Subwoofer question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jbhebert · #1 05-07-2004, 10:34 AM

I have a 1982 300CD into which I have installed an Alpine CDA-9805 with Infinity Kappa 52.5i's in the rear and Infinity Kappa 32.5cf's in the front. I am happy with the higher frequency sound, but obviously with such small speakers, I am lacking in bass. I have built quite a few systems, but I've never done one with a subwoofer, because I've never needed one. I am looking at the Infinity Basslink 10" 200 watt powered sub as a convenient way of adding some bass. I chose the CDA-9805 headunit because it had a subwoofer output, so I have to assume that it also has the appropriate crossovers built in to support it. I'm not looking for bone-crushing bass, just a little more kick. Does anyone have any experience with this headunit, or the Basslink? Lastly, I'd like to mount the subwoofer in the trunk, but am wondering if that will have a negative impact on sound. Should I make an attempt to get it in the passenger compartment somehow?

Any comments are welcome. Thanks in advance.

#2 05-07-2004, 01:36 PM

Hi JB.

Try a search,there are many posts
about subwoofers in Mb's.

Go to search on the top of the page.
Then type "subwoofers"
In search forums look for "car stereo"

Louis.

ned2683 · #3 05-07-2004, 01:52 PM

the bass link is a nice sound powered sub. however if u mount it in the trunk i don't know if u will hear anything since the gas tank is between the rear seat and trunk. u should mount it on the rear deck and have it firing up so it bounces off the rear window.

jbhebert · #4 05-07-2004, 02:27 PM

Hello:

I have searched on the subject, but I was unable to find anything on the particular combination that I would like to run. I did find numerous posts that indicated the 123 chassis cars are too tight to hear the sub in the trunk, but I also saw a few indicating it wasn't a problem. I don't think the Basslink would fit in/on the parcel shelf easily... what about porting the trunk through the first aid kit hole? Or should I consider a different subwoofer that is more compact?

Thanks again.

J.B.

#5 05-07-2004, 05:02 PM

I have a pair of JL AUDIO 12w3's in my trunk and i can hear them fine. and loud enough, feel them fine. As long as you get a decent amplifier and decent speakers you should be fine. if you want do a search on me, the thread is called "My System....Finally" check it out let me know if you have any questions

jbhebert · #6 05-07-2004, 05:11 PM

That's a nice install. I was reading that for some reason the 124 chassis cars did not have as much of a problem mounting the sub in the trunk as the 123 chassis cars did. I will have to reevaluate my situation and see what makes the most sense for me.

Thanks again.

J.B.

ned2683 · #7 05-07-2004, 05:27 PM

i saw a basslink in person and it seems like it would fit in there. but i could be comparing it to a w126 rear deck. u could be an amp/sub combo for under the $200-250 for the basslink and take out the first aid kit. however for my set up i have a 12" infinity powered by an alpine amp and i place it under the storage box, which i have removed (u can see the sub from the in side cabin) not the best idea, but it works. however also note u can sometimes hear the fuel in the tank when cornering with no music on. also there are other possible placements for the basslink (rear leg room?)

donbryce · #8 05-10-2004, 02:42 PM

Quote:

I am looking at the Infinity Basslink 10" 200 watt powered sub as a convenient way of adding some bass.

I have a 1985 380SE, with a small Kenwood WOOX in the trunk. This tiny self-powered sub can penetrate through the rear shelf just fine, as you can actually look up underneath from the trunk and see about 1/2 of the 2 trays, sitting in their openings.
You don't really need an actual hole(s), just a thin enough membrane like the shelf metal, plastic tray, or hardboard shelf liner, to allow bass waves to pass.
If this is also true of the 82 300CD, you would have no trouble using an Infinity. I know, because I also have a Basslink in my streetrod, and it has a sealed-off trunk with 2 X 5" 'ports' (holes) punched into the bulkhead to improve sound transmission. That was an experiment, though, and would not have been necessary in the 380SE.
The Basslink is also a compact unit, easily mounted, and relatively inexpensive alternative to a bulky enclosure. (Click the 'www' button and go to the sound system page for a peek at it if you're interested)

jbhebert · #9 05-11-2004, 10:41 AM

Hey... a Pontiac rod... that's great. Too many people get into a rut and build the "stardard rods". I like variety in my rods.

I think I will give the Basslink a try. I think I'll mount it against the front of the trunk on the passenger side, facing backwards. If I find that the bass is getting muffled, I can try porting through the first aid kit opening.

Thanks for the info.

donbryce · #10 05-11-2004, 11:28 AM

You're welcome. Try the Basslink in different positions too. I found a bunch of technical articles, one in particular, that go into great depth on the subject of sub placement in the trunk. http://www.installer.com/tech/aiming.html The consensus appears to be (besides 'try it' and go with what sounds best) facing rearward (best) or cross-ways, in the trunk.

As it happens, I bought a new sub on sale last evening, which will eventually go into the rod and replace everything (which will put the Basslink into the Benz). It's a Concept CEX12, 6ohm dual voice coil... well, this is it: http://mainstreet-caraudio.com/car/concept/cex12.htm
Now we're getting serious!

jbhebert · #11 05-12-2004, 10:32 AM

A little much for my needs.

I just bought a Basslink on eBay for $200 shipped, new in box. I'll start playing with it as soon as it comes in. I have to assume that, in an idea world, it's preferable to use the line inputs as opposed to the speaker inputs, right? My head unit has a subwoofer output, which I will be using. Besides the pain of running the RCA cables back to the trunk, I don't see any other reason not to. What gauge power cable to people recommend for a 200W sub? Would 8 gauge be sufficient, or should I go with 4?

Thanks again for the help.

#12 05-12-2004, 10:57 AM

Hi Herbert.

8 gauge should be enough.
Just make sure that you put
an inline fuse close to the
battery to protect the basslink
and your car.

Good luck.

Louis.

donbryce · #13 05-12-2004, 11:15 AM

I'm using the line input to my basslink, only because it taps off the MTX amp that has a wired level control, so I can vary the gain of the amp and the basslink at the same time. Also, I can't find a level control for the Basslink at a reasonable price here in Canada, or available from the U.S. either.
However, for my Kenwood WOOX, which is in the 380SE, it has a wired control, but I'm running off the rear speaker leads instead. I had a problem with the unit (related to the 12V power circuit), and had it out for warranty repair. I asked the guy in the shop if there would be any advantage to using line-out feed over speaker level, and he was emphatic that there is no real advantage, sound wise or other.
So, since you will probably get a wired control with the Basslink, compare. If your HU has variable sub out control, that may make the wired control redundant....if so, perhaps you might sell it to me?

jbhebert · #14 05-12-2004, 11:44 AM

If you are referring to the wired volume control that comes with the new Basslinks, you can get them on eBay for about $15. Is this the same as level control? I have to re-read my Alpine manual and see how the subwoofer controls are supposed to work. If I don't need my volume control, I'll certanly sell it.

Thanks.