the stereo you can tell all the bass is coming from the back and I dont like that. So I may do something similar .

[Ever Victorious]

I might do something like that. I have a big sub in the trunk and when I play the stereo you can tell all the bass is coming from the back and I dont like that. So I may do something similar .

These won't put out anywhere close to the bass of a "big sub". It's just like augmenting the stock system a bit. The actual drivers used in this product are a 6.5" active driver and a 6.5" passive radiator. Though, you CAN link a pair of them together and have one under each seat.

Audiophiles who want more bass without taking up a lot of space should see about custom enclosures for subs of at least 8" under the seats. A rather expensive prospect, but doable.

These are for more... "normal"... audio listeners. People who don't crank it a lot and who don't like pissing off the neighbors as they drive down the street.

Elmojo - I forgot to ask... stock stereo, or aftermarket?

[my_new_v]

[QUOTE=Ever Victorious]These are for more... "normal"... audio listeners. People who don't crank it a lot and who don't like pissing off the neighbors as they drive down the street.[QUOTE]

See, I dont crank it up in neighborhoods...those kind of people also piss me off. I only turn mine up when Im on a normal street.

[Elmojo]

@EV: Stock 6-disc head unit

[JoshH]

Your car audio can still be loud while not pissing off the neighbors. I have currently put 60sqft of sound deadening (butyl mat) + closed cell foam in the car which not only makes it quiet inside but less audible outside. I'm currently working on the trunk hatch (where the majority of the rattles come from if I turn it up) and am planning to fill it up with something - then fill up the gaps with expandable foam. Obviously I'm not going to drive through the neighborhood at max volume but deadening the car definitely helps.

I am not one of those crazy audiophiles that spends $1000's on completely sound deadening the car but adding a little bit to the car can really improve the system.

[falkey]

I agree that you need alittle something more for your Stereo. But I hate to take up any space in the trunk. So you might have the best thing yet. But dosent Nissan make a Box that fits in the corner of the trunk.?? I saw one online. I'm kinda interested in that one. I'm not to sure about installing anything under my seats as most people that sit in that back have big feet. Has anyone Purchased the nissan one..??

[Ever Victorious]

I agree that you need alittle something more for your Stereo. But I hate to take up any space in the trunk. So you might have the best thing yet. But dosent Nissan make a Box that fits in the corner of the trunk.?? I saw one online. I'm kinda interested in that one. I'm not to sure about installing anything under my seats as most people that sit in that back have big feet. Has anyone Purchased the nissan one..??

the "Nissan One" is the OEM Rockford Fosgate sub that comes on the SL with the audio package. The parts are available separately from the car, but they are 1) exorbitantly expensive and 2) useless without the convenience package, as the wiring to hook it up to the HU is ONLY run on cars with the convenience package.

I'm pretty tall (6'0") and when I sit in the back, my feet don't go under either front seat at all. And the passenger front seat is normally set ALL the way back (my wife is also very tall).

Knowing that Elmojo had his installed on the stock HU makes me want one again. So if I ever get money again (freaking $1900 dental bill...) I'll be picking one up.