Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2000 10:12:13 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject: Re: Stereo sound upgrade - more bass
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I should mention that I have power windows, but the passenger side is a
replacement, aftermarket window (Electric Life for VW Caravelles from
Van-Again), and it's position is right behind the stock speaker location, thus
limiting me to the 4" size. I actually had to mount the window motor on rubber
blocks to move it away from the speaker opening, as the Pioneer speakers I
installed have larger magnets.
The driver's side window motor, still original, is located in the lower part of
the door, where you could otherwise mount larger (6 x 9?) speakers.
So, I'm pretty much limited to 4" speakers for my front doors. Actually, they
sound great except for the bass issue, which several posters have recommended a
powered tube subwoofer to address. I don't really want to install a standard
subwoofer in my bench seat, as I would like to retain as much storage as
possible. The tube subwoofer could theoretically be made optional, by mounting
it with velcro and a wiring plug, so I could remove it as needed. I'm hoping to
hear from others who have gone with a tube subwoofer.
Dan
SpaceKommander wrote:
> Hello, I've got a similar problem stereo wise as there is just no way to
> get those tiny speakers to give much bass, plus if you try they start to
> bottom out and distort, as you have already found out. More amp power
> really won't solve the problem. I purchased an Audiovox B-200 powered 8"
> subwoofer tube a few weeks ago at a pawn shop for $35 (Supposedly new at
> Wal-Mart around $80-$90). Moved it around to various locations in the van
> to see where it would interfere the least while camping - just the thing
> itself, it was not hooked up as the goal was to determine where it would
> work space-wise best, then wire it in. Today it was installed behind the
> passenger's seat sitting on the floor using some velcro on the feet as I've
> got a piece of automotive carpet layed over the floor. I imagine some
> no-slip feet would work well also. The wires were run under the passenger
> side carpet above the wheelwell, and the wiring harness hangs out over the
> battery box. This way all I have to do is unplug the wiring connector and
> leave the subwoofer out when I go camping with others and need all
> avaialable space. The 4" speakers are stock, may upgrade in a while. Vast
> difference in sound with this bass tube. It's about as cheap a powered
> subwoofer as you can find, but the Westy is so noisy it seems foolish to
> spend lots of money on expensive speakers so they can just get drowned out
> by the road noise . . . . The primary goal here was not volume, it was to
> make my stereo sound better than a cheap AM radio. That goal has been
> satisfied. If volume was the goal, then a powered subwoofer combined with
> filter capacitors in series with the stock 4" speakers to cut down the
> amount of bass going to them would be a better choice.
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