Sub Replacement Question

[pizzaguy]

After reading the various subwoofer-related threads, I find myself still left with a question about the best way to add a sub to the genesis. An installation pro, simplicitysound, said in #87 on this thread that (1) at the least, the OEM sub should be disconnected to avoid interference issues with the sound produced by an aftermarket sub, but that (2) the best approach is to remove the OEM 8" sub entirely, which allows better transfer from the trunk to the cabin and prevents a disconnected OEM sub from acting like a passive radiator.

For those who left the old sub connected and fully functioning, have you experienced issues with interference or resonance? For those who disconnected the sub but left it in place, have you experienced any resonance or other issues? For anyone who removed the OEM sub from the rear deck, can you comment on whether you've experienced noticeable increase in road noise, negative climate control issues, or any other degradation?

It seems to me like removing the sub probably really is the best way to go to avoid sound quality issues, but I don't want to leap in to it if road noise is going to become an annoyance.

 

[Mark_888]

After reading the various subwoofer-related threads, I find myself still left with a question about the best way to add a sub to the genesis. An installation pro, simplicitysound, said in #87 on this thread that (1) at the least, the OEM sub should be disconnected to avoid interference issues with the sound produced by an aftermarket sub, but that (2) the best approach is to remove the OEM 8" sub entirely, which allows better transfer from the trunk to the cabin and prevents a disconnected OEM sub from acting like a passive radiator.

For those who left the old sub connected and fully functioning, have you experienced issues with interference or resonance? For those who disconnected the sub but left it in place, have you experienced any resonance or other issues? For anyone who removed the OEM sub from the rear deck, can you comment on whether you've experienced noticeable increase in road noise, negative climate control issues, or any other degradation?

It seems to me like removing the sub probably really is the best way to go to avoid sound quality issues, but I don't want to leap in to it if road noise is going to become an annoyance.

Keep in mind that simplicitysound built a state of the art competition sound system, not utilizing any of the existing equipment (although his system could make use the Genesis head unit sources in stereo only mode, but for competition he installed a new CD changer). If he had charged his customer normal retail prices (instead of getting most of the equipment at deep discounts as a result of vendor sponsorship, etc) it would have cost at least $15K for the parts and probably at least $10K for labor. In a competition quality sound system of that price and quality, one does not want to risk the old subwoofer (or any old speaker) acting as a passive radiator, but whether it would bother you if you installed a new subwoofer may be a different question.

 

[snork]

What Mark said. Unless you got crazy low frequency hearing or are very picky, leaving the old sub in place and disconnected will probably be fine. The advantage to removing it is that it allows the bass a path to travel easier to the cabin from the trunk.

 

[pizzaguy]

Thanks, Mark and snork. I understand that soundsimplicity was all about squeezing the best sound quality possible out of the car and aftermarket components, and that what he was doing is way beyond where I need and want to go.

Having said that, I'd still like to squeeze out the most SQ I can while still maintaining a quiet ride. That's why I'm curious to hear from anyone who may have done it whether they've encountered resonance or interference issues leaving the OEM sub intact or elevated road noise from taking it out. Have either of you added a sub/removed or disconnected the OEM sub? If so, I'd love to know if you've encountered any SQ or road noise issues.

 

[snork]

I haven't done it, but the general consensus in the aftermarket subwoofer thread seems to be to at the least disconnect the OEM sub. A few people reported loss of SQ/interference by having both active.

As for removing it, that depends on how long your going to keep the car. Some people just left it in so it would be easy to return to stock (leased cars most likely). If you plan to keep it for the long haul, then taking the time to pull it out is probably best.

For road noise...the trunk is less insulated than the main cabin, but if you got a sub in the trunk, I doubt road noise will even be a factor

 

[stewdog]

Depends on how you adjust your aftermarket sub for SQ. The factory sub will not need to carry low frequencies, it can just handle mid bass. I left mine intact the aftermarket sub enhanced the system.

 

[pizzaguy]

That's an interesting idea, Stewdog! Can you share how you accomplished this? Was it with an aftermarket crossover, or is there a tuning feature accessible through the audio or other controls that can filter low frequencies from the OEM sub? Any advice on the frequency range to use?

Haha, I understand where you're coming from, snork, and I appreciate the feedback. The thing is, I love the option to really bump when the mood strikes, but for the most part, I keep things pretty quiet and low key, to the point where added noise could be noticeable and very annoying. That's why I'm curious if anyone has actually removed the OEM and can comment on it. I suppose I could dynamat the trunk liner to avoid that problem, but then it would also remove one of the benefits of taking out the OEM sub in the first place: added bass transfer.



EDIT: Oh, and one more thing...I bought a gain control knob that I'd like to install somewhere within easy reach when driving. If anyone has any feedback on where they added one and a pic or two, I'd be very appreciative.

 

[scottdk]

That's an interesting idea, Stewdog! Can you share how you accomplished this? Was it with an aftermarket crossover, or is there a tuning feature accessible through the audio or other controls that can filter low frequencies from the OEM sub? Any advice on the frequency range to use?

Haha, I understand where you're coming from, snork, and I appreciate the feedback. The thing is, I love the option to really bump when the mood strikes, but for the most part, I keep things pretty quiet and low key, to the point where added noise could be noticeable and very annoying. That's why I'm curious if anyone has actually removed the OEM and can comment on it. I suppose I could dynamat the trunk liner to avoid that problem, but then it would also remove one of the benefits of taking out the OEM sub in the first place: added bass transfer.



EDIT: Oh, and one more thing...I bought a gain control knob that I'd like to install somewhere within easy reach when driving. If anyone has any feedback on where they added one and a pic or two, I'd be very appreciative.

I have the OEM sub hooked up and also a seperate sub. Sounds just fine for me. Plenty of "bump" if I need it, but If I crave more without increasing the volume I can open the trunk pass through and that increased bass transfer 10 fold.

BTW -Dynamat really only helps with rattles from metal, so it probably wouldn't help with road noise much.

 

[Silver Gen]

Once again, this is something I've done to my coupe and I'm planning on doing it to my sedan. I don't mess with electrical stuff, I have it done for me, that way if anything messes up, I can take it back, lol, so I can't answer any technical questions about how it's wired, etc. But I can say this.
1. The OEM stereo unit was kept and I still have use of all the "stock" controls.
2. I know they kept the original amp and piggybacked off of it to connect the other amps to; one for highs and one for lows (the subwoofer).
3. There is also a capacitor installed.
Here's the pics:

Separate Subwoofer Volume Control

Subwoofer Box Vented into Passenger Compartment where the old Subwoofer was located

Subwoofer and Two Amplifiers in Custom Box in Trunk