Found another stealthy sub option

[TJay74]

After a long trip in the SQ5 and hearing that while the B&O stereo has decent imaging along with high and some mid-bass it completely lacks anything below mid-bass. I started doing some research and almost went with building a custom enclosure with a kicker 8" sub and a Kicker amp. Then I found that Kicker makes a self contained 8" sub/amp called the HS8. Pricing wise it is $240 at BestBuy so I went and picked one up.

Out of the box it comes with everything you need to set it up. Being that the battery for the SQ5 is in the rear it made it super easy to install. I found that the cigarette lighter port in the rear is on an ignition switched source so I tapped into it for the turn on and used the OEM sub connection for the input. For a little self contained 8" sub it actually isn't doing too bad at all, it wont rattle the mirrors but it does fill in a lot better than the stock OEM sub.

So far I am ok with the setup, I do wish I could have found a 12v turn on that comes on when you only turn the radio on, but I didn't want to tap into any of the module wires without knowing what they system was that particular module ran.

[Gravy Train]

Before going the custom route with a fiberglassed enclosure, I considered this Eton Res 8.0 8" powered subwoofer. The dimensions of the enclosure are smaller and lower-profile than the factory enclosure so you may need to secure it to the wheel with velcro tape. I like that it's powered and quick-disconnect.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N98H0LM/

[TJay74]

Based on the description alone of that one from Amazon I would pass on it, the description looks like a 6 year old kindergartner wrote it.

So far the Kicker HS8 is rocking it, as I said it wont blow your ears out of the windows off. It does provide a better fill though and sounds a lot better than the factory sub and yet is still hidden under the cover like the factory sub.

[beasq5t]

Did you leave in the oem sub as well as adding the kicker? Does anyone know which wire to tap to get the radio accessory signal?


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[agautohaus]

i would love to replace the sub in the Q5 with something a little better at low bass as well. But I am not an audio guy at all and too worried I'd jack shit up. Plus i need my trunk space clean for the pups so it would have to fit where the stock one is (spare wheel well i think?)

[TJay74]

Helen Keller could wire this in, it is that easy. And to top it off Kicker gives you all of the wiring. I had to splice in just a little extra in order to reach over to the rear cig lighter plug. I lost no trunk space at all either, all I removed was the plastic cargo container. I took the B&O sub out and put it in the attic, then I can use the inside of the spare as a storage area as well now. In reality though, there is plenty of space under the false floor.

The was I have it wired now, as long as the vehicle is in run mode the sub is power, if I am on RAP (retained accessory power) then I lose the sub until I can find a powered wire in the rear that comes on when only the radio is on.

[beasq5t]

If I want to add too and not remove the stock sub, can I still tap the signal from the stock sub?


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[Pittdawg]

Helen Keller could wire this in, it is that easy. And to top it off Kicker gives you all of the wiring. I had to splice in just a little extra in order to reach over to the rear cig lighter plug. I lost no trunk space at all either, all I removed was the plastic cargo container. I took the B&O sub out and put it in the attic, then I can use the inside of the spare as a storage area as well now. In reality though, there is plenty of space under the false floor.

The was I have it wired now, as long as the vehicle is in run mode the sub is power, if I am on RAP (retained accessory power) then I lose the sub until I can find a powered wire in the rear that comes on when only the radio is on.

Can we get some pics please?

[agautohaus]

Helen Keller could wire this in, it is that easy. And to top it off Kicker gives you all of the wiring. I had to splice in just a little extra in order to reach over to the rear cig lighter plug. I lost no trunk space at all either, all I removed was the plastic cargo container. I took the B&O sub out and put it in the attic, then I can use the inside of the spare as a storage area as well now. In reality though, there is plenty of space under the false floor.

The was I have it wired now, as long as the vehicle is in run mode the sub is power, if I am on RAP (retained accessory power) then I lose the sub until I can find a powered wire in the rear that comes on when only the radio is on.

please make a general DIY haha and links as to where to buy it?? how are the results? you liking the extra bass? total cost? def want to do this... pics? haha

[cmoore86]

I am picking up this. Hopefully I will be able to install this weekend. But I agree installation is super simple. If no one else does, I will try to take pics for my install and share. I will have to get rid of the spare to fit this one though. No big deal for me.

http://www.jlaudio.com/acs110lg-tw1-...-systems-93334

[agautohaus]

I am picking up this. Hopefully I will be able to install this weekend. But I agree installation is super simple. If no one else does, I will try to take pics for my install and share. I will have to get rid of the spare to fit this one though. No big deal for me.

http://www.jlaudio.com/acs110lg-tw1-...-systems-93334

so no one is getting a new amp? just wiring up a better sub? I probably would want to swap the one in the wheel well out just to keep everything OEM+ haha. plus I actually like having a spare in the SQ since my 22's are the same overall diameter as the stock wheels at 29.3" or so

[cmoore86]

so no one is getting a new amp? just wiring up a better sub? I probably would want to swap the one in the wheel well out just to keep everything OEM+ haha. plus I actually like having a spare in the SQ since my 22's are the same overall diameter as the stock wheels at 29.3" or so

The one I am getting comes with the amp built in to the box. With as small as the stock sub is, I dont see the point in even messing with a 6" sub. I will try to keep the spare but I just dont see how its possible. My 22's will also have the same exact rolling diameter as the stock 21's but my offsets will be different in the front and rear and I have the brembos up front. So no spare is no big deal for me. I cant remember when the last car I had came with a spare anyway (my last three didnt have a spare...R32, Evo, RS5).

[tcm glx]

so no one is getting a new amp? just wiring up a better sub? I probably would want to swap the one in the wheel well out just to keep everything OEM+ haha. plus I actually like having a spare in the SQ since my 22's are the same overall diameter as the stock wheels at 29.3" or so

I did a new amp and sub.. happy as can be with it.

[agautohaus]

Oh okay good info thanks guys! I'm a noob but I have wired quite a few electronics up so doesn't sound like this will be an issue.

and word I had forgotten you got those baller Brembo's up front!! Keep spacers and extended bolts just kidding. Sub is better.

[TJay74]

The Kicker HS8 is all self contained, it is only 3.5" x 9.5" x 15.5". So once you take out the plastic container tray that sits in the well this sub can be wedged between it and the spare tire. It wont go anywhere at that point. I saw no reason to keep the stock sub, it barely makes any sound at all. Easier to take the speaker wire connector from it and use it as the source signal for the HS8.