I got my 2004 Solara back in February and have been slowly getting the parts for something new together. To start, I have about $1000-$1200 to work with on the rest of the stuff. Here is what I have so far:
HU: Pioneer Premiere 880 with CDIB100II iPod adapter.
Front Stage: CDT ES-620. These take ~150W @ 4ohm RMS.
Front Stage Amp: Profile AP1200. This is rated at 200W @4 ohm RMS, but I don't think it will put out anywhere near that. I figured that if I keep the gains set very conservatively, I'll be fine. I kind of regret purchasing this thing and wished I got something better, but I only paid a little over a $100 for it so it's not like I have a tremendous amount invested in it. Should I install it and see how it does or go to something higher quality now, like a JL 300/2, Zapco, or Arc Audio amp? A replacement would be the last thing I'd purchase since I just need to get the remainder of the system first.
I've also got a wiring harness and dash kit on order.
Here's what I need:
A sub/amplifier combo. A few people at my college have Fi Qs/BTL, and the Q is going to be much better for my needs in my daily driver.
I was looking at getting either a 12" or 15" dual 2 Q and sealing it with a Hifonics BXi 1206D for power. The Hifonics is rated at 1200 @ 1 ohm, which should be pretty decent for either sub.
Would a prefab sealed enclosure be okay for these subs or should I get someone to build one for me? There aren't any shops in my area that build boxes from scratch, so I'd get a prefab there unless I can get someone on here to build it for me. I know the custom work would be a lot more money, but would it likely be worth it in the end? The prefab would save a lot of money, but I also don't want to be replacing the box in a few weeks.
I'm not going with any rear fill. I'm just going to remove the stock rears and leave it open.
I also need deadening. The doors rattle to all hell with the stock stereo turned up. You can hear the vibration a good 15-20 feet with the windows rolled down from the vehicle. This has got to go. Other than the noisy doors, the car is remarkably quiet and doesn't have a real problem with vibrations or road noise otherwise, at least compared to my previous car, a Malibu. I want to deaden the trunk too, so I'm thinking an 80 sq ft thing of Damplifier should do the job.
I'd also need speaker and amplifier wiring. I don't know much about the wiring, or even how much I'd need. I think 15-20 ft for each speaker would do the job. I don't think I'd ever go above the 1200W for the sub or ~150W for the speakers, so I don't need the best wiring available. What brands are reputable and cost effective?
Think that about covers it for now, any help is appreciated.
