Questions on my first system!
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=49917
Printed Date: June 03, 2024 at 6:03 PM
Topic: Questions on my first system!
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Subject: Questions on my first system!
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 8:26 PM
Hello all I am the owner of a VW Golf, and I am 18 years of age. I would like to put a system in my car. I am going to buy everything on ebay, but would like some guidance on what to get and what to mix and not mix. I am looking to buy a sub box with subs, and an amp. I am looking for a good hit to be heard from some distance away so i thought i would go with around 2000 watts peak. Is that enough? I found some Audiobahn subs(really like the AlumQ's!) I figured i am willing to spend up to $175 on an amp. Which amp would you prefer on powering these subs, or equal ones that are around 2000 watts peak. Again this is my first system, and i dont know much so the more guidance and "tips and tricks" would be greatly appreciated. Any audiobahn subs to stay away from or any really good ones? Thanks a lot! 8D
Replies:
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 8:51 PM
Stay away from Audiobahn definitely. Some good yet cheap subs on ebay (or on other stores online) is the Alpine Type R line of subs. Usually you can find a single 12 inch sub for $90 or $95. Any quality amp that puts out around 600 watts continous would work well with those like this amp: https://www.cardomain.com/item/HIFZX6000
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 9:47 PM
Why stay away from them? I found some really cheap prices on these subs. If i were too get a 2000 w sub, i only need 600rms to power it? What other suggestions do u guys have?
Posted By: newtone
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 10:08 PM
i would suggest buying a nice quality powerful amp first, then getting subs. your amp can be with you for a long time, but subs wear out, and are kind of the 'disposable' part of the sytem. dont be fooled by the 'bling' either unless thats what your into. and those big woofers that take 2kw arent as loud as an entry level jl 10w0 with small amps. so make sure your system 'matches' not a 2kw sub and a 100 watt amp or a 1000 watt class d amp and a 250 watt sub. happy shopping! -------------
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 10:12 PM
How much are you willing to spend in total on amp and subs? If you give us a price range we can reccomend the best set up for you. Most of us on here have lots of brand experience and can point you in the right direction.
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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 10:23 PM
Also I forgot to mention in my last post, don't look at peak power ratings! RMS (continuous power) is what you should look at to get a basic idea on what amp would work with the sub(s). The Alpine Type R subs are soooo much better sounding than anything Audiobahn will ever make. Just stay away from all of Audiobahn's stuff unless its free (because who wouldn't like free stuff).
Posted By: pimpincavy
Date Posted: February 11, 2005 at 11:04 PM
The Adire Shivas are great entry level subs at $125 a piece, Ive also been hearing some good things about Audioque subs. The HiFonics Brutus line of amps are a great bang for the buck buy.
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Posted By: kfr01
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 12:21 AM
I second staying away from Audiobahn. Horrible quality for the money, in my opinion.
Start from the top.
What are your goals for this system?
How much money total do you have?
What kind of music do you like?
How much space do you have in your trunk for the subwoofer (in cubic feet).
What else do you have in the car.
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New Project: 2003 Pathfinder
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 10:20 AM
I have a 1999 vw golf, which is entirely open in the back. Space wise i dont know but i would say the dimensions are AROUND 4' L x 2.5 W x 2H. It is prob a bit bigger than it sounds. I was only looking at audiobahn because of the great deals i found on them. I found a 1000 rms sub for only $68. Can i really go that wrong? You guys know more than me. I am willing to spend around 250 on ebay, so thats prob 500+ retail. I listen to all type of music, and i am looking to be heard a good distance outside of my car. I dont know too much about wiring and such, so i would prob like it in a box. I do have a premium stereo system in my car which just means i bought it stock from vw with 8 speakers instead of 4 if that makes any difference. It probably does not. So now with all the info, what do u suggest? Thanks a lot.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 11:40 AM
Audiobahn (or Profile, Lanzar, Pyle, Pyramid, Volfenhag, Power Acoustik, Boss, Dual, etc etc etc) are "cheap" for a reason. They are not built that well, they don't last that long, and they feature huge distortion numbers. Also often the rated specs are, well, lies. Now don't take me the wrong way, I am not merely "brand bashing," I'm stating the facts based on my personal experiences and testing. If the "cheaper" brands are what you can afford and you like the sound, by all means go for it. But in my experience you end up actually paying more for them since 1) they tend to fail early in their life and you must replace them, 2) they tend to be ultimately unsatisfying and you end up spending more money anyway to replace them, 3) when you get a chance to listen to higher quality components in someone else's car or in a showroom and realize how bad your gear actually sounds, then again you end up spending more to replace them, and 4) sometimes simply the ridicule of your friends for running crappy gear forces you to spend more money to replace them. Also, I cannot recomend you purchase ANYTHING audio without listening to it first. If you must purchase off eBay, fine, but purchase items you already know you like the sound of (meaning you have actually listened to the same make/model playing your favorite music) and only purchase from sellers offering a warranty. I suggect staying away from bargain basement gear. Spend a bit more and get quality equipment. It will last longer and sound better and you will not be forced to replace it as quickly. Do not purchase any gear based on specifications alone. Numbers do not tell you how something sounds, and numbers are too easily manipulated. I work in this industry, I know all about manipulating numbers and even the most reputable manufacturers do it to gain a marketing edge on thier competitors. Always purchase from a reputable, authorized dealer so you can get service and manufacturers warranty if you need it. The extra 20% you might pay by buying from a genuine authorized dealer often pays for iteself several times over if something fails, or several times over in the convenience of being a customer of an actual person in your area you can speak to. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 12:39 PM
vwgolf1128 wrote:
I am willing to spend around 250 on ebay, so thats prob 500+ retail.
Honestly, you can't get anything for $250 . And at that price your not even going to hear the bass in your own car. On average e-bay prices, 2 decent 12's cost about $250 shipped, and a decent amp to make them bump will cost another $250 shipped. Plus you will need your 4 gauge wire kit $25, if you have a factory head unit still you will need a line output converter to turn your speaker output into a rca signal. And a Box $25 for wood/screws and your sweat to make it, or $100 for pre built. If you really wana be heard, save up and purchase wisely. 1 key to the car stereo world, is, THE UGLYER THE BETTER. Live by that rule to a certain degree and you will be happy. As for reccomended sub brands look at these: Alpine, Infinity, Adire, Eclipse, Image Dynamics, MTX, Rockford fosgate, Diamond Audio, JBL, JL, Kove, Memphis, Orion, RE Audio. And amp brands: Alpine, Audison, Cadence, Concept, Crossfire, Eclipse, HIFONICS, Infinity, JBL, JL, Kicker, McIntosh, Memphis, MTX, Orion, Phoenix Gold, Rockford Fosgate, Xtant, Zapco. If you stick with brands on that list its pretty much guaranteed you will be pleased. ------------- 2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 4:17 PM
I guess im stubborn, i still want to buy something. I have a factory VW head unit. Like this one, https://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7954070489&category=38640, and was wondering if i can keep this one, or am forced to get a new one. I heard you can keep the stock one, but it wont sound as good as if u had an aftermarket. Since i am still going to buy one, any suggestions for an amp and sub for around 300? Like specific models...And do any single subs come in a box? Thanks a bunch.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 4:35 PM
I recomend you go to a local car stereo shop and talk to them about your needs and budget. But, if you must order off eBay, for a simple add-on subwoofer system that is all-in-one with amp, speaker and LOC, try something like an Infinity Basslink. Not bad sounding for the price and a very easy install for the beginner who simply wants to add some bass to a factory system. You'll still need power wiring, but everything else is included. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 4:48 PM
For $300 you could have my Near new Alpine MRD-M501, and i'll throw in a Alpine Type-E 12" sub. Plus shipping.
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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 5:40 PM
^^^ that's a good deal. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: uthinkuknoaudio
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 6:03 PM
You forgot Nakamichi in those posts under subs (SPW1200D) and amps (PA8001 nad PA2004)... anyways lol ... Bobby Boucher, what did you mama tell you about audiobahn? I like it mama, cuz its blingy. Bobby, Audiobahn is the DEVIL!!! (For those of you that have seen the waterboy :) )
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"I don't play games. I play Nakamichi and that for real yo" - Probably some japanese kid said this in the early 80's trying to sell stereo out of his trunk lol.
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 6:21 PM
Who here has actually owned audiobahn, and what makes them soo bad?
Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 7:16 PM
Search the forum for reasons why not too buy Audiobahn...it seems like it's brought up at least three times a week. By the way, AlpineGuy is offering a screamin' deal for you there. I would really consider it (and no, he didn't pay me to say that  ).
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 8:16 PM
Could that amp power a 1200 w rms sub?
Posted By: hightek
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 9:06 PM
just to give you an aidea vwgolf, my first system was 2 12" infinity reference subs (1230 i believe) and i bought a lame little bazooka amp (originally was running bazooka subs till i blew them). the whole system cost me about 600 at circuit city. back then i was in your position, wanted something that hit and people could hear me. it was a nice little intro system. before i even actually started looking at products i talked to everyone i met about what they had in their cars. i went to car shows, talked to my friends. i even talked to some people i would see in a gas station and see what they had and stuff. do your research and you should be very happy.
like a lot of the other people on here, stay away from audiobahn. my friend had 2 of their subs, not sure what line or anything, but not only did they blow in 3 days, but they sounded horrible.
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 9:27 PM
vwgolf1128 wrote:
Could that amp power a 1200 w rms sub?
I can guarantee you that that amp will be too much for that sub. Its a true 550Watts RMS at 2 ohm . Audiobahn over rates their products by 50% or more. You shouldn't look at power rateings because i know of many 200 watts subs that will spank the hell outa audiobahns. Its all about how whell the sub was manufactured to take the power and turn it into music. Anyone can make a 5000 watt sub, , but i bet it wont sound good. Just to give you a hint of what quality can do, here was my set up: 1 MRD-M501 powering 1 Alpine Type-R SWR-1241D , hitting 138-143 db . Most people can't reach that with 2 or more subs. If your not familiar with how loud that would be....whell, an average gun shot is about 120 db... and a jack hammer is 130... If i drove around with my system cranked i would definately be deff and most likely have blood in my ears after im done.. ------------- 2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 9:57 PM
Alright, i basically read up on subs and amps for the past 3 hours. woo hoo. I have learned a lot and agree with you alpine. If you were in my spot and you were going to get a system in the next week from ebay, what would you get with 300? I trust your opinion.
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 10:18 PM
https://cgi.ebay.com/dll?ViewItem&category=79825&item=5751074372&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW https://cgi.ebay.com/dll?ViewItem&category=18803&item=5750170757&rd=1 That set up is about $350 plus shipping, but for the money you wont find much better. Or you can substitute the Type-R subs for the SWS-1222D subs which are $60 cheeper a pair. ------------- 2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: vwgolf1128
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 10:55 PM
Alpine, do you have AOL Instant Messager?
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 12, 2005 at 11:00 PM
nope, ,but my pm box thingy on here works cuz im usually on alot
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2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: ravenndude
Date Posted: February 13, 2005 at 12:31 AM
"Just to give you a hint of what quality can do, here was my set up:
1 MRD-M501 powering 1 Alpine Type-R SWR-1241D , hitting 138-143 db"
damn dude!! Do you mind sharring your setup (how the sub was wired [DVC right?] and box type / cuft)?
Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: February 13, 2005 at 9:35 AM
It was wired to 2 ohm, in a ported box approx 2 cubic feet. bust as for the tuneing frequenie i have no clue because i was taking no measurements, i just keept changeing the maze of slot ports around, until i finally got it right haha. Everytime i used a box program, it never gave good results. All that said.. the only way i can measure it all out for shure is if i cut the carpet and dissasemble the box, which id rathar not do. ------------- 2003 Chevy Avalanche,Eclipse CD7000,Morel Elate 5,Adire Extremis,Alpine PDX-4.150, 15" TC-3000, 2 Alpine PDX-1.1000, 470Amp HO Alt.
Posted By: newtone
Date Posted: February 13, 2005 at 7:07 PM
hey alpine guy, on which meter are you doin that 138-143? 5 db difference is like almost quadrupling your amp/sub combination so i'm guessing its an audio control. those meters tend to change readings from day to day. or do you mean that in the bass region 30-80 hz you meter 138 at like 35hz and 143 at like 75hz? -------------
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