Help with setup

[BuddhistWitch]

I'm not looking for something super-powerful, nor am I looking for something weak. I was thinking along the lines of a Rockford Punch, maybe the P5002. Specs are:

Channels - Per channel power - 125 W X 2 @ 4 Ohms RMS250 W X 2 @ 2 Ohms RMS500 W X 1 @ 4 Ohms Bridged RMS

Total power - 250 Watts RMS

Bridgeable - Yes

Crossover - HP 40-400Hz 12dB per OctaveLP 40-400Hz 12dB per Octave

Tone controls - Bass Control0 to 18 dB @ 45 Hz

Signal input - Low level Quantity: 1Type: RCA(pr)

Line output - 1 RCA(pr)

Power input - Connector - BlockWire gauge - 4

Speaker output - Block

Heatsink - Type -Cast

Remote control IncludedType: WiredControls: Bass

Class - A/B Frequency response - 20 to 20k Hz +/- .5 dB

Dimensions - 2.4 X 11 X 13.7 (inches)

It looks good for the money. I'm wondering what subs I could run on that. Lookin to run 2, preferably 12"s.

Is it too much for my needs? If so give me a setup with another amp.

-Thank you in advance

[ayjay]

no that amp will work fine, but what kind of subs are you planning on runnin? because it really depends on the types of voicecoils those subs have (single or dual, & the impedence)

[ayjay]

oh sorry... you were also asking about what kind of subs to run as well... well if you were to run a couple Alpine Type R's, you won't be dissapointed... but they are a little pricey...

it all depends on your budget... check out Eclipse, Elemental Designs & Resonant Engineering, they normally have pretty good stuff... and you can also check out Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, and Audiobahn. if you're lookin for the most bang for the buck, the kicker solobaric square subs are probably the loudest, but they aren't very good for sound quality... Eclipse & Elemental Designs have really nice sounding subs, but can be a bit pricey...

[Rex]

We all have "opinions" some of us may even have some favorites. i would suggest you check out some of your friends systems or some at a local Car Audio shop, and then let us know what you heard and what you liked. We can then give you soe better ideas of how to create a simliar set-up/sound in your car.

Knowing your overall budget wouldn't be bad either.

<off the cuff, if you're looking for a sub/amp set up - MTX/Autotek, Kicker/Orion or JL/JL would do>

[Simmsled]

Hey Rex... this is off topic but... what size are your factory front speakers? Were they 4s with the plastic pods?

[BuddhistWitch]

Actually I was looking into running Rocks with the amp, or some Orions. But Alpines are nice, and worth the money.

[BuddhistWitch]

I take it back, those Alpines are way too good for this amp. They run at 500RMS. It's a waste of wattage and money. Any other opinions?

[ayjay]

JL W3's

[BuddhistWitch]

Wow, those look perfect.

They handle 300RMS that would work perfectly with the amp. They look good for the money. I'll look into them more. But anybody else? This isn't permanent yet, also I don't have to use that particular amp.

[Rex]

You might try either McCauley 6222 or 6232. These are some UNGODLY subs, actually made for concert/loudspeaker sub systems.

I had a single 6242 in a CRX back 89-91 being fed by the back half of a RF Power 300.

Another idea, depending on you "goal", might be Kicker Solobarics.

[BuddhistWitch]

As ungodly as they are, they are still above my needs. I'm not looking to compete, I just like some nice bass in my music. But those JLs so far look ideal for my setup.

[ayjay]

yup... W3's are nice middleclass subs for the price

[BuddhistWitch]

OK, so that seems to be the setup I want. Rockford-Fosgate P5002 (250x2 RMS @ 2ohms)and JL Audio W3v2 12"s (300RMS @ 2ohms)

Objections anyone?

[Rex]

No objection, just a question, do you have room for 2 - 12's?

If so, what type of box are you thinking of using?

Coupe or Fastback?

[BuddhistWitch]

Coupe. I'm pretty sure 12"s will fit. And I'll most likely make my own box. Or have a friend do it if I'm too lazy. If not I could find one at a local audio shop.

[Rex]

Not sure how much searching you've done, but a couple of the S13 guys say 2 - 12's won't fit, unless you plan on giving up all your trunk space.

There's lots of info here on different sub/box configurations specific to your car.

Also, if you do go with 2 - 12's, keep in mnid some are made/designed for smaller enclosures.

<FWIW, 1 high quality 10 or 12 in the right box will hit harder than 2 - 12's in an undersized box>

[BuddhistWitch]

You're right. I was told by a friend who builds boxes as a hobby that it would fit, not that it would sound good. The JL 10"s have the same RMS of 300. So I could go with those too. I just thought it would be more sick to run 2 12"s in a 240. With the right box the 10"s could sound better. I'll look into it.

Until then anybody have any major differences between 10"s and 12"s?

[Rex]

Do a wicked Isobaric set up with the 10's. JL was big on Iso set-ups when they hit big late 80's early 90's

[BuddhistWitch]

Anyone got a good website for box setups? The differences between them, general information, anything?

[BuddhistWitch]

Ok, I'm still searching, and nothing is set in stone here, but I found another Rockford that is even better and would push more power. Here are the stats:

• POWER Series• 140 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms • 270 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms • 550 watts RMS x 1 bridged output at 4 ohms • Stereo or bridged mono output • 4-ohm stable in bridged mode • Tri-Way capable • Variable high- and low-pass crossovers (50-250 Hz at 12 dB/octave) • MOSFET power supply and output devices • MEHSA technology• MOSFET output devices • TOPAZ — noise-killing differential inputs • Trans•ana circuitry • NOMAD — advanced protection circuitry • Wired Punch Bass • Speaker- and preamp-level inputs • 12-1/8"W x 2-3/8"H x 9-7/8"D

[Rex]

Anyone got a good website for box setups? The differences between them, general information, anything?

Check this out : http://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/boxes.asp

[Rex]

Are you looking for subs/sub amp and a box design? (provide a budget and overall goal and we'll offer some "complete" suggestions)

I think ajay can weigh in on the seperates, depending on how "custom" you wanna go.

[Rex]

Here's some of what I'd recommend...

Box:

• 1st design - Fourth Order/Bass Reflex & Bandpass
• 2nd design - Isobaric - Bass Reflex (Compound Loading)

Subs:

• 1st box design - 2 x JL - 10W3v2
• 2nd box design - 2 x JL - 10W6v2

Amp:

• JL 500/1 MonoblockMono amp for sub box, just be careful on the ohm load the subs create. Doesn't allow much flexibility for upgrading.
• JL 300/2 StereoHigh power stereo amp, but run bridged mono. Flexible as it allows for upgrading later. Would be killer for running CDT's up front - (overkill).

Not sure if that's way out of your budget or not. I could easily come up with something nearly as strong, for less.

[Rex]

Of course another would be...

• Box: Second Order/Acoustic Suspension/Sealed Enclosure- Benefit of this set-up would allow for the box to be installed in the rear area facing the trunk opening. Would allow for you to still have some useable trunk.
• Sub: 1 x Kicker Solo-Baric L7 04S10L7
• Amp: Autotek SX-2150High power stereo amp, but run bridged mono. Flexible as it would allow for upgrading later.

This (except for the pricey sub) would be a nice economical set up.

Of course, we don't know what you plan to do for mids & highs.

[BuddhistWitch]

As I said, all I want is 2 subs and an amp. The 300RMS I would be getting from the Rockford, and the money I would be paying for it is not only for power, but for reliability. The subs I chose because they are great subs and would work perfectly with the amp, running either 275 or 250 depending on which I get, only a $20 difference between the two.

Mids and highs will be a future project, not something I care too much about now. I want to find a box setup that would not only fit, but leave space, and sound badass.

[ayjay]

wow rex, you went full out with pictures and everything! i don't have the patience nor the time to be so helpful :P but anyways, for a great alternative to those W3's are the Elemental K series subs... don't need a lot of airspace, handle more power than the W3's and produce really nice sound... CHEAP TOO! check em out here, and i'm sure you can find a local shop that sells em or an online one:

http://www.edesignaudio.com/ep2/12k.htm

seems like you're stuck on the rockford amp idea... rex's idea of the single Kicker SoloBaric L7 (square sub) and the Autotek amp would probably be the loudest most cost efficient solution, but if you're set on gettin two subs then i highly recommend looking into the Elemental Designs, i'd actually recommend them moreso than the W3's (but availability of the ED's is scarce)

[Rex]

BuddhistWitch - I know you've gone from thiking 2 - 12's to know hearing a recommendation for a single 10, but if you want solid/hard hitting bass and still have some useable trunk, a single HeavyDuty 10 may be your best option.

A single ten, designed for serious power and with a good/decent sensitivity rating, in a well built sealed box, run by a stout 2-channel or mono amp (RF, JL, Phoenix Gold, Autotek, etc) shold give you all you want and do it on a decent budget.

For subs, it's been a few years since I've bought anything, but Kicker, RF, MTX, JL & McCauley are all good quality, durable products. Keep in mind that the first 3 offer an entry/economy line as well as a competition quality sub. You want to go with the upper end, as in any single sub set-up, it will get worked hard.

For amps, (again) it's been a few years since I've bought anything, but RF, Autotek, Phoenix Gold, Orion & JL, are all good quality, durable products. I have first hand experience with 4 of the 5 and have heard good things about JL, though never used myself.

For box, as long as you use the subs spec sheet and build/tune accordingly, you should be happy with any MDF box you build.

I will add that if you do not have plans to upgrade your alt/battery, that you at least invest in a Cap to help both maintain the solid lows and extent the life of your electrical components (Amp, Alt, Batt).

Good luck, and we're all waiting to see some cool pics.

[Rex]

Okay, so I don't know when to shut up

Sub & Box Polk Audio/Momo MM10 off the shelf/plug n play, currently on Clearance/Special at Crutchfield - $159. Sensitivity is a little low.



Amp Rockford Fosgate Punch 501S, currently a few listed on ebay with Buy It Now prices in the $175-$200 price range.

[BuddhistWitch]

The 240 has alot of trunk space as is, and I can't think of many things I would need loads of trunk space for. But rather than going with more powerful, lower quality, cheaper subs. Or one high quality sub, I want just two reliable, middleclass subs and a decent amp to run them close to their potential.

Kickers are PHENOMINAL subs, but too much for my project. And as for autotecs, I don't know alot about them, and there might be a good reason for that. They look about the same wattage I'm looking for, but I hear nothing but good things about Rockfords, and I researched pretty thoroughly before choosing.

[BuddhistWitch]

I could run a single Kicker solo-baric with that same Rockford amp, and be pushing 500 watts RMS from the amp into 600W in the single sub, that would sound even better than the 2 10"s, and be more space and probably cost-eficient. That's one choice, any others?