Hey guys,

Looking to upgrade the audio... I know I know, another one of these threads.

The stock audio system and the sub was good for about a week :P

I'm not asking for what to buy, but more-so how to save space. I dont want to ruin the ability for the back seats to fold down and up.

I was looking at the possibilities of using a long rectangular subwoofer box made for trucks, that way the rear seats can still recline all the way.

I have not thrown out the possibilities of using the infiniti basslink, or some of the other powered subwoofer boxes out on the market. I'm just not sure they can move enough air inside the cabin.

I've dealt with car audio before, but never in an SUV. I always had a trunk, so I'm not sure how the sound will be with everything in-cabin.

Ideally I would like to have the subs underneath the rear passenger seats, but I dont think anything can really squeeze under there and still provide good sound.

Any ideas? I do not want the JL stealthbox, as it is expensive, carpeted and doesnt flow with the interior of the element.

Thanks!

changaroo,

first and foremost, use the search function ;)

The easiest thing for you to do, since it sounds like you have the stock subwoofer, is to replace the stock subwoofer and amplifier. There are those on this forum that say simply replacing the stock amplifier provides a significant boost to sound from the stock sub. There is a wealth of information on replacing the stock sub, and of course installing amps and where to do that.

Great thread with alot of different sub/amp setups in the hummer escape pod.
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34605&highlight=subwoofer+location

JBL 8" into OEM enclosure
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61901&highlight=stock+subwoofer+enclosure

This is your best bet
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51793&highlight=kicker+sub

Hope that helps. Now you just need to find out where the amp goes. Previous locations have been under the front seats mounted to the floor, under the rear seats mounted to the bottom of the seat (upside down), over the side storage bins in the rear (vertically), flush in the floor over the spare tire, in the spare tire well, in the ceiling, mounted to the back of any seat. Did i miss any? :lol: Unfortunately you cannot place an amp where the stock amp is, because it is very small - unless you can find a powerful amp that actually fits there. E owners would be interested in knowing if you did.

good luck.

thank you.

sorry I got lazy, but I did do a search and found quite a bit of info regarding audio setups.

Has anyone tried adding an Aperiodic Vent like the ScanSpeak SSV from Madisound? It'll "increase" the size of the enclosure by 20% as the website claims. Plus, it's only $7...

https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1323

https://www.madisound.com/store/images/madisound/product/SSV.jpg

I'd seen the aperiodic vent used in the speakerworks buick grand national which was the ultimate in car audio back in the 80's. This car used 2 12" midwoofers along side the rear seat and 2 15" subwoofers behind the rear seat in a small box with the aperiodic vent. I believe that vent at madisound is designed to be used with the scanspeak 7" woofer.

http://www.usdaudio.com/sw/cars/buick/

They can be used for any driver.

With this (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=264-907&ctab=2#Tabs) Tangband sub you won't need it.

Actually, you'll have to make the enclosure smaller! Or maybe it could be used in a ported alignment...

Changaroo, how much money and or work are you willing to put into this? Doing the work yourself or paying someone to do it for you?

To me the best location in terms of still allowing you to fully use the functionality of the Element would be the stock location with a Stealthbox. But since that isn't an option for you then my second location would be placing the amp above the side storage on one side in the rear and the sub opposite above the other side storage.

I have seen amps and subs in this location at car shows, SEMA, etc. Have also see the rear side windows covered for amp placement with a sub below it.

Another location for a sub would be the rear doors. That would call for you to lose the rear speakers and just have front speakers or relocating them to another area.

Ceiling mounting of the amp/amps is another option that has been done.

You could build yourself a custom center console and mount an amp and sub within that as another option.

Whatever you choose to do, please post pics!