I would like to hear from anyone having experience with the Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer.

I‘m considering adding this to my car, but I have concerns about reliability/durability. I’m not worried much with the sound since I’m only attempting to off-load some of the low frequency from my 165V Focal component speakers.

The problem I have now is vibration from the Focals sent to the door panel when I set the Focals to receive very low frequencies. The Focals handle the low frequency OK for my listening preference and deliver the level I want, but this arrangement results in door panel vibration that I cannot seem to fix even when adding sound deadening to the door, flexible speaker mounts/spacers, etc.

The fix is obviously off-loading the very low frequency to a SubW. Duh. That means I either add a separate amp with a SubW, or install a powered subwoofer (e.g., the Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer).

I’m definitely installing the SubW in the large compartment behind the driver’s seat (the stock position for the Bose SubW). I’m going with this solution (realizing it is not the best way to mount a SubW) simply because I am unwilling to sacrifice any space in the rear hatch area. I’m a golfer using the Z for weekend outings and need every bit of room I can get in the rear cargo area.

My Question:
Many reviews I read about the Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer mention reliability issues. Apparently attaching the amp to the subwoofer is the problem (vibration? … I don’t know).

I’m sure a more reliable setup is using a separate amp with a box and an independently mounted SubW, but the “behind-the-seat” mount is a lousy position that makes the extra expen$e for this arrangement a questionable expenditure. The issue is greater when I only want to off-load some of the low frequency from the Focals.

Any advice, comments, or insight is greatly appreciated.

--Spike

 

Hi Spike,

I have a Basslink installed in the compartment behind the seat. My system consist of a Pioneer AVH-D4200dvd, Pioneer GM D9500F 4 channel amp, Front components Alpine SPR-17S and Rear Speakers coaxial CDT Cl-6ex. I don't have the greatest components but for me it sounds so much better that the stock non-bose system. The Basslink just accentuates the music (classic rock and roll, classical to Dead Maus).

I hang the Basslink from the top of the compartment. I did add strips of sound deadening material around the tunnel, especially the metal bracket within the tunnel, without it, got quite a bit of buzzing and rattling because the Basslink. All in all very welcome addition. The 4200 allow me to switch the subwoofer output on/off just for comparison and cannot imagine not having a dedicated subwoofer (Basslink).

 

Spike, I'm pretty sure you have already thought about pods in the kick panels, have you tried that yet?

As far as a sub goes, did you think of using some kind of Bazooka Tube or something? They take little space and sound alright...

 

ive had a basslink mounted in the compartment behind the driver for over a year. i think its a very nice system. ive never had reliability issues (knock on wood). i mounted it firing up and i do admit, at first i had some bad vibrating since it was on the metal floor. but thats fixable with some patience and time to really secure it down. overall, im happy with it. sometimes i wish i would have gone with a box to get some real big bass, but i couldnt imagine taking away the very limited space in the back. plus, unless you own a Z, you have no idea where its at. Thief deterrent

 

AIT, sdZ33, dave079. O8panna… Thank you. I appreciate your replies, and your valued comments and information. You provide advice that makes me believe this is a good solution for my specific needs.

Answering the question from sdZ33…
[QUOTE=sdZ33;8986695]Spike, I'm pretty sure you have already thought about pods in the kick panels, have you tried that yet? […]QUOTE]
…yes, I am using door pods. Modern/contemporary recordings often “expect” low frequency capability. The problem I notice is that although high quality components (as is the case with my Focals) can attempt handling this, the small 6-1/2” midrange goes into “huge vibration mode” unless you divert the very low frequency sound to a SubW.

After reading your comments, I suspect that the problem people report using the Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer is mainly due to faulty installation. The Infinity BassLink is attractive to people who lack space for their SubW installation (even in a large SUV), so they tend to install the unit in a confined space that lacks adequate ventilation/cooling. An example is placing this unit under a seat (where it can easily fit). Of course, this is a very bad position since the amp will heat quickly and potentially damage itself, and possibly the speaker.

The large rear compartments in the Z do not have this “overheating” problem since there is adequate cooling space for this device. I suspect that is why people installing the Infinity Basslink in the Nissan Z report much better results than the general market for this product.

--Spike

 

I put a Basslink in my mothers car about 8 years ago and its been kicking trouble free even though she carries alot of cleaning supplies in her trunk that have caused it to rust a bit. Someone else mentioned Bazooka Tubes and personally I think they sound better than the Basslink but due to the size it could give you placement issues.

 

^^ 8 years is a long test, so that’s very useful information. I agree with your and sdZ33’s comments about Bazooka. It’s just that I think the BassLink allows an easier installation that works well in the Z (as you point out).

After reading you message and the other replies on this thread, I really think the problems some owners report with the BassLink are related to faulty installation. A powered subwoofer definitely requires adequate cooling space.

Thanks for help,
--Spike

 

Which Basslink are you looking for? The Basslink II? I've heard good things about them, and would buy one for my current car if I could find a low price. I almost bought one for my Z, as I felt it was what I was looking for at the time.

It is a 10" driver with 250w going to it, so I think it'll be plenty to balance out your current system. Freq. response is 20-120hz, and that's a goody.

 

i had the first basslink (the single 10") and it was actually pretty decent/loud in my older hatchback. too bad they blow out too easily.

 

as a former bazooka tube owner also, i would say that they both are fairly close. the bazooka tube is louder IMO, but would be very difficult to impossible to install in the subwoofer cubby behind the driver. if your looking at not putting it in the cubby, then consider the bazooka tube

 

Im willing to bet that alot of the complaints for the Basslink is that they are expecting it to do more than its made to do and with it being mounted in the truck of a car you are not going to hear it peak out as easy compared to in a hatch.

 

I have owned one. Do not expect ground pounding bass at high volume. If it is a nice punch you want, is perfect addition for an existing system. But for the same money you can get a pair of subs, box, and amp. Of course, space is a consideration.

 

^^ Thanks for the reply

I only want to off-load the very low frequency from my Focals (mounted in the front door) to eliminate excessive vibration.

RE>: "Do not expect ground pounding bass at high volume."

I don't need this, so I'm good with the Infinity BassLink.

--Spike

 

I've had the Basslink II system in my 08 HR now for almost two years. I've had no issues at all and am glad I had it put in...

 

^^ Thank you for taking time to reply and providing very useful information. I appreciate this. I'm going with the solution you mention (Basslink II)

--Spike