Kenwood 4-channel amp add Subwoofer

[HotRod33]

Hello guys!
I have very limited space in my custom build Hot Rod, so I am using Kenwood KAC-M1824BT amp.
Only two speakers in the front doors Focal 2-way component system. They sound ok, but no mids and no bass at all!
So I am thinking to add a Subwoofer. This Alpine PWE-S8 or similar will fit perfectly under the dash.

How can I configure this amp and subwoofer to get best audio quality?
Thanks in advance!

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[Doxquzme Premium Member]

Hate to say it, driver placement is amiss. Right beside, preferably above and below like this:

You have really broken up the stage locating them like that. The other issue one runs into on the old jalopies is that the doors have a lot less airspace behind them, this reduces any midbass low end extension one might get in a bigger door cavity.

What happens when you put these that far apart is the crossover point (wanna say around 2200-2500?) is diminished as the tweeter and midbass driver are not close enough to assist in bumping, normally suming in that narrow passband range between the high end of the midbass and the low end where the tweeter picks up. More like two speakers doing their own thing instead of two speakers acting like one.

Bridge the kenwood to the focals if you haven't already, that gives you 150x2 to the focals, add the alpine and play with positioning to get the most from is. Another option depending on room would be to get one of these:

Focal PSB 200 - 20cm Gehäusesubwoofer | eBay

Gehäusefarbe Schwarz. Mit diesem passiven Gehäuse können Sie während der Fahrt alle Klangnuancen genießen. 20 cm ( 8") Subwoofer Passives Gehäuse. Gehäuseprinzip: geschlossen. Produktgruppe Subwoofer.

www.ebay.com

and one of these:

Amazon product ASIN B01E5TO9TY
Perfect tiny little amplifier that puts out about 250 at 4 ohms.

That is slightly more $$ than the Alpine powered sub, but not by much and would be a perfect compliment to the focals up front.

 

[HotRod33]

Thanks for your help!
Unfortunately I cannot relocate speakers/tweeters. Instead I can install 6.5" 2 way speaker and leave tweeter there just to cover the hole.
The reason I got that amp is bluetooth and its very small.
Space under the dash is about 13" x10" and Focal PSB200 will not fit...

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

That would likely improve the sound. Make a decorative 2" cover for the tweeter holes, many out there...

and sell the comps!

Add the alpine and good to go!

These are hella good coaxials on sale right now for $234, regularly $400 and they are more efficient than the Focal's.

CDT Audio HD-62KEXHR

 

[HotRod33]

Sounds good!
I just need advice how to connect sub to my amp..

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

Sounds good!
I just need advice how to connect sub to my amp..

Sorry, got carried away! That units wiring harness contains RCA outputs to send signal to that alpine amp/sub.

Simply run an RCA from the Kenwood to the alpine amp.

You'll then adjust the gains on the Alpine sub/amp.

 

[HotRod33]

Thank you, I appreciate your help!

 

[HardofWhoring]

Personally, If space is that much of a priority, get rid of that amp. I don't know how happy you are with what you got, or if you're willing to spend money on some new equipment, but head units can do that much power, and more. 50w RMS x 4 on a head unit is pretty easy to find. You wouldn't even need to take up the space for that amp, and can use it for a sub amp if you want.

Those speakers aren't bad, but you listed a set of components and then you said you are using 2 ways, so not sure. I would be using those components if there's a decision to be made in there.

Not sure what you want for bass. That powered enclosure you listed might do enough to add to sound quality, but don't expect to feel anything. If you have room to mount a real sub, you can find really small amps that have decent power. Even a slim sub is going to do more, but I'm sure if space is a concern, your electrical probably is too.

Here's one I have that does 500w x 1 RMS @ 4ohm 7.7” x 4.0” x 1.4”

 

[HotRod33]

Personally, If space is that much of a priority, get rid of that amp. I don't know how happy you are with what you got, or if you're willing to spend money on some new equipment, but head units can do that much power, and more. 50w RMS x 4 on a head unit is pretty easy to find. You wouldn't even need to take up the space for that amp, and can use it for a sub amp if you want.

Those speakers aren't bad, but you listed a set of components and then you said you are using 2 ways, so not sure. I would be using those components if there's a decision to be made in there.

Not sure what you want for bass. That powered enclosure you listed might do enough to add to sound quality, but don't expect to feel anything. If you have room to mount a real sub, you can find really small amps that have decent power. Even a slim sub is going to do more, but I'm sure if space is a concern, your electrical probably is too.

Here's one I have that does 500w x 1 RMS @ 4ohm 7.7” x 4.0” x 1.4”
View attachment 55643

thanks, what kind of head unit is this?

 

[spokey9]

Most hu only kick out about 12-20w rms

 

[HardofWhoring]

Sony makes em, and the looks of this might be a little more hot rod than all the other new stuff.

Taramps Amplayer 400 Watts Free Shipping Worldwide | Taramps Store - Taramps Store

div class= admake-description id= admake-description div class= admake-description__text div class= container config-container-product div class= box

www.tarampstore.com

This one is 68w x 4 , or you can even bridge it 200w x 2 @ 4 ohms, but 68w is right what those speakers need.

 

[spokey9]

 

[Doxquzme Premium Member]

hmmm, a for effort...

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I would keep the amp you have and keep the components. Place the components in some universal door pods, and look at getting a powered SAS 8" Bazooka like the one below. Ive used these, and they do quite well. A little searching to find the best price of course

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-18269-Bazooka-BTA8250D.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=20154329959&utm_matchtype=&utm_keyword=&utm_device=c&utm_content=&utm_devicemodel=&utm_network=x&utm_loc_physical_ms=9026902&utm_loc_interest_ms=&utm_placement=&utm_adposition=&gclid=CjwKCAiAnL-sBhBnEiwAJRGigmZ5bbkEGUo80GOMfXBoc5JPiVyueqvDQD1pugYhA3YQ6V-UMmNw-BoCXhcQAvD_BwE

6 1/2" 6.5" 7" OR 8" S8 VEHICLE speaker spacer SPEAKER MOUNT POD SPACERS | eBay

These pods have a textured abs finish like most auto interiors are. All of our pods are top mountable for ease of install and a professional look. Important Notes: WE ARE THE MANUFACTURER! MADE IN THE USA!

www.ebay.com

You never stated what vehicle this is you are working with. What vehicle? Limited space, This is where Id be at and working with what I have and adding on the limited. Thats me