$200-300 Set Up.

[Joshmcmillan]

I have a previous thread, but I'm making a new one due to the fact I've now narrowed down my options.

Now I want to have people suggest things for me, instead of advice. I have done my research, so I'm starting to become of aware of whats good, and what's not.

Basically I'm trying to purchase a new audio system in my car (Amplifier, Subwoofer(s), and [possibly] new component speakers).

I've got up to a $300 budge (not including the HU). What would you guys recommend for a setup? I'm hoping for maybe a dual or single 12" subwoofer set up.

I've got a few questions:

-Would I need to purchase new speakers along with the subwoofers? Or could I stick with the stock speakers?

-What do you guys recommend I get?

-Someone is telling me I should use a SEPERATE amp for my front speakers, and an additional for my subs, is that necessary?

I'm driving a 1996 Honda Accord.

Thanks for all of the help, really appreciated.

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[pimpinr]

Sub: 12" Audio technix

Amp: AT 400.1

Wiring Kit: 4 Gauge Kit

Head Unit (Optional): Pioneer Head Unit

This is a Starters setup for cheap.

 

[NIHL8ION]

1st off what kind of vehicle do you have? does the stock stereo sound half way descent? YES you CAN JUST add subs & amp, but you will more than likely have your mids / highs drown out by the added bass especially if you are talking about an SUV, truck, or hatch back...

 

[Joshmcmillan]

1st off what kind of vehicle do you have? does the stock stereo sound half way descent? YES you CAN JUST add subs & amp, but you will more than likely have your mids / highs drown out by the added bass especially if you are talking about an SUV, truck, or hatch back...

I'm currently driving an 1996 Honda Accord, not exactly at truck. The stock stereo does sound decent, and at high volumes it doesn't have bad quality. I don't see a need in upgrading, but hey I might be wrong.

@pimpinr, Yes I've been recommended that same setup previously

 

[redrider 10+ year member]

i have a kenwood 8105d amp for sale... can do 105 shipped for it. it does 500.1 @ 2 ohm or 300.1 @ 4 ohm. can find a nice sub to pair it up to @ 2 ohms. great little amp.

 

[NIHL8ION]

You can get away with adding sub(s) / amp(s) for now & upgrading your stock speakers later on if you want to, but I would definitely get a half-way descent head unit to replace the stock one before I'd even consider doing anything else... Are you going to have a proper enclosure built for whatever subs you buy, or are you just going to run a pre-fab box? THIS makes a big difference in WHAT SUB(S) You should be even considering...

 

[Joshmcmillan]

You can get away with adding sub(s) / amp(s) for now & upgrading your stock speakers later on if you want to, but I would definitely get a half-way descent head unit to replace the stock one before I'd even consider doing anything else... Are you going to have a proper enclosure built for whatever subs you buy, or are you just going to run a pre-fab box? THIS makes a big difference in WHAT SUB(S) You should be even considering...

It would be possible to make my own enclosure, but I would rather purchase one pre-made so I can easily just install the subs into the enclosure.

 

[NIHL8ION]

It would be possible to make my own enclosure, but I would rather purchase one pre-made so I can easily just install the subs into the enclosure.

Well there are some gr8 designer / builders around here who can make you whatever you need & ship it out to you for very reasonable prices - especially double07 from what I have seen... He does nice work and his prices are gr8... I'd seriously consider this first before you decide which sub or subs you want to run because the enclosure is one of the most often overlooked and important pieces to any sub setup...

 

[Joshmcmillan]

I'm almost dead set on purchasing 2 JBL GT5's (550 watts total I believe) Along with a premade enclosure, and an amp (undecided on amp).

What would be the difference between 2 enclosures like this? One being more expensive than the other. Also, aslong as the sub size (12") and the enclosure size (12") match up together, they subwoofers will be able to fit?

Q Power QBOMB12V 12" Dual Vented Car Subwoofer Sub Box Enclosure Qbomb Ported | eBay

New Q Power 12" Dual SEALED Car Audio Subwoofer Sub Box Enclosure 2 Subs 12 Inch | eBay

2 of these subs: Amazon.com: JBL GT5-12 12-Inch Single-Voice-Coil Subwoofer: Car Electronics

amp: undecided (Suggestions? Going to need one that can run 550watts @ 4 ohms)

 

[mat3833 10+ year member]

dont make the same mistake i did. get a decent HU BEFORE you get a sub/amp or WHEN you get a sub/amp. not having a good HU makes tuning your sub a pain in the ***.

Matt

 

[NIHL8ION]

I'm almost dead set on purchasing 2 JBL GT5's (550 watts total I believe) Along with a premade enclosure, and an amp (undecided on amp).
What would be the difference between 2 enclosures like this? One being more expensive than the other. Also, aslong as the sub size (12") and the enclosure size (12") match up together, they subwoofers will be able to fit?

Q Power QBOMB12V 12" Dual Vented Car Subwoofer Sub Box Enclosure Qbomb Ported | eBay

New Q Power 12" Dual SEALED Car Audio Subwoofer Sub Box Enclosure 2 Subs 12 Inch | eBay

2 of these subs: Amazon.com: JBL GT5-12 12-Inch Single-Voice-Coil Subwoofer: Car Electronics

amp: undecided (Suggestions? Going to need one that can run 550watts @ 4 ohms)

Those boxes are NOT right for these subs, those subs like SMALLER sealed or ported enclosures and that particle board 5/8 sealed you listed is J U N K - I'd go with this - link: Obcon 12" Dual Sub Woofer Speaker Box Enclosure Labyrinth Slot Port Made in USA | eBay

 

[Joshmcmillan]

dont make the same mistake i did. get a decent HU BEFORE you get a sub/amp or WHEN you get a sub/amp. not having a good HU makes tuning your sub a pain in the ***.
Matt

Yeah, I'm purchasing a new HU along with the Sub/Amp. I plan on purchasing those 3, then making any speaker upgrades if necessary.

 

[Joshmcmillan]

Those boxes are NOT right for these subs, those subs like SMALLER sealed or ported enclosures - I'd go with this - link: Obcon 12" Dual Sub Woofer Speaker Box Enclosure Labyrinth Slot Port Made in USA | eBay

Ah, I see. Thanks man. 2 of those JBL GT5's should do nice in that enclosure (I hope). Now I just need to select a correct amp, I've seen quite a few, but all of the very high quality ones are running a bit out of my budget. I can spend around $100 on an amp as well, any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[NIHL8ION]

This amp would be perfect power for those 2 subs wired in parallel @ a 2 ohm load & It's Cheap, small footprint, & not bad at all for the price... - Link: Precision Power i650.1 (i6501) 650W RMS Single-Channel Monoblock

 

[Joshmcmillan]

This amp would be perfect power for those 2 subs wired in parallel @ a 2 ohm load & It's Cheap, small footprint, & not bad at all for the price... - Link: Precision Power i650.1 (i6501) 650W RMS Single-Channel Monoblock

the subwoofers are 550 watts total @ 4 ohm (I believe), correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't it need to power 550 watts @ 2 ohm, not 4 ohm?