Today I decided to put one of JL 10" w3's in the trunk (08 sedan). Currently have the BOSE system. Anyhow, powered it with a 500w alpine v-power amp. Installed to a bass ****. In my opinion it sounds like crap. Not a clear base at all. This sub rocked in my Silverado but is just weird sounding in the G. I thought this setup was a perfect compliment to the BOSE system but....not so much. Any thoughts? Am i forgetting something?

Also I am new to the forum....Lot's of great info on here!

Thanks,
Steve

 

Are you using the speaker-level or low level inputs?

Regardless, you're either using: Low-level balanced inputs, which your alpine may not be designed to accept, or you're using heavily eq'd high-level inputs, which won't sound good either, since the Bose system messes with low frequencies, especially when the volume goes up.

Or you may have your amp set to low-level inputs and you're giving it speaker-level or vice-versa.

Way too many variables for the level of detail you've posted.

 

Sorry for the lack of detail....I do not know much about audio setups and had this one professionally insalled. Not sure of all the settings but I will check it out.

 

Wrathernaut,

The amp uses speaker level inputs. Is there a better alternative for this setup?

Thanks,
Steve

 

It'll be better if you get the wiring diagram and use low-level inputs. As stated before, the Bose amp introduces horrible a horrible equalizer setting to compensate for it's utter lack of power or quality.

But ultimately, anything connected to Bose is at a severe disadvantage, but with you '08, your options for aftermarket radios are more complicated than 03-06's.

Best thing I can think of is to use a converter for the differential-balanced inputs, or use an amp that can handle differential-balanced inputs (Most JL Amps do this) and use the low-level inputs. It should output a clean signal to the sub.

 

Do you know if they pulled the signal from the factory sub speaker level? That is the signal I used for my wifes '07 G35 Sedan and it sounds fine as far as bass delivery and sound. Overall sound quality on the '07 Bose isn't bad compared to my '05 coupe, that just sounded muddy and subdued. You would as Wrathernaut said need to get a wiring diagram to figure it out to be for sure where they pulled the signal, this would make your install as simple as possible without any signal converters, if still not satisfied then you haven't really spent any money testing it out. Then you can opt for a converter.

 

The most important thing to find out first would be to find out how the installers wired it like everyone else is asking. The Bose EQ can definitely mess with the sound quality. Also, did you change enclosure? If the enclosure is too small or too big, it can make a big difference as well. Your silverado would have had a lot more airspace than in your trunk as well. Try folding down your back seat to see if that makes a difference, but the above things would be more important.

If you aren't satisfied with your install you should be able to take it back to the installer and ask them whats up. If they wired it poorly they should fix it for you. The best way would be to take the pre-amp signal so that you are giving your sub amp the full signal.