Spare Tire Sub Options

[CHICO2003]

I've given a lot of thought as to how I'm going to tackle the (lack of) bass issue in my MS3 and I'm leaning more towards removing the spare tire (who needs it anyway?) and utilizing that space. I haven't yet looked but was wondering if anyone has been able to (or thinks it's possible) to put a powered sub (like the Infinity Basslink) in that space. It's tough to tell looking at the pictures online... and I haven't even checked out my spare tire well... but I'm thinking it's not doable. probably not deep enough. If anyone has any options or ideas please let me know. I like the idea of an all in one... trying to keep the hatch functionality in tact.

[CHICO2003]

Ding Ding Ding!!

I think I found a winner

http://www.mazda3stealthbox.com

[mzdaspd3]

I've given a lot of thought as to how I'm going to tackle the (lack of) bass issue in my MS3 and I'm leaning more towards removing the spare tire (who needs it anyway?) and utilizing that space. I haven't yet looked but was wondering if anyone has been able to (or thinks it's possible) to put a powered sub (like the Infinity Basslink) in that space. It's tough to tell looking at the pictures online... and I haven't even checked out my spare tire well... but I'm thinking it's not doable. probably not deep enough. If anyone has any options or ideas please let me know. I like the idea of an all in one... trying to keep the hatch functionality in tact.

jl audio is making one. here is the link





http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_stealthbox_make.php?make_id=67&model_id=843

[CHICO2003]

yeah.. but that one's like 8 billion pesos

[soilsample]

I just installed my stealthbox today.
Used a JL Audio sub and amp. It's nice and clean looking. Sounds great too!

[phillyb]

there is someone who has a sub exactly where you're talking about op...idk if he posts here. i can't for the life of me remember where i saw these pics either. but it was dope

[SHAGwagn]

Ive got the JL one. Waiting on my Amp from ebay. Ill let you know how it goes if you are interested...and it was only 700 pesos lol

[Trader]

Hey can you post pics of the JL stealthbox before you install it. Curious what it looks like.

[CHICO2003]

There are pics of it (uninstalled) on the site... ms3stealthbox.com

[Trader]

There are pics of it (uninstalled) on the site... ms3stealthbox.com

I was talking about the JL stealthbox. Totaly different from the MS3stealthbox.

[SHAGwagn]

you can see it on JLs website if you need to see it now. I can take pics tomorrow maybe, its sitting in my garage now waiting on the amp.

[yashart_mp3]

can you please post pics if you get a chance. Im very interested in this, I would just like to see it in detail before i drop the $$$ on it. Thanks

[GoFast]

this place has it for 650 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_13738_JL+Audio+SB-MA-3-SPD-10W3v3.html)

[240ka]

i want a 15" sub put in my spare area

[SHAGwagn]

this place has it for 650 (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_13738_JL+Audio+SB-MA-3-SPD-10W3v3.html)

yeah thats the one i got, paid 700 shipped.

[CHICO2003]

idk guys... personally, I think you're nuts for dropping that kind of cash when a far better option is available (stealthbox) for much less. I mean... its' one thing if you've got money to burn. But come on... the fact that you bought a MS3 means you don't (most likely anyway) so for anyone who's still thinking about this... do what I did and order a stealthbox for $100... put the best 8" sub you can afford in and you should be more than happy with the outcome. The ONLY thing you lose is the storage of your jack... which can easily be put elsewhere (I put mine in the spare tire well)

[SHAGwagn]

I agree. It was a gift. On a brighter side, it owns the 8" stealbox enclosure by far. I guess it depends on what ur looking for.

[derspi]

Stealthbox is fine for a lot of ppl who just wants to up the bass a little but for those that are used to having aftermarket sound systems or are going for a SQ setup, the internal volume of the Stealthbox is just way too small.

[CHICO2003]

But the JLs an 8" too. Plus with the right sub and polyfill the stealthbox is more than enough. Hacentheard the JL but doubt it's that much better. I'll keep the $500 differencein my pocket.

[car46999]

But the JLs an 8" too. Plus with the right sub and polyfill the stealthbox is more than enough. Hacentheard the JL but doubt it's that much better. I'll keep the $500 differencein my pocket.

If you are referring to the JL spare tire box, it is a 10" subwoofer. I have not heard one yet, but I would guess that you get what you pay for. I am not saying I would shell out $500 for one, but for ease of install and sound output it is likely a decent deal.

Also the 10W3v3-4 is formidable subwoofer, and JL makes nice enclosures that are matched very well to their subs.
I personally will be using JL in my ms3, but not the stealth box.

[Design]

The stealth box will sound good, VERY GOOD. Several members use and love it. You won't get bone-crushing bass, but it's perfect for audio that you play at normal levels.

In my previous car, I used a Premier 10" shallow sub in an enclosure slightly larger than the stealth box. I plan to do the same with my MS3 using that set-up. Here's the link:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/Subwoofers/Shallow/TS-SW841D

[SHAGwagn]

If you are referring to the JL spare tire box, it is a 10" subwoofer. I have not heard one yet, but I would guess that you get what you pay for. I am not saying I would shell out $500 for one, but for ease of install and sound output it is likely a decent deal.

Also the 10W3v3-4 is formidable subwoofer, and JL makes nice enclosures that are matched very well to their subs.
I personally will be using JL in my ms3, but not the stealth box.

Ur right. The 10W3v3-4 sounds amazing in that enclosure. Im loving it.

[Trader]

The JL stealthbox should put out twice what the other stealthbox sub would put out assuming you go from an JL8w3v3 to a JL10w3v4. The 10 inch has about 56% more surface area 40% more xmax, and is rated about 2x the 8" sub.

I just wish it came with the JL10w6v2 instead of the w3

[Design]

My understanding is that the JL Stealthbox raises the floor about 4.5". That's a pretty significant reduction in cargo room if that's true. In fact, the stroller I usually put in the back would no longer fit. :(

Anyone have installed pics yet?

[SHAGwagn]

The JL stealthbox should put out twice what the other stealthbox sub would put out assuming you go from an JL8w3v3 to a JL10w3v4. The 10 inch has about 56% more surface area 40% more xmax, and is rated about 2x the 8" sub.

I just wish it came with the JL10w6v2 instead of the w3

honestly trader, you wouldnt need it. I have my bass set at 0 on the bose head unit and when partnered up with the recommended slash 250/1v2....its shakes the car to shreads on most tracks....its a hatch and it gets down nasty. Real nasty.

[SHAGwagn]

My understanding is that the JL Stealthbox raises the floor about 4.5". That's a pretty significant reduction in cargo room if that's true. In fact, the stroller I usually put in the back would no longer fit. :(

Anyone have installed pics yet?

It only raises the floor by 2" in the speed3. The 4.5" raise happens i the 3 sedan. Unfortunately Im out the country on business for the next 5 weeks but I would love to share pics with you when I get back becuase i love that fukin set up sooooo much. Just so you get an idea...it raises the floor almost to the bottom of the jack opening...and i have a carpeted mat under a plastic cargo mat and net...meaning it would sit even lower without all that shit. You open the hatch and unless u have a speed, actually maybe even if you did, wouldnt even know it was there....that is until i fire that sucker up. Its really expensive (a grand for the box and amp) but totally worth it for space saving mega power (owns the jack stealthbox) imho. good luck.

[CHICO2003]

well I just got my jack stealthbox installed and am blown away with how great it sounds. Obviously the sub you put in (along with the amp you're powering it) plays a role... both of which are extremely capable. Considering the overall cost ($50 for the sub... $100 for the stealthbox... $100 for the amp) I'd say this setup 'owns' the JL. not only did I save what? $750? lol geezus... but I also get to keep my damn spare tire! (hey, ya never know!)

On top of that... for what it's worth, since the sub is actually visible it looks pretty damn cool! Everyone that's seen it is really impressed with how well it 'fits' in. The only downside I see is that it's not protected. But a simple grille cover can fix that.

In short... if you've got money to burn and like the inconspicuous look of the JL... by all means. Then again, if you've got money to burn wtf are you doing in a mazda? Everyone else... I think you know what I recommend.

[SHAGwagn]

well I just got my jack stealthbox installed and am blown away with how great it sounds. Obviously the sub you put in (along with the amp you're powering it) plays a role... both of which are extremely capable. Considering the overall cost ($50 for the sub... $100 for the stealthbox... $100 for the amp) I'd say this setup 'owns' the JL. not only did I save what? $750? lol geezus... but I also get to keep my damn spare tire! (hey, ya never know!)

On top of that... for what it's worth, since the sub is actually visible it looks pretty damn cool! Everyone that's seen it is really impressed with how well it 'fits' in. The only downside I see is that it's not protected. But a simple grille cover can fix that.

In short... if you've got money to burn and like the inconspicuous look of the JL... by all means. Then again, if you've got money to burn wtf are you doing in a mazda? Everyone else... I think you know what I recommend.


It was a gift. I think I said that a few posts up :D i only paid the 250 for the amp...right around what u did i guess when u factor in cables that im sure ull also need. Guess I just have a nicer GF than you do lolllll JK...but it was a great gift. I dont have money to burn...and even if I did I would still consider a speed 3 as one of my cars cuz its a great car for the buck and its fun as hell to drive, which im sure is the same reason you bought it, and because ive owned a few mazdas and love their reliability. Though your stealtbox may sound good, ive heard them before, they are far inferior to what the JL set up can do and thus does not "own" it, its just "cheaper"...you get what you pay for, or in my case, are given :D So stop comparing apples and oranges cuz ur just coming off as cheap. Congrats on the new set up though, anything is better than the crap sub the car comes with...if u even have a GT model (wink)


5 mins later....

o ur the guy that has been bashing the JL box the whole time giving wrong info about it...yeah, ur def just coming off as a cheap hater. To each is own, im loving mine just as much as you are loving yours :D

By the way, no offense by any of this....i guess i shouldnt have said it owned the other box...it is far cheaper and shudnt even have been compared in the first place. I like JL and have always used them, guess that means i have money to burn...or...i just have good taste in audio equipment. So my apologies friend. Im through.

[TKMS3]

Pics of jack stealth box installed?

[CHICO2003]

It was a gift. I think I said that a few posts up :D
.


Sorry, I must've missed that post. I don't always read every word of every post... my bad. But even still... you also said it was about a grand and "well worth it IYHO" so it sounds like you would've bought it if you hadn't received it as a gift.

[CHICO2003]

Though your stealtbox may sound good, ive heard them before, they are far inferior to what the JL set up can do and thus does not "own" it, its just "cheaper"...you get what you pay for, or in my case, are given :D So stop comparing apples and oranges cuz ur just coming off as cheap. Congrats on the new set up though, anything is better than the crap sub the car comes with...if u even have a GT model (wink)


Just an FYI, you're coming across as a real douchebag here. The only reason I even posted was because you had said the JL "owns" the stealthbox setup. While I haven't heard the JL (in fact, you're the only person I've ever heard of owning one) I've had a multitude of systems in my day. So it's not like I'm comparing my current to nothing at all... As I've already stated, I'm more than happy with mine and actually pretty damn impressed. As far as your hearing the stealthox and saying it was 'far inferior'... this is just absurd. Maybe the sub and/or amp was shit... Maybe it wasn't setup or configured right. Maybe the HU wasn't adjusted properly. There are simply too many variables... I had mine done by professionals and it sounds F'in great.

o ur the guy that has been bashing the JL box the whole time giving wrong info about it...yeah, ur def just coming off as a cheap hater. To each is own, im loving mine just as much as you are loving yours :D

By the way, no offense by any of this....i guess i shouldnt have said it owned the other box...it is far cheaper and shudnt even have been compared in the first place. I like JL and have always used them, guess that means i have money to burn...or...i just have good taste in audio equipment. So my apologies friend. Im through.

Not exactly sure what you're referring to here. I've never 'bashed' the JL. I've owned plenty of JL subs and components in my day and know they are among the best. Without going back to what I actually said (no need to really) I'm guessing all I did was reiterate my stance above that it's outrageously expensive for what you get.


Last thing I'l say is... you don't ALWAYS get what you pay for. You made it seem like, since my setup costs less than yours than by default it's inferior. (in fact, you didn't just make it seem that way... you downright said it!) While this is probably the case more times than not... There are PLENTY of exceptions to this rule.

[Trader]

Checo,

He is entitled to his opinion. Don't get so offended by other peoples opinions.

Obviously the sub and amp affect the sound of the jack mounted sub. But it most cases a 10" sub will output significantly more than an 8" sub. Especially because you are limited to smaller 8" subs in the jack area due to depth. I think the 8w3v3 barely fits.

If you could fit the 8W7 in the jack area I bet it would compete (and possibly blow away) the JL 10w3v3 mounted stealthbox. But the fact is you can not fit that sized sub in there due to limited depth and lack of box volume. So you are limited to a certain output when you go with the jack mounted subs.

And BTW the JL stealthbox lets you keep the spare tire. The spare sits right on the box.

SHAG,

Thank you for your opinions on the box. I am looking forward to your pictures when you get back.

[SHAGwagn]

trader - will do as soon as I get back

checo - no hard feelings homie, i already said i was sorry. Just do some homework next time before u go calling a well designed space saving box that keeps the spare...just like yours...a waste of money. Im lead to believe u didnt even know what it was...u saw the price and started calling people ridiculous. Had u even read up on it not only would you have known it was a 10 incher, you would have almost certainly noticed its main selling point is being hidden while still keeping the spare. cheers.

[SHAGwagn]

and just so we are clear here is you line i was referring too:


checo: idk guys... personally, I think you're nuts for dropping that kind of cash when a far better option is available (stealthbox) for much less.

Tell me again how ur 8" is a far better option than the 10w3v3 that comes in the JL unit??

[Design]

It only raises the floor by 2" in the speed3. The 4.5" raise happens i the 3 sedan. Unfortunately Im out the country on business for the next 5 weeks but I would love to share pics with you when I get back becuase i love that fukin set up sooooo much. Just so you get an idea...it raises the floor almost to the bottom of the spare tire opening...and i have a carpeted mat under a plastic cargo mat and net...meaning it would sit even lower without all that shit. You open the hatch and unless u have a speed, actually maybe even if you did, wouldnt even know it was there....that is until i fire that sucker up. Its really expensive (a grand for the box and amp) but totally worth it for space saving mega power (owns the jack stealthbox) imho. good luck.

Thanks - The fact the JL sits under the floorboard is of huge interest to me. I am looking for a true stealth install.

And to be fair, an 8" sub would compete with its 10" counterpart, but would require 40% more power to do so. The box I used before was just 0.5 cu ft with a 10" sub, and ran nominally at 350 watts (1000 watts max). Sounded just as good as my former 12" sub in a 1.2 cu ft box. The stealthbox is 0.65 cu ft which is more than enough space for an 8" sub to function. You'll need to run it at 120 watts nominal for it to sound right.

[car46999]

(five-0) I'll break this up,

To each his own.

It is likely that the JL stealth box would outperform the side mount 8.
But it is MUCH more money to spend. It comes down to what you personally want.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3242710289_c66df4a8df_o.jpg


With that here is my un-stealth box. It is JL, 3-8w6's in an old school JL 8.3. It will be easily removable (I have grills for them) and the support brackets will also come out.

[Kain]

Not having heard either stealthbox in person, I've noticed several people seem to sell their jack-mount box not long after installing it. I'm wondering if these people are just the audiophiles who wouldn't be satisfied unless they gutted the system entirely anyway. I'm actually fine with the stock Bose for the most part (and yes, I know it's inferior to a fully customized setup), but I want some accent bass.

[duckduck]

well I just got my jack stealthbox installed and am blown away with how great it sounds. Obviously the sub you put in (along with the amp you're powering it) plays a role... both of which are extremely capable. Considering the overall cost ($50 for the sub... $100 for the stealthbox... $100 for the amp) I'd say this setup 'owns' the JL. not only did I save what? $750? lol geezus... but I also get to keep my damn spare tire! (hey, ya never know!)

On top of that... for what it's worth, since the sub is actually visible it looks pretty damn cool! Everyone that's seen it is really impressed with how well it 'fits' in. The only downside I see is that it's not protected. But a simple grille cover can fix that.

In short... if you've got money to burn and like the inconspicuous look of the JL... by all means. Then again, if you've got money to burn wtf are you doing in a mazda? Everyone else... I think you know what I recommend.

What sub did you end up going for?

[RBovee]

not really spare tire sub but....

[car46999]

not really spare tire sub but....
Yea I just though I'd break up the pissing... (sad1)

[CHICO2003]

So I guess your mispelling of my name is supposed to be some sort of clever, back-handed jab at me. I went to school with a guy whose last name was Pekar. (pronounced pek-argh) This was back in 7th grade so clearly I was a bit less mature than I am now... but we all thought it was funny to call him Pecker. He was a pretty nice guy too so looking back I sort of feel bad. I heard he became a really successful dentist though so I guess he got the last laugh! Though I think he would've been better off going into urology. But yeah... changing my name from chico to checo is just lame.

But whatever... If I said my setup, pricing aside, was better than the JL than I was mistaken and apologize. I guess, like most americans these days, I take pricing into consideration on everything I buy. For me, my $250 setup produces just the right amount of bass and I'm mor than satisfied. If I wanted any more bass, I wouldn't look to another 8" sub option but instead, a full fledged box with at least 1 10" and possibly 2. At this stage of my life, I prefer quality bass that compliments the music... not overshadows it.

So, just to be clear... if it sounded like I was bashing the JL SB I was not. The BEST setup I've ever had featured 2 JL 10" subs so I know how good their quality is. I was merely commenting on the ROI of the 2 setups. For me, I've got plenty of better things to do with my $500.

Obviously that wasn't a factor for you since you got yours as a gift. But honestly.. if YOU had to choose which type of setup to buy with your own money... you still going with the JL? I feel the limitations of the stealthbox (yes, it's small in size) can at least somewhat be made up for with a quality sub and amp. (not to mention polyfill) Since I appreciate the utility the hatch design provides and wouldn't be down with swapping a heavy box in and out of my car everytime I want to load it up with music equipment or whatever... it was literally either the JL or the stealthbox. Pretty sure those are the only 2 options people like me have.

I'll try to post some pics later...

[CHICO2003]

(five-0) I'll break this up,

To each his own.

It is likely that the JL stealth box would outperform the side mount 8.
But it is MUCH more money to spend. It comes down to what you personally want.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3411/3242710289_c66df4a8df_o.jpg


With that here is my un-stealth box. It is JL, 3-8w6's in an old school JL 8.3. It will be easily removable (I have grills for them) and the support brackets will also come out.


That's pretty much the same box (and maybe even sub) I had... Thing was absolutley insane!! Would shake my entire F'in car like crazy... girls used to ask if they could sit in the backseat cuz they said it felt like the massage chair at brookstone. good vibrations indeed

[SHAGwagn]

So I guess your mispelling of my name is supposed to be some sort of clever, back-handed jab at me. I went to school with a guy whose last name was Pekar. (pronounced pek-argh) This was back in 7th grade so clearly I was a bit less mature than I am now... but we all thought it was funny to call him Pecker. He was a pretty nice guy too so looking back I sort of feel bad. I heard he became a really successful dentist though so I guess he got the last laugh! Though I think he would've been better off going into urology. But yeah... changing my name from chico to checo is just lame.

But whatever... If I said my setup, pricing aside, was better than the JL than I was mistaken and apologize. I guess, like most americans these days, I take pricing into consideration on everything I buy. For me, my $250 setup produces just the right amount of bass and I'm mor than satisfied. If I wanted any more bass, I wouldn't look to another 8" sub option but instead, a full fledged box with at least 1 10" and possibly 2. At this stage of my life, I prefer quality bass that compliments the music... not overshadows it.

So, just to be clear... if it sounded like I was bashing the JL SB I was not. The BEST setup I've ever had featured 2 JL 10" subs so I know how good their quality is. I was merely commenting on the ROI of the 2 setups. For me, I've got plenty of better things to do with my $500.

Obviously that wasn't a factor for you since you got yours as a gift. But honestly.. if YOU had to choose which type of setup to buy with your own money... you still going with the JL? I feel the limitations of the stealthbox (yes, it's small in size) can at least somewhat be made up for with a quality sub and amp. (not to mention polyfill) Since I appreciate the utility the hatch design provides and wouldn't be down with swapping a heavy box in and out of my car everytime I want to load it up with music equipment or whatever... it was literally either the JL or the stealthbox. Pretty sure those are the only 2 options people like me have.

I'll try to post some pics later...


Lol my bad, totally did not do that on purpose. Sorry Chico. And I replaced a JL 10" with this one. Granted it wasnt as expensive but it was a JL none the less...if uve had them then you know why I love them. The bass does not overshadow the system at all. This box was designed for this car and designed to be used with that amp...and this was done by JL, not some outsourced location. So again not trying to show off, just expressing my opinion for those like Trader who care to know about this set up. The way I describe it wold be...imagine JL came to your house and made u a custom setup and tuned it (the manual for the sub tells u exactly how to tune that amp)....it costs, but thats what you would get. Times are hard, i hear you. Thank god it was free lol

[Kain]

I find your lack of pics disturbing.

[CHICO2003]

Who was that meant for?

[SHAGwagn]

if that was for me....im kinda on the other side of the world. I promise to show u guys the entire set up when I get back...i get back to MIA the beginning of march...xie xie (rei)

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

Who was that meant for?

Probably anyone who didn't post pics of their sub with a hot girl enjoying the bass vibes.

[NiteRunner]

well I just got my jack stealthbox installed and am blown away with how great it sounds. Obviously the sub you put in (along with the amp you're powering it) plays a role... both of which are extremely capable. Considering the overall cost ($50 for the sub... $100 for the stealthbox... $100 for the amp)

Chico,
What kind of amp/sub did you get for those prices? I'm looking into the stealbox, with the same amp the SHAGwagn used 250/1 for 300$ because you can connect directly to the speaker outputs. Add a JL 8w3v3 which only requires half a cubic foot.

I've competed in IASCA events and can manually tune a system, so I know what a good system sounds like, I just don't want to add much weight, or loose cargo space.

[CHICO2003]

I got a kicker zx 350.2 amp and an 8" kicker cvt84 syv