Convertible Sub upgrade

Is it possible to improve the sub in a convertible without using an enclosure ? I refuse to sacrifice any of the trunk space but would like more boom. Any ideas ?

Originally Posted by Cabriolet

Is it possible to improve the sub in a convertible without using an enclosure ? I refuse to sacrifice any of the trunk space but would like more boom. Any ideas ?

I replaced the 8" H/K subwoofer in the plastic door housing pass through area between the seats with a JL 8" subwoofer and added a JL amp and it improved the bass a lot. The plastic door had to be reworked a little but I am happy with the sound and it takes up no more space than the original H/K sub did.

Originally Posted by jshod

I replaced the 8" H/K subwoofer in the plastic door housing pass through area between the seats with a JL 8" subwoofer and added a JL amp and it improved the bass a lot. The plastic door had to be reworked a little but I am happy with the sound and it takes up no more space than the original H/K sub did.

Was the JL a "free air" sub designed to operate without an enclosure ?

Originally Posted by Cabriolet

Was the JL a "free air" sub designed to operate without an enclosure ?

No it was not, both I and the installer were concerned about that before installation but it does sound pretty good. The area that it fits up into between the seats/pass through sort of act as an enclosure. We got a good tight fit on the door holding the speaker. I did not want to give up any trunk space as I did the last time when i added a 10" enclosed sub in my 323i. Everything turned out o.k. as far as I am concerned. The installer thought it sounded o.k. too.