Hey Guys,
I recently upgraded our 2007 FEH to an eclipse 5510 unit. I love it. However a side effect is that the rear subwoofer now hummmsss when the audio is on. The installers said that it has to do with the eclipse pumping out more wattage or whatnot than the factory woofer can handle. They put in resistors so it didn't pop when turned on and make it less noisy, however it is still noisey. They said that there really isn't any aftermarket woofer that would fit in the spot, we would have to upgrade and install something that either sticks out a bit or put it in the cargo area (something we don't want to do). Anyone have any experience with this? or thoughts?
thanks.

 

I recently had a Kenwood DNX7100 double din installed in my vehicle. I did not replace my subwoofer but did open up the rear cargo area as shown in the photo.



You may want to copy this photo onto your photo editing software and enlarge it. The subwoofer is 8 inches and Polk makes one this size via the Crutchfield.com website. However, I do not know if it will fit perfectly. Crutchfield normally can provide assistance with this. John Morton frequents this site and he might be able to provide you with information.

I actually had a chance to hear the difference with the stock Ford OEM speakers (25 watt) and with my newly installed Polk DB speakers (50 watt). There is a difference. If you haven't done so, get new speakers and consider lining the speaker area with a material such as dynamat. I also replaced my stock sail panel woofers with Polk DB speakers.

 

do you have a pic of it all done? just curious how far out it sticks?

 

This is the Kenwood DNX7100 I also have a backup camera installed in this unit.


I opened the rear cargo area side panels to add dynalite padding to better insulate the cabin area and to reduce outside noise. Both rear wheel wheels lack insulation and if you have a chance to do so, try dynalite in the rear cargo area including the rear cargo hatch.

 

If you're anywhere near a large city, a competent installer (i.e. not a big box retailer) should be able to install a new amp, subwoofer, speakers, and matting for the about same money as you would pay Crutchfield just for the parts. You won't regret having it done! I put new 6x8 speakers in the door panels and really enjoy them even with the stock head unit.

 

d-mac,
do you have any pics of your speaker, or most importantly, the rear woofer speaker?

 

No, the speakers fit in the enclosures so they basically are invisible. I like it that way to reduce theft risks.
I think if your installer can't figure out how to use the stock enclosures for better speakers, you probably need to look for another installer.