I have read the thread about the Boss Audio BASS600 8-inch powered subwoofer and was interested to learn if anyone has tried the slightly larger 10-inch version from the same company. It is called the BASS 1200 and isn't significantly more expensive. Given the great feedback on the 8-inch unit, I was wondering if the 10-inch unit was an improvement. It is slightly larger and perhaps it won't fit in the boot standing up as shown in Robin Casady's thread. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

 

What I like about the smaller unit is that you can power it from the aux connector in the boot -- no fancy power wiring required. Without testing, you may not be able to do that with the larger unit, requiring heavier duty power wiring directly to the panel or to the battery (I'd steal the 30 Amp heat warmer circuits, myself).

Yes, you can get more bass from the larger cone, and more power, but I can't run the smaller bass600 at full volume in the Mini!

For me anyway, the smaller bass600 is a very nice fit.

 

Here are the dimensions of the 8"
13.6 x 9.8 x 2.6 inches ; 9.5 pounds

Here are the dimensions of the 10"
15.2 x 11.9 x 2.8 inches ; 12.7 pounds

 

Based on that, I'd say it won't fit standing up (Robin's Set up).

 

I just measured...The boot has clearance for ~15 inches (front to back). I think I'm going to order the 10" one and just lay it sideways...

put the 11.9" on the bottom (front to back), the 15.2" going up and 2.8 sticking out the right side (to not affect the light in the boot)

Oh and by the way I got off the phone with them. They laughed at me when I asked about using 16 gauge wire and tapping the aux lighter plug....

I guess I'm going to be running 8 gauge now from the battery. I'll tap the aux lighter plug to use as a remote wire and run it across the boot.

 

Sounds like a plan, but I'm not sure you are really gaining anything by the 10" - I agree with k6rtm, the 8 inch is more than enough for the MINI.

PS - Pictures, pictures, pictures......

 

The only drawback of the 10" vs the 8" is the size. Based on the specs, 15.2 x 11.9 x 2.8 inches ; 12.7 pounds and these pictures -

From what I'm measuring in the boot, the 15.2" will not work front to back - that means this would be the top so if you orient it properly (speaker facing out to push the air), the power, ground and remote wires would be on the top and are closest to the rear bumper (opening part) in the boot.




This would be the bottom - I don't mind having the "controls" against the floor as much as I mind the power wires being closest to the entrance/exit of items in the boot. That and if I'm loading items in the rain, I would have to worry about the connections getting wet....

If I go with the 8", at least I can keep it on its side with this part in the picture below closest to the bumper and put the power,ground,remote wires near the bottoms of the folding seats....IMO I think that would be the best bet...let me go back outside and measure.

 

Yeah the only way I can see it working is if I arrange this so the power,ground,remote wires and harness are pointed down towards the ground. I don't have a full picture of that side but it does appear to be recessed somewhat.....

take the gamble on the 10" or go with the safe 8"..... my experience and maturity tell me 8" but the need for as much bass as possible tells me 10" and somehow make it work....

thoughts....I'm leaning towards the 8"...

 

Seriously, unless you're into bone shattering bass, the 8" is probably the ticket. I can't stand it with it turned all the way up.

 

What is you add a "super cap" near the power plug? These are those 20F -50F big caps that "should" be able to supply large current transients for the bass notes. The average current through the wiring up to the cap may be reasonable since the really big peak current will come out of the cap. I don't know the power rating for the amp but if it were (say) 200W (and this is a continuous 200W), the average current would be 200W/12V=16.6A. My quick calc tells me that a 20A bass note current draw for 2sec from a 50F cap will droop the voltage ~1V, which seems ok to me. Any thoughts, comments, or experience with using one of these caps?

 

Sure thing I've used lightning caps in previous cars with a real sized "trunk" (what's that right?) Unfortunately If I'm going to go that route, I'd get the RoadsterSound enclosure and just use an amp with a 12" woofer. Part of the reasoning for the Boss Bass600/1200 or USS8 is that is doesn't weigh that much nor take up much room.

 

That little aux plug is not designed to run an amplifier of any size. Do it right and run a good power cable to the battery. You'll have much better results.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I did grab an 8 gauge streetwires kit today....not sure how much of a pain it will be to get the battery cover and battery off yet. Can't be too hard. I was thinking of using fuse 32 with an "add a fuse" as my remote wire since I already grabbed F30 for my radar detector.

 

Ok I decided to go with the 10" Boss Bass1200 - I am going to mount it on the passenger side after taking euell's advice regarding the light in the boot. I will put the side with the power,ground,remote wires facing the bottom of the boot (speaker facing toward the drivers side of the car) and I am going to elevate the unit with these rubber rings I found at parts express.


They are 1" diameter and 1" long. Should fit perfect if I do 2 on each side touching each other. I figure with the 1" clearance on the bottom, there should be no problem getting a kink in the power wire and having it touch anything metal back there.

 

Please take pics when you do this!