Self-powered sub in center console

Rock Toy

TJ Enthusiast
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So looks like I might have the Rona, which means that I have a week or two to work on the Jeep :ROFLMAO:. Yay, me.

I have a Cerwin Vega VPAS10 self-powered sub sitting in my garage waiting to go into the TJ. My center console is the one that came with the sub but I tore it out long ago. Plan is to trim the "glovebox compartment" a little in order to fit the sub. Should "fit like a glove". Before I start in on this though, does anyone have any pics of what they have done in the same situation? I have exhausted the inter-web looking for pictures and have not found anything. I can only assume that a ton of folks have done it and maybe someone has documented it. If not, I'll take some pics and post up later.

Pictures for attention:

Here is the amp:

IMG_3410.jpg



In front of the console (side view):

IMG_3411.jpg


Front view (I might cut a hole in the console to access the controls)
IMG_3414.jpg


And finally, with the console sitting on the sub (before any trimming):

IMG_3413.jpg
 
So looks like I might have the Rona, which means that I have a week or two to work on the Jeep :ROFLMAO:. Yay, me.

I have a Cerwin Vega VPAS10 self-powered sub sitting in my garage waiting to go into the TJ. My center console is the one that came with the sub but I tore it out long ago. Plan is to trim the "glovebox compartment" a little in order to fit the sub. Should "fit like a glove". Before I start in on this though, does anyone have any pics of what they have done in the same situation? I have exhausted the inter-web looking for pictures and have not found anything. I can only assume that a ton of folks have done it and maybe someone has documented it. If not, I'll take some pics and post up later.

Pictures for attention:

Here is the amp:

View attachment 283400


In front of the console (side view):

View attachment 283401

Front view (I might cut a hole in the console to access the controls)View attachment 283403

And finally, with the console sitting on the sub (before any trimming):

View attachment 283404
Yeah, it’s been done. There are some nice write-ups on here. @bobthetj03, another guy I’ll try to find.
 
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So much easier to just mount it under the seat.

True… but wouldn’t under the seat potentially get soaked by rain if running with the top off (I almost always run with at least a safari top on, except for the 1 maiden summertime ride when the hardtop comes off each summer)
 
I had a self-powered sub mounted under the passenger seat on my last TJ. Didn't really have an issue with it and might go that route again. I just thought that putting it in the console made more sense. I'll give it a go and see if I can make it work. Can't imagine that I can't. My only concern is whether or not I can make it look good. I'm still a huge fan of a clean interior.
 
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I didn't use a powered sub. Instead, I beefed up the inner liner of the center console and put an 8" slimline sub in there, then added a small amp to power it and mounted the amp under the steering column.
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I mounted a Kenwood powered subwoofer in my console. I didn't take any pics of the install, but it has worked out well.
I did have to stuff some sound mat around the back and sides of the sub to hold it in very tightly. If its not tight in the console, it will rattle and vibrate against the plastic.

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I mounted a Kenwood powered subwoofer in my console. I didn't take any pics of the install, but it has worked out well.
I did have to stuff some sound mat around the back and sides of the sub to hold it in very tightly. If its not tight in the console, it will rattle and vibrate against the plastic.

View attachment 283453View attachment 283454
Did you literally just stuff it in there with some sound mat? How much bass does it put out?
 
Did you literally just stuff it in there with some sound mat? How much bass does it put out?
No, the underside of the console has plastic ribs and the factory sub enclosure . I measured the sub and cut those dimensions out of the ribs with a Dremel. It slid right in with maybe only 1/16" of play, but that was enough to make it vibrate. So i filled in the small gap with sound mat.

It puts out decent bass for the size and price, but it doesn't bump hard. It is a huge improvement on the factory sub though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BO8O9XQ/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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I've got the same Cerwin Vega sub... though under my driver seat. Haven't had issues with rain... and honestly short of filling your Jeep with water, I can't imagine rain would be much issue.

There's another benefit of placing it under the seat. Songs like Sunday Best and better yet, Alt-J BreezeBlocks gives you a nice massage. ;)
 
I've got the same Cerwin Vega sub... though under my driver seat. Haven't had issues with rain... and honestly short of filling your Jeep with water, I can't imagine rain would be much issue.

There's another benefit of placing it under the seat. Songs like Sunday Best and better yet, Alt-J BreezeBlocks gives you a nice massage. ;)
Want to throw up a picture or two? I'm not against mounting it under there....