Apple/Doc sub/amp box questions

[Infantry1327]

yea I was out there, but I didnt get to check it out. Damn Army didnt let me off early enough. But I am going to try and head out there next week.

[AppleBonker]

yea I was out there, but I didnt get to check it out. Damn Army didnt let me off early enough. But I am going to try and head out there next week.

Gotcha. Next time tell them it is critical that you get time to check out the shop!

If you get out there, let us know what your impressions are. Your car looks awesome now that you've put money into suspension/cosmetics. It'll be great when you've got a nice stereo to compliment it!

[Infantry1327]

Ok, I finally found a shop that sells the idq10v3. They set one up for me and I gave it a listen and messed with the tuning a bit. They first had it playing rock music, and it souded incredible. Then I threw on one of my rap cd's and I wasnt as impressed. It was pretty accurate but just didnt have the sound I am looking for. I kind of want something that has a little more oomf. It hit the high base pretty well, but it seemed to have a little trouble with the real low base. I listen to mostly rap so i want something that hits hard but I don't want that distortion sound you get on high base.

So any more suggestions?

I asked rob about some of the audiobahn stuff and he about smacked me

So what do you guys think of these?

I am still considering the alpine, but debating if I want to spend the extra money on another amp.Alpine SWX1042D Alpine SWX 1042D 10" Type X Subwooferhttp://www.woofersetc.com/inde...=1854

VMax10.2 - Cerwin Vega VMax-10.2 10" 600 Watt Subwoofer http://www.woofersetc.com/inde...=3504

10W6V2 - JL Audio 10" DVC Subwoofer 10 W 6 V 2 10-W6V-2 http://www.woofersetc.com/inde...=2059

and what do you guys think about dimaond audio?

I just found this amp, what do you think?http://www.woofersetc.com/inde...=3195o ... de...=6667

P.S. I should be ordering sound dampening, resin, and fiber mat on monday. So any suggestions will be appreciated


Modified by Infantry1327 at 12:47 PM 10/9/2008

[Infantry1327]

Did you ever verify that this is what you bought?

Ok, I built my enclosure a bit thicker than you'll probably need to (the pressure exerted from my sub will be a bit more than yours), so you wont need as much per enclosure. However, you're making two, so you'll probably go through about the same amount of material. I'm pretty sure I ordered the 1 1/2 oz chopped strand mat from US Composites. You'll probably need roughly 15 yards of the 50" width stuff. ($48 plus shipping).

You'll also need the resin and hardener (the hardener is supplied with the resin in your order, you wont need to purchase it separately). Again, I went with the B-440 stuff from the same place. I bought 3 gallons and I have about a gallon left. You may go through 3 full gallons on two enclosures. ($97.5 plus shipping).

I would think that this should be sufficient. Before you think about purchasing, let me double check that this is actually what I bought (I'm sure about the resin, but I don't remember about the mat - may have gotten the 2oz stuff).

Also, there is nowhere under the rear seat that will house an extra battery. Theres a few inches of foam under the cloth/leather, but then it rests right on top of the body.

[AppleBonker]

Out of those three subs you mentioned, I like the Type-X the best. I had a 12" Type-X that worked really well for rap (although it did struggle with some ridiculously low stuff - and I can only say that comparing it to my current sub). The other two I would imagine should perform worse than the IDQ in terms of audio quality (at least from my auditions of them). They might be able to get louder, but I highly doubt you'd get them to hit any cleaner in the same enclosure.

Actually, I'm surprised that you didn't like the depth of the IDQ. What kind of enclosure was it in? And do you know what they were powering it with? I've actually never heard a 10" sub that I really liked for rap (part of the reason I bought a 12" - it can hit a bit lower). I never heard the 10" Type-X, but I imagine it's similar to the 12" with a bit less low frequency extension.

For the amp, I haven't heard much about Soundstream. In that same general price range I've recommended the Hifonics Brutus line before. I would think that for power/performance to money the Hifonics should work out better than the Soundstream. In the car audio world, it seems like Hifonics is a bit more proven when it comes to budget equipment (and I'm obviously only speaking from what I've heard as I have never used either brand myself).

For the resin/glass, that is what I ordered. I checked but I forgot to post it up here.

[Infantry1327]

the IDQ was just in a small wooden sealed box, and I dont know what amp was pushing it. The hole shop was kind of jenky. I found another dealer around hear and I am going to check them out there this weekend.

I know this has been touched on a few other threads. But what sound dapener should I buy and where?

[Infantry1327]

Ok, I just ordered 50 square feet of B-Quite ultimate sound dampener.

I will be ordering the resin and fiberglass mat on monday.

Damn I can't wait to start this project.

Apple, where did you get the sub mounting ring. Did you haft to make it, and are all 10" subs the same size around? I know thats a dumb question but I ask because I have some old 10" infinity subs that I am going to use for the measurements if I haft to make my own ring.

[Broadfield]

You can buy the rings from Select Products, however, I prefer to make my own. There is no industry standard for a 10" sub, so there are differences between models. I also like to make my own depending on the install...... whether it's a flush mount or surface mount install etc.

[Infantry1327]

thank you, I will be makeing my own rings and will buy one of the subs before I do. Hopefully I will have the money to buy both subs.

[AppleBonker]

Broadfield is right on. Definitely make your own. That way you can make sure it is exactly how you want it!

[Infantry1327]

Ok went to home depot yesterday and bought all the tools i need to make this box. I am still waiting for the resin to come in. But i went and bought some of that crappy bondo resin from home depot yesterday. I plan on makeing a small computer stand out of the crappy resin. That way I can get a little practice in before I start fabbing my fiber glass trunk.

Also My b-quite will be hear sometime this week. So I will install that this weekend.

[mikegtr06]

make sure to post lots of pics... even of the computer stand.

[Infantry1327]

will do

[Infantry1327]

ok apple, I think I have made my decision on the subs and amps.Even thow I trust your opinion on the Image Dynamics, I just can't buy something that I havent heard. Yea I did hear them once but it was a crappy set up so it doesnt count. A buddy of mine has 1 of these 10's in his truck and it sounded really good. Plus the Alpines are cheeper and I prefer to match subs with amps. So what do you guys think of this setup?

2- Alpine SWR1042D1- Alpine PDX1.10001- Alpine PDX4.150= $1178

P.S. Started makeing my table today. lol

[AppleBonker]

ok apple, I think I have made my decision on the subs and amps.Even thow I trust your opinion on the Image Dynamics, I just can't buy something that I havent heard. Yea I did hear them once but it was a crappy set up so it doesnt count. A buddy of mine has 1 of these 10's in his truck and it sounded really good. Plus the Alpines are cheeper and I prefer to match subs with amps. So what do you guys think of this setup?

2- Alpine SWR1042D1- Alpine PDX1.10001- Alpine PDX4.150= $1178

P.S. Started makeing my table today. lol

No problems, bro. I'm only offering up suggestions. If you found something that you like that sounds good to your ears, that's all that matters. I've run the PDX-1.1000 before and I currently have the PDX-4.150 and really like both of those amps. They pump a ton of juice and stay cool and are small. Plus, I personally think they have a good look as well.

For the sub, a pair of either the 1022D or the 1042D subs will work. Both can be wired down to either 2 (1022D) or 4 (1042D) loads for the amp. The amp will push 1000 watts at either impedance. Should end up being a very nice system!

[Infantry1327]

hahaha, ok so I have done some more research. I still really like the type r, but the price dropped on the SWX1043D.

So my queston is; will the PDX1.1000 power these subs enough. The power range is 500-1000rms. So would it be worth it to step up the subs? I have my heart set on these amps, so if only pushing 500 wats to these subs. Is it worth it?

[AppleBonker]

hahaha, ok so I have done some more research. I still really like the type r, but the price dropped on the SWX1043D.

So my queston is; will the PDX1.1000 power these subs enough. The power range is 500-1000rms. So would it be worth it to step up the subs? I have my heart set on these amps, so if only pushing 500 wats to these subs. Is it worth it?

Tough call. I had a single 12" type X fed by that amp. I'm not sure what two of them on the same amp would be like. The type X should sound a bunch cleaner, but the volume may be limited that way. Although, my single 12 was pretty loud running off that one amp, so two of them should almost certainly get louder (even with only half the power). If the price has fallen into your range, I'd probably recommend the two type X subs. I'm not sure if it is an option, but the worst case scenario would be to add another amp later if you need more juice.

[Infantry1327]

yea thats true.

The cheepest price I have found so far is $210 ea. That is true that I could always add another amp later, but that would also mean re doing the fiber glass amp box. But as long as I know it is safe for the subs and amps to run it at less power, then I will probably get the type x. I might as well do it right the first time.

I do have a old 2 channel 1000 wat kenwood amp at my house as well. I could always try and run that to one of the subs and just keep that amp hidden.

[AppleBonker]

yea thats true.

The cheepest price I have found so far is $210 ea. That is true that I could always add another amp later, but that would also mean re doing the fiber glass amp box. But as long as I know it is safe for the subs and amps to run it at less power, then I will probably get the type x. I might as well do it right the first time.

I do have a old 2 channel 1000 wat kenwood amp at my house as well. I could always try and run that to one of the subs and just keep that amp hidden.

It's always safe to run at less power. It should still get decently loud with two. Two running full power would probably get insanely loud. Just make sure when you set your gains you do it appropriately. Trying to draw too much from that amp will push it to clipping which could damage the subs, regardless of power.

[Infantry1327]

Don't forget, doc only lives a few hours away. lol He is going to find me camped out on his lawn once I get everthing in and I make my box. I have only wired subs up twice before and those where cheep systems. So I will be needing some of docs expertise to do the wireing properly.

[Broadfield]

so two of them should almost certainly get louder (even with only half the power).

Keep in mind that doubling your power or doubling your cone area will yield virtually the same increase in decibels.

Basically doubling either will yield 3db. So two 12" subs on 500 watts will equal one of those same 12" subs on 1000 watts.

[Infantry1327]

thats what I figured, but wanted to make sure. I will eventually run a second pdx 1.1000 but coming up with the extra 500 to get it now will be very difficult. So I am just going to leave some extra room in my box to fit a third amp.

Broadfield, do you sell Alpine? If so, send me an email on what you can get me these subs and amps for.

[Broadfield]

Broadfield, do you sell Alpine? If so, send me an email on what you can get me these subs and amps for.

Yep! Also remember that I am an authorized dealer, which pretty much every place on the internet is not. Alpine, JL Audio etc. do not allow internet site sales. I can try to match the prices you are looking at the best I can. What prices have you been quoted? You can send me an email with the items you need pricing on and what the prices are that you can get them for.

Toby

[AppleBonker]

Yep! Also remember that I am an authorized dealer, which pretty much every place on the internet is not. Alpine, JL Audio etc. do not allow internet site sales. I can try to match the prices you are looking at the best I can. What prices have you been quoted? You can send me an email with the items you need pricing on and what the prices are that you can get them for.

Toby

And this is important. I had to have my Type-X go in for warranty work. Thank god I bought it from an authorized retailer or this would not have been possible. IMO, going authorized is completely worth it for the peace of mind.

[Infantry1327]

Ok started makeing the cpu stand to practice for my sub box. Hear are some work in progress pictures.

Hear is the frame being built

Starting with the resin and fiberglass

[Broadfield]

Let the fun begin!

Keep in mind you will always want to try and stretch your entire project with only one piece of material. That way you don't have seams at the edges etc. It makes it a lot easier to finish off later and gives it a nice smooth consistent look right off the bat. However, you would need a trim stapler to be able to accomplish this. Your stand would probably be able to be done with one piece, but it wouldn't be easy. You would have to stretch the crap out of the material. The nice thing about glassing is you will always learn better methods and techniques every time you do it. Don't be afraid to call me at the # in my sig if you have any questions at all. You can call any day of the week!

Toby

[Infantry1327]

thanks bro, yea I have allready learned alot. It defenetly would of been easier to use one piece of felt, but its a little late for that. So I am just going to trim the seems with my dremel, then resin and sand them smooth. I defenetly have alot of sanding ahead of me. But thank god for electric sanders. lol Yea I have made quite a few mistakes on this project, but nothing a little extra elbow greese can't fix. But now I know what not to do when I make my sub box.

I tore my trunk apart today and started dyno matting everything. Never new how messy that black $hit on the bottom was. But the trunk is done and now I just haft to do the rest of the car.

[AppleBonker]

Yeah, it's kind of fun having your hands be black for a few days.

As far as the glassing goes, it's a good thing you're learning on something other than your car. The cleaner you make it look up front, the less sanding and filling you need to do. It can always be cleaned up at the end, but that part takes forever and is a royal pain. Now that you're beginning to get the hang of it, the enclosure should be a lot more simple.

[Infantry1327]

Yea, I should be alot better when it comes to makeing the enclosure. I could of made this thing completely out of wood then just resined over it. But I wanted practice the techniques I would use on the sub box, to make this cpu stand. I was having a little problem yesterday with the resin not hardening. I believe I didnt add enough hardener, but I just made a new batch and put in alot of hardener in it and painted over the wet stuff. Then it all dried up real quick and is good to go now. I can allready tell that my dremel is by far the most important tool I have when comeing to this project. lol I have pretty much built this box with a jig saw, dremel, and glue gun. lol

[Infantry1327]

Hey broadfield or apple, I have noticed that since I didn't use 1 piece of felt There are seems and a few little gaps. I sanded alot of it down and cut off alot of the excess but there are still alot of spots lower than the others and gaps in the seems.

So my question is: Can I use some kind of filler or wood putty to fill in the gaps then resin over it?

The box itself is strong enough now, its just a matter of smoothing it out. So what can I do?