Cheap little setup

[steaksauce]

Im looking for a cheap setup for my car. Im looking at probably 1 sub and an amp. No real budget restrictions, but I really want to keep it cheap. But I also dont want it to sound like crap.

Also, I currently have a factory stereo, would it be better to just replace the head unit first before getting the sub? And Im not looking to blow the town away, I have no one to impress. I just want some bang inside my car.

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[steaksauce]

It doesnt have to be cheap cheap. What I was initially looking at was a sub about 75 bucks, whatever an enclosure costs and probably like 120-150 for an amp. Anthing within that range is good.

 

[steaksauce]

I could probably find the tools to build the box, and Im sure dimensions wouldnt be hard to figure out, but is there anything special that needs to be done when building a subwoofer box?

 

[steaksauce]

Also, how many watts should I look for in an amp? Again, Im not looking to blow the neighborhood away or my ears. I just want a decent bump when the bass hits.

 

[Berry47 10+ year member]

I would look into profile amps they are great bang for the buck, also the lanzar optidrive wouldn't be a bad option but i think they're a little higher.

 

[steaksauce]

Also, will the subwoofer be able to work with the factory head unit?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

yeah, you'd need a LOC (line output converter) to power the amp off the factory head unit.

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

get a good one. i got a crappy one. not worth it.

 

[davidfre21 5,000+ posts]

y not a pair of 8s?

 

[steaksauce]

I dont really know what to get. Would a pair of 8's give me better sound than a single 10?

This is my first attempt at purchasing a sub, so Im pretty new to it all.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

more cone area...

the ten would probably have better low frequency extension off the same amount of power, but i've never done a comparative test between the two.

 

[tbrikner 10+ year member]

Bought a new Polk EX-12 sub for $35 plus shipping off Ebay. Box is one of the Ebay pre-fab jobs for $17 + shipping (0.88 cu') plus polyfill. Sub amp is US Acoustics small red 2-channel from Crutchfield $49.95 with 3 year warranty 160w bridged. No crossover, but my in dash Clarion EQ has a sub xover. I dont think Crutchfield has them anymore, but either Woofersetc.com or Thezeb.com does.

Recently bought 2 Polk GNX 12" subs on sale at Frys (no shipping, no sales tax) for $29.99 each. These are the next version of the EX subs, but also now discontinued I believe. Still brand new in sealed box. Should sound great in trunk with 500w amp @2 ohms. Dont need to spend a lot of money these days. Just shop around.