Subwoofer Powered Subs Vs sub plus Amp - Who's the DADDY?

psykik · 26th October 2007, 21:47

I have the budget for a decent bass unit and separate amp.

My needs are not to go to exhibitions or car parks and show off. Im happy with a bit of bass listening to Dire Straits and rock music.

I am drawn to the powered amp solution because:
1) It saves space, seats going down, no problem!
2) Seems a nice neat solution
3) Easy removal.

Im drawn to a separate amp and bass unit because
1) Im told its much better quality by every other dealer bar 2 ive spoken to.

Question: Is there a powered bass unit that can give as good as SQ for an audiophile as a sub and amp combination? Does anyone have one or have any experience to share?

Thanks

Pottsy · 26th October 2007, 23:47

Not that I know of. And most people agree that it's a bad thing to vibrate your amp so much.

I had a lot of success with a Boston sub and a Rockford Fostgate punch amp - but I'm sure that there are many good combinations available. The Boston had a passive driver in a small box - and coupled with variable phase and delay on the HU worked incredibly well (very deep, tight and "tuneful" - no "one note" thump that many boxes give).

Munro · 27th October 2007, 07:57

Have you seen this thread for a small Alpine sub.

Weak Bass now sorted! Also, pics of the back of the radio

Alpine Car Audio - Car Audio - Alpine SWD-1600 Alpine Car Audio.co.uk - Alpine Car Audio online at internet prices

I like the idea of this one because it is so compact and relatively easy to install. Has anyone else tried this with good results ?

Koen · 27th October 2007, 08:57

If you just want to add some bass to the existing sound system, a powered sub will do the job nicely. Dealers off course will try to sell you a much more expensive separate set, but I think that's overkill in this case.
If you're planning to upgrade the whole system over time, you better look out for a complete separate system, as part of the master plan.

I am building an active sub myself at the moment. Home-made amp, home made active filter and rather small 8" but decent kevlar woofer. It's gonna be 80 real watts RMS into 8 ohms. In fact I build a sub that fits in the "secret boot compartment" and put all electronics inside of it. The cooling block will be placed inside close to the bass-reflex opening, or on the outside. Not yet decided.
I am wondering though where to get the input signal from, since the standard stereo has no pre-out. Probably have to take it from the speaker out. Not the best solution, but ok for subwoofer input.

BTW, where does the concert pack get his input from? Anyone has an installation manual?

K.

26th October 2007, 21:47	#1 (permalink)
psykik Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 28th April 2007 Posts: 469 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts iTrader: (0)	Powered Subs Vs sub plus Amp - Who's the DADDY? I have the budget for a decent bass unit and separate amp. My needs are not to go to exhibitions or car parks and show off. Im happy with a bit of bass listening to Dire Straits and rock music. I am drawn to the powered amp solution because: 1) It saves space, seats going down, no problem! 2) Seems a nice neat solution 3) Easy removal. Im drawn to a separate amp and bass unit because 1) Im told its much better quality by every other dealer bar 2 ive spoken to. Question: Is there a powered bass unit that can give as good as SQ for an audiophile as a sub and amp combination? Does anyone have one or have any experience to share? Thanks

27th October 2007, 07:57	#3 (permalink)
Munro Supporter Rocketship door handle Join Date: 10th August 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,105 Thanks: 25 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts iTrader: (0)	Have you seen this thread for a small Alpine sub. Weak Bass now sorted! Also, pics of the back of the radio Alpine Car Audio - Car Audio - Alpine SWD-1600 Alpine Car Audio.co.uk - Alpine Car Audio online at internet prices I like the idea of this one because it is so compact and relatively easy to install. Has anyone else tried this with good results ? Last edited by Munro; 27th October 2007 at 08:02.

27th October 2007, 08:57	#4 (permalink)
Koen Supporter Triangular Exhaust Join Date: 18th September 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 244 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	If you just want to add some bass to the existing sound system, a powered sub will do the job nicely. Dealers off course will try to sell you a much more expensive separate set, but I think that's overkill in this case. If you're planning to upgrade the whole system over time, you better look out for a complete separate system, as part of the master plan. I am building an active sub myself at the moment. Home-made amp, home made active filter and rather small 8" but decent kevlar woofer. It's gonna be 80 real watts RMS into 8 ohms. In fact I build a sub that fits in the "secret boot compartment" and put all electronics inside of it. The cooling block will be placed inside close to the bass-reflex opening, or on the outside. Not yet decided. I am wondering though where to get the input signal from, since the standard stereo has no pre-out. Probably have to take it from the speaker out. Not the best solution, but ok for subwoofer input. BTW, where does the concert pack get his input from? Anyone has an installation manual? K. Last edited by Koen; 27th October 2007 at 13:27.

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This thread is about: Powered Subs Vs sub plus Amp - Who's the DADDY?, it's in Ipods, MP3 Players and ICE at the Honda Civic forum Civinfo; I have the budget for a decent bass unit and separate amp. My needs are not to go to exhibitions or car parks and show ...

26th October 2007, 23:47	#2 (permalink)
Pottsy Administrator Civinfo master Join Date: 10th April 2006 Location: Leics Posts: 5,466 Thanks: 22 Thanked 163 Times in 97 Posts iTrader: (0)	Not that I know of. And most people agree that it's a bad thing to vibrate your amp so much. I had a lot of success with a Boston sub and a Rockford Fostgate punch amp - but I'm sure that there are many good combinations available. The Boston had a passive driver in a small box - and coupled with variable phase and delay on the HU worked incredibly well (very deep, tight and "tuneful" - no "one note" thump that many boxes give).