Sub/Amp help

[Dieselman]

Hey guys, I just got a free twin 10" sub box that fits under the back seat in my Dodge. It's got some crappy subs in it now that I plan on replacing. I'd like some suggestions on what I should get for a sub/amp combo.I currently have a Sony headunit with a 10 disc changer and the rest of the system is all the stock Dodge system.I think I'll upgrade all the speakers while I'm at it also. So yea, basicly I don't know a whole lot about car audio and I know a bunch of you guys do so lemme have it!Thanks!Joe

[shrapnail]

look around on crutchfield.com (don't buy from there, way overpriced.. ebay ftw).. don't get anything (speaker/amp wise) that's sony..

sony is synonymous for **** when it comes to amps.. they make some that are like 800w that put out around 250-330 rms... utter crap

db3s are pretty nice

freq range on subs isn't as critical as other system speakers, just try to find something as low as possible (with the realization that 20hz is the bottom of your hearing range) and with a fairly decent RMS handling capability.

i've always liked rockford fosgates' upper stage subs; good power handling and pretty heafty. Believe it or not kenwood actually makes really really good speakers these days, not sure how I feel about their subs though.

Watch out for inifinty anything, they are starting go down the road that alpine did and just depending on there name... Don't get me wrong, they make some good 6x9s

As for amps.. I love my little crossfire and I might get another at some point.. not a huge brand and I got it because it was on as a 4 channel (50watts rms to each for in cabin speakers) that was on sale for a good price; not to drive my subs. The thing has blown me away though, no worries about clipping and very good peak/rms ratio. Kicker makes some good amps as well. Others may have more knowledge on amp brands than I though, i'm happy so long as they don't choke my frequencies, don't burn up and provide the amount of power i'm looking for.

[Dieselman]

So, should I get 2 amps maybe? One for the component speaker and one for the subs?

Fosgate huh? I'll check them out.

[Dieselman]

Is this kinda what I need?

[shrapnail]

*shrug* having an amp powering your components makes a lot of diffrence.. It can really really help keep your sound clean at higher volume... if you have good speakers.

I really like it in mine, but I like being able to blast when i'm on the freeway.. or hear the music clearly when I set it up to play when i'm outside of it (drinking w/ camping buddies or w/e.. note on that, don't leave your car running long while not moving.. since the coolant isn't circulating right it can destroy ****..)

but it's not what everyone needs.. and some ppl abuse the crap out of it.. I hate when i'm stuck in traffic and some *** hole purposely decides that everyone needs to hear his music.

[shrapnail]

Is this kinda what I need?

60x2 would either be 60watts to each sub or a bridge of 200 watts too one sub (or both if you ran them in series, but that would bring you up to 8 watts, or 2 watts if paralleled)

so that would work but ideally you'd run the 60 to each and honestly 60 watts is pretty low for a sub.

60 watts is about 3 times what a head unit puts out, for subs i'd look at 100 watts or higher. Honestly i've heard a pair of 12s pushed by 100watts apiece that would resonate pretty cleanly

[Dieselman]

Ok I'll go for one thats got at least 100x 2 then.I think budget is gonna keep me to just doing sub's and 1 amp for now.

Thanks for the info manJoe

[shrapnail]

np, and i totally get that.. the wiring really adds up too.. make sure you get a really really really good ground point when you ground the amp.. and tie the ground from the head unit to the same point

the wiring can get a bit pricey.. freakin RCAs

[PoorManQ45]

I'd recommend two of the TC Sound 10" db-500http://www.tcsounds.com/db500.htm

For the price they can't be beat. I've got 2 of the 12"s on the way.

For a reference they fall in between the JL Audio W6 and W7 in terms of output.

*edit* This is going in the Diesel, right? If so that's cool. IIRC you have a HO alternator from the factory

For the sub amp I'd go with somethign from Hifonics.

[Dieselman]

Yup it's going in the diesel. I have a 140 amp alt and 2 batteries from the factory so power shouldn't be an issue.

[audtatious]

60x2 would either be 60watts to each sub or a bridge of 200 watts too one sub (or both if you ran them in series, but that would bring you up to 8 watts, or 2 watts if paralleled)

Huh?

You mean 8ohm and 2ohm, correct? In that configuration, 8ohm (series configuration with two 4ohm subs) would lower the brideged output by half and you would be no better off than connecting an individual channel to each sub. In 2ohm (parallel configuration with two 4ohm subs) you would have more than 200 watts assuming the amp is 1ohm stable (which is doubtful). If the amp is not 1ohm stable (or stable to 2ohm bridged), then you will eventually toast the amp in this configuration.