What about this Subwoofer system?

[NSCR FAN]

Originally posted by joebxr
Marc, do you realize there is no amp in this setup? You will need to add that also. The rating on the subs is probably peak handling. As for the "REACTOR" brand, the best I can offer is that they are "affordable". This same box is on eBay for $89.99.

I also would add that this is really not a subwoofer...it is a truck box as someone has already indicated. It has 12" WOOFERS and piezo TWEETERS. Without the freq specs, I doubt it is capable of producing deep bass like a sub does, especially considering the size of the enclosure.

To use this system, you will need to add an amp with line level inputs, and connect them as a replacement for the rear speakers....

Give it some real thought, but I don't think this will do what you want.

My humble $0.28 US

Marc, what'd he say? Now I understand why I don't understand this stuff. These guys speak a foreign language. Glad I've got a couple of buddys to help when I wander into this area.

[joebxr]

Let me translate....
There is no amplifier in this box, so you must add that.
This is really not a subwoofer, but just a speaker system... it is more than likely not capable of low frequencies.
Need to spend more money to make it work!!!!

[BraytonAK]

I agree with Joebxr. Simply seems too cheap to be a good inexpensive thing. If the quality of sound is what you're after, you should keep browsing.

[Marc]

Sorry...
I was busy watching Monster Garage..the PT Mulcher.

WOW !!

Thanks for all the replies everyone.
What I am looking for is just some cost worthy system that will make the stock PT system sound a little better.
I am Married with Child so am not into playing LOUD tunes anymore. My teenage years served that purpose


Here's what I found out about Amps:

"This amplifier sounds super smooth, powerful, and yet produces velvetine subtle details bathed in an atmosphere
of shimmering translucent scintillation."

The above prose is characteristic of many purported reviews of Audio amplifiers. It is pure hyperbole that feeds on the kind of marketing-created subjectivism that infects all too much advertising about audio, and a good many other products. Remember, science tells the tale best, at least in electronics.

The plain fact of the matter, is that the aim of every high fidelity amplifier designer is to create a product that has no effect whatsoever on the signal fed into it, other than to increase its amplitude and prepare it to be sent to a speaker.
Most of the subjective commentaries on amplifier performance that refer to such qualities as "warmth," or "precision" are either the reviewer's impressions of the music, speakers, or listening environment, or evidence of great deficiencies in the design of the amplifier.

Amplitude
In physics and electronics, amplitude is literally the measurable high value of a periodically varying quantity. In lay terms, it is the strength of a signal or sound without regard to its content. Amplitude measurements of audio signals generally refer to the signal voltage, which is only one component of what determines power (watts), or the ability to do work. Thus, it is important to understand that amplitude alone does not singly determine power (or loudness in audio), but does affect it. In the physical world the amplitude of a sound is measured in decibels of SPL (sound pressure level), which again does not wholly define overall sound power or intensity, only the sound level at one point in time, and one frequency of the audio spectrum.

Amplifiers are devices or circuits that increase the amplitude of the signal fed into them. Any additional changes in the nature of signal are a form of distortion. A popular engineering aim, is to construct amplifiers as, " a straight wire with gain." Qualities present in the output that were not in the input are to be avoided. In the perfect amplifier, the best thing that could be said of it is that, "It works."

I just did a search on Reactor b12 and got many hits. These sell from $75 to $129. This place is still the cheepest.

[MX-5]

Marc,

An upgrade in the quality of sound will best be realized with better speakers in the original locations.

That cheap speaker box is not what you are seeking.

The CD, tape, FM radio will process the full range of sound available in the media being played.
The output amplifier in the factory radio is capable of processing the full range of frequencies.

That means that what goes in will come out.

The speakers are very limited in the quality construction and materials. They are cheap.
However, the sound is acceptable to many car owners.

The speakers are the weakest link.

There are many quality speakers you can choose from.
Each are made to excell with different music styles.
This is why you need an audio specialist, not some idiot. Price, power ratings, colors, and neon lights mean nothing. You seek quality sound.
Don't order them based on specs. Listen to them.

Keep in mind that you have a 15 watt rms amp in the radio. 800 watt speakers will be a waste.

FWIW, the OEM powered subwoofer and some new replacement speakers should be both satisfying and affordable.

[Impatient]

Going to really go back to basics here for ya, but you may already know all this.
1. Tweeters - high tones
2. Mid-Range - middle tones
3. Woofer - lower tones
3. Sub-Woofer - lowest tones

The PT has the first three as stock speakers. What that box does is basically take all the speakers in your PT and cram them in to a flat box that you plug into your stereo. You would probably need an amp to run it. (Stereo doesn't have the "oomph".)

If you're looking for a fuller sound and you're happy with the quality of what you have so far, getting a little sub in there would give your bass a little "punch". Depending on the size of it, you may or may not need to pick up a small amp just for it. Check with a local stereo shop and see what they have. Sometimes you can be surprised. If you're up for a drive, (I know you're down in the big smoke there!) Nosh Car Audio on Yonge in Newmarket is great. Ask for Brian, he knows his stuff.

[Marc]

Thanks Mike, Imp, Joe, Jerry, renichms and all for your insights on this.
I am not going to get this speaker box.
I may do as MX-5 suggests and just get a set of better sounding speakers.

[renichms]

Originally posted by Marc
Thanks Mike, Imp, Joe, Jerry, renichms and all for your insights on this.
I am not going to get this speaker box.
I may do as MX-5 suggests and just get a set of better sounding speakers.

When I replaced my speakers and got a working amp on the subs and got all my settings right...the quality of the music was much much better than stock speakers...or that's what I think.

RN

[PT_Hot_Rod]

if you don't want to spend more than 80 bucks then buy it other wise see how much you want to spend and a good system and go from there.

a 350 watt amp will do just fine because this box will probably not be able to handle much more. the speakers are going to be bad quality. they may sound good and last but i would think them to sound alright and not last. you not going for volume so you don't need alot of excursion on the speakers so they will probably not tear up. if you want a quick and cheap fix then go for it. i am the type that reqardless of what i am after sound quality or bass, i have to have high quality equipment. sure it will cost more but i know that is good stuff. if all you want is a little lower tones and a box that can be taken in and out then you have many options other than a cheapo box from the flea market.

[achr]

I agree with PT Sean and MX-5. If you see the words PMPO (Peak Music Power Output) anywhere on the package in the vicinity of the Power Rating, look elsewhere. True quality manufacturers don't even bother with this rating as it is so bogus. I mean, have you seen those computer speaker systems with an 800 Watt PMPO rating? Then you listen to your old 20 Watt stereo and wonder why the computer speakers suck big time.

Most people don't understand that music power is a logarithmic equation, ie 350 Watts is not 10 times louder than 35 Watts, not even close. Those cheap computer speakers are lucky to put out 5 Watts RMS (true power) with a reasonable distortion level.

At your age and volume requirements, don't overlook the Chrysler sub-woofer. For overall sound quality/fidelity, it compliments the existing system very well. No loss of useable storage space either. Maybe you can find one at reasonable cost on Ebay. I've briefly listened to several aftermarket systems at Cruise the Falls and wasn't impressed. Loud? Yes. Quality? No. But then the whole world's not populated by audiofiles and many are happy just to crank up the decibels.

On the other hand, I listened to a system (expensive) installed by Toronto's PowerTrip (Brad) at the Acton cruise in a VW Jetta. Sound quality was absolutely yummy! Stupidly, I didn't take the opportunity to listen to the system in his PT. I'd suggest hooking up with Brad for suggestions on improving your system. Maybe he'll even take you out for a spin in a REALLY fast PT.