Recommendations For Head Unit and Sub Amp

[False Prophet]

I haven’t installed a car stereo in 20 years. My teenage daughter tells me she wants subs in her car. So it’s a 2017 Toyota Corolla. I have had good experience with Alpine subs, so I’m pretty much set on a single R series 10 or 12. She may want subs, but I’m only putting one in there. But what I need is a head unit that I can wire up the factory backup camera too without having to solder anything preferably, and a suggestion for a good amp that can produce plenty enough power for that R series sub, but will hold up, and hopefully not cost a fortune. 500 watts RMS would be plenty, if I can get one that can do that at 4 ohms in budget, all the better. Budget? I’d like to be able to get the two components for $500. But I can go a little over that. Components are way cheaper than they used to be, I was surprised to see that. Head units though not so much.

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[Blackout67]

I haven’t installed a car stereo in 20 years. My teenage daughter tells me she wants subs in her car. So it’s a 2017 Toyota Corolla. I have had good experience with Alpine subs, so I’m pretty much set on a single R series 10 or 12. She may want subs, but I’m only putting one in there. But what I need is a head unit that I can wire up the factory backup camera too without having to solder anything preferably, and a suggestion for a good amp that can produce plenty enough power for that R series sub, but will hold up, and hopefully not cost a fortune. 500 watts RMS would be plenty, if I can get one that can do that at 4 ohms in budget, all the better. Budget? I’d like to be able to get the two components for $500. But I can go a little over that. Components are way cheaper than they used to be, I was surprised to see that. Head units though not so much.

When you order a headunit from Crutchfield, they throw in free or heavily discounted installation gear depending on how complicated the equipment is. For $20 they will do all your connections for you and zip tie em up nice a pretty.


As for the subwoofer and amp, what kind of music does she listen to? For $500 you can get much better than Kicker or Alpine or other big name brands go, at least as far as amps and subwoofers go, all the big name brands from 15-20 years ago have been far surpassed by smaller companies that make better product for cheaper.

Pioneer, JBL, JL, Alpine, Kicker, MTX etc are really only around either because they were the best back in the old audio scene and people are loyal to brands they trust and people who are just getting into the audio scene want something tried and true which is why they turn to companies they know they can trust to get a product that works. Not saying they are bad products, but for the price you can do much better. Take the NVX VCW. It was designed to be a direct competitor to the Alpine R at almost half the price and better performance. Now, Ive never owned a Type R but the VCW I had SLAPPED and im sure many others on here will agree (long as you dont feed them too much power they are SQL drivers at the heart)

 

[Blackout67]

CROSSFIRE SINGLE C3 SUB PACKAGE (500WATT) PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION

Buy Car Audio Online the real #1 Source, Fast Free Shipping, EZ Financing, Price Match Guarantee, freebies in every order, Shop Now!

www.down4soundshop.com

This comes with an amp kit too. Just make sure that choose "Pure OFC" for the amp kit, thats pure oxygen free copper and for only $20 its jsut makes more sense to do anyways as its more conductive, more durable, and will not corrode as fast as CCA (copper clad aluminum). Also make sure you decline the signiature, it adds like $30.

That kit plus this box

TRU SPEC Prefab Single 12" Subwoofer Enclosure

truspecaudio.com

Would sound amazing and get pretty loud. I actually have one my selft and I love it. Sturdy and the recessed baffle gives it a nice clean look. The down side it that 1. its not painted so you will have to do the finish yourself, which was a plus for me cause I got to customize it and it'd probably be a great bonding experience for your daughter and shed be able to flex on all the other kids at school. 2. It does not have terminals. But for $5 at your local hardware store you can pick up some copper bolts, washers, and nuts aand make one yourself.

As for headunits go, it really does not matter as long as it has the important features (Fading left to right or front to back, subwoofer/front/rear RCA outputs (the latter two arent neccessary unless youre adding a 4 channel for the door speakers), and at the least a 13 band EQ. All the other stupid gimick features I turn off as they only really serve to muddy the signal and make the gain harder to set. In my opinion since it is a newer car, it would be far too expensive to replace the factory headunit especially if there is a factory amp. It will be time consuming and expensive. A good alternative would be this:

XDSP28 8-Channel X-Series 15 Band Parametric EQ Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with LCD Display, Built-in Bluetooth and Remote Level Controller

Product Highlights: Pioneering Audio Processing with Remote Level Control 🎧🎚️: The XDSP28 stands out as the first of its kind in the automotive car audio market with a Remote Level Controller, enabling simultaneous control of all eight outputs. This feature, combined with its advanced...

nvx.com

It will be cheaper overall and easier to install and when you go to sell the car, it will be much easier to take out and put in the next car, saving you more money. It has bluetooth and remote amp turn on, 15 band EQ and with bandpass filters (I reaaaally wish my headunit did this) so pretty much everything and more youd get from a headunit without the extra BS they charge you for, plus you wwont have to worry about losing backup camera capabilities. BUT if you are stuck on going for a headunit, id stick with Pioneer or Kenwood. They have lasted me the longest, look the best, and have better EQ than Alpine. Id spend no more than $80-100 on a headunit as they really arent gonna matter much unless youre set on having Carplay branded stuff like some people do for some reason, but to each their own.

For all that together, you are looking at maybe $620 depending on taxes and shipping. Overall cheaper when considering that the Type R is like $200

If shes set on getting two these would also be good

NVX VSW104v2 Pair (vsw104v2x2) Includes (2) 1000 Watt (500W RMS)

BOGO 25% OFF NVX VSW104v2 10" Car Audio Subwoofers Package • Includes 2 1000 Watt 500W RMS 10" VS-Series Dual 4-ohm Car Subwoofers • 10" VS-Series Subwoofer • Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil • RMS Range: 350 - 500 Watts • Non-Pressed Paper With Woven Carbon Fiber Top • High Excursion Foam Surround •...

www.sonicelectronix.com

with

NVX XMDFS102 Dual 10-in Sealed 3/4-in (2.0 cubic ft) MDF Sub Enclosure

NVX XMDFS102 • Dual 10" Sealed 3/4" 2.0 cubic ft MDF Black Carpeted Subwoofer Enclosure Made in the USA • Dual 10" Sealed MDF Enclosure • Holds two 10" subwoofers • 3/4 MDF Medium Density Fiberboard Construction • Durable black carpeting • Gold Terminals • Internal Box Volume: 2 cubic ft.

www.sonicelectronix.com

and

Deaf Bonce AAP-800.1D Apocalypse Series Class D Mono Amplifier

Deaf Bonce AAP-800.1D • 790W RMS Apocalypse Series Class D 1 ohm Monoblock Amplifier • 270 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms • 480 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms • 790 watts x 1 channel @ 1 ohm • Total RMS Power: 790 watts • Class D 1 ohms Stable Monoblock Amplifier

www.sonicelectronix.com

Thatd be more of a sound quality build but would still sound decently loud. That amp also has a clip light that detects distortion so you can set the gains easier. Youd just have to source an amp kit but they are not that expensive

Stinger SK4241 4-Gauge Power Amplifier Installation Kit (SK-4241)

Stinger SK4241 • 4 Gauge 4000 Series Power Amplifier Installation Kit • 4 Gauge 4000 Series Power Amplifier Wiring Kit • Designed Specifically for Car Audio Systems up to 1500 Watts • Made from 100% Oxygen-Free Copper • HyperTwist Wire Construction • Tru-Spec Wire Gauge

www.sonicelectronix.com

and you can probably find em cheaper than that but just make sure its 4 Gauge OFC


Im sure others with more experience will probably have better suggestions, but I just want to show you where to
look and what to look for. Hope this helps

P.s. I didnt forget to sand it, the texture is bedliner spray to keep moisture out and prevent it from chipping the wood if something bumps it

 

[False Prophet]

When you order a headunit from Crutchfield, they throw in free or heavily discounted installation gear depending on how complicated the equipment is. For $20 they will do all your connections for you and zip tie em up nice a pretty.


As for the subwoofer and amp, what kind of music does she listen to? For $500 you can get much better than Kicker or Alpine or other big name brands go, at least as far as amps and subwoofers go, all the big name brands from 15-20 years ago have been far surpassed by smaller companies that make better product for cheaper.

Pioneer, JBL, JL, Alpine, Kicker, MTX etc are really only around either because they were the best back in the old audio scene and people are loyal to brands they trust and people who are just getting into the audio scene want something tried and true which is why they turn to companies they know they can trust to get a product that works. Not saying they are bad products, but for the price you can do much better. Take the NVX VCW. It was designed to be a direct competitor to the Alpine R at almost half the price and better performance. Now, Ive never owned a Type R but the VCW I had SLAPPED and im sure many others on here will agree (long as you dont feed them too much power they are SQL drivers at the heart)

You’re not wrong, it’s been quite some time since I built a system.
I think she listens to a variety of music, whatever is popular probably. I really never hear her listening to rock or metal, so country, rap, hip hop, that kind of stuff. Maybe some rockish stuff, but not what I would considered rock, I’m old I guess.

 

[False Prophet]

CROSSFIRE SINGLE C3 SUB PACKAGE (500WATT) PLEASE READ FULL DESCRIPTION

Buy Car Audio Online the real #1 Source, Fast Free Shipping, EZ Financing, Price Match Guarantee, freebies in every order, Shop Now!

www.down4soundshop.com

This comes with an amp kit too. Just make sure that choose "Pure OFC" for the amp kit, thats pure oxygen free copper and for only $20 its jsut makes more sense to do anyways as its more conductive, more durable, and will not corrode as fast as CCA (copper clad aluminum). Also make sure you decline the signiature, it adds like $30.

That kit plus this box

TRU SPEC Prefab Single 12" Subwoofer Enclosure

truspecaudio.com

Would sound amazing and get pretty loud. I actually have one my selft and I love it. Sturdy and the recessed baffle gives it a nice clean look. The down side it that 1. its not painted so you will have to do the finish yourself, which was a plus for me cause I got to customize it and it'd probably be a great bonding experience for your daughter and shed be able to flex on all the other kids at school. 2. It does not have terminals. But for $5 at your local hardware store you can pick up some copper bolts, washers, and nuts aand make one yourself.

As for headunits go, it really does not matter as long as it has the important features (Fading left to right or front to back, subwoofer/front/rear RCA outputs (the latter two arent neccessary unless youre adding a 4 channel for the door speakers), and at the least a 13 band EQ. All the other stupid gimick features I turn off as they only really serve to muddy the signal and make the gain harder to set. In my opinion since it is a newer car, it would be far too expensive to replace the factory headunit especially if there is a factory amp. It will be time consuming and expensive. A good alternative would be this:

XDSP28 8-Channel X-Series 15 Band Parametric EQ Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with LCD Display, Built-in Bluetooth and Remote Level Controller

Product Highlights: Pioneering Audio Processing with Remote Level Control 🎧🎚️: The XDSP28 stands out as the first of its kind in the automotive car audio market with a Remote Level Controller, enabling simultaneous control of all eight outputs. This feature, combined with its advanced...

nvx.com

It will be cheaper overall and easier to install and when you go to sell the car, it will be much easier to take out and put in the next car, saving you more money. It has bluetooth and remote amp turn on, 15 band EQ and with bandpass filters (I reaaaally wish my headunit did this) so pretty much everything and more youd get from a headunit without the extra BS they charge you for, plus you wwont have to worry about losing backup camera capabilities. BUT if you are stuck on going for a headunit, id stick with Pioneer or Kenwood. They have lasted me the longest, look the best, and have better EQ than Alpine. Id spend no more than $80-100 on a headunit as they really arent gonna matter much unless youre set on having Carplay branded stuff like some people do for some reason, but to each their own.

For all that together, you are looking at maybe $620 depending on taxes and shipping. Overall cheaper when considering that the Type R is like $200

If shes set on getting two these would also be good

NVX VSW104v2 Pair (vsw104v2x2) Includes (2) 1000 Watt (500W RMS)

BOGO 25% OFF NVX VSW104v2 10" Car Audio Subwoofers Package • Includes 2 1000 Watt 500W RMS 10" VS-Series Dual 4-ohm Car Subwoofers • 10" VS-Series Subwoofer • Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil • RMS Range: 350 - 500 Watts • Non-Pressed Paper With Woven Carbon Fiber Top • High Excursion Foam Surround •...

www.sonicelectronix.com

with

NVX XMDFS102 Dual 10-in Sealed 3/4-in (2.0 cubic ft) MDF Sub Enclosure

NVX XMDFS102 • Dual 10" Sealed 3/4" 2.0 cubic ft MDF Black Carpeted Subwoofer Enclosure Made in the USA • Dual 10" Sealed MDF Enclosure • Holds two 10" subwoofers • 3/4 MDF Medium Density Fiberboard Construction • Durable black carpeting • Gold Terminals • Internal Box Volume: 2 cubic ft.

www.sonicelectronix.com

and

Deaf Bonce AAP-800.1D Apocalypse Series Class D Mono Amplifier

Deaf Bonce AAP-800.1D • 790W RMS Apocalypse Series Class D 1 ohm Monoblock Amplifier • 270 watts x 1 channel @ 4 ohms • 480 watts x 1 channel @ 2 ohms • 790 watts x 1 channel @ 1 ohm • Total RMS Power: 790 watts • Class D 1 ohms Stable Monoblock Amplifier

www.sonicelectronix.com

Thatd be more of a sound quality build but would still sound decently loud. That amp also has a clip light that detects distortion so you can set the gains easier. Youd just have to source an amp kit but they are not that expensive

Stinger SK4241 4-Gauge Power Amplifier Installation Kit (SK-4241)

Stinger SK4241 • 4 Gauge 4000 Series Power Amplifier Installation Kit • 4 Gauge 4000 Series Power Amplifier Wiring Kit • Designed Specifically for Car Audio Systems up to 1500 Watts • Made from 100% Oxygen-Free Copper • HyperTwist Wire Construction • Tru-Spec Wire Gauge

www.sonicelectronix.com

and you can probably find em cheaper than that but just make sure its 4 Gauge OFC


Im sure others with more experience will probably have better suggestions, but I just want to show you where to
look and what to look for. Hope this helps

P.s. I didnt forget to sand it, the texture is bedliner spray to keep moisture out and prevent it from chipping the wood if something bumps it
View attachment 59017View attachment 59018View attachment 59019

You definitely put some time in on that reply, I appreciate it. I remember seeing some of the cheaper power wire corroding under the hood once exposed to oxygen and moisture after awhile. So that’s definitely a good suggestion.
Lining the box in bed liner is a great idea imo, I’ve done similar stuff with it. My step dad painted The body of his old Chevy C10 with bed liner and it’s holding up really good, it’s been a number of years now.

 

[Blackout67]

You’re not wrong, it’s been quite some time since I built a system.
I think she listens to a variety of music, whatever is popular probably. I really never hear her listening to rock or metal, so country, rap, hip hop, that kind of stuff. Maybe some rockish stuff, but not what I would considered rock, I’m old I guess.

I'm sure she will be happy with just about anything. Coming as someone who was a teenager just a few years ago, bass is the big thing especially with rap music now a days. I was happy with my first install, a 10 inch kicker with a 250 watt amp and I thought that set up was the shit cause I had no frame of reference

I'm surprised no one else has given any other suggestions, but I'd def use those as a starting point