I was looking on mecacaraudio.com at some SPL scores in different classes, and I got to wondering... How loud should I get my system if I want to try competing? I realize there are several different classes which one can compete in, but what are those classes, how loud are they generally, and where's a good place to start?
I saw one guy (Brandon Smith) on the MECA site that scored a 90.5dB and another (Stacy Adams) who scored a 116.5dB in the "Drive-by SPL 3" class (whatever that is, lol). I'm defenately not an expert by any means, and I've never had my system metered but I don't think that those are even remotely loud vehicles (again I realize this depends on the class, but still).
Anyway, I was just interested as to how I get my foot in the door, and how loud I should try to be before I think about competing. Thanks guys!
There are alot of guys here who compete that can answer this better than I can, but unless you are close to or over the 140dB range, it wouldn't really be worth your time. Drive-by SPL 3 is when an SPL meter measures how loud your car is from the outside. Nobody can be inside the car and your system must be operated by remote.
Your best bet is to go to a show and see what goes on. I had original went to a show just to get metered. Then went to the next show to compete knowing what I was capable of hitting. The ppl running the show will explain what class you would be in according to what set up you have. Some go by amp power, some by woofer size, some by cone area, so you may be in diffrent classes depending on where you compete.
Do you guys think 2 AQ HDC315's (in the right enclosure) powered by a Crossfire vr1000d (which I already own) and a AQ1200d, would be capable of around 140dB? If it helps they will be in a '97 Cadillac DeVille sedan.
yeah dont run 2 diff amps, i personally am a big MECA competitor and i love it, this up coming season tho ill be over the 160 mark ;)but i compete in modified which is a whole new game, but seeing you that you have a trunk car and as long as everything is in the trunk and nothing in the cabin then you can compete in amature
Your from Highland? Near San Bernardino correct? I'm in Rialto and being that we are in socal, you'll be lucky if theres any competitions here. Being that I have competed in socal, you should still go, its still fun and not everyone will be loud. Most of the competitions here are db drag. They will probaly put you in SS-NW since you have 2 15's.
I'm sure you guys are correct about running more than one amp to my subs, but may I ask why this is.
Hey, also with two HDC315's (dual 2ohm), which I'm thinking of running off of an AQ2200D, (I hope that would be a good match, even though I won't be able to wire them at 1ohm together to get the 2200w, hence my reasoning behind running 2 amps (1000w each) to each sub) would a 260a alt. (I haven't purchased an HO alt. yet) be sufficient? Also, the higher amperage you go with an alt. do you have to have a higher idle to charge the battery or to get the full potential out of the alt. or whatever? Thanks!
Anyone compete with a SUV? I'd like to compete but there are not ANY local competitions to me besides a small local every now and then. I was just wondering what class SUV's are in and what kinda scores people are putting up for just a simple setup (ex. basic box behind the rear seats no mods)
You don't want to be sending different amounts of power to your two subs...especially if they're in a common chamber box.
As for an amp, don't waste your money on a nice 1-ohm stable amp if you can't run it there. You'd be better off getting rid of one of your current amps and matching the other, running two identical amps. The cheaper option would be selling both and picking up an amp that puts out 2000-2500 @ 2-ohm. There are a lot of people selling equipment right now and not many buyers, so if you have the $$$$$$, you're golden right now.
Keep in mind you're going to need a high output alternator and other upgrades if you really want to run 2000 watts, let alone competing.
Sounds good. Well luckily as of now the only sub amp I have IS the Crossfire vr1000d. Can you recommend a nice 2kw-2.5kw @ 2ohms amp? Though I know it will be kind of hard to stay in AudioQue's price range.
Kicker amps are definitely above average, and most people here would recommend them. Way better built than their subs.
Again, with the AQ, you're "wasting" the power since it puts it's rated power @ 1 ohm. I would definitely look into Snow's suggestions. He read my mind I think
