Disclaimer: I'm new to car audio. If I ask a stupid question, forgive me.
There, now that that's out of the way.. I'm trying to configure a system for my 99 Camry XLE. There doesn't seem to be a general forum to ask this question in its entirety but subs (and amp/enclosure depending on subs) are the last couple things I've having trouble with.
My budget on the whole is approximately 1500 bucks. I listen to a lot of hip-hop/some rock and metal/some jazz. SQ is important to me but SPL is equally if not moreso. As such, I want some subs that can thump but won't sound like trash.. easy enough, right?
Now originally, as you can see, I was looking at the low-end MTX line. I'm coming to the conclusion that it probably won't cut it for me. I've seen a lot about the RE X.X.X's and Brahma's. I want some excellent 12s basically, that I can get for 3-500 for the pair. I don't anticipate that happening with either of those 2 models. It may be possible with the RE SX or SE I believe they are but I believe in deal-hunting and not being able to find dealers for either is extremely annoying.
Then, coupled with that, I read in another thread the answer to the question I had: If (like the MTX's) you have 2 subs, with 400w RMS ratings, should you try to feed them 400w RMS or is that the maximum they can handle? GreenWolf said that was the max, he seems very knowledgeable, so I'll take his word for it. My question now is, how do you know what amp you can "get away" with. I want to power 2 12's (once I decide which) and make sure they are amply powered. I won't be purchasing a front amp yet as my budget is somewhat thin. I was also not really looking for tweeters but component speakers are fine too, in retrospect.
Finally, I assume a vented enclosure to the specs of the manufacturer will give me the ideal (cheap) solution to full usage of my equipment?
Thanks in advance, I know that's a lot of stuff to throw out there.
(Also, considering purchasing used hardware once I figure out what it is that I want from people with excellent references.)
On budgets, I typically recommend a couple of suggestions:
1)Drop the rear speaker idea and invest the money you would have spent into better fronts and amps to power them. Component speakers generally give best results if you take the time to install them correctly. In your case, instead of the 4 speakers, you could invest that money in a Kappa Perfect 6.1 component system, the price would be about the same.
2) You don't always have to have a certain number of subs. Instead of two 12" subs, consider a single 12" or 15" that is of higher quality, a lot of times you'll get about the same or more SPL by buying a better sub, and get better sound quality.
3) 4 channel amps work well on budgets. You can use the front channels on components, and the rear channels bridged for either a SVC 4 ohm subwoofer or a DVC 2 or 8 ohm subwoofer. In your case, you could choose a 100x4 or 125x4 amplifier, put the front channels on the front components, and the rear channel would put out roughly 400W or 500W RMS into it's bridged 4 ohm load for a subwoofer. That would match well with a sub such as the JL Audio W6v2, Eclipse Aluminum, Image Dynamics ID Max (it's very efficient), and many other subs. Then, if you eventually want more subs or speakers, you could save up for another sub of the same line, put that 4 channel amp on speakers and buy a dedicated subwoofer amplifier. You have to consider leaving yourself room to upgrade and not lose anything from it when you're on a budget, it's better to buy things piece by piece than to cut yourself short and try getting stuff at the same time. Ported boxes will give more SPL than sealed, and offer great results if you build (or have them built) well. That will match up with what music you listen to and your goals.
Very helpful advice Jonathan.. it's funny that you mention the single 12" idea. About an hour ago, I was pretty much changing my mind to getting a snail box from powered4sound.com with a Brahma 12". Apparently, it gets about 150 dB and it's not even a high-SPL specific box.. Also, the power effeciency is increased, so my amp wouldn't have to be as powerful and I could go with the 4-ch (one bridged for the subwoofer) idea. I'm thinking I'll stay within the Infinity line for those as well, and go with the Kappa Perfect's. I only hear good things about them. Perhaps JL Audio but I doubt it.
Also, what amplifier do you think will do all of what I need it to do?
Also, would you recommend going with a higher end HU? I know that a 9835 supposedly pushes 60w x 4. With the front amp that wouldn't be as necessary but if I chose to upgrade the subs and rears later, it could be helpful.
Again, thanks.
Anonymous
Posted on
the 9835 only's got about 5-10w rms, wich is pointless if your running external amps, over the 9830. the cool graphics is the main difference.also consider the polk audio db series components. they're priced ok and sound very awesome properly configured.also ,see if you can listen to a single 15" quality sub. you'll be amazed at the tremendous amount of power a single 15" can deliver.one last thing , try to stay away from trying to run a sub and speakers with the same amp.give your subs the power they desrve.just some sugestions
