subwoofer suggestions for sister's car

by cybersailor420
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Hey all. My little sister has decided to follow in her big bro's footsteps... she wants a system. However, I am used to big, SPL systems. She is looking for somthing small, mainly SQ. What I need from you wonderful people is some suggestions in the subwoofer category. Since her and I are both at school, I will not be able to build a box, so here's what I'm looking for.

Preferably 1 12" sub, however i am not opposed to 2 10"s, but I think 1 12" would be easier and cheaper. I want a good SQ sub (i.e. Alpine, JL,... you know). I also need a box with it. My budget for these two is about $250. I am also going to need an amp, so if you guys feel like adding some info on that, I have a total of about $350 for sub, box, and amp. This is all going in a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire, 2 door. I may put some vents in the rear hatch, or just leave the rear speakers out. It will probably depend on how much rattling there is after the install.

I plan on getting a reputable cd player with a designated sub output (pioneer, alpine,...) so the amp doesn't have to be too complex. Basically, just raw power. A mono amp is obviously preferred.

I just looked at the Dayton sub that Ash recently installed. It all looked pretty good to me. That is basically what I am looking for: a good sounding SQ sub, but has a little head room in case I want to crank it up a little.

I'll stop ranting now until you guys respond. Thanx in advance.

-Ian-


P.S. spending other people's money is fun!


Replies (19)
Ash on 02/11/2006 17:40:18
For what your looking for at that price limit, I recommend a Infinity Basslink. So far it has had good reviews from those who use one. If you order it from Crutchfield now, the shipping is free. That will leave you with about $50 to spend on wiring and such if needed. Plus you'll have Crutchfield's backing if decide you don't like it. Their return policy is one of, if not, the best to deal with.

Here's a link:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pMGJJQigKJs/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=51000&I=108BASSLIN

cybersailor420 on 02/11/2006 17:44:02
no offense, but i would never buy one of those...


swez on 02/11/2006 17:46:57
As you know, power management in a small car is a factor. Consider a compact sub system that employs a single 10 or 12" sub and about 300 watts RMS of sub amp. That size amp will draw well under 35A of current at full power and not be so over-bearing to drown out mid/highs that may be powered off the HU amps for now.

Also, does this car have a flip down rear seat option? If yes, no need to leave out the rear speakers.

What sub(s) to use? JBL, Kicker Comp VR's, Infinity, Alpine SWS series, Dayton's and the list goes on. One very nice budget sub to consider, if the Infinity Reference series. They sound very good, come in 4 ohm SVC or 4+4 DVC's. Priced under $100.00, 250-300 Wrms, this should do the job. The Alpine SWS is similar in performance and price as well. That leaves more cash in the budget for amp, wiring and enclosure.

Swez

cybersailor420 on 02/11/2006 18:24:43
actually, the infinity reference was the first sub i considered. maybe i'll just stick to that... i agree with you completely though, it will either be an infinity or an alpine. Do you guys know of any deals for one of these subs w/ a box, for about $200-$250? i can find the amp on my own. As for the rear seats, i'm not sure. My sister is in GA and i'm in MA, and i've never seen the car. I'm not too worried about that though. I'll figure that out later. Thanx a lot.

-Ian-


Ash on 02/11/2006 19:27:19
Not to imply but, a sub and enclosure for 200 to 250 is a bit much. That only leaves 100-150 for a decent amp. If the sub is 100 total, then the enclosure should not be equivalent in price. That's just a pure rip off. Not to mention of what quality will the box be. Here is a good example of a ggod value that most do not know about.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=260-581

Finding a good amp could be tricky with a low budget. You might end up with something badly overrated. You need more "ducks" to play with in order to get good quality. Saving on the sub/box combo will help. And don't forget the wiring kit and such!

swez on 02/11/2006 20:04:05
Hey, I like that 12" Quatro package too. Nice sub, solid box and wire included with a grill cover to boot. Under $170.00 for all + S/H, seems like a very nice deal and a good call there Ash. Every bit comparable to the Infinity Ref at what $85.00 + a box.

This is a sealed box and a 4 ohm driver. You have 4 amping options:

1. Bridge a solid 2 channel amp for about 250-300 wRMS (sub only)

2. Buy a 600 watt Class D and add a 2nd matching sub/box later

3. Use a strong 4 channel amp and power the sub off rear channels bridged and use the front channels for a nice set of Comps or Coaxials.

4. Alpine's MRV-F450 is a moderate, 5 channel option

It's actually a 5 channel amp. Four are full range and a Class D sub amp are also in this package. The sub amp is a solid 200 Wrms @ 4 ohms. Have seen them out there for well under $250.00 as well. (60A max draw I believe)

Comments?
Swez


Ash on 02/11/2006 20:45:37
I like the 4 channel option. A good budget performer like an Audiobahn Intake series amp coupled with the Dayton will make good use of the low cost.

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=95

swez on 02/12/2006 13:19:48
Me too! Or, go a tad bigger, consider this one too:

http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=100

Features:
75 x 4 at 4 Ohms Stereo
150 x 4 at 2 Ohms Stereo
300 x 2 at 4 Ohms Mono
Dimensions: 2-3/8" H x 12-3/4" W x 15-7/8" D
Class A/B MOSFET Circuitry
PWM MOSFET Power Supply
Double Sided Glass Epoxy Circuit Board
THD: 0.02%
S/N Ratio: >100dB
Frequency Response: 10Hz - 40KHz (+/- 1dB)
Variable 18dB Hi-pass Crossover: 50Hz - 750Hz.
Variable 18dB Low-pass Crossover: 30Hz To 120Hz.
Bass boost @ 45Hz: 0/18dB
Subsonic Filter: 20Hz to 50Hz.
RCA Throughput Connections
3-way Protection Circuitry: Thermal, Short Circuit and Overload; Cooling Fan
Cobalt Blue Illumination
High gloss Chrome Plated Finish
Nickel Plated Block Terminals

Swez


cybersailor420 on 02/12/2006 23:25:25
I think you guys have officially gone overboard... hahaha! I'm keepin it simple. Just one amp for the sub alone. Wiring I have takin care of, and I'm waiting for my sister to pick out which headunit she likes out of the options I gave her. The reason I want to pick out the sub first is because I am then gonna buy the closest matched enclosure I can find on ebay. I know I most likely won't find the perfect fit, but it'll save me a bit of money. I've seen some for $50 w/ shipping.

-Ian-

swez on 02/13/2006 00:32:25
Oh, OK... As you see fit. But all this was well within the budget stated earlier, and much more performance too.

Swez

cybersailor420 on 02/13/2006 00:51:52
ok guys, this might be a little long, so bare with me. I did some searching around on ebay. Found some things that would work, and all are within my budget. Please give me your suggestions on the gear I list below, or feel free to offer comparable equipment/packages in the same range.

Subwoofers:

1) http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-COMPVR-CVR12-12-DUAL-4-OHM-SUBWOOFER-BRANDNEW_W0QQitemZ5866517679QQcategoryZ39777QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ALPINE-SWS-1242D-12-DVC-4-OHMS-SUBWOOFER-900Wmax_W0QQitemZ5863997916QQcategoryZ18803QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3)http://cgi.ebay.com/NIB-Orion-12-inch-Subwoofer-P12D2-car-speaker-audio_W0QQitemZ5863947913QQcategoryZ18803QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4) http://cgi.ebay.com/INFINITY-REFERENCE-1240W-12-4-OHM-1000-WATT-SUBWOOFER_W0QQitemZ5866282520QQcategoryZ48614QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Amplifiers:

1) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-INFINITY-REFERENCE-310A-CAR-AMPLIFIER-MONO-BLOCK_W0QQitemZ5864290447QQcategoryZ18797QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2) http://cgi.ebay.com/Audiobahn-A4002T-Intake-Series-2-Channel-Amp-NEW_W0QQitemZ5865700099QQcategoryZ48597QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3) http://cgi.ebay.com/PHOENIX-GOLD-OCTANE-R4-0-2-CAR-AMP-AMPLIFIER-400W-NEW_W0QQitemZ5863564996QQcategoryZ79820QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4) http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-Acoustik-TS620-2-Plasma-Sphere-620W-Car-Amp-NEW_W0QQitemZ5866487562QQcategoryZ18796QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Enclosures:

1) http://cgi.ebay.com/12-inch-CAR-STEREO-SUBWOOFER-SUB-WOOFER-SPEAKER-BOX_W0QQitemZ5864789225QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2) http://cgi.ebay.com/12-SQUARE-1000-WATT-SUBWOOFER-SPEAKERS-BOX-ENCLOSURE_W0QQitemZ5864374555QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

3) http://cgi.ebay.com/12-car-audio-SUBWOOFER-SPEAKER-BOX-bx-fbb12sinSL_W0QQitemZ5864808744QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

4) http://cgi.ebay.com/12-INCH-SINGLE-SEALED-SUBWOOFER-BOX-Free-Tweeters-EB12S_W0QQitemZ5862736889QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

5) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Q-LOGIC-SINGLE-12-SEALED-SUBWOOFER-BOX-QLH-CS12_W0QQitemZ5863609777QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

6) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Q-LOGIC-SINGLE-12-SEALED-SUBWOOFER-BOX-QLH-CS12_W0QQitemZ5863609777QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

7) http://cgi.ebay.com/SINGLE-12-SEALED-3-4-MDF-SUBWOOFER-SUB-ENCLOSURE-BOX_W0QQitemZ5863925305QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

8) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-12-CAR-SUB-BOX-MDF-3-4-SEALED-HARD-CORE-BASS-MAN_W0QQitemZ5865632805QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

9) http://cgi.ebay.com/12-Sub-Box-3-4-mdf-88-cubic-ft-Hatch-Trunk-Quality_W0QQitemZ5864825385QQcategoryZ50568QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Package:

http://sonicelectronix.com/item_5491.html



I know this is somewhat extensive, but I figured even if I get nothing out of it, it may help others trying to work in the same budget. I know a lot of this isn't very good quality equipment, but my sister isn't looking for much. I'm just trying to get the best SQ/SPL bang for her buck.

If you guys manage to make it through all those links, let me know what you think. Thanx again guys.

-Ian-

Ash on 02/13/2006 19:50:47
There is no doubt you can find equipment cheaper on Ebay. The problem I have with it is if I'm going to spend someone elses money, then I want them to have the security of having a good warranty. Ebay simply cannot match that.

A lot of the stores and sellers are not authorized to sell certain brands over the net and can only honor lesser warranties through themselves. This can create a problem should anything go wrong within normal warranty period.

I know you will probably go with your own choices and that's fine, just be careful of what you choose and where you get it from. Remember, it's not your money and I'm quite sure you want to look out for "Lil Sis".


swez on 02/13/2006 20:12:54
If only thinking subs for now, that MA Audio package has a nice ring to it. Just make sure the box will fit well in the trunk of this lil Pontiac coupe.

This amp has speaker level inputs as well as RCA line inputs. This would allow her to play subs off the rear speaker taps and keep the stock HU and rear speakers operational too. Not as clean as RCA's... but few people can really hear the difference in trunk mounted subs anyway. (As long as gain settings are done correctly)

Swez

Ash on 02/13/2006 21:20:00
I agree on the MA. Sonicelectronix is definitely a better deal. Being that they are an authorized dealer, warranty issues should not be a problem and that price leaves extra ducks in her pocket. This also gives another option if you still want to run just a single 12:

You can still get a single enclosure and sell off the dual. Plus you can keep the other sub as a backup or for future projects. Either way it's a good deal.

cybersailor420 on 02/13/2006 22:42:57
I agree with you guys. I think I am going to go with that package. I have my sister measure her trunk and make sure it will fit. If not, I'll probably take Ash's suggestion and just get a single woofer enclosure. Well, I'm glad that's off my shoulders for now. Thanx so much guys!

-Ian-

swez on 02/14/2006 04:56:46
If you drop to a single sub and use this amp, to get the most from it, you'll want a net 4 ohm load sub. That's a dual 8 ohm or a dual 2 ohm sub that is strong enough to handle a 400-500 watt (RMS) power source.

Swez

cybersailor420 on 02/14/2006 12:26:17
hey guys. So i talked to my sister, and she said 2 subs is more than she wants... here's what i've come up with now, and i think this is the winner:

Alpine SWR-1042D
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/3304

0.8 cu. ft. box
http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/483

AUDIOBAHN A8000T
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-AUDIOBAHN-A8000T-CHROME-MONO-INTAKE-AMP-AMPLIFIER_W0QQitemZ5860968356QQcategoryZ18797QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I know the amp is overkill, but it was pretty much the cheapest one that i knew could cover the 500 Wrms of the Alpine Type R. Also, this company offers a 1 year warranty even through ebay. I bought this amp when it first came out, and it definietly did the job, I was very impressed with it. If you can think of any other amps priced below $100 that would take care of this sub, please let me know. Otherwise, this is the setup I will be using. Thanx again.

-Ian-

swez on 02/14/2006 13:03:56
As long as you can control the input voltage via gain to limit amp output to ~500 Wrms, this amp will work.

You can also wire the sub for 8 ohms and that will also reduce the amp output safely to 400 Wrms. Just bridge the amp to MONO if you take this route. It's work just fine.

Hope the box is built strong... that's a lot of bass pressure and go very easy on any bass boost from the amp as well. (+3dB is plenty)

Swez

cybersailor420 on 02/14/2006 13:50:02
Thanx for the suggestions. Yea, I'm def. gonna monitor the gain carefully, and I think I'll be just fine w/out the bass boost. I hate using it; I never have on my own systems. I'm used to fool-proofing my system in my car so when I leave it with my sister she can't blow anything (at least w/out really really trying), so I'll do the same for her car. I'm kind of worried that the box is only built out of 5/8", but I couldn't find any others that fit in the .6-.8 cu. ft. range. I think it'll be ok. Maybe i'll ad some bracing myself. Thanx again.

-Ian-



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