Underseat or Spare Wheel Subwoofer for a "complete sound" in my Baleno

I also have a Tata Tiago EV and it has an awesome system (Harman). The sound is just so much complete even though it lacks the vocals.

BHPian lucksin recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi guys,

I recently upgraded the speakers in my Baleno along with 2-layer damping on all 4 doors. The SQ increased 1000 times compared to the stock however it still seems to miss the completeness of sound.

As for comparison, I have a Tiago EV XZ+ which has an awesome system (Harman). I love getting stuck in traffic in Tiago vs my Baleno. The sound is just so much complete even though it lacks the vocals.

I was considering putting a sub to complete the fullness of sound, but I am confused between an Underseat Subwoofer and a Spare wheel (Stepney) subwoofer. I don't want any Box in the boot no matter how much sleeker or smaller it is.

My current system is:

• Stock head unit
• Polk MM6501 front (Component) - Love the vocals of Polk.
• GroundZero coaxial-forgot the model - Just a Filler and I think an Ok One
• All 4 doors damped with 2-layer CTK silver - This really woke up my setup

It needs no rattling booming sound. Just looking at SQ to complete the fullness of sound.

Not able to demo either even in Karol Bagh when I was there last Sunday and hence pretty confused between the two.

Looking forward to hearing from anyone who has witnessed both and what are your thoughts.

Here's what BHPian IshaanIan had to say about the matter:

What you need is a Class A/B 4-channel amplifier. That will “unlock” the sound you are looking for. The speakers you have installed will sing like you have never heard them before once you’ve got an amp rigged up.

I am saying this because it is clear to me that you want a fuller sound and not just more bass per se. The speakers you have installed can kick out good bass if powered by a nice amp so you’d rather do that first than mess about with underseat or spare wheel subs.

Here's what BHPian greenhorn had to say about the matter:

Personally, for an entry-level setup, I feel you are on the right path.

My vote goes to underseat subs. I used to have a full-size sub in my boot, and it used to give headaches to all the womenfolk in the family because they were getting most of the impact compared to me in the driver's seat.

With an underseat sub mounted under the driver seat, the bass is delivered directly to me first. I do miss the impact and power, but I've become a fan now.

So my opinion is that underseat works best if the sound for the driver is a priority. Wheel well works if it's the passengers who need good sound.

Please don't buy blind unless you can return it. Under-seat space is often an issue. Also driver size. My Blaupunkt 10" has better bass than my more expensive Sony 8".

Here's what BHPian frankmehta had to say about the matter:

IMHO, both, underseat and sparewheel subs are garbage. I have tried both, and I feel it's not worth the wild goose chase.

Please arrange for a sealed 1cu ft enclosure in the boot, and even an average 5000 rupee 12-inch subwoofer will dance circles around these expensive contraptions that are all show, and less go.

As Ishan said, don't run after nos. If you ever fed ACTUAL 120w of constant RMS power to a car speaker of the ilk you speak of, you risk damaging it. (So it's a sign not to run after nos.)

Start with a basic JBL Sealed subwoofer. Get a powered one if you have the budget. You will not regret it.

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