Opinions on Rockford Fosgate Sub/AMP

[DevanTheDude]

Always liked Rockford gear.

Here's what's going into the coupe:

[MondiVTEC]

i have never had a problem with anything RF

[ACURAGE]

OK... after several weeks with the new subwoofer setup and the stock BOSE system- I think the Bose system is the limiting factor for clean sound. Some songs that I like are super clean, but I get a buzz/hissing sound from the back from the majority of what I play above half-knob on the stock HU.

Do I just unplug the rear 6X9's, or upgrade to some Infinity coaxial fronts? Or should I just bite the bullet and buy a new HU and component setup? Could I hook up some quality front components up with the stock HU? (I have an old school RF Punch 30 and Punch 60 if needed)

The issue is that I really wanted to keep the stock HU for now- cause my car is a DD and I have to leave it overnight in a really sketchy parking garage for work.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Wes]

Well I think that you could spend money on some 6x9's and they would probably sound good, but the question is which Bose system do you have? The premium system uses 2 ohm speakers so your options would be limited on which 6x9's you purchase. Upgrading all the speakers and the HU is going to yield the best results IMO.

How does the sub sound? In a perfect world I'd like to run a low level signal from an aftermarket HU to the amp instead of using a LOC. That may improve the sub sound if you want excuses to go after an aftermarket HU.

[skatman]

Originally Posted by ACURAGE

A good friend of mine has a 12" Rockford Fosgate Sub in a sealed box, and a Rockford Fosgate 600W Mono amp- both several years old but gently used which he took out his car when he sold it. He doesn't want to put a system in his new car, so he's looking to sell them.

Is $200 for box/amp/sub worth it for some respectable clean bump? (This will be added to completely stock BOSE premium system)

With 600W, be it max or rms, I can make a sheet of metal boom like a salvation army drum. Knowing it's RF, I bet it makes 150 watts RMS tops at 1 kHz with 1.5% THD. Not that it is critical for subs with x-over set at 150 Hz cut off.
Hook it up and listen to it. Good sealed box with 12'' should have a nice tight punch well into the chest thump range. Make sure you get a good music source.

[ACURAGE]

Originally Posted by Wes

Well I think that you could spend money on some 6x9's and they would probably sound good, but the question is which Bose system do you have? The premium system uses 2 ohm speakers so your options would be limited on which 6x9's you purchase. Upgrading all the speakers and the HU is going to yield the best results IMO.

How does the sub sound? In a perfect world I'd like to run a low level signal from an aftermarket HU to the amp instead of using a LOC. That may improve the sub sound if you want excuses to go after an aftermarket HU.

I have the Bose Premium... so limited to 2 ohm (Infinity's). The sub sounds fantastic- much more SQ oriented, but SPL enough to vibrate the mirrors and feel a little thump in the chest (honestly- I'd like more punch though). The amp is hooked up through the rear speakers into a high-low input on the amp itself rather than a LOC.

I've read that the best improvement with a stock premium HU/amp is Infinity Kappa fronts, and that there is very little gain from rears. The problem is that it is my rear 6X9's which are rattling. I could bypass the factory amp and hook up some quality fronts and rears, or just fronts- but still would be limited to tuning from the stock HU.

[antik]

Originally Posted by ACURAGE

I have the Bose Premium... so limited to 2 ohm (Infinity's). The sub sounds fantastic- much more SQ oriented, but SPL enough to vibrate the mirrors and feel a little thump in the chest (honestly- I'd like more punch though). The amp is hooked up through the rear speakers into a high-low input on the amp itself rather than a LOC.

I've read that the best improvement with a stock premium HU/amp is Infinity Kappa fronts, and that there is very little gain from rears. The problem is that it is my rear 6X9's which are rattling. I could bypass the factory amp and hook up some quality fronts and rears, or just fronts- but still would be limited to tuning from the stock HU.

Is it the rear speakers that are rattling or is it the parcel shelf? The rear speakers, if original, may be blown (in fact, it's quite likely - they are paper speakers). But the parcel shelf still vibrates like mad in these cars.

New Bose speakers can be had for $20/ea or $40/ea (they're silly cheap direct from Bose).

If you're going to drop the coin on a new head unit, etc. I'd spend your $$ on the HU and superior front stage drivers and skip the rear deck completely. From a sound perspective, believe it or not, it is in many ways a superior configuration. Finally, your sub will provide plenty of presence behind you - you won't likely miss the rear speakers if you configure the system correctly.

[ACURAGE]

Originally Posted by antik

Is it the rear speakers that are rattling or is it the parcel shelf? The rear speakers, if original, may be blown (in fact, it's quite likely - they are paper speakers). But the parcel shelf still vibrates like mad in these cars.

New Bose speakers can be had for $20/ea or $40/ea (they're silly cheap direct from Bose).

If you're going to drop the coin on a new head unit, etc. I'd spend your $$ on the HU and superior front stage drivers and skip the rear deck completely. From a sound perspective, believe it or not, it is in many ways a superior configuration. Finally, your sub will provide plenty of presence behind you - you won't likely miss the rear speakers if you configure the system correctly.

Actually- I'm not sure if it is the rear speakers or the shelf. A few years ago, I had a similar problem and bought a replacement speaker thinking that the RR was blown. When attempting the replacement, I found that the screws securing the speaker were loose and problem was solved after tightening. Maybe I'll have to just recheck them to help dx this problem.

[Wes]

Try disconnecting or turning the gain all the way down on the sub and then playing your stereo at a moderate volume. That should tell you if it's the speakers or the deck rattling from the sub.

[ACURAGE]

Originally Posted by Wes

Try disconnecting or turning the gain all the way down on the sub and then playing your stereo at a moderate volume. That should tell you if it's the speakers or the deck rattling from the sub.

Good looking out- I'll have to try this before even taking off my speaker covers.