Hey,

Check out www.jlaudio.com and look at their stealthboxes which are custom made for various vehicles. They don't have one currently for the X but the tech told me that with enough interest it will push them into making one. They said that right now there's interest, but not enough for them to produce it for the X.

He told me to email the president of the company andy@jlaudio.com, the vp of marketing msmith@jlaudio.com, and tech support tech@jlaudio.com and if there's enough interest, we can get one produced. Address the email to all three of them and express interest in having a stealthbox made for the X. Just a sentence or two would do it. You don't even have to give your name, home address or phone number.

Let's see the power of this forum and flood these guys with emails. Even if you don't want one, help out the ones that do and send the email anyway.

Thanks,

Russ Moskowitz

P.S. Post here if you sent an email, I want to see how many we sent!

I wrote one...

I am looking to upgrade the speakers and add an amp and something for base. Was looking into the Basslink (since I am upgrading to the infinity speakers) but am open to new ideas... and I like integrated look of the Stealthbox.. plus it is not standing out saying "steal me".

<-- I just love this, I laugh every time... not that anyone cares.

I emailed JL again I emailed them a few weeks ago and got no resp[once from the as well as MTX but would much rather have JL than MTX anyways

Sent my emails. I am very interested in one of these boxes.

i sent 1 too

Me 3!!!

Thanks guys/gals. I left a message with the President of the company today. Maybe this will light a fire under his butt. Lets keep these emails going while the issue is fresh in his mind.

Thanks,

Russ Moskowitz

I think a bunch of us just got an email from the president, very cool! So which one of you lucky bastards in S.Florida gets to try it out when they're ready? If you don't take pics and give us a full report we'll be forced to take away your Xterra and make you drive an Escape.

For those who did not write an email here is a copy of the response we received.......

Hello All,

Thank you all for your interest in a Stealthbox for the Xterra. Your
advocacy is overwhelming.

Until your emails started rolling in, we had not had a lot of consumer
interest in a Stealthbox for the Xterra. We are now re-thinking our
position, thank you.

Part of our Stealthbox development effort requires intensive listening tests
for what possible position within the truck sounds the best. So if any of
you live in South Florida, you would help expedite our decision by lending
us your vehicle for a day or two.

Thank you for your confidence in our products and keep checking our web site
for possible Xterra Stealthbox developments.

Sincerely,

Andy Oxenhorn
President


WAY TO GO RMoskowitz!!!!!!

Power to the People!!!! Although we shouldn't get too excited, it does look promising. I would totally donate my truck except I live in New York. For anyone in South Florida who is on this board, PLEASE contact Andy Oxenhorn at JL Audio in Florida to have your vehicle be the test for the soon to be produced Xterra Stealthbox. I'm sure that you'll qualify for a freebee when its produced.

Thanks,

Russ Moskowitz

Update:

Just received the following email from JL audio. Sounds like a blow off to me. If anyone is in the S. Florida area, we can probably get them to make one for the X alot sooner as stated by the President of JL Audio, Andy Oxenhorn (see above post).

Message:

Russell,

At this time there is nothing available but we are aware of the popularity of the vehicle. Currently we are working on other models of vehicles that we have built stealth boxes for, but the models have changed so we have to revamp them. Check back with us in a couple of months to see where we are at on the project. We'll have more information at that time.

Regards,

Jason Sayen
Area Technical Director

JL Audio
10369 North Commerce Parkway
Miramar, FL 33025-3921
954-443-1100 Ext. 241
Visit us at www.jlaudio.com

on 3/13/02 3:38 PM, Russell T. Moskowitz at RMoskowitz@Finzfirm.com wrote:

Hi,

I am an avid fan of your products and would be eternally grateful if you would produce a stealthbox to fit the Nissan Xterra. You already have one for its brother, the Pathfinder, why not make one for the Xterra? I have a 2002, but the interior has changed very little since its inception in 1999 (and the rear cargo area has not changed at all). This would require just one stealthbox model for a 4 year model production and since they just updated the Xterra, I'm sure they won't be changing it again for years to come.

Please, please, please make the Stealthbox for the Xterra.

Thank you in advance for your consideration

Sincerely,

Russell Moskowitz

just build your own box, itll probbaly cost like $80 less

just build your own box, itll probbaly cost like $80 less

Wow!!!! I can really save about $80. Boy, I've spent $24,000+ on a truck, added leather, upgraded radio & speakers plus other miscellaneous upgrades. Do you really think I'm interested in building my own to save $80, $100 or even $200 if I can have an established company produce one for my exact vehicle? Come on man, get a life! Or better yet, GET AN XTERRA!!!! WANABEE!!

That sucks... but I'll be sure to check back with then in May just so they know they still have interest.. that is if I don't get the Infinity Basslink by then... really starting to get tired of this stock audio crap.

so i guess if i get a 2002 se-s/c i will have spent like 30k, and thatll 6k more than you, then i can talk?

just figured youd want something more than what they would ever build, if they ever build a stealthbox for the xterra itll fit like 1 12" w0. or you could build your own, to fit wherever you wanted it, to look like whatever you wanted it to look like, to fit whatever subwoofer you wanted it to fit, for less than what they will charge you for it.

I"m sending an email to each address as we speak! Although i like to show off my system, if the sound works as well as all other JL products, i'd be down with thievs not being able to see anything.... Hopeing for the best....D

I wrote 2 last nite aswell... one to each address given. I'd be nice to have some hidden JL equipment. I just had most of my system stolen - out of my pickup though, my xterra won't be in my driveway until aug.
I'll write like one letter a week, just like in the "shawshank redemption", they can't ignore us forever!

Jason is a good guy and does not make the decision as to which stealth box they will produce. JL is a 70 million dollar company, making a stealth box for a vehicle has to make monetary sense to them. Keep emailing if you like but go easy on Jason

If you live in the Miami or Hollywood Florida area and want to give up your truck for 4 to 5 entire days only once a week then email JL. I got an offer to have my X used as the prototype model vehicle but it would make my commute around an hour and a half each way. My girlfriend just won't put up with that. Oh well. Good luck!
Tony

Check out my post in Buy/Sell. I'm selling a prowedge 12w3 (by JL Audio, both box AND woofer) with an Orion amp. More base than you would ever need - 300 bucks.

Yes, you could build your own. But it won't be a "stealth" box. They look custom built, like the ones you have to pay $800+ for right now since they don't make such a box for the Xterra.

And it's sad to see that someone whose occupation is "K-12 Student" can afford a $30K Xterra, so I'll just assume you got a little (a lot) "help". (Also, if you did a little more research, you could get it for less than that)

..jorge

Why is this even an argument? Some people like to just buy something and others may take pride in doing it themselves. You can bet that the JL box is going to be very expensive for what you get. That's the nature of buying a premade box; especially one from JL. It may be ported too and some people may not want that. To argue over premade or self build is stupid. Look at what N2 did. His job is way better than anything JL will build and probably was half as expensive because he built it himself. Some of us want to be able to remove our subs easily too or some may prefer a different brand of woofer. Lots of different factors. I'd almost bet money that if JL offers a box it will cost atleast $600 anyway. To top it off, the JL boxes are nice, but not spectacular. A properly built custom box will easily outperform a JL premade. Different strokes for different folks.

I totally agree. A custom made box would be much nicer. But it's not like everyone can just do make one themselves. And either way, a person who does it themselves isn't doing it to save $80 (as that kid said), they're doing since they can create a better product. Since parts and your time are going to just about equal out the price (if not surpass) the price of that of a JL box.

I honestly couldn't create something like that. I did get quotes for custom panel boxes, which were fairly high.

Either way, sorry to get off subject, slow day at work.

..jorge

Here's something that might boost everyone's spirits!
I got an email back from JL and here's exactly what they wrote:

"We have been FLOODED with requests for an Xterra box!  We are looking
into
options right now, and in about a month, I should have further
information
on our progress.  Please check with us then.

Stephen Turrisi
Director of Technical Services
JL Audio Inc.
sturrisi@jlaudio.com
http://www.jlaudio.com
(954) 443-1100  EXT: 240"

Not too shabby eh? Thought i'd let everyone know!
later
D

Sweet! I just sent them an e-mail. Would have no problem at all loaning them mine for as long as they need it since I have other means of transportation. I've been waiting for them to produce one of these for awhile. Can't build my own b/c I need all the cargo space I've got, can't have some big box taking it all up. Hopefully I'll hear back from them...

I just recieved this email back from JL audio. I hope next month comes soon.

______________________________________________

If I had a dollar for every Xterra request we got! :->

We are ACTIVELY pursuing a Stealthbox for the Xterra right now, so please
check with us in about a month to see our progress.


Stephen Turrisi
Director of Technical Services
JL Audio Inc.
sturrisi@jlaudio.com
http://www.jlaudio.com
(954) 443-1100 EXT: 240

I know I my be speaking too soon, but I'd really like to thank everyone who sent an email to JL Audio. It's amazing what can be accomplished when people work together towards a common goal. As the expression goes: "The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Grease" and it looks like together we've been that squeaky wheel.

Thanks again and keep em' going while the irons hot!

Russ Moskowitz

SAWEET!!!!!!! I can't wait. Hopefully it will be good news next month.

Shortbus (that's a great name):

email the president of JL, Andy Oxenhorn, andy@jlaudio.com, and copy his response on the first page of this thread into your email and state:

In accordance with your email dated 3/18/02, a copy of which is attached, I am offering to loan my xterra to become the production model test vehicle. Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm receipt of this email and to arrange a mutually convenient time to schedule my vehicle to be brought to your facility.

etc...etc....

and please cc: me rmoskowitz@finzfirm.com and the other people at JL Audio, msmith@jlaudio.com, sturrisi@jlaudio.com & tech@jlaudio.com.

Thanks,

Russ Moskowitz

Done, guess we'll just wait and see what happens now.

E-mail I recieved from Don Vertrees at JL Audio:

I'm sorry I didn't respond to your e-mail sooner, please accept my apology.
We've received a number of inquiries lately about the Xterra Stealthbox and as a result have added it to our list of project vehicles. I appreciate your offer to lend us your vehicle ... Currently I am working to secure a vehicle locally through a rental agency.
If we can accomplish this, if would probably work out better for everyone involved. I promise you the finished product will be worth your wait, so keep an eye on our website for the new product announcement.

Sincerely,
Don Vertrees

And one from the director of tech services:

You may no believe this, but I just got done answering a request for that box! Actually, in the past month, we have been flooded with requests for an Xterra Stealthbox! We are beginning our research into it now, so if you
contact us back in about a month, we may have some further information.

Stephen Turrisi
Director of Technical Services
JL Audio Inc.

Pretty cool what a group of consumers can do with a little organized effort

congrats everyone on a job well done!!!

there is power in numbers, and we once again proved it.

this is very cool

will the stealth box from pathfinder work for the X? they're quite similar aren't they?

no they are not... they are totaly different, especialy when your talking about something as tailor fit as a stealth box

Here is my reply from JL...

on 4/16/2002 5:42 PM, Brad Griffin at bradley@mmcable.com wrote:

I am inquiring as to the possibility of a Stealthbox made for the Nissan Xterra. Being military, I need to keep the utility of my SUV but I'd still like to customize a little bit. With all Xterras having the same layout and dimensions in the rear cargo section I believe this would be a product that could affect a wide section of Xterra owners. You consideration would be greatly appreciated.

Bradley

Bradley , Their is a wide band of Xterra owners who want a stealth box enclosure. We are working on one for all you Xterra owners Bradley. Look soon to have your wish come true, to customize your Xterra's sound system.

Thanks for your interest in JL

Ron

I sent an e-mail! Thanks for starting this and for all those who sent e-mails to JL. Hopefully we'll see something soon!

Just sent an email JL AUDIO

Sweet, Awesome work guys!

If the box they produce doest take up much stoarge space, this may temp me to put in a system

Bobby

I too am very interested... Anyone have approximate prices for existing Stealth enclosures?

Gel, you are just down the road... 1 hr 15 min... and close to the Nissan dealer.. I am in Coudersport... We will have to find some places and go wheel!

Pick up my '02 XE 4x4 tomorrow night.. and will actually probably be driving through Trout Run.

Drop me a PM... or an email (in profile.)

Jeremy

Just spoke with an head honcho at JL. We will be seeing this product very shortly. I can't believe we actually pulled this off. He didn't want me to disclose any possible dates of availability until they are firm but he said he will let me know next week sometime officially.

I also was able to give some input in the location of the stealthbox. I told him it would be best in the center console if possible as to minimize the amount of space used in the trunk. He stated that they always try there first for astethics and for theft deterence.

I hope this post doesn't cause any "Fireworks" (hint, hint) but we should see the box sooner than we would expect.

Talk to ya next week.

Russ Moskowitz

Does anyone know if the stealth box will be a 10" or a 12"???
If so, what kind of sound can you get out of one JL audio sub? I have two Boston Pro 10's and they are damn loud, but if one JL sounds close I would consider for a stealthy look...

Just curious!

I completely agree. There's a whack of space there just for the taking.

I dont know about one JL sub, but I plugged in my friends 2 12s into my amp the other day and it sounded quite nice.

I had 2 JL 10's in my last car and I'd buy them over most 10's out there. Sound quality and build quality are top notch!!

"Does anyone know if the stealth box will be a 10" or a 12"???"...

if its anything like the pathy 1 it will be 1 10" which sounds clean imho.

Russ Moskowitz, you need to update your email address in your profile.

I am getting bounced email to your account.

I will be forced to close this thread if you don't update the info.

Ian,

Not really sure why that is happening as my email address in my profile is correct. I did change the letters to all lower case so maybe that will correct the problem. Email me and see if it works.

Thanks,

Russ Moskowitz

Hattrick21 just posted this in another thread, but I wanted to put it here for those who have posted in this one, The email was as follows:

Dear Daniel,

Stealthbox development on the XTerra is about to begin. We have been working
hard to clear out existing projects and are just now beginning work on the
XTerra. Look for production parts some time in August. Thanks for your
patience.

Sincerely,
Don Vertrees

Guys,

How awesome is this? Now we can have better sound than the '03 which has the built in sub. I want to find out though where they plan on putting it - in the center console or in the rear.

Thanks again for being such pains in the asses that we actually got them to produce this thing.

Russ Moskowitz

Thats fine that you moved it. And its Hattik21, not hattrick21 :p (hint: there's no c)

That's fantastic news! I've gotten several estimates for a custom fiberglass fabrication (two 10") came to about $2000. I'm not going into competition or anything.

I don't know if i'm missing something here, but how would they be able to make a stealth box for the center console? Even if they ripped out the center console, pushed back into the center of rear seating, would there still be enough volume for a sealed 10" or even 12"? All while still providing 4 cup holders & a compartment?

I can see that happening in a full size body, but the X seems a little cramped for that.

Here is the email I just got today from JLAudio. I am hearing all kinds of stories and I dont know who to believe. I would love a 10in sub in my X. Here is the email:

Dear Mark, We are not working a Stealthbox for the Xterra. We are interested in looking
to do something for the Xterra. If we do decide to offer a Stealthbox, it will be till next year.
Thank you for your interest in Stealthbox.

Steve Duffield
JL Audio Technical Support
JL Audio Inc.
sduffield@jlaudio.com
http://www.jlaudio.com

Well, if JL Audio is anything like my company, half the people don't know what the other half are doing

I started this whole campaign (not that it makes me an authority or anything) but recently spoke to two higher ups at JL who confirmed that a stealthbox for the X, due to our persistance, will be announced as early as July, 2002.

I am taking them at their word and assume that the email you received was just a form letter as it sounds like ones we received early on in our email-writing campaign.

Keep those emails coming until we get our STEALTHBOX!!!!!!

Russ Moskowitz

I sent my request in today and received this quick response:

Good afternoon Ryan,

We are working on a new Stealthbox design for the XTerra at this very moment. The design of the original truck hasn't left us a lot of options for locations, so we are trying a couple different locations to see which one will sound the best. I would suggest you contact us in a month or so to see where we are at that time. With any luck we'll have some good news for you then. Also if you have particular suggestions for placement, please send
them our way.

Sincerely,
Don Vertrees

Just letting you know that I did e-mail them to help with your cause. Not that they will care but I have done my best. I think having a stealthbox would be great. I currently have a rather large bandpass box with 2 12" alpine subs and its a pain. It takes up most of my trunk space.

So, heres hoping it will encourage them to make one.

Here are some new e-mails that I have received from JL on 7/2/2002:

Don Vertrees
Steve Duffield
Just thought I would let you all know.

This is so freakin' awesome. I can't belive we actually pulled this off. We must have been really annoying for them to manufacture a new design just for us. Three Cheers to all who participated!!!!!!

Russ Moskowitz

.... and to you for starting all this.. thanks. I can't wait to see what it is gonna look/sound like.

Good job guys... any other updates?

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY !!

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY !!

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY !!

HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY !!

- Nik

Anyone have any updates on this product??

Spoke with Steve Duffield last week. He indicated that they were then testing the product for placement in the X. After the location is determined and a mold is made, the product needs to go into production and then decisions need to be made regarding price.

Basically, the entire production takes approximately three months until it hits the marketplace, so we will all have to wait until then.

I also asked for an approximate price of the box but was told they wouldn't know until all of the factors have been evaluated.

We just have to hang in there. The good news is that its a "done deal" and will be worth the wait. This should blow the doors off the '03 factory sub.

Russ

If its under $20 i'll buy 2! kidding,

but really, i hope they come up with something really creative for placement, as to not loose much space, if it is, this may finally give me a reason to do a system or however its called

CHAO!

By my estimation, and based on other similar models it will probably be upwards of $400. Certainly not for the faint of heart. Add that price to a decent amp and you're talking at least $700 for some serious bass.

I was told that the placement of the unit will probably be on the rear drivers side, over the front half of the rear wheel well. It will be in front of the rear 6x9 so as not to block it and will protrude slightly into the storage area from the wheel well.

Hope this answers some questions.

Russ

There has been much talk as of late for a box for the X. As most of you know, I started a letter writing campaign for JL Audio to produce a stealthbox for the X.

Many of you flooded them with emails, and in May, 2002, we were promised that JL would produce a Stealthbox for the X. I later learned that our Stealthbox got put on the shelf until they completed other, more pressing, projects.

UPDATE: Just spoke with a VP in Technical Services at JL Audio. They tested our Stealthbox last week and it should be out within a month or two at latest. It will house a 10" and will fit on the drivers' side between the rear speaker and the rear seat, over the wheel well.

I know I'm waiting for this to be made before I do anymore upgrades. I want to get the 500.5 JL amp, Stealhbox and the Alpine XM, FM Modulator. I already have an 4 channel Kicker amp which I will be replacing when this comes out. The rest of my system is stock, but I do have the 6 CD in dash found on the SE's in my XE and replaced all of the speakers with the SE's.

That's all for now. I'll post an update when I hear further news.

Later,

Russ Moskowitz

that is good news, thanks

Hey Guys,

I just sent in emails to like 6 peeps over at JL! I hope they dont put the Steath box on the back burner and forget abt it over there!

I was considering just buying 1 or 2 Kicker or RF subs in behind the seat truck style boxes inorder to keep as much possible cargo space. But after seeing how a JL Steath box is made and nicely fitted to look 'stealthy' against peering eyes Im impressed! I hope they make an application for the Xterra soon!!! I wanna design my audio system already!

Thanks guys,
Will

Thanks for the update RMoskowitz. I'm glad I held out for this. Can't wait!

marc

any updates on the stealth box from JL ?

I guys.. newbie here.. long time lurker though. Heres an update, just got it this morning:

Good morning Jason,
Our new XTerra Stealthbox will be available January 24! It houses a single 10W3 in a sealed enclosure and is located over the driver's side rear wheel well. You're going to be very impressed by it's performance!
Sincerely,
Don Vertrees

This was in a reply to a message is sent them, well several messages.
Woot woot!!

Wow, right after I posted the previous message I replyed to them asking about price and such.. Iv already gotten the reply like 5min later.. here it is:

Glad we could make your day! Pricing should be in line with other units of similar size and woofer. Expect it to come in around 499.00, but can't give you an exact quote until the first production parts are ready to ship.
Thanks,
Don Vertrees

Well aperently this subject is so old no one cares anymore.. oh well =P Imma get me one some day tho.

Geez.. 500 is a lot for this... That powered infinity basscube for $220 is sure looking a lot more attractive..

Sorry LEC,

I will definately purchase one on its debut. I know that many people on this site are interested as well and we appreciate your research and great news.

I'll write a review for Ian as soon as I install it along with the JL 500/5 amp.

Keep us posted with any new developments.

Sincerely,

Russ Moskowitz

I can't wait!

If there is anyone else in Canada that would like it, perhaps we could do a mass order to save shipping and duty.

- Nik

For all you steathbox junkies, the X box is now on the JL website.

http://www.jlaudio.com/press/SB03_Intro.html

Where online can one purchase the xterra specific stealthbox? The few audio shops we have here locally don't seem to carry JL Audio Stealthboxes. Or do you have to order it straight from JL Audio? Thanks in advance.

Marc

Anyone buy this yet? If so, from where?

marc

There's a dealer search function on JL's website.

http://www.jlaudio.com/dealerfind.cfm

Dealers located in or near Mcallen , TX

[New Search]

D'Tronics Inc.
320 South 10th Street
Mcallen, TX
78501
956-687-3231

Javier's Electronics Inc. - Nolana
117 Nolana
Mcallen, TX
78504

Thanks. I was aware of the search function on their website and used it. Dtronics would have to special order it (like most places, i'm sure) and the other place isn't even in business anymore as far as i know. I guess I'll just wait till someone else gets it and can review it. $500 is a little steep and I only have a 4 channel amp at the moment.

Javiers went down years ago, I don't know why they still list it as a dealer. BTW, I've seen your truck around town, nice X.

After reading that Jan. 24th post (Lec), I called HiFi Buys in Atlanta and they don't have it yet and the guy I talked to said he hasn't heard an exact date, but knows its coming soon. He did give me some info. On carsound.com forum, Mr. Smith of JL posts on there and answers questions from time to time. I haven't cruised over there yet, but I will and test this. Ya'll do the same, keep this buzz going and maybe we can get it released soon. I know this is going to sound great. It's not too bad on the wallet when you think about it. A 10w3v2 and a custon fiberglass box that doesn't kill the storage. Not as cool as the guy with the custom made rear panels and his sub and amp enclosures, but great for the normal man!!

The only bad thing about it is that I have the EXACT same woofer that comes with the box. JL Audio already confirmed that I wouldn't be able to buy just the box.

I really don't want to waste a perfectly good sub and I don't feel like taking a loss on it as well. Oh well, I wish it would have worked out.