Alright, here's the quandary I've found myself in...

I have an '03 F150 SuperCrew. In deciding to upgrade my system, I immediately purchased a Phoenix Gold Tantrum 1200.1 to drive two subs under my rear seat. I hadn't decided what subs, but I the amp was a great price so I bought.

Next, I did my research. I found a box that would go under the rear seat that could accommodate two subs w/ a 6.5" mounting depth. The box also included the 2" risers for the rear seat to allow everything to fit.

Based on that, I did my research on subs. The best sub I could find that would fit was an Adire Audio Brahma 10". Done. I bought one for $349 including shipping (with another to be purchased as soon as I could afford it).

Then it came in the mail - Doh!!! Looking at the sub, I could immediately tell that mounting depth was more than 6.5" (as Adire had claimed in their literature). They have since updated some of their information and I find out that the mounting depth is actually 6.875". Additionally, Adire says that I need 3/8" to 5/8" clearance from the magnet to the back of the box.

That info immediately disqualified the box I was looking at.

So today I went to Hi-Fi Buys/Tweeter to see what they could do. The guys says that if I could raise my seat 2 1/2" to 3", he could build a sealed downfire box for $550-$800 (more towards $700 side of things). He also said that I could instead go with two JL Audio 8W7's in a ported enclosure. With this setup, I wouldn't have to raise the seat at all, but I would be looking at the exact same price for sub and box as the current setup (except that the subs would fire forward ported as opposed to sealed and down).

Now for my questions:
1) Has anyone done anything like this under the rear seat of the F150 SuperCrew? If so, how and with what?
2) What would the difference in sound quality and SPL be between the JL Audio 8W7's and the Adire Audio Brahma 10's (brahma sealed/8W7's ported)?
3) Has anyone raised their seat 2 1/2"-3"? How was it and how was it done?
4) Will the Tantrum 1200.1 drive two 8W7's (ohm wise and all that)?
5) Am I missing something?

Any help would be greatly appreciated as I'm completely stuck right now and need to decide soon (so that I can take the sub back if need be).

Thanks in advance!!

 

The easiest and cheapest solution is going to be to take the sub back. Get a sub or subs that will fit under the seat with out having to raise it and do all the rest of the crap. It's just not worth it.

That's my $.02. Seems like the most logical solution.

 

Actually, the easiest thing to do would be leave everything as is and just listen to the stock stuff.

What I'm trying to do is find the right balance of practicality and price.

Anyone have any idea of SPL and SQ differences between the (2) Brahma 10's and the (2) 8W7's?

 

cptbrainiac,

I see your in the Atlanta area. I also am in the Atlanta area nd if you want to fit the big bangers under there it can be done for much less than the quote you got. I am currently looking for a location to start up my business but would be happy to build you a box that would fit under the rear seat with a lift installed. You can contact me at my email synchronicityaudio@comcast.net if you want to talk more about it and maybe arrange a time to let me see what you have and take some measurements.

As for the JL 8W7 compared to the Adire Brahma your going to find that the JL's will not give you as much SPL and for SQ you are going to be about the same with either you choose.

So my solution would be get the brackets to raise your seat and then let me take a look and measure you up for a box. Heck for slightly more than the price they quoted you I could build you a fiberglass box and amp rack tricked out and slick looking.

Anyway contact me if your interested.