German Audio Specialties Sub Enclosure-E46 330

[JG330i]

Hey All,

So I am in the works right now with German Audio Specialties to have my ZHP dropped off with them in the next 2 weeks to prototype a new box for our sedans. They have done great work for BMW E28, E30, E31, E34, E36, E39 subwoofer enclosures and boxes and are now moving into the E46 chassis.

Luke at G.A.S. is looking to do the following:



What we are looking to do is 3 setups. All 3 of them require the model
to "fit" to, and we have to build jigs and templates for each of them.

We want to offer a single 10", a single 12" and a "beast box", using a
huge 10". like the W7 or Alpine TypeX. As you can see from looking in
your trunk, we have to build in such a fashion that the box has "steps"
along the 2 sides of the box...so those steps will have to be notched on
the front of the box, along with the angle! This makes for a tough
build, and the fit of the amp rack for each of these makes for even more
development time.

I really want to use the stock speakers. I know how bad the thing sounds
now...it will sound awesome when it is done, I promise. You will not
believe it is the same speakers!

Ideally, looking for as follows:
Box
Amp Rack
Passive Crossover
Planet Audio 1800.5
10" Infinity Reference 1062


Just trying to gauge what interest might exist for this. The sub and amp will be here next week and then I'll drop the ZHP off with them to prototype the masterpiece, which will take about 2 weeks due to how busy they are currently with their E30 "Beast Box" project. In the meantime, I'll bum around in a slow E34.

Anyway, just posting up about a new product for us that I think will be a killer setup and will really blow all your minds! Links to their FB Page are below and pics as well of the work they have done.

http://www.germanaudiospecialties.com/
https://www.facebook.com/germanaudiospecialties



Jensen Power 5500 in E30 12" box and amp rack
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/480602_423825350997001_1578237701_n.jpg

Existing rear speakers and GAS ports
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/484613_423825370996999_1997146868_n.jpg

E30 10'' late body amp rack
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/312608_232567660122772_337333_n.jpg

This is the new E3010 amp rack at night
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/303699_232661270113411_4664322_n.jpg

325iC Power Top Box and Amp Rack
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/252685_409518279094375_2145421660_n.jpg

325iC Power Top Box and Amp Rack
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/547596_410745042305032_1911020298_n.jpg

Prototype 'Beast' box
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/185289_228294893883382_6679990_n.jpg

Prototype 'Beast' box
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/297725_228295047216700_1976679_n.jpg



~Jon G.

[UdubBadger]

stuff looks nice as hell.


ask um what they can do to maximize sound output but using the least amount of space possible. I think if someone made that it would sell like hotcakes round here. BSWs sub is even too big for me to consider.

[JG330i]

stuff looks nice as hell.


ask um what they can do to maximize sound output but using the least amount of space possible. I think if someone made that it would sell like hotcakes round here. BSWs sub is even too big for me to consider.

I'll have to ask Luke that today when I call him to schedule my dropping off the ZHP. Feel free to post up any questions you have and things you'd like to know that I can pass onto Luke when I talk to him later. I most likely won't call him until about 2pm PST.

I havent even been to the shop or met the guys at G.A.S. yet but I already know this will blow my freaking mind. I could not believe that my buddie's E30, with a 10" sub he got at a garage sale and a free amp from Best Buy on Black Friday could sound so freaking amazing!!!!!!

[UdubBadger]

well I think mounting to the underside is the best way to get sound into the cabin efficiently (which means removing the 6x9's). However the space needed for the BSW is too much (It's like 11in tall or something) so you lose a lot of cargo space back there. I would love to maybe see one that is off centered to one side and is more like 4-5" tall to take up as little room as possible and stuff a shallow mounted 10 or 12 in there.

so take this and cut it in 1/2 length wise (or less) and then make it thinner.
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/images/fullsize/479_fs.jpg
http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/images/product-images/1223320616_2.jpg

[Go Horns!]

I would be interested in something like this for an e46 sedan:

http://www.germanaudiospecialties.com/e30/e3081.png

http://www.germanaudiospecialties.com/e30/e308.html

[JG330i]

well I think mounting to the underside is the best way to get sound into the cabin efficiently (which means removing the 6x9's). However the space needed for the BSW is too much (It's like 11in tall or something) so you lose a lot of cargo space back there. I would love to maybe see one that is off centered to one side and is more like 4-5" tall to take up as little room as possible and stuff a shallow mounted 10 or 12 in there.


I'll ask Luke for his input on this. I actually have not discovered BSW's sub until now. From looking at what G.A.S. has done in the past, I don't think that this is the route they would be interested in pursuing.


I would be interested in something like this for an e46 sedan:


^ This is I think more of the route that they are going. I didnt get a chance to talk to Luke yesterday but I'll make sure and call him today and have him write something up for more info.

I'll be dropping the car off with them next week on Friday so I'll make sure and keep everyone posted. Their shipping is phenomenal, by the way. My friend just raved about how well packaged his box was when they sent it to him.

[UdubBadger]

Got ya. Unfortunately for me all of those types of enclosures are too big for me and take up too much trunk space. Only other option is a stealth box (or whatever they're called) that cost $400

[JG330i]

Got ya. Unfortunately for me all of those types of enclosures are too big for me and take up too much trunk space. Only other option is a stealth box (or whatever they're called) that cost $400

I'll have to chat with Luke and see what options they might have in terms of smaller boxes. When they start drawing everything out, I'll for sure post up!

[JG330i]

Amp+Sub have arrived. G.A.S. had something come up so this might be pushed back to start for another week at the most but Luke will let me know as it closes in on whether or not I can drop it off this weekend. Either way, I'm gonna swing on by their shop on the way up to Tacoma to visit the woman for the weekend and at least get a general idea of what kinda setup we would all be looking at.

I'll add photos of the Amp+Sub today when I get home from work.

[JG330i]

So this is getting pushed back yet another week at the least....I got backed into yesterday and long story short, my hood was pretty dented in and I am ideally looking at a full replacement. Progressive is claiming it can just be repaired but the shop is having an independent adjuster come out today to take a peak and get the go ahead for a full hood replacement, which they plan on ordering a M3 GTR CF Hood as the replacement :begging

Anyway, I'll keep you all posted with what happens!!!

[UdubBadger]

hahaha

[JG330i]

Hey all,

Finally made some progress on this. I was able to align my schedule with Luke and Justin over at G.A.S. and we were able to get some measurements taken and a template up. I'll be going back up to their shop on Thursday and hopefully have a demo box ready to test out and get a better idea of how the setup will look and sound in our cars.



https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/425423_383142535049219_1658553275_n.jpg


This is ideally what the box will look like.

Initially, we are starting off with a 10" subwoofer then they plan on doing a 12" and possibly a monster woofer, such as the W7.

Once I have more info on this, you will all too!

~Jon

[JG330i]

Words from G.A.S. Owner/Operator:



We hope to have the basic carcass built and ready for final test fitting. Should be ready for the E46 guys shortly! I have 10 days from today to get that ready, so we have to be on it!

[UdubBadger]

dope, you should have um make a 1/2 box like that as well

[JG330i]

dope, you should have um make a 1/2 box like that as well

I'll put the idea to Luke and see what he thinks.

[JG330i]

Going up again tomorrow and hopefully should have something put together!

I'll post pics up as I can and updates as well.

~Jon

[zhp43867]

Any updates?

I've read many of Luke's posts on R3vlimited. He's the man!

[Johal E32]

I want something for the E46 touring/wagon!!

[JG330i]

Any updates?

I've read many of Luke's posts on R3vlimited. He's the man!


I want something for the E46 touring/wagon!!

Still awaiting to get time to get it built. They have all the measurements and made a mock up the last time I went up but right now their focus is primarily on their E30 Beast Box with a W7.

Luke also got a job at Car Toys now so thats taking up a lot of his time.

[JG330i]

Looks like the boys are back in action:




Tonight, Justin and I got to spend some quality time working out some of the details on the E46 box. As you E46 owners know, there are 2 "rails" on either side of your trunk and they meet at the firewall.

Those two rails are an issue for us.

One design feature we will not compromise on is a 100% seal of all bass energy into the vehicle. The isolation this provides, the acoustic "loading" and the damping of spurious resonant energy (rattle control). All of these advantages are crucial to the performance of our subwoofers, and we simply will not compromise.

What this means is tons of planning to accommodate those 2 rails, as we will not waste the airspace, either. Planning the cuts, angles and assembly process is all sort of synergistic. Justin and I work wonders together on these projects and tonight was very productive.

I would say it is finished, on paper.

E46 people, we really need your participation on this. Please shoot me an email, I would really like to know we have more than a couple of solid supporters ready to buy when they are ready to ship.

Thanks!
Luke

We hope to have a working prototype by the end of the month.



I will be updating this as I have more information. I most likely will schedule a time to go see Luke and Justin as they are a short drive from my home and start getting something mocked up. This has been taking a long time to get worked out, but they have been working on other projects like their E34 and now the E39 project.


Examples of their E34 Box

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/581723_514223908623811_2038492535_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/74714_514189805293888_395518509_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/540952_514223921957143_1540710932_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/406318_514247581954777_1451803895_n.jpg


Boxes utilize the ski-pass, no need for Dynamat or other sound deadening material, guaranteed 100% zero trunk rattle. I can personally attest to the quality of their work and craftsmanship in their boxes. If I owned an E30, mine without a doubt would have one.

~Jon

[Go Horns!]

I sent them an e-mail. I've decided that I need more boom.

[nike001]

I sent them an e-mail. I've decided that I need more boom.

I thought I did too until I got it. All that stuff weighs a ton and you can definitely feel it in the back.

I had a BSW hanging style box W/ my own sub & amp.. decided to sell it after only a week.

[johnrando]

Any idea on price? Also, you said ski pass-thru type of sub, not a huge box, correct?

[JG330i]

I sent them an e-mail. I've decided that I need more boom.

Definitely will be awesome!


I thought I did too until I got it. All that stuff weighs a ton and you can definitely feel it in the back.

I had a BSW hanging style box W/ my own sub & amp.. decided to sell it after only a week.

True, but unlike the BSW box and others that have been made or something you would get at Car Toys, this box is a lot smaller and weighs significantly less.


Any idea on price? Also, you said ski pass-thru type of sub, not a huge box, correct?

Price is looking like $275 after the initial backing, which is set to be around $225 if purchased during the first run. The best aspect of this box is that you can use low cost subs and an amp. I plan on using an Infinity Reference 10" sub and a Planet Audio AC1800.5 MOSFET Five-Channel Power Amplifier. Total I paid for both was under $200.

The box does utilize the ski-pass. Will be a single sub box either utilizing a 10" or a 12". I believe the 10" will be the initial run and they will see, depending on interest, if they should proceed further with a 12" box.

Follow GAS on FB here: https://www.facebook.com/germanaudiospecialties

[Go Horns!]

I thought I did too until I got it. All that stuff weighs a ton and you can definitely feel it in the back.

I had a BSW hanging style box W/ my own sub & amp.. decided to sell it after only a week.

I already have a hanging amp and a sealed 10 in the trunk.

[johnrando]

Fitment for Verts any different for this? Guessing so.

[wsmeyer]

Fitment for Verts any different for this? Guessing so.

I really doubt it would fit

**** EDIT

I just measured and in the front where the pass through is the trunk is only 10" tall

[JG330i]

Fitment for Verts any different for this? Guessing so.


I really doubt it would fit

Not sure on that one. I would guess that the fitment would be different. Much like their E30 boxes, they have ones specific to the verts.

[UdubBadger]

looks good

[JG330i]

BUMP.

[zhp43867]

I hope to have an upgraded stereo to show at SIGFest (or whatever it's called now)!

That is all... :shifty

[JG330i]

I hope to have an upgraded stereo to show at SIGFest (or whatever it's called now)!

That is all... :shifty


I wish I was closer to you all, then I would attend.

I'm going up on Thursday to do a test-fitting of the E46 box. It all depends on if Justin has some time to get some pieces and a basic mock-up of it, but I will make sure and check-in here with pics and info on what is crackin'.

[johnrando]

We have a few people flying in from the West Coast, but I understand that's a big trip from Portland.

[JG330i]

We have a few people flying in from the West Coast, but I understand that's a big trip from Portland.

Definitely. I am a huge roadtrip kinda guy. Janelle and I were gonna try and swing it, but with me trying to transfer up to be with her in Seattle, I'm gonna save up for rent, moving, etc expenses. Plus, this year I have a training workshop over SIG.

[JG330i]

If anyone is in Tacoma today, Luke @ G.A.S. is needing a non-folding seat E46 for a test fitting.

Hit him up on FB or at (360) 269-4840

[JG330i]

Fitting the rough cut now. Still have access to spare tire, just needing a few adjustments and hopefully a finalized version will be ready to have installed in my ZHP.



https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1629_505105962870012_1233405392_n.jpg

[Tnhl1989]

Looks great!

[JG330i]

This is approximate final depth:




http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m117/stereoinstaller1/E4610%20ZHP/P1100067_zps24842437.jpg

[danewilson77]

:jawdrop

[Go Horns!]

This is approximate final depth:

[/Center]

Does it slide in under the 6x9's? My amp is hanging from the top deck.

[JG330i]

Thats how I got it in there for a test mockup.

This box will also include the option to purchase a nice and clean amp rack.

[Go Horns!]

Just purchased one. It will fit with my amp in its current spot so going without the rack.

[JG330i]

Just purchased one. It will fit with my amp in its current spot so going without the rack.

Baller.

[brewer90]

Well that sucks. I had been in touch with them but was in need of a quick solution and did my own IB setup. I'm glad I didn't wait but at the time they made it sound like delivery was imminent.

[Go Horns!]

Well they have my money. Hope they build something.

[JG330i]

Looks like they finally finished the prototype.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.560196197359915.1073741833.185847941461411&type=1&comment_id=5762712&reply_comment_id=5762717&offset=0&total_comments=3&ref=notif&notif_t=photo_album_reply

After 4 different jigs they finally did it.

[JG330i]

E46 10 Photos:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/421784_560171677362367_389909255_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/600776_560171684029033_1032992268_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/1044619_560171680695700_351879270_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1005560_560171730695695_2054489540_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1012624_560199707359564_330718727_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/1016077_560200014026200_388238295_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/996790_560200010692867_2108688217_n.jpg

[JG330i]

For all of you who had read my post that I had removed, despite the awesomeness of this product, please proceed with caution.



To give you more insight to the kind of person I have been trying to deal with in bringing this to frutition, please see here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/60402947626/permalink/10152015438592627/).

Luke Fisher is one of the owners at GAS and its because of things like this that make me hesitant about purchasing.

[danewilson77]

For all of you who had read my post that I had removed, despite the awesomeness of this product, please proceed with caution.



To give you more insight to the kind of person I have been trying to deal with in bringing this to frutition, please see here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/60402947626/permalink/10152015438592627/).

Luke Fisher is one of the owners at GAS and its because of things like this that make me hesitant about purchasing.

Very sad situation there.

Do not confuse this douche-nozzle with German Auto Solutions (GAS)