Using an External Amp to Power Bose Sub?

[NSX-Files]

I have an "oldskool" Soundstream MC245 5-channel amp (35Wx4 satellites + 100W sub) that I want to install in my '91. I'm having trouble stomaching the $600-700 for the Z-tool V3 sub, so I was wondering if anyone has ever externally powered the 4" sub in the OEM footwell box.

I was considering running 4 channels of the amp bridged into 2 for the door speakers and the mono 100W channel for the sub. I have opened my sub up and removed the internal amplifier, so the wiring would be simple. But is this too much power for such a little sub? Am I going to get anything resembling decent bass or would I be wasting my time?

Or how about this crazy idea - out of fiberglass, make a replacement "cover" for the sub box (the sub driver side) that would house a slightly larger subwoofer and increase the interior volume? Probably too much work.

Opinions appreciated.

David

 

[Briank]

The stock bose speaker is a very low inpedence about 1 OHM which most amps will not be happy with. You could stay with the stock amp and use stock line level inputs.

 

[zetoolman]

With the work involved and cost of parts the V3 shipped for $630 is a great deal!! As you will get the best sub for the NSX! Using a 10" driver will give you the proper dynamic range of sounded needed over a 8" or smaller.

As they say "Do it right the first time"!

 

[DrVolkl]

It took me two years to finally bite the bullet and get the V3.....wish I had done it sooner.
:smile:

 

[NSX-Files]

I did bite the bullet and got a V3. I'm certainly glad I did as it sounds awesome! I installed the following:

Alpine iDA-X001 head unit with my ipod nano
Soundstream MC245 bridged 90Wx2 + 100x1
JL C5 Evolution coaxial 6.5" speakers and crossovers
V3 Subwoofer
Dynamat all over the doors
Monster Cable speaker wire straight through to the doors and sub
Custom formed center console (Painted Silver)
Custom fabricated sheet steel radio mount bracket (similar to what SOS sells)
Custom MDF speaker plates (similar to what SOS sells but with 1" raised bezels to bring the speakers right up to the grill cloth on the door panel)

It still needs some tuning, but right out of the box it sounds pretty good. I'll try to post up pics of my install soon.
David

 

[NSX-Files]

I finally tooks some pics of my stereo install. I had to do a lot of tuning to get it sounding the way I want, but now it's pretty good. One thing I may still do is modify or remove the metal perforated grills built into the door panels behind the grill cloth. They are really restrictive and seem to muffle the mids and highs a lot. Listening to the stereo without the door panels, it sounds bright and clean. With the door panels back on, I have to use the equalizer to boost up the mids and highs, which I don't like to do.

The hardest part was cutting the factory console trim and then reshaping it with fiberglass and bondo to look decent. Then preparing, painting, color sanding and polishing the silver and clear coat seemed to take forever. Then, after doing all that work, the clock trim cracked when trying to install the vents back in it and I had to start all over on that piece. It's way too flimsy.

Anyway, I think it turned out pretty good. But I still have to really be in the mood for music to turn it on, as I enjoy hearing the engine just as much as music. :smile:


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