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As everybody knows, the low end aka bass in the ML system is rather lacking and doesn't do the rest of the 18 speakers justice. I decided to solve this problem by adding a subwoofer in it's own vented box. I tapped the signal off the amp and sent it to a 500 watt amp powering the 10" sub. The enclosure fits perfectly in the space directly behind the rear seat and the amp is hidden on a panel on the right side of the trunk. I can remove the box by unplugging the speaker wire. I had a bass **** installed where the 12V outlet was located by the cup holders so that I could adjust the level as needed. The sub operates independently of all 19 speakers in my ML system and the installation is 100% reversible should I decide it's not for me or if I sell the car. I went ahead and had the passthrough doors removed so that if I chose to drop the armrest in the back there wouldn't be anything between my sub and the cabin.
I had it removed but quite frankly it sounds the same with the armrest up or down so it's currently left up with really no decrease in the performance.
I have more bass than I can stand and the **** is only turned up a third and I like it there. The factory sub is in the original location and still functions. My sub set up is complimentary to the original 19 speakers from Martin Logan.
JL Audio's patented, chamber-coupled port design (U.S. patent #6,625,292) wraps around the inner enclosure boundary and terminates on one side of the woofer, coupling the port output to the woofer's direct output. This also provides the necessary surface area and port length to maximize the performance of the W3v3 driver.
My wife is gonna hate you this weekend while I am installing. :-)
Hahaha, you should consider grabbing these from Crutchfield, they have great prices and free shipping too! This package has more boom for the buck than any OEM sub replacement. I'm just glad I didn't wait until mine gave out and needed replacing.
Nice setup. Love the fact you can control the base. I had that in my G35 back in the day. I've been contemplating adding a sub just still on the fence but like how clean it looks. Might need to clone your setup.
Which wire did you tap off the amp? I need to re-do mine. I took it out because it was too loud and wasn't able to control with the bass ****. When I had it in there, I used the LOC where it connects to the ML sub. It just don't sound right.
Very nice Dr. Jekyll! Thanks for sharing. Any chance you can take a picture of the amp installation location and how it is mounted?
Sorry bud, it's all buttoned up now and I don't want to tear the panels off for a pic. You can find any spot to fit the amp or even mount it on the back of the box if that's what you're worried about.
07-21-16, 04:51 PM
JL Audio Subwoofer Installation
been wanting a little more bass.
