After talking with a local road shop, they suggested using downfiring subs in my truck. They said it would outperform subs mounted towards the seats. Is this true?

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99 F150 Reg Cab Short Bed 4.6L
Dual Cat Back W/0 Mufflers
K&N Filter

 

Tweeter150,

I have heard the same thing. I have 2 8" subs (see sig) that fire downwards, and they sound pretty awesome. I was very surprised at their performance, I've always had 10" subs in my other vehicles. A buddy of mine has a VW Jetta, and the stereo shop there recommended he install his subs firing into the seat, instead of into the air of the trunk. Has to do with the movement of the air I think, but I'm not sure. I know....this doesn't really answer your question.....

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1998 Black F-150 XLT Ext. 4x4 Off-Road Package -- "Hannibal"
Current Mods:
-Pace Edwards Roll Top
-Box Liner
-Tinted all around
-Pioneer 4100 CD Deck w/remote
-Kenwood 400W Amp
-Phoenix Gold 5x7's
-JL Audio Stealth Box
-2 Phoenix Gold 8" Subs
-K&N Filter
-DeeZee Stainless Steel Brush Guard
Check it out: http://www.f150world.com/jeffstruck
1998 Silver Frost Contour LX V6 "Full Load"
1985 Mustang GT w/T-Tops "The Fun Machine"

 

Tweeter150,

I also have 2 12" subs that fire downward. They hit extremely hard and have good sound quality. The main reasons that I chose to fire the subs downward are:
1) There are little screws going through the bottom of my seat that I was afraid would pucture my speakers.
2) I was able to build just a rectangular box, put a divider in it, and then sit the box on top of the center hump under the back seat. So the box and installation were a breeze!

As far as the downward fireing subs outperforming subs firing into the seats.... I would think that this would be true. If you fire the subs downward, into the floorpan then you are firing them into something solid which will help with your pressure a little more vs firing them into something soft, such as a seat. Also, if you are able to close off all sides underneath the box except one, probably in the front, then that will help with the pressure also.

I hope this helps!
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1998 F150 S/C
4.6 V8
Flowmaster 40 muffler
Sony CDX-C7850 CD Player
2 12" DEI Competition subs
DEI 1100D amp
4 kicker Impulse 5x7
Legacy LA360 amp
Expy console
Escort Passport 7500

SOON TO COME!!
Sony XE-744 Equalizer

[This message has been edited by Sandman_A_C (edited 05-15-2001).]

 

especially in a pickup, with such limited space, downfiring is a good idea. the sound waves from the subs are longer due to being a lower frequency, and downfiring them into something and allowing them extra space to get to your ears lets the waves develop more and sound better, and hit harder. that's why you see a lot of cars face subs backwards in the trunk, to allow the waves to form more completely.

 

I do not know how the sound is if they fire into the seats or open air, but my four 10's fire down and the sound is awsome.

 

Firing the subs down uses the floor like a loading board. You will increase your base by doing so. As an experiment, take your speakers at home and fire them at the wall and see if you notice the difference in bass.