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Help! I'm audio illiterate!

Posted: May Mon 02, 2011 3:15 pm
by DynoJetta
Disclaimer: I don't know JACK about audio systems, so a.) be kind b.) talk simple. :laughing:

So my Jetta has the Monsoon sound system. For someone who's never been big into audio it's worked out great for me. Recently my brother was going through storage and asked me if I wanted a set of old subs and an amp.

JL 12" 12W0-4 subs (x2) and a Rockford Fosgate Punch 360 Amp:
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The subs were in this longer box which originally went behind the bench seat of a 70's Ford truck (9x18x60 I believe are the dimensions).
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Wanting a little more bass in my Jetta, I think one of these 12s would be enough to meet my goal. As I'm limited on time and money at the moment, I want to to keep this as simple as possible (K.I.S.S).

So my questions are:
1. Would it be too much trouble to make this work with my factory Monsoon system?
2. Box - totally do not know anything about boxes. I don't use my trunk very often, but it would be nice to have it somewhat out of the way. It'd be great to find someone who has a box that they'd sell cheap. ?????
3. Is the Rockford amp going to work for a single 12" sub? Would I be better off using a different amp?
4. I want to do whatever it takes to prevent "the rattle." I can't stand cars driving around going THUMP zzzzzzzzz because their sub is rattling the crap out of their car. Minimal to no rattle.
5. Or, am I just wasting my time with the old setup and should just find some sap to buy it?

Because I only want to use one of the subs, if anyone is interested in the other, I'd be willing to trade for a box and wiring help. Also, the original box (which looks to just need new carpet) is available.

Lay it on me Audio gurus!

Re: Help! I'm audio illiterate!

Posted: May Tue 03, 2011 10:07 am
by Rennwagen1
Here is my quick answer. Pass on all that stuff. Yes, you may be able to get it to work, but it looks like the amp won't run 1 sub well, but it all depends on what it puts out at bridged 4ohm. You will need a new box for sure, and I am not sure on the specs for those subs, but you could build something I suppose. If you don't want the "rattle' you are going to need sound deadener in the trunk, which adds weight. If you are still wanting something to add a little more punch, you can always search the net(can't believe I am saying that as an audio installer!) and find some good deals on new stuff that will work better together. And a lot of times you can get them to throw in free(cheap!) wiring kits with amps and such. Good luck!

Re: Help! I'm audio illiterate!

Posted: May Tue 03, 2011 2:20 pm
by kompressorgolf
for a little more kick, that JL W0 should be ample, a punch 360 should be plenty to give you what your looking for, make a 1-1.25 cubic foot sealed box, and rock it. I ran two 10" W3's in high school with a punch 400 amp, and it was almost intollerable in an S-10 blazer!

Re: Help! I'm audio illiterate!

Posted: May Tue 03, 2011 2:50 pm
by MT-Getto
I think the issue would be connecting to the Monsoon though. I see the high level input but it is not pass through.

Re: Help! I'm audio illiterate!

Posted: May Tue 03, 2011 10:46 pm
by Mikewire
A high to low level converter would work fine for a 2 channel amp and a sub. So Josh you would need a power kit, which would have a 2 gauge red (fused) power cable and a small 2ft. ground, that low level converter (~$25), an RCA cable from the low level converter to the amp, and a couple of feet of decent 14 gauge speaker cables from the sub to the amp.

I think the hardest part of the setup would be tapping into the rear speakers for the signal to the low level converter. And running the power from the battery through the car to the back where the amp will sit.