No space for subwoofer - will active sub work?

[Sofarsogood]

Hello all,

 

I drive a Suzuki Swift and you'd probably know the boot space is pathetic. So I cannot afford space for a sub-woofer box. I've heard of active sub, which is the size of an amp that I can install beneath the front seats. I wonder if active-sub is good enough or better than the traditional setup of a sub-woofer box in the boot?

 

And do active-sub cost?

[Hosaybo]

Active will be better than nothing. Bass will not be tight and good.

Passive will tend to be better than active.

 

can get a passive sub which rec a small box if you want. But likely you will need lots of power to drive it. Example will be Diamond Macdaddy sub. rec 500W RMS for a box size of .6 cu feet. Less powerif your box go bigger.

[Rtth84]

if got budget can get those slim subs like rockford shallow mount series

[Sofarsogood]

So those box type are passive sub, right? If I choose active-sub, where does the bass output goes to? Rear speakers? I currently have a 2 channel amp that only powers my fronts.

[Roverboy]

cost ard 300plus for brand new,2nd hand ard 100plus

[Slidingturtle]

hmm... there is a bro who drives a swift and has a 10inch in his boot. its not terribly big (to me...) perhaps one of the weds you would like to pop by the meetup and see for yourself whether that would be something u can live with. I have been on the active route b4... it is a compromise... for me it lasted i think abt a year b4 i upgraded...

 

cheers,

[Sarong1]

Sofarsogood,

 

Couple of years ago, I have this friend who drives a MPV and was using an active sub. There was nothing wrong with it until the perception problem kicks in when Time Alignment feature is used simply because the active sub is located beneath the seat. Eventually, he gotten himself a passive sub boxed up and powered separately by an amp. His subranges can now be felt coming from out his front windscreen...you will never know Black Eye Pea can sound so audiophile...

 

I also have a friend that has managed to house a passive sub in his Swift and I must tell you the impact of a passive sub is so much greater than an active sub. The Japanese big drum comes to the listener like Tsunami...

 

If given a choice, without wasting much effort and money to upgrade in future, I am suggesting that you get a passive sub once and for all. The bit of extra money will translate into a fuller subranges effect compare with that of an active.

[Sofarsogood]

Thanks all for replying. You were very helpful.

[Sarong1]

Enjoy your ICE journey...

[Zambik]

I used to have an active sub, those 10" kind with box, can feel the bass beats from the back of the car rather than from the windscreen. Changed to a passive sub, enjoyed it so much, but now change ride, due to insufficient space, gotta use back active sub again. Sianz... No depth, no width, just punch...

 

Swift should be able to put a 10" passive sub at least, coz my previous ride, Picanto can even put a 12" passive sub. You just have to customise the boot or sacrifice a spare tyre well.

[Hosaybo]

So those box type are passive sub, right? If I choose active-sub, where does the bass output goes to? Rear speakers? I currently have a 2 channel amp that only powers my fronts.

 

active sub is just a sub with the amp build into the sub. it can look like a box or tube (bazooka active) and they still take up abit of space but are generally smaller than passive. (eg. infinity basslin k ). Some active sub can be pretty huge too.

 

if you really want good bass,a passive is still recommended. 10 inch sealed will prob be the best recommendation. look for those that can be house in a small seal box and invest in a good amp. then you will be ready to roll!!!

[Ivan0507]

Try listen to passive sub 1st before you commit .if you used a active sub ,i am sure you will change one day.if no boot space ,you can look at the 10"sub or smaller a 8" ,still better than a active sub.

passive sub still the best.actually those active sub also not cheap.

Edited July 3, 2007 by Ivan0507

[Explorerii]

I am now using a MB Quart 8"active sub placed under the passenger seat . Car is a Harrier. Not much punch . Marginally improved the bass only . Cost is $270 (installed 2 weeks back) including installation.

Passive is still much better . I used a Bazooka 8" passive tube on my previous ride (MPV) the bass is so much better but take up space. Thats a trade off lor.

Will switch back to passive once I get tired of the little active sub.

[Ivan0507]

bro,no space get a 8"passive lor ,still better than active sub .active sub output is limited .i got two friends using the steelmate .they now never on the sub in his ride.he said like no feeling .

[Ultramega]

u sure your active sub is "MB Quart"? or is it "MBQ"? they are different. from what i know MB Quart doesn't make active subs.