1 amp per sub dilemna

[Depression 10+ year member]

I went to my Install place today and got some "unpleasent" news..mainly that my install will cost a whopping $800. But I also learned that my plan to Run 1 amp per sub has some issues?

The guy was telling me that in a one amp per sub scenario (2 Arc amps to 2 IDQ subs 250X1@4ohms each) I will have a problem with tweaking the system and flexibility because I need to make sure the amps power the Subs in unison. He said overall it's hard to notice any diffrence but If alot of tweaking is not done the Subs will not hit simultaneuosly causing issues??AND..even if I get them in Unison I have essentially no flexibility in adjustments because I will screw up the set up.

This is news to me. When I purchased this "Package Deal" of ARC amps..I called ARC and they thought running 1 amp per sub was a great idea and saw no issues.

No one is saying I can't do it..Just that it's tough to adjust all the levels etc. to obtain quality results with a 1 amp per sub set up?

WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS GUY TALKING ABOUT?

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[ANeonRider 10+ year member]

shouldnt cause any issues. Use a DMM and tune both amps to the same voltage, bam, all done.

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

OKAY here we go with the NEWBIE SHIT

WHAT IS DMM???

Also..your saying this could..."COULD" be a Votage issue if anything?

 

[Berry47 10+ year member]

Probly a digital multi meter. Use it to measure wattage to each and match them as closely as possible.

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

So in regards to setting gain levels etc..no one sees any issues with the 2 amps powering these subs PERFECTLY TOGETHER IN SWEET HARMONY

 

[`pr0digy 10+ year member]

So in regards to setting gain levels etc..no one sees any issues with the 2 amps powering these subs PERFECTLY TOGETHER IN SWEET HARMONY

People do it all the time... Just gotta make sure the gains are set the same. Easy enough to do.

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

So it is easy..This guy was telling me the Gains must be set ALL the way down.

That this was the only way to ASSURE they are set equal..Whatever, I have seen so many people do this set up that I can't believe it's Rocket Science to run 1 sub per amp...PROBABLY ALL PART OF THAT INFLATED INSTALL PRICE

Thanks guys

 

[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

$800 is freakin ridiculous IMO... Like stated, use a DMM to check voltages and all will be well.

 

[MisterE 10+ year member]

I dont even think you need the gains set the same, what about people using different size subs?? they obviously dont have the gains set the same (different power) so I dont think its an issue at all. What exactly is this guy doing for you for $800??

 

[DBfan187 5,000+ posts]

I dont even think you need the gains set the same, what about people using different size subs?? they obviously dont have the gains set the same (different power) so I dont think its an issue at all. What exactly is this guy doing for you for $800??

Why would you mix sub sizes? Cancelation is not good.

The gains must be level matched to to assure the subs get an EQUAL amount of power, or cancelation will occur.

Use a DMM and/or an occiliscope for the best results.

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

WELL...Thats the issue.

I have a 1992 Extended cab..I want to mention this guy does most of his installs in TRUCKS..so yes he's an Expert..but my point also being is he can do the install in a minute.He also has done 3 systems for me in the past and I "thought" he was a friend who would hook me up..HE CLAIMS HE IS WITH THIS PRICE

I get the impression the amp installation is the killer..It's just 3 small ARC amps mounted on my back wall of my truck..and 5.25's in doors..H/U install..Stock front dash speaker install..Sub box already made and loaded

Basically thats it.

What really killed me was he starts of by telling me this Scenario requires about $250 in Wiring...

I have planned this system for a while and my calculations show I can get Stinger cables and speaker wire for around $100 by searching Ebay etc...

I mean I didn't think I would get it for free..BUT $800!!!!. YES..I plan on doing some of the install myself..but as I said in another thread..It's almost as if the more I do or buy on my own makes this guy raise his price to make up the diffrence.

I met a guy who is a Shop owner and USACI judge who knows my dilema of "Greedy installers" he is 2 hours away..but I will see what his deal is tommorow..if he says $800 then I need to get dirty..or rob a bank.

I really want this install to be done right.So doing it all myself is not an option..Maybe for some MTX amps and Stock replacement..but I need someone who can tweak the system etc..for Performance..but not TWEAK my Wallet!

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

DBFAN187 hit the nail on the Head..thats exactly what this guy says is the issue!!!

I am running 2 12's..no mixing

 

[monte_carlo97 10+ year member]

i am running 1 amp per sub and have no prob and it sounds great.

Don't worry about it. It will work out fine, and as said several times use a DMM and you will be good to go.

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

make shure you use a DMM

 

[Depression 10+ year member]

Cool..Thanks MonteCarlo...None of you are selling me anything so I can trust ya.

If this guy is trying to make it sound more complicated to raise the price..Whatever..I hate it when they play that role.

I went to this shop about 3 years ago that just opened to look around . I said to the guy"Whats your price like on that Pioneer 7500..it's like $350 in Crutchfield"..he looks at me in all seriousness and says "Oh Shit..I do not know if we can beat Crutchfield on any prices, they are the cheapest around..but I will give it to you for $325"..It was like $275 at Curcuit city..I looked at the guy and walked out..SOME PEOPLE!!

What a stupid sales tactic telling me Crutchfield prices are cheap...I may be a NEWBIE to some..but not that NEWBIE!!