Advice requested about subwoofer enclosure - I don't have one.

[ZZ13]

I am replacing my 10" Clarion subwoofer on the bridge because it is 14 years old and disintegrating. On my previous 300DA the subwoofer was under the helm seat in an enclosure and it boomed. This subwoofer is factory mounted on the port side of the bridge and there is no enclosure. There hasn't ever been much of a boom at all - not at all like on the 300DA. It fits in a space between the helm wall and the outer skin of the boat. Lots of wires for the helm also run in that space. Building an enclosure for the subwoofer would be a herculean task.

Is there something I can do without building an enclosure to simulate an enclosure? Like wrap it with polyfil or something like that? I have heard trapping the air is important to get the boom. Or am I stuck with a boomless subwoofer situation?

 

[spfortjohn]

I used a JL IB 10" sub in my center console and it sounds great. It is designed not to have an enclosure.

http://www.jlaudio.com/marine-audio-subwoofer-drivers-m-series-infinite-baffle-subwoofers

I know Wet Sounds makes one also.

 

[ZZ13]

I used a JL IB 10" sub in my center console and it sounds great. It is designed not to have an enclosure.

http://www.jlaudio.com/marine-audio-subwoofer-drivers-m-series-infinite-baffle-subwoofers

I know Wet Sounds makes one also.

Is that what they call a "free air" or "infinite baffle" subwoofer? Now that I know of that term I checked and my original was a infinite baffle. Guess I'll look for one of those. Thanks.

 

[bahamabreisus]

You might want check the output level on the sub amp, it may be turned way down from the previous owner.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

I would look into a true IB woofer like the Wet Sounds XS-10fa. Driven with 400W rms like from the Kicker KXM400.2 and you've got a great IB package.

If any way possible to enclosure that cavity behind the woofer would be ideal. I do like a woofer in an enclosure better than IB, but when IB is executed right, Its a good setup.

 

[spfortjohn]

I would look into a true IB woofer like the Wet Sounds XS-10fa. Driven with 400W rms like from the Kicker KXM400.2 and you've got a great IB package.

If any way possible to enclosure that cavity behind the woofer would be ideal. I do like a woofer in an enclosure better than IB, but when IB is executed right, Its a good setup.

I am driving mine with a JL 700/5 amp. This thing is outstanding
http://www.jlaudio.com/m700-5-marine-audio-m-series-amplifiers-98274

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

I am driving mine with a JL 700/5 amp. This thing is outstanding
http://www.jlaudio.com/m700-5-marine-audio-m-series-amplifiers-98274

The JL is by far more musical, but the extra power handling of the Wet Sounds 10fa can have an advantage. The 700/5 is an outstanding amp for its size.

 

[Hifirush]

If it were me, I’d stick with the IB design. It is simple and there are many good options available to you. You may want to take a look at the setting on your amp, they may be turned down. If you don’t get the sound you are wanting by replacing, they wyou will want to upgrade amps. The JL mentioned is an excellent choice, it is digital and doesn’t get as hot as push pull amps. But it is not the only amp available, so depending on your budget and desire, there are plenty to choose from.

Matt

 

[ZZ13]

This has been very helpful. Thanks. I could use a new amp. Mine works but is an old Clarion 90wx4. One day I will save up for one.

 

[spfortjohn]

I got mine from http://www.internationalmarineservice.com. Great price and great service on the phone while tuning the amp. Might be less money then you think. Much less then the published prices on the JL site

 

[BOEMARINEBRIAN]

Jim and I at BOE Marine can help you on this! The Wet Sounds IB speaker will outperform and outlast the JL. The JL amps are under powered and not giving you what they are advertising.

 

[Do Over]

Jim and I at BOE Marine can help you on this! The Wet Sounds IB speaker will outperform and outlast the JL. The JL amps are under powered and not giving you what they are advertising.

Ive purchased the WS speakers and the sub from BOE.....great prices and awesome products.....I've only installed the speakers so far (huge difference) and am not far away from putting the sub in...would highly recommend WS.


I'll also add that if you have the room the MBQuart NA710.5 amp is both inexpensive and highly regarded by certain Hifi experts here.