91cb7

Hi,

I just got an 05 Toyota Matrix and want to upgrade the sound system. I dont really want to lose trunk space and I am toying with the idea of putting an 8" sub in each of the rear doors. I will probably need to make some mdf rings and maybe get some shallow mount subs so that it will fit. If I go this route, I will definately line the doors with sound deadening.

I am used to the output from a 12" sub in a ported box. Will this setup come even close or will it sound like crap? Anyone ever do this before?

Thanks,

Kelvin

DeadlySones

iTrader: (4)

That would be unique ... it's worth the try if your willing to cut up your door panels. A door interior has quite a large Vb for an 8". As you've already mentioned your going to need to deaden the doors. Possibly a couple/few layers depending on power handling and the amount of gaps in the doors sheet metal. They should slam as long as your able to properly seal them off.

JohnVroom

I just rented a matrix and I thought it was a bit of a rattle trap. The subs in the door will beat the crap out of it, but it can be done and it can be done to sound great but you must be detail oriented and dont scrimp on a quality damping material.. I am not sure how deep it will go but it should be fine

91cb7

Also, any suggestions for which sub to use? Will this be considered an Infinite Baffle install because of the "larger" volume of the door? OR is that just considered a "large" sealed enclosure?

I think I will need to use a shallow mount sub, so that I will not have issues with the magnet touching the window.

Thanks,

Kelvin

DeadlySones

iTrader: (4)

Your going to need at least 3/4 mdf rings to secure the 8" speakers to your door. So this will help a little with depth. Infinite Baffle subs would be ideal.

JohnVroom

I am sorry my comment on deep was about frequency response not mounting depth (different can-o-worms). Thin metal doors are not terribly rigid so they tend to eat bass. There will be some resonant peaks and some cancellation nodes so output at different frequencies could be a little uneven. The 8" will over power some issues and cause others so be patient. Overall I would would not be surprised if you got much output under 50Hz (this is where a smaller woofer would do well). But with the 8" you should get decent, upfront, punchy bass that meets most needs quite well... with a quality installation you should be very satisfied

zacjones99

The Peerless SLS 8 is really good for IB in the doors. Search for 830667 at Solen.ca. $69 plus shipping is a steal for these. 4" deep, 8ohms only though so a 1000w amp at 4ohms would be just right (250w per driver at 8ohms).

Then there's the DLS Iridium 8, but it's a lot more expensive.

That's a lot of trouble to go to just to save a little trunk space though. It would take a lot of work to deaden and stiffen up the door to make what would qualify as a good baffle. What about doing something on the rear deck?

OOps. that car doesn't have a rear deck. never mind that then. Definitely try to not only deaden but stiffen your doors as well if you're trying to use them for sub duty. If that door is flexing on bass notes you're going to lose a lot of output, especially the interior door panel that you're mounting your speaker to. Use anything you can get your hands on, use a sheet of 1/2" corian over the whole door if you can, or just use steel strips or rods or anything stiff you can come up with. Just secure it so it to the door so it won't rattle in strategic support locations.

kevmurray

This is not a bad idea, I did the same in my Maxima in the front doors. I up-sized from 6.5 to 8" and haven't looked back. I also used Peerless woofers from Solen. They have low moving mass required for mounting on a sheet metal baffle.

You may be disappointed putting them in the back doors though. I highly doubt the output will be anywhere near the level of a 12" in the trunk for three reasons. For one, the 8's just don't have the piston area and usually don't have the excursion of a 12. Second, they are in the doors which don't make a solid baffle. Third, they are positioned about half way front to rear in the car which will cause cancellation.

Junkinthetrunk

iTrader: (2)

8" IB in rear doors will not achieve what you are looking for............. without a HUGE effort.

Does the matrix have a spare tire in the boot that you can get rid of ?!?!!? I'm not familiar with this car...........

BTW, a lot of lwo end music content is found in the mid-bass region. And there's a lot of 6.5" that can get down there............... so upgrade your mid-bass speakers as well which will help out.

Eli47

I agree Junkinthetrunk, the car is made of such thin metal that no doubt a seam will break, aside from the rattle it will make. The added weight on the door will not allow it to open/close easily, and the shocks will eventually give way.
Get a CAA membership, remove the spare tire, and build it in there. ;-)