Building a sound system, what do I need?

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

I see, I'll do that. Where can I get this wiring for the best price? How long will it take to do the big 3 wiring? And how long will it take to install the amp/subs myself?

Depending on the location of your alternator it can take anywhere from like 10 minutes to an hour. Some cars mount the alt like below the engine so you have to remove a tire to get to it. Others it's right on top. I buy all my wiring from knukonceptz.com. You would want to get the Knu "KCA 1/0" wiring, and 6 1/0 ring terminals. You also may need to get a new battery terminal that allows you to bolt on wiring.

IMO, the hardest part in installing your subs/amps is just finding a place to run a power wire through the firewall to the back of the car (firewall is what separates the cabin from the hood). If it's your first time installing it may take a full day

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

It's really just disconnecting a few wire and putting new ones in. Depending on where your battery/alternator/engine block are, it can be really easy or it can be a PITA. Should be pretty easy though.
And it is good to do, because lacking a good electrical can damage your audio equipment.

I think I can manage to do that wiring **** on my own but putting the subs and amp in sounds like a *****. How much does it usually cost just to install an amp/subs

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

I think I can manage to do that wiring **** on my own but putting the subs and amp in sounds like a *****. How much does it usually cost just to install an amp/subs

$150 to $300 depending where you take it, could be more, could be less, but it's definitely not cheap. Best buy wanted to charge me $75 just to install a head unit, so yeah, that kinda gives you an idea.

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

Depending on the location of your alternator it can take anywhere from like 10 minutes to an hour. Some cars mount the alt like below the engine so you have to remove a tire to get to it. Others it's right on top. I buy all my wiring from knukonceptz.com. You would want to get the Knu "KCA 1/0" wiring, and 6 1/0 ring terminals. You also may need to get a new battery terminal that allows you to bolt on wiring.
IMO, the hardest part in installing your subs/amps is just finding a place to run a power wire through the firewall to the back of the car (firewall is what separates the cabin from the hood). If it's your first time installing it may take a full day

****, is there anyway I can just pay someone to do this all? I get frustrated very very easily.

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

$150 to $300 depending where you take it, could be more, could be less, but it's definitely not cheap. Best buy wanted to charge me $75 just to install a head unit, so yeah, that kinda gives you an idea.

****, hmmm that doesn't sound too bad. I guess I'll get everything I'll be getting for the system then install what I can myself and take the rest to a shop. But for now, should I just order that amp/wiring and do the big 3 myself?

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

****, is there anyway I can just pay someone to do this all? I get frustrated very very easily.

You live in a very populated area, there are probably plenty of people on here that are local that would be happy to help you out. My only problem with shops is that they charge a ridiculous amount but at the same time they hardly know what they are doing..

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

****, is there anyway I can just pay someone to do this all? I get frustrated very very easily.

I'm sure there's people on the forums who are local to you that wouldn't mind giving you a hand with the install. But you really don't wanna pay a shop to do it.

 

---------- Post added at 08:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------

 

****, hmmm that doesn't sound too bad. I guess I'll get everything I'll be getting for the system then install what I can myself and take the rest to a shop. But for now, should I just order that amp/wiring and do the big 3 myself?

I would just do everything yourself tbh

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

you need build logs so you can see all of this

big 3

H.O. Alternator replacement and big 3 wiring - Honda Accord Forum - Honda Accord Enthusiast Forums

scion tC

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/car-audio-build-logs-cars-trucks-suvs/516096-2005-scion-tc-sq-hertz-audison-pioneer-build-log-3.html

my accord link is in my sig

check those threads out and you'll see a lot of pics that will build confidence.

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

Okay thanks guys, I'll look around for people to help me install all this stuff.

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

OP personally I would do it yourself as you learn a LOT. It took me like 2 weeks just to get my full system up and running because I was having problems getting the headunit to work right, getting a hole in the firewall for my amp, etc. etc.

Before jumping into installing everything just read around the build log section and see how people do things. Try to find a smaller build log, as you probably don't care about large builds..

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

OP personally I would do it yourself as you learn a LOT. It took me like 2 weeks just to get my full system up and running because I was having problems getting the headunit to work right, getting a hole in the firewall for my amp, etc. etc.
Before jumping into installing everything just read around the build log section and see how people do things. Try to find a smaller build log, as you probably don't care about large builds..

Okay, I'll try to do the big 3 then install my subs/amp. Can anyone send a few links on how to do it? I'm on my phone and can't really find all that stuff atm

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

if you don't have the tools or a space to disassemble the car (remove seats, trim panels, etc.) then paying a shop is usually a good idea. i have a nice garage and almost 20 years of tool purchases with over 18 years of experience in audio installation. we all started somewhere and we usually start simple and learn as we go. i didn't have the internet or forums to help. i had my idiot friends who showed me how NOT to do things, and local shops who provided some good input. I made plenty of mistakes along the way and learned from all of them. I always took the time to do things to the best of my ability/knowledge and i avoid short cuts. build logs from MECA and IASCA competitors were a catalyst to a much higher level of install and sound system performance. take advantage, take your time, and do/re-do it right.

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

if you don't have the tools or a space to disassemble the car (remove seats, trim panels, etc.) then paying a shop is usually a good idea. i have a nice garage and almost 20 years of tool purchases with over 18 years of experience in audio installation. we all started somewhere and we usually start simple and learn as we go. i didn't have the internet or forums to help. i had my idiot friends who showed me how NOT to do things, and local shops who provided some good input. I made plenty of mistakes along the way and learned from all of them. I always took the time to do things to the best of my ability/knowledge and i avoid short cuts. build logs from MECA and IASCA competitors were a catalyst to a much higher level of install and sound system performance. take advantage, take your time, and do/re-do it right.

I see, i'll try but I'm not sure if I'll have the right tools or space...

 

[BayAreaBimmer 10+ year member]

Okay so I've decided to go with a Sundown SAX-1200. While I'm waiting to order it/to receive it I think I want to get started on the big 3 wiring thingy. I have a few questions about it though, what exactly do I need to get (wiring, terminals, tools, etc.), where's the best place to go to get it all, and where can. I find out exactly how to do all this wiring ****?

 

[elancohen92 10+ year member]

And the big three are subs, an amp, and head unit?

you sir, are sigged