I have a 1996 GLE with the Bose system. I know that it is not great, but it gets the job done for now. I have had big 2-3 amp systems in the past running 6-8 speakers (rear fill sux), so I have gone the full-setup route. I just got married, plus I want to focus on the performance of the car, so a big stereo is not a priority right now.

I sold off most of my gear, but kept a single amp and sub. I want a little more bottom end, so all I really want to do for now is add a sub. Seems like a no-brainer, right? Nope.

Here is the dilemma: Do I use a LOC and my own amp, including ghetto-rigging the remote turn-on lead, or do I sell the amp on eBay and go with the Basslink/Bazooka setup? I would rather not buy a plug-and-play converter to do the remote lead and RCAs, even though it would be more simple, just because I would like to at least try the LOC to save money. If the LOC sounds like crap, then I will spend the cash to get the proper interface.

Here is the rationale:

My amp is a Rockford Fosgate Punch 200ix. It puts out a "rated" 100 watts per channel into 4 ohms, but if you remember this amp, you remember REAL RF amps. These were way underrated, and the real output is about 190 x 2 @ 4 ohms. Right now, with the endcaps and all the stuff that came with them, I have seen them actually selling on eBay for $150-200, used. I LOVE this amp, but that is almost enough $ to get a new basslink or RS-series bazooka (8" or 10"). I would be running a single Infinity Kappa 8" sub in a small sealed box until I blow it, then prob a JL 12 (cannot remember the model, but it is not a w3. It is either a w4, w1, w0 , or maybe even an old w6).

I would rather keep things small, and bass accuracy and "tightness" or "bump" is more important than "boom."

Here are the advantages of each as I see it. Feel free to add or make comments:

RF/ Infinity setup:

Pros:
Paid for- no new expenses.
Love the amp, sub is nice and tight.
SMALL box (.35 cu ft).
LOTS of power to go up to a bigger sub later.

Cons:
Have to use LOC (SQ issues).
If the LOC sound sux, will have to shell out cash ($60+) for proper converter.
Have to run "real" power wire and ground (8 ga.).
Eventually, the Sub will die.
Mounting of amp is a pain (box too small to mount it on there).
Have to run remote turn-on, and a ghetto-rigged ACC-on one at that.

Basslink/Bazooka RS setup:

Pros:
No LOC.
No remote (current-sensing high-level inputs on either setup).
Small(er) power wire to run.
All in one convenience.
Supposedly sound good as a supplement to "premium" stock systems.
Small footprint in trunk.

Cons:
All in one sound- untested by my ears.
Might have to shell out a few more bucks for either, even on eBay.
Have to sell my RF amp, AND get the $, AND wait for new unit to come in.
No room to upgrade or expand.

It is also worth noting that I can easily do the install, I have just gotten lazy. I have almost 100 "friendly" installs under my belt, but I also have an RSB that I am too lazy to install, and I still have a CAI install to do. Also, I have no garage and live in a "questionable" apartment complex, so I have to drive to a relative's house to do all work on my car, including the stereo, unless I want it all stolen by morning.

 

keep the amp. try a 10" sub thats ported correctly. if you do a ported 10, run winisd to find the right size box/tuning frequency for it. you can mess with it a little (to make sure its ported to no higher than 35 hz), and you should be golden.

eric

 

It seems that support for the Basslink seems to be the highest. I just sold some misc parts, so I have a little cash around to do it right now. I think that will be my route.
In reference to the idea of a new 10 in a ported box, I moved into an apartment near DC, so the full shop that i used when I lived in WV is too far away...besides, I lack the ability to "tune" a box properly. All I ever really used (since "small box" subs came out) is well-powered sealed units. Even if I was willing to build the box, the extra cash layout would not justify i the expense, and even more so if I had to pay to have a proper sealed box built. But I do appreciate the input!

 

I had a BassLink in my Max before it was broken into, and as far as the sound goes, it was very clear and tight, although volume will be a problem if you're used to a full-out amp/sub setup. If you just want clear sounding bass just for the occupants of the car, and not people on the sidewalk, you should be fine. Installation should be easy, as the BassLink can use either RCA or speaker-level inputs.

 

I was not looking for gut pouding bass. This set up with the BOSE system does allow me to have some nice sound if I am in the mood for some louder , harder hitting tunes.

This was my first install and was relatively easy.

Remote was mounted in my glove box.

I am satisfied. I got it off Ebay brand new for $240 shipped.

Dave in York