New Bravo with Sub using original HU

[AMT]

Hello,
I've just been read a few threads on installing a sub in a new Bravo, but retaining the original sub.

Whilst most would say this is pointless, I just want a little more bass without affecting the aesthetics of the car. Maybe install a 10" active sub, make it a plug and play friendly install. Budget £150. Newbee.

My question 1) I currently have the bass setting at +3, any higher and the speakers distort. If I install a sub, can I still obtain bass from the sub at +3 if I take a feed from the rear door speakers, or will the sub simply not output much. And

2) Is it best to take a feed from the source HU somehow or a rear door speaker?

3) Any better options?

Thanks for anyones experience or opinions for me to consider.

 

[Shane88]

i love how 260 people have viewed and not one person has replied. I will be installing the same at the weekend. A 10" Focal sub with a cheap sony amp i have laying around.
I shall let you know how it sounds. I dont expect too much as I had with amp set up on the original head unit in my old car and compared to an aftermarket HU was like night and day.

 

[AMT]

Thats very true. Tbh I'm not sure there is a solution. I never did install a sub.
I'd love to install a new sound system, but first I need to be convinced of the aesthetic of a new HU.
Post some pics if you do a good job of it.

 

[Shane88]

My plan changed as I wasn't sure what I wanted. I have just ordered a 4 channel in phase amp, a Focal line level converter, and a set of focal front speakers. As soon as they arrive and I get time ill install. Then I'll hook my cousins sub up and see how it sounds. Depending on how the vocals up front sound and how good I think the sound quality is from the line converter to sub ill decide then if its worth it or not

 

[AMT]

Do you have prices and spec? I heard something about line converters, but others commented on the high price verses a cheap new HU which would offer better sound. I guess the good thing about the live converter (etc) is it can go in your next car.

 

[Shane88]

The amp is a InPhase IPX-1004. Its 75w RMS per channel. It has 4 channels. So ill bridge two channels to give me 150w RMS+ for a sub if i get one and then the other two channels for my front speakers. I paid £119.99

Front speakers are Focal PS-165 which are 80w RMS each so just a touch over my amp. They set me back £129.99.
I heard a lot about good and bad line converters and I didn't really know what makes one good so I have ordered a Focal Hilo line converter for £35. Its not cheap or expensive but Focal are a brilliant make, so i have heard!

Iv had no confirmation of the focal hilo delivery but the amp and speakers should all be here by friday.

The great thing is all of it can be taken and fitted in another car. I have already fitted sound deadening to the doors with a layer of sound deadening foam which has greatly reduced rattle.

 

[Shane88]

Ok just a little update. Today I fitted the Focal front speakers and the InPhase amp in the boot.

Havent driven but a little sound test on the drive and the sound improvement is amazing!

Official figures for the amp are the front speakers are receiving 70w RMS each and when I get a sub bridging the 3rd and 4th channel will give me 200w RMS!

As I now have the 4 channel amp installed its only a 5 minute job to connect up a sub so I shall be trying my cousins on it at the weekend so see how it really sounds. I will be splitting the RCA lead to get my 3rd and 4th channel. I dont see any reason to fit another line channel converter when I already have the signal going to the amp.

The Focal speakers are amazingly clear and the amp gives a lot for you to adjust. So far so good and I highly recommend!

As long as the trial sub founds good enough I will be ordering a Focal 10" sub with a custom instal in the boot to keep it looking as OEM as possible.

So far I am pleased I didnt spend my money on a new HU.

 

[Shane88]

Ok one last update. I have fitted my cousins 12" sub and it sounds just as good as any sub pre out I have heard! No voice through the sub just clean deep bass! My girlfriend is very impressed!

Still thinking about changing the head unit as I don't think the front speakers sound as clear as they could......

My opinion is if you want more bass buy a decent RCA converter, a decent amp with a built in low pass filter, and fit with a decent sub. My amp is giving the sub 200w RMS and this is more than enough!

One more thing I got the remote signal for the amp from the lighter fuse behind the glove box and used a fuse tap from ebay for £2.50.