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Old 04-20-2005, 01:18 AM
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Amp under seat?

Has anyone tried locating a sub amp under the passenger or driver seat? This configuration was recommended to me at the local audio shop but I haven't heard of anyone else doing it. I'm looking at a Concept 135W 2 Channel to power a pair of 8" kicker subs. Will the amp fit under the seat? Seems like it complicates/increases the cost of the wiring although could save a little trunk space.

Also wondering if anyone has tried locating subs in the recessed area of the trunk facing up with covers over the top so it's still safe to lay stuff on top? This was also recommended but I'm skeptical that the subs will fit - although they are only 8" sealed enclosure square Kickers so these are pretty compact and perhaps will fit. I'm also concerned about potential damage with constantly laying stuff over top like golf clubs. Has anyone tried this?
Old 04-20-2005, 03:11 AM
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Not a good idea putting an amp under a seat.Lesser ventilation equates to a hotter amp.You want ventilation for your amps.If it gets too hot, it'll shut down or you might damage it.Heat is not a friend of amps!That's why high end amps have built in fans to cool it down when it gets hot.
Old 04-20-2005, 02:58 PM
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One 135 Watt amp isn't going to generate a lot of heat, I suspect. My son and I put his 400 Watt amp under the seat of his RX-7 and it is doing fine. His amp has ridges built into the top to act like a heat sink and does not have a fan. There's enough air space under the seat to cool it sufficiently (at least in his RX-7). I don't know how much space is under the seat in the 8.
Old 04-20-2005, 03:05 PM
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Go back.....

The back of the rear seat is a much better place to hang an amp - it's metal and plastic, and easily accessible. The floor has heat ducts and if you 'bolt thru', it can rust from below.

S
Old 04-23-2005, 04:27 AM
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Originally Posted by saminktown
Has anyone tried locating a sub amp under the passenger or driver seat? This configuration was recommended to me at the local audio shop but I haven't heard of anyone else doing it. I'm looking at a Concept 135W 2 Channel to power a pair of 8" kicker subs. Will the amp fit under the seat? Seems like it complicates/increases the cost of the wiring although could save a little trunk space.

Also wondering if anyone has tried locating subs in the recessed area of the trunk facing up with covers over the top so it's still safe to lay stuff on top? This was also recommended but I'm skeptical that the subs will fit - although they are only 8" sealed enclosure square Kickers so these are pretty compact and perhaps will fit. I'm also concerned about potential damage with constantly laying stuff over top like golf clubs. Has anyone tried this?

saminktown can you post pics of your set up? I too have two 8" kickers that I would like add to my 8. I'm not sure where to place them?
Old 04-23-2005, 06:48 AM
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if you can go for it.. i did that in my SVT focus to save on wiring and because its harder for thieves to steal since it was bolted to the floor... and yes the 135 will not generate enough heat.. and if you live in a hot area gust turn on the AC to the feet position to coooool it down...
Old 04-23-2005, 01:04 PM
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Here is another suggestion. Take some aluminum sheet and make a mount for it underneath the rear deck. Mount the amp on top of the sheet up near the factory amp loactoin which is dead center in the rear parcel shelf. As far as the area for the subs go, it is all about the available space. Do not put two subs in this space unless you have the proper volume of air to go behind the subs. Too small and the subs have output but depth with amplitude, too large and for lack of better words, it will sound like a wet fart. IF space is the primary concern here, consider a single subwoofer like the Pioneer Premier shallow mount 12" or the Blaupunkt Overdrive subs with a 2" mounting depth. (and yes it is a good sub). Good bass response is all about the box first and foremost.

Need more info, www.the12volt.com, same user name.
Old 04-26-2005, 01:27 AM
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I don't have any pics yet because I haven't done the install yet. Still deciding on some details. I'm now leaning toward putting the amp in the trunk behind the seat. It occured to me with the location under the passenger seat, if someone looked closely from outside the vehicle, they could notice some of the amp/wiring. I'd prefer to keep everything completely concealed so it doesn't attract undesirable attention from potential thieves. It seems the best way to do that is keep it in the trunk. Also really don't lose much space in the trunk with the amp bolted up behind the seat.
Old 04-26-2005, 02:20 AM
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Underseat....

...is reserved for my BassShakers! :D :D

S
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