Hey all, I'm a noo-b here, and on the car audio sceen. So far, in my 1965 Nova, I have a Sony X-Plode stereo with 2 4X5 Pioneers in the stock speaker location and 2 6X9's in the stock rear locations, and finally 2 5X5 (off name, not sure, but it is a walmart brand) speakers in the trunk. Well, the first thing I want to do is take out the off namers out of the trunk and go with 2 12in woofers in cases (they r pretty cheap at walmart, and that's a good thing if you are on a strick budget like me!).Anyway, my question is, other than that, what could I do to get the best BOOM! for my buck? Thanks guys...Jody
Replies (13)
Swez on 10/6/2003 09:29:13
Welcome to the site Jody...
Walmart does not carry very much in the way of quality products. Some decent Pioneer, Sony gear, but Road gear and some of the other brands are not worth the box they come in.
If you really want good sound in this vintage car, there are many very good products out there at very low prices if you are willing to shop the web.
That Sony HU (radio) you have now, what output features are included? (# of RCA ouputs specifically)
If you want subs in the trunk, you can buy good, but inexpensive subs and amps off the web. If you have a budget in mind, that would be helpful. A pair of 10's will be cheaper and in the proper box, it will still give very good bass performance. Can lead you to some good choices if we know your budget limits.
Are you planning to amplify your interior speakers along with the
sub(s) as well? If yes, need to know if your electrical system can handle the power demands of amps you will use.
Finally, this is an older car and it may have a lot of rattles when you install subs. Also, is this a small 4/6 cylinder version or a sooped up V-8?
Swez
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:08:31
well, the 2 12 (or 10's, depending on the money) will be either sony x-plod's, or something to that equivelant(sp?). At the walmart here in town, a friend(that works there) told me that they bought a few 10 and 12 inch boxes, that were good quality, so that is where my boxes are comming from, or I will make them myself.Sooped up, I wish...when we bought it, it came with a v8, but it is mild as heck. I'm not sure about the # of rca outputs, and my dad has owners manuel in the car. I's there a sight where i can get it? oh yea, I'm planning to buy a x-plod amp too, just don't know when...thanks, Jody
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:16:42
wait, here is a link to the stereo:
http://store.yahoo.com/millionbuy/snycdxca710.html
thanks
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:27:24
http://www.millionbuy.com/vofzx7150.html
Then again, I just found this amp over at millionbuy.com, and it looks pretty good, and seems to be of quality, so it might be my preferred choice.
and to answer your question, I am going to try to amplify my 2 rear + the subs, but not the 2 up front...thanks for the replies...jody
Swez on 10/6/2003 16:05:41
OK, based on your plan so far, a good 4 channel will cover the rear speakers and the sub(s).
Sony is NOT one of the better brands in the box... but some of the Sony HU's and amps are not all bad. This HU has only rear RCA outs which will limit your amping options. A good 4 channel amp and be use to power the rear deck 6x9's and bridging the rear channels of the amp will give you decent sib performance,
When bridging, you are limited to a 4 ohm load and the power of a well priced 4 channel will give you 130-170 watts RMS to the sub. A single 10 or 12 of decent quality will handle that with ease.
Have a look at these amps: http://www.justamps.com/
1.1-LAN-VIBE418 800 4 $107.99
2. VIBE430 $124.99 (4 x 110 RMS @ 4 ohms)
3. MA Audio: 1-MA-A1000 4x125 1000 12 $147.99
These are not high quality brands, but for the budget you are considering... better than average El-Cheapo amps.
4. V4208 Amplifier - 125x4 @ 4ohm - 500 watts RMS total
$ 169.99! http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/visonik_amplifiers.html
5. OV4-600 Amplifier - 70x4 @ 4ohm - 340 watts RMS total $129.99
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/power_acoustik_amplifiers.html
These are all 4 channel amps and can be used as noted above. Sony has some decent Class D mono Amps for subs only... but the rest of their line of amps are grossly overrated and over priced.
Comments?
Swez
65_nova on 10/6/2003 22:46:09
what does the rca out puts have to do with it? is that for the amp? I'm sorry that I can't tell you how many, my dad (parents, you just gotta love em') Threw away my owners manual...but what you have been saying so far sounds pretty good
thanks, Jody
65_nova on 10/6/2003 22:48:36
Well, I think I have decided to get a Volfenhag amp, and 800 watt 4 channel, Is that good quality?
Could I still hook 2 subs up to it without any problem?Or I might just go with one 10 or 12 incher
Buickman94 on 10/6/2003 23:08:35
Simple answer, no...Volfenhag is not good quality. I would also reconsider all of the sony stuff you plan on getting. I think it would be a good idea to take a look at how much money you have and what your goals are. You will be much happier if you buy quality gear the first time, rather then being dissappointed with lower end stuff that you will wind up replacing.
Dont be in a hurry to buy, and do your homework before you make any purchases, it will make you much happier in the long run.
And lastly, listen to what Swez and the other guys on this forum have to say, they really know what there talking about.
Swez on 10/7/2003 08:27:15
Yes, V-hags look impressive and are marketed aas German engineered... but that means little when you understand the technical specs of the gear they sell under that brand name. Not a quality product, regardless of the price.
Sony... makes good TV's, VCR's and other consumer electronics gear, but their car audio lineup is over priced, over-hyped and not nearly as good as many other products in similar price ranges. Their top of the line HU's (radios, decks etc) are not bad, but the prices you pay for them at retail... can get much better deals with other Japanese made units from Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion, JVC etc.
RCA outputs:
Most newer HU's have RCA type outputs to run outboard amps. Good units have 2 pair. Front & rear channels, L&R signals for stereo. The product you listed earlier only has a rear channel output and this can be used to drive an amp and subs OR rear channel speakers and sub via 4 channel outboard amp.
Questions:
1. Do you like the basic sound you get from the Sony HU and newer speakers now?
2. Is there enough power from the HU amplifiers to deliver adequated full range audio to speakers with minimal distortion?
If you say yes to both questions, then the only thing left to add to this mix for now, is a good sub amp and sub(s). A modest sub amp and a single sub (10 or 12") will do wonders for the missing low end in your present system. This is the cheapest upgrade you can do with that present HU, without some major re-wiring hassles.
If you say no... this HU and speakers I have now are really not getting the job done, then a longer term set of changes can be made as you have time and $$ to do so.
OK... which way do you wish to go now?
Swez
65_nova on 10/7/2003 17:36:05
yes, I do like the basic sound I am getting from the sony HU and the Pioneers, and I have allready taken out the off-namers.
So I guess I will shop around a bit more, and look for decent subs and an amp of good quality, and then get them. Does anyone else have any good websites for subs and amps? Thanks for sticking with me. Also, does anyone know where I can find one of those "Bass Mechanic" cd's? Jody
65_nova on 10/7/2003 17:43:15
Also, what is the difference between 2 channel an 4 channel amps?
Swez on 10/7/2003 17:45:26
Two channel amps are the same basic idea as 4 channel amps, just less components.
Most 4 channel amps are used to amplify all 4 mid/highs speakers in the interior of your vehicle. In a pinch, some split the amp (4 channel) as we have mentioned earlier... 2 bridged for sub, 2 for stereo speakers in car.
The keys to quality bass are a strong amp, decent sub(s) and a well matched enclosure for your sub.
A basic plan to build off of might be:
1. Pick a decent amp (Class D Mono amps are very good for bass, very efficient, can manage low ohm loads well and costs less that 2 channel brothers as they have less components inside the case)
2. Choose sub(s) that match the power rating of your amp
3. Choose a box that meets the airspace and physical limitatons of your vehicle.
a. Sealed boxes are smaller and easy to build if you have the tools and little woodworking skill
b. Ported boxes net a bit more bass in the tuned frequency range, a bit more difficult to build, but similar to sealed, only ~50% larger for the same sub
4. A 10" woofer will need ~0.60 - 1.0 cf of air space, sealed (internal)
5. A typical 12" will need ~ 0.75 - 1.25cf airspace, sealed
OK, some direction here... look for an amp you can afford and make sure it will match up with the sub(s) you are considering. A 300 watts (RMS rating) amp and a single or dual 10/12's will net plenty of bass. Then a decent box will finish off that phase of the install.
Have a look at these amps as possible choices:
1. http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/148 $130.50 JBL ****
2. http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/1420 130.00 Sony **
3. USX600D Amplifier - 375x1 @ 2ohm (watts RMS) (only 20amp fuse rating!) $174.99! US Acoustics ***
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/us_acoustics.html
4. 200M Punch 200M 200x1 @ 2ohm (watts RMS) $109.99! RF ***
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/rockfordfosgateamps.html
Any of these amps are useful and well under $200.00, can drive 2 ohm loads and have enough power for very good bass.
Do any of these appeal to your interests? Comments...
Swez
65_nova on 10/8/2003 18:56:59
Well, if I was choosing from any of those amps that you listed, I would proably go with the JBL, the Sony, or the 200m Punch.
Replies (13)
Swez on 10/6/2003 09:29:13
Welcome to the site Jody...
Walmart does not carry very much in the way of quality products. Some decent Pioneer, Sony gear, but Road gear and some of the other brands are not worth the box they come in.
If you really want good sound in this vintage car, there are many very good products out there at very low prices if you are willing to shop the web.
That Sony HU (radio) you have now, what output features are included? (# of RCA ouputs specifically)
If you want subs in the trunk, you can buy good, but inexpensive subs and amps off the web. If you have a budget in mind, that would be helpful. A pair of 10's will be cheaper and in the proper box, it will still give very good bass performance. Can lead you to some good choices if we know your budget limits.
Are you planning to amplify your interior speakers along with the
sub(s) as well? If yes, need to know if your electrical system can handle the power demands of amps you will use.
Finally, this is an older car and it may have a lot of rattles when you install subs. Also, is this a small 4/6 cylinder version or a sooped up V-8?
Swez
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:08:31
well, the 2 12 (or 10's, depending on the money) will be either sony x-plod's, or something to that equivelant(sp?). At the walmart here in town, a friend(that works there) told me that they bought a few 10 and 12 inch boxes, that were good quality, so that is where my boxes are comming from, or I will make them myself.Sooped up, I wish...when we bought it, it came with a v8, but it is mild as heck. I'm not sure about the # of rca outputs, and my dad has owners manuel in the car. I's there a sight where i can get it? oh yea, I'm planning to buy a x-plod amp too, just don't know when...thanks, Jody
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:16:42
wait, here is a link to the stereo:
http://store.yahoo.com/millionbuy/snycdxca710.html
thanks
65_nova on 10/6/2003 11:27:24
http://www.millionbuy.com/vofzx7150.html
Then again, I just found this amp over at millionbuy.com, and it looks pretty good, and seems to be of quality, so it might be my preferred choice.
and to answer your question, I am going to try to amplify my 2 rear + the subs, but not the 2 up front...thanks for the replies...jody
Swez on 10/6/2003 16:05:41
OK, based on your plan so far, a good 4 channel will cover the rear speakers and the sub(s).
Sony is NOT one of the better brands in the box... but some of the Sony HU's and amps are not all bad. This HU has only rear RCA outs which will limit your amping options. A good 4 channel amp and be use to power the rear deck 6x9's and bridging the rear channels of the amp will give you decent sib performance,
When bridging, you are limited to a 4 ohm load and the power of a well priced 4 channel will give you 130-170 watts RMS to the sub. A single 10 or 12 of decent quality will handle that with ease.
Have a look at these amps: http://www.justamps.com/
1.1-LAN-VIBE418 800 4 $107.99
2. VIBE430 $124.99 (4 x 110 RMS @ 4 ohms)
3. MA Audio: 1-MA-A1000 4x125 1000 12 $147.99
These are not high quality brands, but for the budget you are considering... better than average El-Cheapo amps.
4. V4208 Amplifier - 125x4 @ 4ohm - 500 watts RMS total
$ 169.99! http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/visonik_amplifiers.html
5. OV4-600 Amplifier - 70x4 @ 4ohm - 340 watts RMS total $129.99
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/power_acoustik_amplifiers.html
These are all 4 channel amps and can be used as noted above. Sony has some decent Class D mono Amps for subs only... but the rest of their line of amps are grossly overrated and over priced.
Comments?
Swez
65_nova on 10/6/2003 22:46:09
what does the rca out puts have to do with it? is that for the amp? I'm sorry that I can't tell you how many, my dad (parents, you just gotta love em') Threw away my owners manual...but what you have been saying so far sounds pretty good
thanks, Jody
65_nova on 10/6/2003 22:48:36
Well, I think I have decided to get a Volfenhag amp, and 800 watt 4 channel, Is that good quality?
Could I still hook 2 subs up to it without any problem?Or I might just go with one 10 or 12 incher
Buickman94 on 10/6/2003 23:08:35
Simple answer, no...Volfenhag is not good quality. I would also reconsider all of the sony stuff you plan on getting. I think it would be a good idea to take a look at how much money you have and what your goals are. You will be much happier if you buy quality gear the first time, rather then being dissappointed with lower end stuff that you will wind up replacing.
Dont be in a hurry to buy, and do your homework before you make any purchases, it will make you much happier in the long run.
And lastly, listen to what Swez and the other guys on this forum have to say, they really know what there talking about.
Swez on 10/7/2003 08:27:15
Yes, V-hags look impressive and are marketed aas German engineered... but that means little when you understand the technical specs of the gear they sell under that brand name. Not a quality product, regardless of the price.
Sony... makes good TV's, VCR's and other consumer electronics gear, but their car audio lineup is over priced, over-hyped and not nearly as good as many other products in similar price ranges. Their top of the line HU's (radios, decks etc) are not bad, but the prices you pay for them at retail... can get much better deals with other Japanese made units from Pioneer, Alpine, Clarion, JVC etc.
RCA outputs:
Most newer HU's have RCA type outputs to run outboard amps. Good units have 2 pair. Front & rear channels, L&R signals for stereo. The product you listed earlier only has a rear channel output and this can be used to drive an amp and subs OR rear channel speakers and sub via 4 channel outboard amp.
Questions:
1. Do you like the basic sound you get from the Sony HU and newer speakers now?
2. Is there enough power from the HU amplifiers to deliver adequated full range audio to speakers with minimal distortion?
If you say yes to both questions, then the only thing left to add to this mix for now, is a good sub amp and sub(s). A modest sub amp and a single sub (10 or 12") will do wonders for the missing low end in your present system. This is the cheapest upgrade you can do with that present HU, without some major re-wiring hassles.
If you say no... this HU and speakers I have now are really not getting the job done, then a longer term set of changes can be made as you have time and $$ to do so.
OK... which way do you wish to go now?
Swez
65_nova on 10/7/2003 17:36:05
yes, I do like the basic sound I am getting from the sony HU and the Pioneers, and I have allready taken out the off-namers.
So I guess I will shop around a bit more, and look for decent subs and an amp of good quality, and then get them. Does anyone else have any good websites for subs and amps? Thanks for sticking with me. Also, does anyone know where I can find one of those "Bass Mechanic" cd's? Jody
65_nova on 10/7/2003 17:43:15
Also, what is the difference between 2 channel an 4 channel amps?
Swez on 10/7/2003 17:45:26
Two channel amps are the same basic idea as 4 channel amps, just less components.
Most 4 channel amps are used to amplify all 4 mid/highs speakers in the interior of your vehicle. In a pinch, some split the amp (4 channel) as we have mentioned earlier... 2 bridged for sub, 2 for stereo speakers in car.
The keys to quality bass are a strong amp, decent sub(s) and a well matched enclosure for your sub.
A basic plan to build off of might be:
1. Pick a decent amp (Class D Mono amps are very good for bass, very efficient, can manage low ohm loads well and costs less that 2 channel brothers as they have less components inside the case)
2. Choose sub(s) that match the power rating of your amp
3. Choose a box that meets the airspace and physical limitatons of your vehicle.
a. Sealed boxes are smaller and easy to build if you have the tools and little woodworking skill
b. Ported boxes net a bit more bass in the tuned frequency range, a bit more difficult to build, but similar to sealed, only ~50% larger for the same sub
4. A 10" woofer will need ~0.60 - 1.0 cf of air space, sealed (internal)
5. A typical 12" will need ~ 0.75 - 1.25cf airspace, sealed
OK, some direction here... look for an amp you can afford and make sure it will match up with the sub(s) you are considering. A 300 watts (RMS rating) amp and a single or dual 10/12's will net plenty of bass. Then a decent box will finish off that phase of the install.
Have a look at these amps as possible choices:
1. http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/148 $130.50 JBL ****
2. http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/1420 130.00 Sony **
3. USX600D Amplifier - 375x1 @ 2ohm (watts RMS) (only 20amp fuse rating!) $174.99! US Acoustics ***
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/us_acoustics.html
4. 200M Punch 200M 200x1 @ 2ohm (watts RMS) $109.99! RF ***
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/rockfordfosgateamps.html
Any of these amps are useful and well under $200.00, can drive 2 ohm loads and have enough power for very good bass.
Do any of these appeal to your interests? Comments...
Swez
65_nova on 10/8/2003 18:56:59
Well, if I was choosing from any of those amps that you listed, I would proably go with the JBL, the Sony, or the 200m Punch.
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