Audio Noob who needs some help

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

Im trying to learn this stuff but I have something on my hands that I just can't figure out/decide for myself. My best friend just got a brand new car that came with a far surperior sound system than the one that was already in it. So he offered me 2 10" Subs and a 5000watt amp for $30. I, of course, took that offer but I can't decide whether or not I want to keep them or sell them for +$150. Now, I love music and all and even though Im new at this kind of audio, I know these subs he had ****...BAD. They are the 10" Sony X-Plodes. The amp on the other hand is a lot nicer as far as brand names go. Its the 5000watt Extreme Amp from Directed. I also have a midpriced Kenwood faceplate if that means much of anything. I put them in my car and tuned them by ear. From what I can tell though, my $20 WalMart brand 6.5" speaker give off as much bass. Should I take them down to Audio shop down the corner and have them tune these things up for me or should I just sell these pieces of trash. Keeping in mind that Im more into my cars performance than my audio. I mean, I would really love to add a set of headers to my car with the money I can make from these things. If I can make my audio sound really good though for only a little bit more money(possibly up to the price of a set of 10" Rockfords or Directed)Ill more than likely keep them. Also, would disconnecting the 6.5" speakers in the back help by maybe giving more power to the amp? Also, when I set the gain up too high, the amps and speakers just stop. Thats normal I take it? The audio guy said the amp would be more than enough power for these speakers when he bought them. Sorry, I know its a lot of ask in one post but Ive been searching around the forums for hours trying to figure all this stuff out.

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[Raven 10+ year member]

Well, since you searched I'll try to answer what I can. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

Lemme get your setup straight..

midpriced Kenwood reciever

Walmart 6.5"s (front, back or both?)

"5000" watt Directed Amplifier

Sony Xplod 10"s

Sound about right? Here's my advice:

Reciever: If it works, use it. Kenwood is a pretty good maker of head units IMO.

Speakers: Walmart, eh? You mean Durabrand, Lightning Audio, Roadmaster, Pioneer, or Sony?

Subwoofers: If your speakers beat them, no need to keep 'em.

Amplifier: I'll need more info. Gotta get a model number, like Directed 1500D. Should be right on the amp. Take pics if necessary. The older ones are keepers, but for $30 it might be damaged.

I guess in the end, sell the subs and keep the amp for right now. A Directed amplifier for $30 is a pretty good deal.

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

Ok, thanks for the help. The rear speakers are Roadmaster 6.5" and the front are 6.5" Clarions. Dont know anything else than that about the Clarions because the people who had the car before me installed them and its a pain in the *** to take them out...They work superbly though...They arent coming out. As for the amp, ifs its damaged, it wasnt to my friends acknowledgement, he knows even less than I do about speakers(he is the one who bought the X-Plodes). I will go and check the model number as soon as I get out of class. He got it brand new 2 years ago though if thats of any help. Is there really a way to hook up just my rear and front speakers to the amp and would it really be beneficial?

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

Ok, thanks for the help. The rear speakers are Roadmaster 6.5" and the front are 6.5" Clarions. Dont know anything else than that about the Clarions because the people who had the car before me installed them and its a pain in the *** to take them out...They work superbly though...They arent coming out. As for the amp, ifs its damaged, it wasnt to my friends acknowledgement, he knows even less than I do about speakers(he is the one who bought the X-Plodes). I will go and check the model number as soon as I get out of class. He got it brand new 2 years ago though if thats of any help. Is there really a way to hook up just my rear and front speakers to the amp and would it really be beneficial?

Depending on the specifications of the amplifier, anything can be done.

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

Here's how my setup goes:

Subs: 2 10" Sony Xplods 1100w

Amp: Extreme 500w Model No. 1500X

Wiring: 10g Stinger kit

Headunit: Midpriced Kenwood in good working order

Front Speakers: Clarion 6.5"

Back Speakers: Roadmaster 6.5" 200w Model No. RS630

I cant really get the specs on the Clarions, it would take an arm, a leg, and 2 hours of work to get to the model numbers.

And since Im already on the topic of the Clarions, I got another question. Would it be better to have low powered good name brands or high powered off brand speakers?

 

[Tiger Bass 5,000+ posts]

Still looking for whether or not I should take my Rear speakers out in favor of letting my subs have more power and whether or not high end speakers with low power are actually better than high powered low end speakers. (ie 140w Clarions vs. 200w Roadmasters).

Also want to know whether or not I should vent my box with this set up. Ive read a lot of posts but they all seems to be specific to a certain type of box, subs, or music you listen to. I listen mainly to hard rock and metal and the type of box I have is the rectangle that is slanted back so the subs face towards the trunk lid opening.

Also, if I do decide to port them, where is the optimal place to put the ports on my box.