Kenwood KSC-SW10 powered slim subwoofer installed!

2ndChance

I've been lurking on slim subwoofers for a long time and then decided to go with the kenwood SW10. I was sold the moment I heard one installed on a small truck and was blown away by the bass it was delivering for it's diminutive size.



Got it installed behind the passenger seat, it only takes about 3 inches of space. The bass you should expect from this unit is not SPL, windshield shaking type. It's more like an bookshelf speaker type, it's acoustic, it packs a punch, it gets loud but never noisy and you hear it instead of feel it. I used to run a dual 15" Alpine type R 2000 Watt rms in full size enclosure in my old car, I must say this setup is the complete opposite.



It is powered by a 150w amp running a small 5x7 square driver, and a passive driver of the same size in a sealed box. The advantage of having a passive driver is that it extends and "warms" the bass, instead of the cold punch in typical sealed setup.



I've got it paired with a pioneer DVD HU, a rockford T2 component system and the sound is very good, it really had that balance I was looking for. The installers were very pleased by the result, they said the sound quality was quite good for such a simple setup.



At $160 it is costing only a fraction of what a full system would have. Installation is so easy, It took less than 1 hour and basic knowledge in car audio. There is no messing around with amps, wiring, ohms matching. It's plug and play and you can remove it anytime you want with only 2 connection plugs.

For the tiny size and super light weight (mere 4 pounds) it is the ultimate bass solution for those who want to keep a stock look in their car. Of course it is not everyone's taste, some people might want a bit louder system, but this setup I have is a driver's sound system.

If you have any question feel free to ask. I'm more than satisfied with this subwoofer, I can help anyone if you need help with the install.

MyZ4U2C

Looks nice and compact...so would you say it still hits or gives you a all around sub sound? Or more of a slightly improved OEM type bass from the touring? I guess I'm going to have to find one to hear it to know for sure...

2ndChance

It does punch quite hard and I'd say the optimal working frequency is from 40-50hz up. Anything below that sound awkward coming from such a small speaker.

It is a higher frequency, clean, refined, tight bass compared to full size enclosure, you can still feel it, but it won't shake your rear view mirror.

I feel the sound very rich and complete now. for a direct comparison,

VS JL W3 10" 150watt in sealed box I had in the past, very similar, but doesn't reach as low.

VS Audassey SOMA iPhone dock: This is one of the very high end dock and features 2x 4" long throw woofers. The bass of the kenwood is both deeper and louder when setup is correct.

VS Touring: I haven't heard the system from the touring, but from what I've read, the bass from stock system is always very round and soft, never punchy. Maybe the kenwood sounds a bit more refined but not as warm.

It is very hard to make a direct comparison to a full size system, as the bass from the kenwood is almost mid-low, you have to hear it yourself, you will either like it or hate it, it depends on what you're looking for.

Here are more reviews for a better comparison:
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...SW10.html#tabs
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._KSC-SW10.aspx
It's funny how people eihter rate it 5 stars or 1 star

kenchan

this is cool, i might get one later on when i upgrade the HU.

kenchan

quick and easy to install:

http://manual.kenwood.com/files/B61-1319-00.pdf

RonRizz

Nice

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NickTurnon

Try and post a youtube video of the sound!

kenchan

uhhhhhh...

bigaudiofanat

Thanks op for posting up a + review, as you said this is not going to shake the car or the car next to you it will give you BALANCED bass maybe a tad more than that.

Nick, a youtube video is not going to really help you much with hearing or feeling the bass from the crappy mic of a camera.

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vermithrax

Will this unit give more and deeper bass than an amplified pair of Polk DB 6.5 speakers?

Z1NONLY

Interesting. I'm looking for something like this for my new work van.

bigaudiofanat

It will give you lower frequencies so yes.

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MyZ4U2C

Since the OP has a aftermarket HU and I believe not the Bose / Touring set up bigaudiofanat or anyone else happen to know if sticking with the factory touring Bose with this Kenwood would make a decent ( cheap ) set up? I personally think the Bose HU / speakers sound okay, but is missing a lil base IMO - thoughts please?

2ndChance

Recorded a video with various music genres in different EQ settings..

I'm on iPhone tethering right now so I had to compress video to save some time, Recording bass with camera mic is probably not a good idea, but I guess it can give you an idea of how the kenwood sounds. Use decent computer speakers or earphones for better bass...

eastwest2300

Nice, thanks for posting this!

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