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Upgraded sound system with Alpine Active Sub

GOOFY

GOOFY

New member
Just upgraded the sound system with a Sony MP3 /CD player and fitted an Alpine Active SubWoofer. The Alpine unit is a small silver 8" x 5" x 2" box that is designed to fit under seats or in confined spaces and produce that deep bass heard on the domestic surround sound systems. I fitted the unit on the floor just behind the drivers seat (no where else !). The seat is slighty restricted from moving back fully, but as I'm not very tall this does not matter ! The Bose system often cited did intrigue me, but then I think you need the purchase the whole package, and I prefer the flexibility of mix and matching head units and speakers. The Alpine does give an excellent bass considering its size. I can now cruise at 60mph+ and still feel the bass line ! [8D]
 
What is that sub unit like? A friend has a small cheap sub unit (£25) in his smart car, and to be honest it just sounds like a normal 15cm speaker with a low-pass filter...

I have a 12" sub in a custom enclosure in my current car, which drops very low, but is really clear, punchy and tight... Im not expecting a compact active unit like yours to achieve similar results, but would be interested to know how it performs, as I will be looking into sub options when I change my car in the next month or so...

Also, what has anyone else done re: upgrading the sound system? Dont get the wrong impression, Im not a max-power type! I am an absolute music nut though, and I need (yes, need!! [:D] ) a decent stereo in my car!... Is there much scope for aftermarket speakers, or are you failrly limited to using the OEM upgrade equipment?

Thanks in advace

ben [:)]
 
I know Dave (who posts under his wife's login - Jacinabox) has done a wonderful and acheivable job on Jackies car.

I tried a couple of times to get him to document it for Porsche Post but so far no luck...[&o]

It might be worth sending a message to him - perhaps he would be willing to talk over the phone about it?

(No pressure Dave [;)] )
 
Im pretty competent with in car audio, Im just not upto speed with the peculiarities of the Boxster [:D]
I like the idea of the compact sub units, but dont know anyone with a decent one (a couple of mates have the cheapie ones, and they are naff to say the least!)
Think I will wait until I get mine, then start planning out what I can achieve

b [:)]
 
Hi ,

Alpine SWD 1600 is what I fitted : http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product.asp?product=21071 Its a tight squeeze at the back of the seat on the floor. I experimented with it on the rear shelf where the vinyl zippered compartment is (or nowdays the hard version) and this did not really work as well. It does need to sit in a recess as this adds to the bass resonance. At the moment it's screwed into the thick pile carpet/insulation but as its a heavy unit I will work out how to fix it solidly - probably onto the vertical engine cover plate . I'll send you pics when I've succeeded. The sound is very, very, good and if you require even more bass it would be possible to install two - one behind each seat ! In effect you would have 300watts of bass power !

Now that I've sorted out the base I'm also working on an install at the rear headheight. This ideally will handle the midrange and higher frequencies as at high speed the sound from the front can get lost. I'm specc'ing an enclosure which will be will be shaped so that it does not interfere with the hood, but probably accomodate a pair of 6" x 9" 's. The choice of 6x9 has been dictated by the fact that there are some really high quality units available with decent power handling.

I'm aware that there are custom speaker units available, but I honestly believe this route provides a real vfm upgrade without the need for upgraded door speakers, dash speakers, amplifier, lots of wiring etc : The only power lead is from the battery to the Alpine Sub Unit . The head unit audio line out connects to the Sub, with the rear speakers output to the 6"x9" at the back!
Instant (almost) upgrade with an extra 150Watts power !
[:D]
 
I have just had one of these Alpine subwoofers fitted. It has been installed where on the newer models have their glove box. There were a couple of pop rivets that have been replaced with screws. Some parts have had to be padded out with foam, but is now an AWESOME sound as the whole dash is now a subwoofer. I had already upgraded to the Alpine head unit that is iPod ready, so the subwoofer controller os in the menu of the head unit.
 
Here is an alternative to the standard and so called upgraded Porsche systems. Forgive the poor etiquete of referring to other forums, I'll consider myself suitably chastised - all done in the name of expediency[;)]

http://www.boxa.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11878

If anyone is considering making a move into a slightly more upmarket sound system, I'd strongly recommend speaking to Amit (contact details in the above link)
If ayone would like to have a natter on how to, it's easier than you think! Drop me a mail to jacbox@blueyonder.co.uk

For Mark; I will get something put together as a "how to" on the instal. As soon as the "polishing" closed season is upon me I'll do it - and yes, I'm behind with the polishing articles as well:rolleyes:

Dave
 
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