Best way to start a new system?

[WVJeepster 10+ year member]

get a head unit first and while ur at it buy some RCA's for later then upgrade to getting a speaker anmp and some speakers

Right. I am still deciding on a headunit. I plan to get everything together and do a complete install all at once. I'll get the RCA's at the same time I order all my power supplies.

 

[anyuta 10+ year member]

He is clear in what He asks and clear in what He offers. The choice is up to us.Isn't it incredible that NY Escort God leaves the choice up to us? Think about it. There are many things in life we can't choose. We can't, for NY Escorts example, choose the weather. We can't control the economy.We can't choose whether or not we are NY Asian Escorts born with a big nose or blue eyes or a lot hair. We can't even choose how people respond to us. But we NY Asian Escort can choose where we spend eternity.

 

[ejschultz 10+ year member]

That was deep...

 

[jaisel 10+ year member]

a sundown amp is a good way to go. good reliability - if you want a 1500d which would be perfect for your 10' then lemme know I have one up for sale.

 

[Xanthous 10+ year member]

For a modest system that is focused on SQ, you do not need a new alt. You do not need to add batteries. You do not need a kW or more on the subs.
Decide what features you want in the HU and pick one. Unless you want Bluetooth and nav and so on, that should run you around $3-400 for a good one. Next pick your front speakers. Don't worry about rears, you can add them later if you decide that you need them. SSA is selling Bravox two-way components for $195 and lower. They get great reviews and that is a great price. Decide if you want 1 sub or two based on how much space you're willing to use. I'd stick with lower powered subs so you're not losing out on efficiency by trying to move a huge coil and stiff suspension. Don't get me wrong, some of the higher power handling subs will sound great on a really small amount of power but in a sealed box you'd give up a LOT of output with those. With your budget I'd suggest a single 12. I know that you said you liked 10s but there's nothing that a 10 can do that a 12 can't and the 12 will give you more output with the same power and a single 12 takes up less space than a pair of 10s. Finally decide how to power it all. 50-100w is plenty for the front stage and 300-500 is plenty for the sub. Something like a Sundown 100.4 would be able to run he whole system and make for simple and inexpensive wiring. Single 4ga run from the battery to the amp. Budget $100 or so for installation stuff like wire (power and speaker) and connectors and you're there.

Good HU's are x>$200

Ohh btw, if you haven't noticed, the forum boner is sundown. You'd think they were all sponsored by them.

 

[Xanthous 10+ year member]

Speakers...still not sure. Trying to decide if I want a component set for the front doors or stay with the factory sized 6x9. Any thoughts? There are tweets in the dash as well. Rear door has 6.5's so I would be sticking with that size.
Sub...again...deciding on two 10's or a single 12. I need to get into town and listen to some stuff.

Amp...so many options...almost overwhelming. I like the idea of a 5 channel do everything amp but I also like the idea of two amps so I have the flexibility to grow and change if I decide to.

I guess bottom-line...I am not any closer to speccing my system then I was before...but thanks for the responses so far...they have at least given me some stuff to think about.

I'd go with some comps under $200. Helo's rec. is good.

I'd go with 1 12" sealed as far as a sub, save space.

Don't worry about the amp, it won't matter that much. (MB Quart, Planet Audio, Alpine, Audiopipe)

 

[GRIFTER9931]

I just finished doing this for my own car.

* Big three

* Battery / Alternator

* Proper wiring - Rca's, ground, power, speaker wire etc...

* Sound damping- Dynamat or whatever else you chose.

* Head Unit

* Amp

* Speakers / Subs

* Alarm / Dog / Gun ( Because people **** )

* Tuning

That is the order i wish i had taken in setting my system up. But I have a check list for next time

The foundation of the system seems to be crucial for getting the most out of what you have.

Good luck