"Integrated" Subwoofer Options

[Drew M]

I did a search and while there are a lot of discussions about specific subs, and custom enclosures, I didn't really find what I was looking for (but I am sure it likely exists). I did find one from 2020 that has a short discussion about the JL box as well as a small underseat sub and thats a great start but there wasn't a ton of info.

I would like to add a sub to my 2015 Tahoe but I am not interested in sticking a box in the rear cargo area. I wanted to know what options exist for integrated (such as the JL and Kicker) that are hidden under/behind things, as well as any options for boxes that fit under the rear seat or under the droiver/passenger seats. I am also willing to remove and do something in the area of the 3rd row seats since my cargo area permanently goes to the back of the rear seats and I will never use the 3rd row.

In the end I'd like to add a sub but don't want one enough to sacrafice the rear cargo area space (which I use heavily for a lot of things).

Thanks!

 

[Fless]

I would think that if you called Crutchfield one of their advisors could give you some options. www.crutchfield.com

 

[Jeff_]

I installed the kicker one that goes back with the jack/breaker bar etc.
Amazing for its size, very happy with the thump. And you'd never know it's there since it goes behind the trim and doesn't take up any cargo space.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Do you have captains chairs for the 2nd row seats? If yes, I can show you a subwoofer setup that works for me with that configuration.

 

[Drew M]

I installed the kicker one that goes back with the jack/breaker bar etc.
Amazing for its size, very happy with the thump. And you'd never know it's there since it goes behind the trim and doesn't take up any cargo space.

Would you be willing to send me some pics of it? What model number did you go with? Just want to make sure I am looking at the right thing since I don't really see a kicker show up for 2015s.

 

[Drew M]

Do you have captains chairs for the 2nd row seats? If yes, I can show you a subwoofer setup that works for me with that configuration.

I don't.

 

[Drew M]

I would think that if you called Crutchfield one of their advisors could give you some options. www.crutchfield.com

I can search my vehicle on their site and see what they sell that will fit.

However they'd have no idea if someone out there made a custom enclosure designed to go where the 3rd row is, or something to go under the rear bench unless it was something they sold.

 

[k_arnold72]

That idea crossed my mind as well. After taking a few measurements, it looks like it would require shallow mount subs, which made me shift my focus.

I can search my vehicle on their site and see what they sell that will fit.

However they'd have no idea if someone out there made a custom enclosure designed to go where the 3rd row is, or something to go under the rear bench unless it was something they sold.

 

[Jeff_]

Would you be willing to send me some pics of it? What model number did you go with? Just want to make sure I am looking at the right thing since I don't really see a kicker show up for 2015s.

2019 Tahoe Audio Upgrade | Kicker 200 Watt Subwoofer System | Without IOB or NKC 19355506

Deliver thrill and musical accuracy of liveconcert experiences in your Tahoe with an upgraded Audio Subwoofer System from Chevrolet This allinone system adds bigbass subwoofer in a small space beneath the rear seat This enclosed Subwoofer System features a highefficiency low powerdraw amplifier...

www.shopchevyparts.com

This is what I got. Great unit, very easy install. Great sound for its size especially since its tucked away out of sight and keeps things stock looking in the back.

 

[Tonyv__]

Do you have captains chairs for the 2nd row seats? If yes, I can show you a subwoofer setup that works for me with that configuration.

Care to share? I have captain seats and having the itch to throw a subwoofer in.

 

[homesick]

Do you have captains chairs for the 2nd row seats? If yes, I can show you a subwoofer setup that works for me with that configuration.

This is what I did in my '95 2-door Tahoe; put the sub box under the rear seat. It worked great, sounded great, and was basically invisible.

joe

 

[homesick]

I don't.

Seems like a bench seat would make it even easier. If nothing else, have a stereo shop build a box to fit. They'll know about hardware and correct internal volume for your chosen driver.

joe

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Care to share? I have captain seats and having the itch to throw a subwoofer in.

Sure!

The speaker wire has a high amperage quick release connector, and I keep a 10' speaker extension wire with matching connectors, so that I can (1) remove the subwoofer completely from the truck if I need that in-between space for something else, and (2) move the subwoofer around inside the truck with the speaker extension wire extension if I need to re-arrange cargo for some reason.

I use a 10" AudioMobile subwoofer, which is 100% American made, and it is designed specifically for small sealed enclosures of 1cu. ft. or less, without using the shallow mount inefficient pancake frame speaker design. This speaker has the same sound quality as the JL Audio W3 subwoofer (though not as much power handling capacity), but 30+% less expensive. I power this subwoofer with a Rockford Fosgate 500 RMS watt amp at 2 Ohms. The amp is located inside the left rear side panel, just forward of the spare tire jack area.

If you need any more information, let me know. Please excuse the white hair all over it, and my 90+ lb. White German Shepherd loves to lie on top of the subwoofer, with his paws on my legs, looking out the front windshield.

 

[Tonyv__]

Sure!

View attachment 459606

View attachment 459607

The speaker wire has a high amperage quick release connector, and I keep a 10' speaker extension wire with matching connectors, so that I can (1) remove the subwoofer completely from the truck if I need that in-between space for something else, and (2) move the subwoofer around inside the truck with the speaker extension wire extension if I need to re-arrange cargo for some reason.

I use a 10" AudioMobile subwoofer, which is 100% American made, and it is designed specifically for small sealed enclosures of 1cu. ft. or less, without using the shallow mount inefficient pancake frame speaker design. This speaker has the same sound quality as the JL Audio W3 subwoofer (though not as much power handling capacity), but 30+% less expensive. I power this subwoofer with a Rockford Fosgate 500 RMS watt amp at 2 Ohms. The amp is located inside the left rear side panel, just forward of the spare tire jack area.

View attachment 459608

If you need any more information, let me know. Please excuse the white hair all over it, and my 90+ lb. White German Shepherd loves to lie on top of the subwoofer, with his paws on my legs, looking out the front windshield.

Nice, this is exactly what I’m looking to do. Something down firing. I’m torn on if I’ll go ported or sealed. Ported obviously requires more space and math… sealed is just a square box lol

I like the quick disconnect and extension idea…. I definitely hate to give up cargo space as I realize, even though our suvs are big, the cargo space is limited IMO.

Thanks for sharing

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Nice, this is exactly what I’m looking to do. Something down firing. I’m torn on if I’ll go ported or sealed. Ported obviously requires more space and math… sealed is just a square box lol

I like the quick disconnect and extension idea…. I definitely hate to give up cargo space as I realize, even though our suvs are big, the cargo space is limited IMO.

Thanks for sharing

Totally agree. I need to move the subwoofer when I pick up a load of 8' 2x4 studs, for example.

If you want to go fancy, then design a couple of cup holders for the 2nd row seats, and perhaps a recessed smooth surface on the top of the enclosure for cards, food, etc.

Sealed enclosures have a MUCH better sound quality than ported enclosures, so if you want good sound quality, go with a sealed enclosure. You can still make it loud with the proper size amp, so you don't have to sacrifice volume.

Now, if you goal is to set off car alarms and to let your neighborhood know that you are coming from 2 blocks away, then go with the ported enclosure. It is definitely capable of greater sound volume, but the sound quality is not as good, as a ported enclosure has been tuned to overemphasize a narrow frequency response range over the rest of the available subwoofer sound range.

A personal choice for sure.

 

[Tonyv__]

Totally agree. I need to move the subwoofer when I pick up a load of 8' 2x4 studs, for example.

Sealed enclosures have a MUCH better sound quality than ported enclosures, so if you want good sound quality, go with a sealed enclosure. You can still make it loud with the proper size amp, so you don't have to sacrifice volume.

Now, if you goal is to set off car alarms and to let your neighborhood know that you are coming from 2 blocks away, then go with the ported enclosure. It is definitely capable of greater volume, but the sound quality is not as good, as a posted enclosure has been tuned to overemphasize a narrow frequency response range over the rest of the available subwoofer sound range.

A personal choice for sure.

I’ve had so many box set ups over the years and I still haven’t decided on sealed or ported as a favorite. I listen to all different music and I immediately notice that one playlist sounds better ported where the other sounds better sealed.


Right now I actually have 4 8” subs in a sealed box in my van. They only call for .25 cu ft per sub. I have the smallest box behind my seats and they definitely have a nice tight thump to them.

However it all boils down to me taking a tape measure to the back center space and figuring it out. I already have a 12” sub that is collecting dust, so I’d like to utilize that if possible

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I’ve had so many box set ups over the years and I still haven’t decided on sealed or ported as a favorite. I listen to all different music and I immediately notice that one playlist sounds better ported where the other sounds better sealed.


Right now I actually have 4 8” subs in a sealed box in my van. They only call for .25 cu ft per sub. I have the smallest box behind my seats and they definitely have a nice tight thump to them. View attachment 459610


However it all boils down to me taking a tape measure to the back center space and figuring it out. I already have a 12” sub that is collecting dust, so I’d like to utilize that if possible

I'm pretty sure that the 12" sub will fit in an enclosure between the captain's chairs, but it would be best to measure. Measure twice, cut once.

I don't know how much you are into theoretical speaker enclosure design, but my suggestion is to dimension your new enclosure with the following dimension ratios or as close as practical. It really does make a noticeable difference.

Create dimensions (Height, Width, Depth) in the ratios of 0.62 : 1 : 1.62. This means that if you have determined the required volume for your enclosure, you can use these ratios to calculate the specific dimensions that minimize internal resonances.

 

[Tonyv__]

I'm pretty sure that the 12" sub will fit in an enclosure between the captain's chairs, but it would be best to measure. Measure twice, cut once.

I don't know how much you are into theoretical speaker enclosure design, but my suggestion is to dimension your new enclosure with the following dimension ratios or as close as practical. It really does make a noticeable difference.

Create dimensions (Height, Width, Depth) in the ratios of 0.62 : 1 : 1.62. This means that if you have determined the required volume for your enclosure, you can use these ratios to calculate the specific dimensions that minimize internal resonances.

Quite frankly I’m going to need to do some research to understand what you just tried to explain to me lol

All I know is that the subwoofer calls for 1.14 cu ft enclosure including subwoofer displacement for a sealed box.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Quite frankly I’m going to need to do some research to understand what you just tried to explain to me lol

All I know is that the subwoofer calls for 1.14 cu ft enclosure including subwoofer displacement for a sealed box.

Yeah, that would actually be a good idea. There are many books/articles out there on speaker enclosure design.

I've been building speaker enclosures for decades, and when I started out, I built my speaker enclosures based more on what supplies I had available to use, versus solid speaker enclosure dimensional design practices. I started reading about speaker enclosure design after a person knowledgeable in that area asked me how the H*ll I arrived at the dimensions I used for a specific speaker enclosure at that time. It really does make a noticeable difference.

 

[Tonyv__]

@Joseph Garcia

would this be the jist of it?

W 10 is my (1)
D 16.2 is my (1.62)
H 6.2 is my (.62)

I used 10 just because it’s a quick math number. But does that look like I’m going down the right path?

Terrible illustration below