Comments on: Kenwood KSC-SW1 Subwoofer

By: Isaac

Isaac — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 04:42:20 +0000

i figured it out…patched into the line coming from the headunit adn not the grey line coming from the jbl amp.

Sounds awesome.

thanks anyways.
Isaac

By: Isaac

Isaac — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 03:52:26 +0000

I just installed this subwoofer but I noticed the remote ‘s red light stays on even after I turn the prius off. I went back out to see it after a half hour and its still on. So I unplugged it fearing it would wear down the battery. Is this lights supposed to remain on? The manual doesn’t say and I can’t find any info on the www. Please help.

Sincerely,
Isaac

By: russell

russell — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 12:55:57 +0000

It doesn’t matter. I tapped the back, passenger side speaker for mine. I’ve found that since it’s been installed I actually have balanced the fader one “click” towards the back. It’s de-emphasized the front speakers a bit and makes the entire system sound better. Of course, that’s entirely subjective.

By: George

George — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:45:22 +0000

Hi, loved the article, I ordered the kenwood powered sub and my question is, on a vehicle with four factory speakers, 2 front, 2 back, can I just splice into 1 rear speaker? Is that enough? My front speakers sound louder when I play with the fader button, will it be better to tap into a front speaker?

By: russell

russell — Sat, 26 May 2007 12:46:32 +0000

Steve, overall I am absolutely delighted with the performance especially when you factor in the cost, ease of installation and the fact that it takes up no real space in the vehicle. Now mind you, I’m not looking for booming bass. I wanted something to augment the existing six speaker system and the Kenwood sub does this very well.

As for placement, I’m not sure it would fit under the seat. I recall checking that withthe installer and I think we decided to install it in the storage tray because it would not fit there and for one other reason (which I’ll cover below). If in your Prius it would fit there, then I why not?

Because of the way bass waves are propogated in a vehicle, installing it in the storage tray actually enhances the bass giving it a larger, sealed “cabinet” to operate within. While I am not a technician I can say this unequivocally, no matter what I have in the hatch, the system operates well and I never lack bass. And keep in mind, I carry stuff all the time. So whether it is groceries or firewood, I have a great sub that is protected from getting beaten up and sounds awesome.

So while you might lose a bit in installing under the seats you might also gain a little more direct feeling from having the sub mounted directly beneath you. I can’t say definitively which is better. I suspect it’s a trade off of sorts.

Good luck if you get one and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.

By: Steve Simmons

Steve Simmons — Thu, 24 May 2007 21:31:15 +0000

I was thinking about getting one of these (Kenwood KSC-SW1) for my 2005 Prius. You are happy with the performance?

I was concerned if I mounted it in the tray as you did, much of the sound would be blocked. Is it? Did you consider mounting under one of the front seats?