Audio & Video Tech General discussion of audio and video for the Ford Ranger.

Downward facing sub vs. sideways vs. forward

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Old 06-10-2014
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Downward facing sub vs. sideways vs. forward

Hello all. I'm going to do full new system in my '06 extended cab and would like to get some opinions from everyone about which direction is best to face a single sub. I want to do a single 10" sub. I'm not looking for a huge bass system, just a really good sound quality system. I've searched around on RF and Google and I've seen downward facing, sideways facing, and forward facing boxes. I want to locate a single sub in place of one of my jump seats, which I will remove. I would like to design the box so that it's large enough that I can mount the amp to either the side or the top of the box.

Here's everything that I have in mind, opinions are welcome, I haven't made any purchases yet:

Kenwood KFC-P509PS 5-1/4" 2-Way Component Speaker System Set times two, for the front and rear.


Kenwood X700-5 5-channel amp


Kenwood Excelon KFC-XW10 10" Sub 4-Ohms


Kenwood Excelon KDC-X597 single-din head unit


I also plan to use DynaPad in the floor, and DynaMat everywhere else, including the rear wall and roof. I'm going to use speaker baffles in the front and rear doors.

I already have dual batteries since my Ranger is wired up for a winch, but so far my alternator is still stock. Should I consider a capacitor? What size wire should I use for the amp? And the speakers?

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!
 
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Old 06-10-2014
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In general sound quality front or down firing have no plus or minus over each other.
People with wood floors say down firing is better, and that can be true, also pissing off the neighbors downstairs if you are in an apartment, but subs **** off neighbors in general anyway.

In a vehicle application the only benefit in down firing would be to protect the cone from damage, which can be a BIG advantage, lol.
But in mounting space requirements front firing may save more space.

The box the sub lives in is one of the BIG things that effects its performance, to work well at all the low frequencies it needs to move ALOT of air, i.e. a bass drum and a bongo, the amount of air that is displaced when you strike either is what sets the frequency of what you hear.

Google: Building a subwoofer box with insulation
Adding insulation can have the same effect as building a larger box, so is a very good option in vehicle applications.
 
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Old 06-11-2014
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bump
 
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Old 06-11-2014
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That's a pretty decent setup you have there. I have a similar setup. I bought a box similar to this one:


If you already have two batteries, I wouldn't bother upgrading the alternator. Especially for a smaller setup like you've got. Maybe if you had four 12" subs with a 3000 watt amp you might want to consider it... Not for one 10" sub.
 
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Old 06-14-2014
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The amp I want has a built in fan but I would like to add an extra fan or two to help keep it cool. I would like something super quiet. Can anyone recommend a good 12v fan?
 
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Old 07-07-2014
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I know this thread is a little old but in an orchestra pit the bass is in the front center stage. I will post a picture of my current setup with an eight inch in a tube between my regular cab front seats. It actually sounds better firing forward than back.
 
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