maxwell lincoln

I recently purchased a 2006 Lincoln Zephyr, the car comes with a THX certified sound system with excellent tweeters, excellent mid range and fairly good bass. Most likely the best factory system I have ever heard and won the 2006 car audio award.

However I need more bass. Would I be able to buy 2x 12'' Subs and an amp and have them wired into my current system? If so what subs would be most recommended and which amp would you pair with your recommendation?

I also want to add navigation and bluetooth capabilities... Does anyone have any picks as top options I could incorporate?

Thank you very much in advance to those that help and if you need anymore info in order to provide me with some answers feel free to ask in this thread.

Thanks again.

jalat

iTrader: (6)

You can definatly add a subwoofer(s) and amp to your current system. There are many products that allow this such a Line Output Converter or LOC.

How much are you willing to spend?

maxwell lincoln

I'd be willing to spend about $2500.

$1500 on subs and amp, $1000 on Nav and bluetooth. I realize labour and installation parts will be extra however I will throw that in after I get the equipment I need.

What do you guys think would be better, buy 1x 12" higher quality subwoofer or 2x lower quality?

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Think of this as another artist's work of art gone bad, you can only do so much to salvage it and have it perform to it's limitations. While yes it may sound good to your ears, it falls far short of what the aftermarket can touch on. The other option is that the artist has left you a blank canvas to do with what you want.

Option 1 is going to leave you trying to integrate into the system and working within it's limitations. Not that it can't be done, a good interface is a must for starters. After that it is the limitations of the factory amp and speakers coupled with the new sub system (will the front end keep up with that much bass?).

Option 2 is going to provide you with the ability to know that the entire system can be matched for performance and guarantee a highly predictable outcome. The money spent on a interface (if necessary) can then be channeled back into the system, be it better amps or speakers.

Due to the THX certification, this would indeed be gone the second the source unit is swapped out. Next up it may (not will) be a total PITA to integrate into, especially if it is a proprietary system (chances are it is).

So, here are some options to consider before you can come up with a plan of attack.

1) option 1
2) option 2
3) budget
4) how much space on the sub system are you willing to sacrifice?
5) exactly how much more bass response are you after?
6) can the dash fit a double din source unit?

These questions will point you in the right direction as to how to proceed next.

maxwell lincoln

I am not after a competition setup, I however would like more bass. The current system in the car sounds clean up to ear piercing levels which is more than fine for me. However it is the bass section that starts lacking behind the midbass/midrange and treble.

Budget is about $2500 as stated in my previous post. $1500 sub{s} and amp, $1000 Nav/bluetooth

I have seen nav systems integrated into a zephyr so I am sure a double din source unit could be fit.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Two of the better options on the double din with nav are the Eclipse AVN6620 and the Kenwood DNX8120. The AVN6620 is what I would choose and it is cheaper that the Kenwood right now as it is on sale. The Kenwood is a stellar unit IF you can find one. I found one for a customer in Ontario and shipped it to him last week, he should have it tomorrow actually. Personal preference, I like the Eclipse.

I still need you to answer the questions about the box size and amount of real estate you want to give up in the trunk (although I am sure it fits 5 bodies, 10 if you chop them up....haha). One good solid sub and the power behind it might be the ideal way to go. A higher end performance sub like a DD3512 in the proper slot ported box is going to be way more bass than you probably need (unless you are trying to rip your ears off and overdo the bass response). Power handling on it is 1200w rms and it will take a healthy amount more. I would generally use a 1500w rms mono sub amp on this beast. You would need about 3.5-4 cubic feet of airspace for the slot port box on this monster.

maxwell lincoln

I would be willing to give up half the trunk to the box, and yes it could fit 4 bodies EASILY...lol, the rest of the trunk will remain empty except when the wife does groceries.

Sikk Nation

iTrader: (1)

Swapping the source unit will kill the factory sound. the amps in tose cars, like many of the "big name" audio systems in stock cars uses slightly better than bottoem end equipment and just EQ's the crap out of it to make it sound kinda good in that specific car.

Swap the head, you completely throw off the acoustics.

With these types of cars (lexis with mark levinsons, factory Bose, JBL, Monsoon, RF etc systems) the just add bass...or swap all parts approach is the only way to rally go.

MR2NR's sub/amp reccomendation will overpower your idea of what alot of bass used to be.. in a good well built box it should sound great too.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

If you are thinking that two subs are a must, I am going to drop to 2 DD2512 and they will need about 6 cubic feet of space for the box. Power wise, 1200w rms between them. Two DD3512 will take the same box but increase the power handling to 2400w rms. I highly doubt that unless you are prepared to tackle the availability of power (meaning a huge new alternator and battery + wiring etc.) you would want to head in that direction. One of these subs is going to be more than enough to provide bass overkill if tasked. It will be a bass heavy system for sure but you can always turn it down to blend it with the rest of the stock system.

ShonBesharah

Hey.. did you call here yesterday?