I have a 2003 Lightning with the stock six CD head. Awhile back I decided to buy Boston Acoustics SL80 speakers to replace all four of the cheap stock speakers. After I put them in I noticed how clean the sound was but I was now lacking bass. I wanted something simple to install so I ordered a MTX Thunderform amplified subwoofer enclosure to give me a little more bass. My question is will my new system sound alright like this, or should I order another amplifier to power the Boston SL80 speakers? I'm not into super loud or super bass, I just want to have a nice full sound.

 

It is really subjective, IMO it would sound fine at moderate levels, the Bostons (which I have too) are not very efficent and therefore not really loud with an OEM headunit. This is how it starts, make a small upgrade-sound ok but there's not enough bass, add a sub-plenty of bass but now the rest of system won't play loud enough, now your adding amps and thats just easier with an aftermarket head unit. Just like everything else bigger, better, faster, louder.

 

As long as it sounds good at a moderate volume I will be alright. I almost never blast the stereo that loud anymore. But if I had to add the amp I might as well do it before I wire up the sub and have a professional do the whole thing.

 

I got my truck back today and I am one happy camper. The amplified THX Thunderfom sounded much better than I ever thought it would and with the stock CD player set at the mid settings for both the bass and treble, my Boston SL80 speakers are loud and clear. I like that the Thunderfom subwoofer has a control so I can add or subtract the bass to whatever sounds the best on each song. I know it's not the best system out there, but it sure as heck works for me. Thanks todd for your advice.

 

any pics of the setup?

 

I haven't taken any pictures but it looks just like the picture below except my truck has a sliding rear window. It fit's like a glove and you can't even see it when the seats are back. It really sounds good!

 

looks good, nice setup

 

What amazes me most is just how much better my stereo system sounds with this bass upgrade. I've had a few friends sit in my truck while I played a CD and they were blown away that it sounded so good. SuperCrewSound.com has them for $449 with an additional $20 charge for two day shipping for $469 out the door. That was around $250 cheaper than the other places I checked. The bad thing is now I want to drive my truck all the time and my monthly gasoline bill is going to go up...................

 

bill might go up but i bet its worth it

 

Oh yea.................