So I went the safe and expen$$ive route and had a local company install a 10" Kicker Solo-Baric L5 Subwoofer in T-Bone along with a 600 watt LS Audio amp to drive it. He will also install an attenuator so I can regulate the subwoofer itself. This is phase 1 of a two phase package if I decide to go that route. Right now the bass is tight, powerful and basically incredible. The system has been brought to life and in most cases I am very pleased with the result from all audio sources. However, sometimes a source sends a bass signal that changes too dramatically too quickly. The bass player moves from a high to a low tonal point that causes the sub to kick in. BUT it kicks in like a ledge - it goes from higher to lower with a sudden burst of boom. I'd like to change that from a ledge to a more gradual incline...if possible.

Anyway, Phase 2 would replace all speakers and tweeters with Focals and, if I listened to him properly, they will be driven (or some of them will be driven) by another JL Audio amp. Dynamatting will be part of the mix as well. An optional part of phase 2 is the JL Audio Clean Sweep System. I don't fully understand how it works, but the result is what I am interested in. So what I'm told is that if installed, phase 2 will send all bass signals to the subwoofer further reducing distortion levels and the highs and mids will come forth with greater dynamics in the higher and mid ranges thereby creating a better blend with the new and improved bass. I'd rather not spend the extra money for phase two BUT if it will make a significant difference and possibly help minimize my 'bass ledge' issue, I'll spring for the extra dollars. Any and all opinions are welcome.

 

So do you have any pictures of your subwoofer? Also, how much did it cost to have it done? Do you still have any room in the boot for items?

 

I'll take some photos ASAP. Meanwhile, what we decided was the SW would be installed in the boot on the far left side. My objective was to still be able to fit my Fender Princeton Reverb guitar amp (apx. 2' wide x 10" deep) in the boot along with a microphone or two. Mission accomplished! The boot floor was cut into two pieces. The first piece is stationery (or is that stationary, I always forget) and supports the SW. The second piece is removable and covers the SW amp which rests under the boot in the tool area. When I post the pics, I'll explain how phase 1 ventilation is handled and what would be done if a second amp is installed.

Phase one cost apx. $1,400 but part of phase one was to also wire for phase two. Phase two will likely cost about $1,600. The reason for the two phases is purely expense. If I didn't buy so many guitars, I'd have enough to do this audio system all at once. But alas, these musical addictions of mine are costly.