Convertible Ski-pass Subwoofer...custom install

Originally Posted by Adamo99

I took the audio feed from the full-range signal being fed into the stock HK amp, and ran it to my Kicker amp. (700.5, I think- it's a 5-channel amp, but I'm only using the subwoofer channel for now). The Kicker amps are great, because you don't need any line-level converters, adapters, or anything. Just tap into the signal wires, connect some RCAs, and plug right into the amp.

I used the instructions from the BSW installation guide for the BSW ib110 subwoofer system:
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/pr...e-M3-3-Series/ - look under 'install info', and download the PDF.

thanks for this mate, i will be giving this a go this weekend. do you need a specific type of amp and subwoofer for this to work or could you use any setup for this?

Pics from the inside!

Originally Posted by ap123ap

thanks for this mate, i will be giving this a go this weekend. do you need a specific type of amp and subwoofer for this to work or could you use any setup for this?

I went with the Kicker amp specifically because it has dual sensitivity differential RCA inputs, which are compatible with the stock HK system (without requiring line level to RCA converters). The cabling is easier, and there's less to buy.

Keep in mind, I kept the stock head unit and HK speakers in the cabin. If you're replacing your head unit also, you can go with pretty much any amp that you want. I still recommend the Kicker- as they're a lot of amp for the money - often providing more power than they're rated for.

You can use any subwoofer you want if it's in a box designed for that particular sub. If you're going to build it into the ski-pass opening, you'll be wanting to use a free-air design, so it uses the volume of air in the trunk as the 'box'. Just check to ensure that your current ratings are good (ie: don't plug in a sub designed to draw 1Ohm if your amp doesn't support it).

Here's some pics of mine and a write up I did:



http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...55&postcount=2

Originally Posted by Adamo99

I went with the Kicker amp specifically because it has dual sensitivity differential RCA inputs, which are compatible with the stock HK system (without requiring line level to RCA converters). The cabling is easier, and there's less to buy.

Keep in mind, I kept the stock head unit and HK speakers in the cabin. If you're replacing your head unit also, you can go with pretty much any amp that you want. I still recommend the Kicker- as they're a lot of amp for the money - often providing more power than they're rated for.

You can use any subwoofer you want if it's in a box designed for that particular sub. If you're going to build it into the ski-pass opening, you'll be wanting to use a free-air design, so it uses the volume of air in the trunk as the 'box'. Just check to ensure that your current ratings are good (ie: don't plug in a sub designed to draw 1Ohm if your amp doesn't support it).

thanks for the info mate. Basically, i had a sub and amp from my previous car and it's sitting in the garage gathering dust. i dont think it has dual sensitivity differential RCA inputs, it is just a stock amp that takes rca inputs. i also have one of these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=150600243726

i was hoping to go line to RCA from the HK head unit into the crossover then from the crossover, into the aftermarket AMP which is this one:http://www.dvbcaraudio.co.uk/toxic-t...er-p-3146.html



Manufacturer: Toxic Car Audio

Toxic Car Audio TX-600 2 Channel 600 Watt Car Amplifier
2 x 300w / 1 x 600w

Bridgeable high power amplifier

Mos-fet switching supply

Built in low-/ highpass x-over

Rca line out

Thermal- / speaker short circuit protection

Will this work?

TKC, what brand/model is that subwoofer? Looks like a perfect size for the space.

DAC

Originally Posted by EVMadman

TKC, what brand/model is that subwoofer? Looks like a perfect size for the space.

DAC

Yes, the sub fits PERFECTLY in the ski pass.
It's a 10" Kicker L7. (The L5 is the same size and works as well)

Any of you guys replace the crappy HK speakers? I'm having a hard time finding what would fit in the rear - a component set that is. Don't want to go with BSW, way too expensive. Everything else I'm finding is just too deep to install in the rear without cutting metal. I found that the dimensions for the rear mid are 4 1/2" wide by 1 1/2" deep..

Originally Posted by Stuttgart330

Any of you guys replace the crappy HK speakers? I'm having a hard time finding what would fit in the rear - a component set that is. Don't want to go with BSW, way too expensive. Everything else I'm finding is just too deep to install in the rear without cutting metal. I found that the dimensions for the rear mid are 4 1/2" wide by 1 1/2" deep..

What about Audio-System?

Page: 21

http://www.audio-system.de/service/AS-Katalog.pdf

Speakers on Page 19 are very flat.

hmm - looks like 1.61 inches deep for the ION 165 and 1 5/16 for the ION 130...

200 Euros though - pricey for us US folks...

Originally Posted by Adamo99

I went with the Kicker amp specifically because it has dual sensitivity differential RCA inputs, which are compatible with the stock HK system (without requiring line level to RCA converters). The cabling is easier, and there's less to buy.

Keep in mind, I kept the stock head unit and HK speakers in the cabin. If you're replacing your head unit also, you can go with pretty much any amp that you want. I still recommend the Kicker- as they're a lot of amp for the money - often providing more power than they're rated for.

You can use any subwoofer you want if it's in a box designed for that particular sub. If you're going to build it into the ski-pass opening, you'll be wanting to use a free-air design, so it uses the volume of air in the trunk as the 'box'. Just check to ensure that your current ratings are good (ie: don't plug in a sub designed to draw 1Ohm if your amp doesn't support it).

Nice work. How is the performance of the free air? Is the bass tight, even with the top down? Im figuring a 10" free air may be almost as good as an 8" sealed...

Originally Posted by SMUUUUUV

Like mine?.......

^^^ that's the way to do it if you are gonna ski-sub your vert. (very nice touch with the HK moniker)

Note: for those that try this...after you are done, try switching the polarity of the speaker for a sound check. Or some amps allow this with a switch (polarity 0 or 180). In this type of setup, phase can sometimes end up reversed, so if you intentionally wire the speaker out of phase (reverse polarity) you can "trick" the system into being correct. Just swap the leads and see which gives you better sound.
Also re,ember that this is essentially a "baffle" enclosure (no actual enclosure, just something physical that protects the back waves from interfering with the front waves). You lose a lot of power handling with this type, so be a little stingy with the power when showing off to your buds.

Originally Posted by radarcontact

Note: for those that try this...after you are done, try switching the polarity of the speaker for a sound check. Or some amps allow this with a switch (polarity 0 or 180). In this type of setup, phase can sometimes end up reversed, so if you intentionally wire the speaker out of phase (reverse polarity) you can "trick" the system into being correct. Just swap the leads and see which gives you better sound.
Also re,ember that this is essentially a "baffle" enclosure (no actual enclosure, just something physical that protects the back waves from interfering with the front waves). You lose a lot of power handling with this type, so be a little stingy with the power when showing off to your buds.

--if you build a "box" behind the woofer, then disregard my statements above.

Originally Posted by SMUUUUUV

Like mine?.......

Any tips on how your mesh cover was made? Would love to replicate what you did to cover the sub...

Subscribed.

Originally Posted by TKC

Here's some pics of mine and a write up I did:



http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...55&postcount=2

I saw u and your car at bimmerfest?? U have the extra twitters also right?