Sub & Amp Combo

[Zapak4eva]

I have no idea what I am talking about here when it comes to watts and output etc. I heard JBL makes good subs and Alpine makes good amps. How would the jBL subs and an Alpine amp sound in an E46? Also what kind of difference woud the headunit make? All of the sound components in my car are factory. Do I need to get a headunit in order to get the subs and amp to work properly?

[Zapak4eva]

I went to a local audio shop today and got some information. Can someone please tell me if this is a decent deal? I told the guy that I want a mid level sub/amp combo. Something not too expensive but at the same time something that is not a piece of crap. I am also thinking about adding a headunit. I want to get a little more bass and I want to improve the sound quality some. He recommended I get:
- 1 Kicker 300W 4-Ohm Subwoofer ($90)
- 1 Kicker 150 Watt 2 Channel Amp ($150)
- 1 Periperhal Line Out Converter 50W Max ($25)
- 1 Stinger Amp Wiring (10 Gauge) ($30)
$295 for Materials and $134 for Labor for a total of $455

Thanks, AK

[da_bull]

Originally posted by Zapak4eva@Aug 10 2005, 05:43 PM
I went to a local audio shop today and got some information. Can someone please tell me if this is a decent deal? I told the guy that I want a mid level sub/amp combo. Something not too expensive but at the same time something that is not a piece of crap. I am also thinking about adding a headunit. I want to get a little more bass and I want to improve the sound quality some. He recommended I get:
- 1 Kicker 300W 4-Ohm Subwoofer ($90)
- 1 Kicker 150 Watt 2 Channel Amp ($150)
- 1 Periperhal Line Out Converter 50W Max ($25)
- 1 Stinger Amp Wiring (10 Gauge) ($30)
$295 for Materials and $134 for Labor for a total of $455

Thanks, AK

[snapback]368823[/snapback]

If you get the headunit now you wont need the $50 line out converter. A factory radio doesnt have RCA cables that the amp needs, this piece makes a set for you. Any aftermarket radio will give you at least one set of RCAs. I would spend the extra $10 and get an 8 gauge wiring kit. It'll be easier to upgrade in the future (you can do it yourself). The rest doesnt sound too bad. The labor (to me) seems a little high. My old shop would charge 60-80 labor for that install. You might check around other shops for labor.

On a side note, you might even be able to purchase product cheap enough (crutchfield, etronics, etc.) to pay for the labor

[tbhtjd]

Just my 2 cents, after installing my own system:

First, be warned, some shops won't install stuff you bought elsewhere (i.e. online). This might not be a problem where you go, but for me all the places near me were too busy to do stuff not bought at the shop.

Second, as da bull said, you can usually get a better deal online at like crutchfield or car domain.

Putting those two together brings me to my third point, install it yourself. You got plenty of support on the boards from people like da bull if you run into trouble. Find a DIY or just read the instructions and you'll be surprised how simple installs can be.

In terms of the equipment, make sure you get a good enclosure, use a decent wiring kit (as da bull said preferably 8-AWG or better), and if you do go for a receiver pay the extra bucks for a quality head unit. I went with a head unit on the lower end of manfucaturer's line and it was good for my original setup (upgraded factory speakers) but now that I'm put in sub and I'm putting in a 4-channel amp I wish I had gotten a receiver with 3 preamp outputs. Hope that helps.

[Zapak4eva]

I am actually seriously thinking about ordering the parts between now and November, and I can try to install everything myself during my week off from school during November. You day it is simple, but how difficult would it be for a person not very experienced with working on cars. I did my first mod the other day (Predator Chromium Angel Eyes and Clear Corners and Sidemarkers) The clears are incredibly easy to install, but the Angel Eyes took me a few hours to install due to lack of experience with wiring, confusion, and a few things not going right. Is that a decent sub and amp though I listed or would you all recommend something else? I believe the guy said that is the best he can recommend without me needing to replace all of my speakers and because I just want to add a bit of bass and improve the sound quality.

[Zapak4eva]

btw, that shop which I got the pricing from is well known for overcharging on everything.

[laos07]

For the best amp and sub combo go with JL Audio
Go with an Alpine head unit for the best sound processor

[da_bull]

I always tell people to go to the stores and REALLY listen to the products. Dont just buy something because your friends, forum peoples, me or anyone else tells you its good. Everyones ears are different (like a fingerprint) and we all take in sound differently.

Do this shopping alone as your friends will influence you. Believe me, I sold/installed car audio for over 15 years, I had to sell the "friends" before I could sell the buyer. Burn one song on a CD, take it into the store and listen to the same song over and over, on different equipment (preferably the same 15 seconds or so). Listen to the differences to what each speaker is capable of reproducing.

For instance, I'm kinda partial to Infinity speakers. Listen to the bass response of those as compared to like a Pioneer. I like Pioneers headunits (actually Premier, Pioneers pro line) but I cant stand their speakers even though they were the first to really make aftermarket speakers.

Do this and you wont be dissapointed down the road.

sp0rky, jllphan, and I (and others I probably forgot) have had many years playing with car audio, try the install yourself and we can probably help you get through it.

Good luck...

[PMB]

Da_bull is right. Also if you do decide on the sub and amp only, most amps will already allow direct connection from speaker outputs so you would not need the RCA adaptors.

[NESS]

I got an Eclipse 8454 off ebay it has incredible sound better than any cd player Ive heard.

Pheonix Gold makes great amps and they arent too expensive I plan on going with them for my amp havent decided on my subs yet.

Check out www.onlinecarstereo.com they have some great prices.