Printer Friendly Forum Posts - Altec Lansing Subwoofer

Anyone tried using Altec Lansing (computer) speakers/subwofers in a car? I tried several different things including two 15 inch Alpine top quality subs with an entire Alpine system with digital amps including HU, from "head to toe" but am now thinking of Altec Lansing for my sub. ANy suggestions? I feel they are very small and sound superb! Just never tried it in my car yet.

No, I can't say I've ever tried computer speakers in the car. But, since I work with computer speakers regularly at Creative, I can tell you that they are optimized for near-field listening (sitting close to them like at your computer) and are not designed for long-throw applications or for the harsh environment of a car (like temperature extremes.) Also, most computer powered subs require 120VAC wall current and the amps are actually pretty small with high THD numbers. I think you'll end up being pretty disapointed.

Give it a try, but don't be surprised if your reaction is "Wow, I USED to think those sounded pretty good."

In the car, I really don't need the sound to go very far (long throw), its at most 7 to 9 feet away from the front seats.

I've tried many computer subs at home and at the office, but I like these Altec Lansing's the best as they are real good quality. My operations guy at work says they are top of the line. Which Creative subs did you try? Some of them are very good too.

I shall try that and let you know the results or my dissapointments.

Thanks for the input.

The only computer speaker system I would reccomend for the car is one of Klipsch's uppper end ones. This would sound alot better then the altec lansing stuff.f

I got an Altec Lansing bass computer bass tube in my truck, it just gives it a little deeper thow of bass.I like it cheep too.

screw that, if you wanna get some sweet computer speaker equipment, that would slam in the car too, go to www.hifi.com Look at some of the higher end Cambridge Soundworks stuff. oh man.

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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp

OR the Logitech Z680's. its a whole surround system, but the bass from that sub is farking amazing. i can seriously hear it (bass)down the street from my house when i turn them up.

What I am really looking for is best possible bass with smallest possible size subs. I've already gone the other route where I spent some serious $$$ but lost half my trunk space in my SUV. You can see what I have currently by clicking here.

As far as them using 110v ac, what I am going to do is open the box, connect my 12v directly from the battery to the output of the step-down transformer or circuit inside after I open it and see what's there. (of course using a fuse as always) I won't be using a DC to AC power inverter to just bring down 110 back to 12v inside. If it is not exactly 12v but somewhere between 6v and 20v, I will have to add a circuit to adjust the voltage to what I need from 12.

I just read your other thread. Did you try switching out to a sealed box? I have heard and owned lots of subs in my day, the type r's being one of them, and they are in the top 3 on my list. they have great spl and sq qualities. I had mine in a sealed box. If you dont feel like going through alot of work and hassle, just build yourself a bod for them (sealed) and let her rip. you should be pretty happy with it. If you dont feel like building one, you can always go to CC and get a Q-logic although i dont recommend that. Good luck man.

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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp

I tried a sealed box (Original box for Infinity). I purchased the box from Circuit City where that was the last piece they had so they had to remove the Infinity sub and I got just the box and fit my Alpine Type R into it. Still the sound wasn't any good. Which are your other 2 besides this one? Just curious if it is a CV. Also what is a bod? I don't know. I don't mind making it as long as the end result is something I'll enjoy.

The last thing I tried was this:
posted_image

I sacrificed losing a lot of space and still was very dissapointed at the bass quality.

Thanks.

Strange, very strange. Anyhow, I meant BOX, not BOD. lol. typo's, gotta love'em. Anyways, my top 3, Alpine Type R's (for both SQ and SPL), Diamond Audio M6 (wow), and the eclipse Aluminums. I was just curious, have you ever went to Alpines website? they have a feature that helps set your equipment to the best sound on there. I forgot what its called, but it should work great on there since you have all Alpine.

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1990 Honda Civic HB:
Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.
2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors
Diamond Audio 600.1 amp
Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII
Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp

It looks like it is the i-personalise. I just registered for my all-Alpine setup but only have option to input my HU and not the 2 amps and other speakers etc. I'll have to check back in a few minutes. Seems very interesting.