Subwoofer

[Mx5]

Hi, can somebody who has one fitted tell me where it is located and if you can feel or hear any difference when you adjust it up and down using sensus.

I have one fitted but cannot notice and difference in sound when it's up high or low on the sensus.

I also don't think the bass is noticeable boomy when it should be, making me think it's not working.

I have the standard sound system.

Thanks.

[desiebear]

I have the same set up, don't know where it is located, but like you I'm similarly unimpressed with the subwoofer. Comparing to my MY16 the sound is definitely better but I thought the bass would be deeper. Only when music is played through iPod, Spotify, etc do you get any impression of the extra bass.

I tried to play with the settings but doesn't seem to make much of a difference. Interested to see what others think.

[T5R92011]

I don't have an XC90 but you should check your Graphic Equalizer in your Sensus system.

Find the lowest "Hz" entry (will either be 60Hz or 30Hz) and put this slider up.... the lower Hz numbers represent the low frequency bass notes. Ideally you'd want to turn up the 30Hz to increase the "thud" from your bass speakers and subwoofer. Obviously increasing the higher Hz numbers will make the higher frequency sounds more apparent, which you don't want in your case.

[Konst]

to be honest, the subwoofer is rather discreet even on my B&W system.
I think it's part of the philosophy of Volvo audio system, high quality audio but no "boom boom" basses and high audio pressure. Despite the high power output of the B&W, the volume remains fairly moderate and the subwoofer setting don't make much difference. Perfect for listening to classical music but perhaps less suitable for younger people or for children in the back who are accustomed to fill their ears with bass.

[rikwatson]

It's a free air sub apparently, hidden in the drivers side rear wheel arch. Ordered mine as an extra to the standard stereo system, rather than going full B&W. Excellent sound if the source material is good quality, and I can certainly feel and hear the bass rumbling.

[marceloavg]

reviving this one.... Does anyone know if it is possible to retrofit the subwoofer?

On the XC90 I mean

[WhatNext?]

https://www.harmankardon.co.uk/volvo.html

[lounnj]

Just got my new XC60, came with Harman/Kardon 14 speaker system. While it sounds great and fairly clear, it lacks good sub sounds. Looking to upgrade or add a subwoofer box in the rear. Anyone try this yet? My understanding is Harmon has an air subwoofer in the back, i am wondering if tapping into those lines would do it. Since battery is already in the back under spare tire, it doesnt appear to be a major project.

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by lounnj

Just got my new XC60, came with Harman/Kardon 14 speaker system. While it sounds great and fairly clear, it lacks good sub sounds. Looking to upgrade or add a subwoofer box in the rear. Anyone try this yet? My understanding is Harmon has an air subwoofer in the back, i am wondering if tapping into those lines would do it. Since battery is already in the back under spare tire, it doesnt appear to be a major project.

Might be a draft question, but I presume you have found & tweaked the sound system’s equaliser to give you the level of bass that you are looking for?
I have a similar H&K system on my car & love some good old hard rock with great bass - Metallica being a favourite - and at high volume & bass levels I can certainly feel the air mass moving with the Bass......or at least my ears can!

[chp10]

I had the same feeling about the Harman Subwoofer like you. As i had from my previous car an amp left i bought a JL Audio CS112LG-TW3 Subwoofer which i placed in the spare tire compartment. i disconnected the original Woofer and used this as an input signal for the Amplifier.

Sounds like day and night.