Small sub options

Post by **racer12306** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 10:26 pm

Lately I've been really wanting a nice little system. Nothing crazy, but a little extra. I really like the idea behind the SRT Kicker setup, but I have heard they aren't that great for the money you spend on one. But I really want one of those enclosures.

Part 1:
Do you think it would be cheaper to buy the Kicker Livin Loud enclosure or have one made that will go in the exact spot. I guess I could make one, but I never have before and I don't know the first thing about it.

Part 2:
I really want to keep the OEM radio since I just got it all setup with the USA Spec Aux Jack adapter. I had a Pioneer but the left side started crapping out so thats sitting at my parents house. I also like the look of the OEM vs a fit kit and an aftermarket. I was told that I need an amp with speaker level inputs or a line output converter. The MTX Thunder TC3001 was recommended, by crutchfield, as a small amp with speaker level inputs. Before that recommendation I was scoping out the Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-1, in which case I would need a line output convertor. So I guess my question is... Would it be better to get an amp with the speaker level inputs or is it ok to go with the line output converter?

Part 3:
This was the setup I was looking at originally...
10" Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 1 (150W RMS)
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-1

I know Alpine and RF make some good stuff and I'm pretty sure JBL is good too, but other than that I don't know.

But I am open to suggestions. I was a good setup, but don't want to spend crazy amounts of money. I know that good stuff isn't cheap, but I would rather have something that will live the remainder of the cars life (if thats even possible) than something with will sound good for a year and then crap out.

Post by **racer12306** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 11:34 pm

Another option as I researched some more...

Kicker ZX300.1 amp (150W RMS @ 4 ohm)
MTX XThunder300XD (200W RMS @ 4 ohm)

I also decided I would prefer a remote for the amp.

I also like the idea of these Smart Engage speaker level inputs on the MTX amps. It turns the amp on when you turn you radio on so you don't need a remote wire.

How bad is it to have a 150W RMS sub being pushed by a 200W RMS amp? Or can you just turn the gain down a little it it be good?

I should also add, that I don't really care too much about the brand, because I don't know that many only the mainstream ones, but as long as it is of good quality I will be happy.

Also, what about powered subs? Would I be able get what I'm looking for out of one of those? It would probably save some money in the end as I would buy the sub, amp and enclosure all in one shot.

jT · Post by jT » Fri Sep 07, 2007 2:00 am

racer12306 wrote: I really like the idea behind the SRT Kicker setup, but I have heard they aren't that great for the money you spend on one. But I really want one of those enclosures.

dont know what it is, but if thats what youve heard then skip it.. why pay more for crap?

Do you think it would be cheaper to buy the Kicker Livin Loud enclosure or have one made that will go in the exact spot. I guess I could make one, but I never have before and I don't know the first thing about it.

well i tried to find what a kicker livin loud enclosure was.. but all i found was sub boxes.. lol. regular sub boxes. on the kicker website.

having anything made = not cheaper than buying something "generic"... as i said i dont know what the SRT setup is but if youre talking about some 'exact spot' then no it wont be cheaper than a normal sub box in your trunk

as far as making one, there is actually a bit of detail involved in making sub boxes.. internal sizes and air whatevers and whatnot.. its pretty complicated

Part 2:

oem radio = no cd, right? so whats the point of adding an amp and sub? so your FM radio sounds basstastic? :p maybe an mp3 player with the aux jack? i guess you could do that... no major reason to do an aftermarket unit if the only thing youre going to use in it is the radio

i dont know about the speaker level inputs or the converter.. never had to use either.. always had an aftermarket head unit with rca output.... my MTX has speaker level inputs but i dont use them.. but i guess either will work?

How bad is it to have a 150W RMS sub being pushed by a 200W RMS amp? Or can you just turn the gain down a little it it be good?

turning the input down should help, but to be on the safe side you really do want a sub that is capable of handing the rms of the amp.. afterall you may end up wanting to turn that input up

Also, what about powered subs?

from everything i have ever read about them---they suck. sounding like crap, speakers blowing, amps blowing, etc.. and for the $ youd spend on one of those you could still get a real setup for not much more and be happier in the end......

but if all you really want is a little thump while you ride, im sure youd be happy with something like this

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-voV4iaArdD ... I=113PW510

get a 10" box, sell off the 2nd sub since you wont need it, and be done with the whole mess for around $250

Anonymous User · Post by **Anonymous User** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 3:06 am

I would use a line-output converter...tap into the rear speakers in the back & avoid running the RCAs.

It looks to me like you like you want a small system.

heres some options i thought up for you, somethings i would personally use for myself, since im a big car audio junkie w/ no money. lol

1st. sub - 8" or 10" Audioque SD2
amp - MA Audio
box - buy one off of sonicelectronix

2nd. get a 10" Alpine Type R that has a dual 2 ohm voice coils off ebay ~$100 shipped
amp - get same amp as above
box - up to you, reccomend a ported, but if your not into bass that much sealed is fine.

Also, if your worried about having a higher rms amp that sub. You can set your gains using a DMM using some calculations.

Post by **racer12306** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 9:40 am

This is the best picture I have found lately of the enclosure:

The reason I want this is because I want to have as much usable space in the trunk. I don't want to have an unusable trunk, I did that for a while with two 12's in a bandpass, and I didn't like that they trunk was almost completly used up.

Thread about Livin Loud: http://forum.2gn.org/viewtopic.php?t=65 ... livin+loud

A thread with a fiberglass box in the spot I want: http://forum.2gn.org/viewtopic.php?t=10 ... livin+loud

Wow, I didn't even think to look at the bass packages. $200 is much better than what I was looking at. But how are Kenwood subs and amps, will they last?

Post by **racer12306** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:14 am

Forgot to mention: The OEM radio does have a CD player, but for the most part I use the USA Spec adapter ( http://www.crutchfield.com/S-rhYfFJFRXP ... I=581DFCHR ) to listen to my XM or iPod.

Panhead · Post by **Panhead** » Fri Sep 07, 2007 2:27 pm

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zgP5sd9MQj ... 108BASSLIN

jT · Post by jT » Fri Sep 07, 2007 6:05 pm

yes kenwood is a quality brand.. ive never actually had one of their subs or amps but ive had their speakers before.... but they are a reputable brand, not like "jensen" hehe

i like that srt enclosure you put a pic of.. that would definately save some space.. now i want one! lol.

that infinity basslink also looks nice.. would definately need to research user opinions though..

if worse came to worse you could always try making a box yourself that would fit in that spot... like i said its hard to do "correctly" but if you get knowledged on the subject you could probably do alright.. and if you did really good maybe youd have a product to sell on neon forums :p

----

i was just curious so i looked --- there are some of those infinity basslinks on ebay, brand new, for just under 200 with shipping.. if its a good combo then its worth that price

eastwoodsn352 · Post by **eastwoodsn352** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:45 am

first off...how much money do you want to spend on this bass setup? getting the factory cd player to work with an amp work be a problem...you can get any amp..just make sure u get a line converter. what it does is it splices into a speaker wire and the box itself has a set of RCA hookups on it. give me a number and i will work something out for you...i work at best buy so i might be able to get you a deal.

-Devil- · Post by **-Devil-** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:12 am

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-uYT5L1d7uZ ... 5753SIXTY2

just helped a friend install this in his ride ... along with 2 amps ... component speakers in the front ... and a single 12" in the rear ... sounds great! .. all running off the factory headunit ... he has a different adapter then you have, his is just for an ipod ... but still works great...

it all depends on how much money you are wanting to spend ... and the quality of work you put into it.

2GN.ORG

Small sub options

Small sub options

Re: Small sub options