New to sound systems..looking for suggestions. Please. =)

 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 2
Registered: Jun-09
Hey guys,

I'm new to this forum and new to sound systems, (amps, subs, boxes, and installing them) I was wondering if anyone could help me to pick out two 12"s, a box and an amp for my truck. I'm not exactly sure what brand names to get and what sounds good in a truck so I figured I'd come here and ask since everyone seems very knowledgeable. I was hoping only to spend a maximum of 500-600 on everything but I'm not sure of prices..

I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma Highrider with an extended cab, there is a jump-seat in the back on the passenger side. I'm hoping to leave enough space so I'll be able to let someone sit in the jump-seat, that would be great. I have a stock radio which I want to replace if I have the money and I'm thinking any brand should be ok for that.

I could also use some help on wiring and setup of the amp, I was going to have a friend do it for me but I'm not sure if he'll be available when I'm ready to install, so it would probably be best if I learned how to do it myself.
From what I've read it seems to be really easy, I just need to figure out where to put the wires through my firewall without drilling a new hole and what gauge wire I should be using.

But again thank you everyone for your time and suggestions. =)
 

Gold Member
Username: Th3pwn3r

I compensate...

Post Number: 9360
Registered: Jul-06
For 5-600 bucks you're probably going to get a single sub setup, budget amp and a prefabricated box if you want to also get a semi-decent head unit.

For a good head unit at a good price look into older model JVC units, from what I can recall you can get something pretty nice for $125-150 as far as that goes.
That would leave you with something like $350-475 depending on your budget. For an amp you should maybe look into an Audioque 1200D and those run $250 shipped new. You wouldn't be left with much money for a sub and box at this point again, depending on budget. I would recommend using a line out converter temporarily and saving up later for a new head unit to stay within current budget. Then I'd look into a single 12'' sub and pre-fabricated box until more funds are available. Are you willing to buy used? If so, you can get yourself a pretty good deal here on this forum.
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 3
Registered: Jun-09
Thank you for the quick response!

But I'd buy used if I have to. Although If 600 won't be enough, I can just wait a little while longer and save up some more money. It's worth it. Like I said I don't really know prices so I just threw a number out in the open. I'll look into older model JVC head units though, that sounds good. But what brand would you recommend for an amp and 2x 12"s and at what RMS for each? And if you have any idea what the extended cab of a GMC Sonoma looks looks like do you have a suggestion on a box for the two subs? And what type of enclosure do you think I should get; free-air, sealed, ported or bandpass? =)

Again, thank you for your time.
 

Gold Member
Username: Th3pwn3r

I compensate...

Post Number: 9363
Registered: Jul-06
As far as enclosure type and subs go we'll need to know what kind of sound you're looking for.

Do you want it all out loud?SPL
Do you want maximum clarity?=SQ
Do you want a combination/balance of the two?=SQL
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 4
Registered: Jun-09
I would like a combination/balance of the two =SQL
 

Bronze Member
Username: Dangeranger

Ohio United States

Post Number: 80
Registered: Mar-09
Don't overlook the 1 sub setup if you are on a budget.
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 5
Registered: Jun-09
Now that I think about it I'd actually like to use one sub, that would probably save me some space in the backseat. What's a good 15" subwoofer that's louder and sounds better than 2x 12" subwoofers?
And any suggestions on an amp to go with the said 15" subwoofer above?


Edit:
I was looking at the Kicker Solo-Baric L5 Series 08S15L54 , would that be a good 15" to buy for $399.99?

specs;
_____
15" subwoofer with dual 4-ohm voice coils
square polypropylene cone with Santoprene rubber surround
18-100 Hz frequency response
75-750 watts RMS power range (375 watts per voice coil)
sensitivity: 87.8 dB
mounting depth: 8-5/8"
sealed box volume: 1.5-6.0 cubic feet
ported box volume: 3.0-6.0 cu. ft.
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 6
Registered: Jun-09
well the only way i can fit a 15" with a sealed box in my extended cab is by taking out the jack and jack cover which doubles as a cup holder, but that's fine. =) I just can't seem to find a 15" sub sealed box that'll fit without making me move my seat up so that I'm pretty much sitting on the steering wheel. Is there a company that will make me one with my specific dimensions? =)
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 7
Registered: Jun-09
Oops, sorry XD . Double-post. =(
 

Bronze Member
Username: Dangeranger

Ohio United States

Post Number: 82
Registered: Mar-09
From what I've heard read etc... you can do better with a different 15 rather than the L5. They get loud but sound crappy doing it. And most people that I've talked to anyway use ported boxes. I've heard good things about the RE SE which is 229 online or best offer which means you could probably get a few dollars shaven off. http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RE-AUDIO-SEX15D2-SEX-15-D2-1200w-SE-CAR-SUBWOOFER_W0QQit emZ350205894786QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Subwoofers_Enclosures?hash=item5189e5e082& _trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A2067|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

it's 600 rms
if you plan on upgrading the aq1200d is a strong amp(from what I've read on here) and if not
the Orion HCCA 1200d is 600 rms at 1 ohm.(I own one and I'm very pleased with it.)
http://audiovideodimension.com/orion-hccad1200-p-2398.html?zenid=859489873c8f480 9bca430e8bca32529


other than that I'm not much help. the other guys on here are very knowledgeable.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Tedsprogz

Nunya, Florida US

Post Number: 60
Registered: Aug-05
pioneer DEH-1100MP -99.99
massive audio DB1000 169.99
massive audio TW 15 D4 139.99
box 99.99 if ya build a nice one for yourself.
total=509.99
the amp is 500 wrms @ 2 ohm
the sub is 15 inch dual 4 ohm...
wire them in parallel.
it has a power handling of 500 wrms.
gimme a yell if you have a hard time finding these for these prices.or if you would like to spend a little more, it only goes up form there.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Tedsprogz

Nunya, Florida US

Post Number: 61
Registered: Aug-05
or a p1500.1 for 179.99 and a qc 15 for 239.99...you could even get 2.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Insearchofbass

Post Number: 11574
Registered: Jun-04
Go with a single re sex12d2 for $189.95
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RE-AUDIO-SEX12D2-SEX-12-D2-1200w-SUBWOOFER-SEX12_W0QQite mZ300317399162QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCar_Subwoofers_Enclosures?hash=item45ec4fd87a&_ trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1234|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

That orion hcca d1200 for 200 well say.
http://audiovideodimension.com/orion-hccad1200-p-2398.html?zenid=859489873c8f480 9bca430e8bca32529

And a jvc kd-bt1 cd/mp3 receiver $188.77

http://www.etronics.com/p-37696-jvc-kdbt1-jvc-kdbt1.aspx?dp=0212D2C222E6322253A3 8363C3B3571373637323334313
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 8
Registered: Jun-09
Thank you all for your input. It's much appreciated!

Sean, that setup sounds great. But why only one 12" sub? Is it because you are trying to stay in my price range or is it just that good? =)

But is there a specific reason for that reciever?

I found this one on bestbuy.com for $99.99 , it seems to be pretty much the same. It's also a JVC but when I use bestbuys little program to see if it fits in my vehicle they say it doesn't fit. I wonder if there is any way around that? =) but it seems kind of pricey just for the reciever you mention.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9205166&type=product&id=1218058259435
 

Gold Member
Username: Frkkevin

Team DLSSuperNatural...

Post Number: 6755
Registered: Nov-05
honestly..

if your willing tp spend $400 on a sub.. just grab a pair of RE SE 12"s and run them on an AQ1200d.. you'd be very happy

or find yourself a used 04/05 RE XXX 15".. Si Mag 15".. or to do a single 12" either or those two plus add the IDMax into the mid

there are a ton of options, lots more than i listed.. but im sure many can agree with those.. and add many more to the list

like rob said.. start with a GOOD headunit.. that is were most of your difference will come from.. line outs are ok for temporary but temporary installs tend to end up permanent
 

Gold Member
Username: Frkkevin

Team DLSSuperNatural...

Post Number: 6756
Registered: Nov-05
and to comment on on a single 12" setup, if you've heard a good install with a decent powered 12".. you'd understand

don't under-estimate what a good install and quality system components can accomplish
 

New member
Username: Cod1989

Allen Park, MI USA

Post Number: 9
Registered: Jun-09
Ok so I have an idea of what I want to do, but i'm going to need a few more things.

This will be my general setup - Let me know if i can get more bang for my buck with another brand please. =)

2x RE AUDIO SEX 12" D2 1200w SUBWOOFERs
--------
Orion HCCA-D1200 1200 watt Class D Monoblock Amplifier
--------
JVC KD-BT1 CD/MP3 Receiver
--------
And probably this Atrend - 12" Dual Sealed Subwoofer Enclosure - Charcoal if it will leave enough room in my backseat for someone to sit in the jump-seat.
--------

But I still need some help. I have no idea where to find wiring kits for cheap, I checked out google but I don't know what to get anyways. Also I need to know what tools I should have for this installation. And also I wanted to know if I should get a Capacitor for my amp? Will it help? Or does it depend on my battery?

And again thank you all for your time and help! =)
 

Bronze Member
Username: Dangeranger

Ohio United States

Post Number: 85
Registered: Mar-09
if you're going with 2 SE subs you want the aq1200d. and you want the dual 4 ohm versions not the d2 ohm.


If you are going with one sub you want the dual 2 ohm version.
The idea is so you can wire it down to one ohm.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Dangeranger

Ohio United States

Post Number: 86
Registered: Mar-09
and no cap, how many amps is your current alternator putting out? maybe an additional battery thats made specially for car audio such as kinetic etc... and as far as wiring kits i know knuconcepts has some things people seem to be happy with, I'm guessing 2 gauge wiring kit. and tools really just you're everyday tools wire cutters, side cuts, ratchets screwdrivers. Stuff for stripping wire, grounding wires I might be forgetting some stuff. Also go with 12 gauge speaker wire.
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