Beginner Help Needed

[BoulderT4R]

Hey everyone, I'm normally a set it and forget it type of guy and until late have not needed to mess with my audio set up. Last year I bought a 4Runner and the previous owner had put in a custom audio system with a nice fiberglass enclosed sub in the side of the trunk area.

The sub is powered by a Sony xplod xm-552hx amp, and the sub is an Infinity 8" (not sure of the model since its a pain to remove from the custom enclosure). Last week the sub was crackling a little and then lost all sound. The amp is still working and if I press with my finger on the center of the sub it seems to 'connect' but the sound is horrible so I'm assuming the sub is bad. When I release my finger from the sub all sound is lost again.

I've been scanning CL for a cheap replacement and have found a Polk 12" sub (Dxi 112) in a box. Money is tight and I am wondering if the xplod amp will be suffieicient to power the polk sub. I know I won't be getting optimal sound that the polk is capable of, but will it be getting enough power to not damage the sub? Should I expect reasonable sound quality, compared to the previous 8"?

Thanks!

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[jasonbillnelson 10+ year member]

I would say update the amp. Peak output at 4 ohms on that amp in bridged mode is 300 watts. I don't see anywhere of using that amp with lower resistance than 4 ohms. That sub shows 360 RMS and 720 Peak all at 2 ohms. So I would find an amp that can supply between 300-400 watts at 2ohms to match the sub.

 

[jasonbillnelson 10+ year member]

Soundstream Rubicon RUB1.400|Mono Block Amplifier This would be a good fit for that sub.

 

[BoulderT4R]

Thanks. I will look into a new amp. Are the power inputs (plugs) from the car battery to the amp universal?

The previous owner did a good job with the install and was able to hide the power wire underneath carpet and everything so I'm hoping I would just be able to unplug the power wire from the xplod amp and plug the same wire into the new amp. Is that likely? Or will I need to run a new power line to the battery?

 

[jasonbillnelson 10+ year member]

Keeping the same wires should be fine as long as it's at a minimum 8ga power and ground wire. However, if it was me I would change it all out so I know exactly what size amp kit I was using and the wire rating.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Why not just get another 8" sub ?

 

[BoulderT4R]

I've been searching CL for another 8" sub but couldn't find anything. The Polk 12" was $50 which seemed like a good deal so I was just trying to see if I could make that work. But between having to get a new amp and possibly replace the power wiring I'm now thinking maybe I should just hold out for an 8".

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Give me a budget I may have an 8" sub for you that will work for your needs

 

[Kingstroker 10+ year member]

you can probably find one on here if you're not in a hurry, a lot safer than CL and may be a better deal.

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

get another 8 their are plenty of nice ones for 50 bucks to work on your amp

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/subwoofer-classifieds/564031-3-8-cadence-cvl-subs.html

see if he will sell you one of these really nice subs

Boston Acoustics G108 4 8" 200W Bass Single 4 Ohms G1 Vehicle Stereo Sub Woofer | eBay

much better option

G108 4 Boston Acoustics 8" Car Sub 400W Max Single 4 Ohm Subwoofer Speaker New | eBay

Infinity 860W 8" 1000W Max Reference Series Single 4 Ohms Car Stereo Subwoofer | eBay

JBL® GTO804 8" Grand Touring Series GTO Sub Subwoofer Sub 4 Ohm 200W RMS GTO 804 050036118422 | eBay

the boston acoustic is my fav of them all and if you can win the one on auction you are getting an amazing deal //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

Cadence S2 Series S2W8 S2 8

New Concept HPN500 500 Watt RMS Monoblock Amp Car Stereo Mono Sub Amplifier 1000 | eBay

if i was you spend the extra 100 bucks get this andthis sub and you will be amazed its only an 8

 

[SomeguyinPDX 10+ year member]

Give me a budget I may have an 8" sub for you that will work for your needs

This guy won't do you wrong. Bought from him before and will again.

Just replace the 8" keep it simple and cheap. Sounds like your amp is still working so until you put a new sub in you should pull the fuse out so its "OFF" or diconnect the blue remote wire and cap it, that will also prevent the amp from tuning on until you need it.