My Rockford Fosgate PS-8 Self-Powered Sub went caput about a month ago. This was a bit premature, but it was 5 years old. I contemplated just replacing it, or doing a bit of an upgrade. I fooled around with the idea of building a sealed enclosure for a slimline sub under the rear seat. After measuring the space and fooling with the numbers I decided I could get a good size box within the parameters of the cu ft volume needed for an 8" Square Kicker Sub. The square subs have more surface area than a round sub, so they deliver better performance. They are dual voice coil 4-ohm, so I can wire them in series or parallel. Like so many have done, I went with the 5-channel Soundstream Picasso Nano 640D, which I plan to mount under the steering column.
While contemplating the install I decided a new head unit was in order. The JVC I had was too slow in hooking up BT and the clock would no longer keep time, so I decided to go for a unit that is highly praised for its BT technology. The Kenwood Excelon series are supposed to hook up almost instantaneously, which is important to me since I'm a streamer. I also decided to do all the wiring right, so rather than go for the recommended 8 gauge amp install kit, I went for the 4 gauge (someone else I know likes thicker gauge wire!). I also got high grade pre-amp outs which cost me a kidney. Other odds and ends like a quick disconnect for the sub box. Now I just need the time to install it all! When I get done I'll report back on the comparison with a self-powered sub. I still have a Kicker self-powered sub in the White Sport, so I can literally compare the sound quality quite easily.