First system since the internet

[seedlings]

Last system I built was in 1991 with one 50WPC Zapco amp into a hand built passive crossover into some 5.25" JBL separates and one 10" running stereo/mono. I don't think All Gore had even considered inventing the internet. I had piles of car audio mags.

So I have some catching up to do, although it's interesting which brands are still around.

I didn't see a budget forum heading... I do most all hobby stuff on the cheap, like building my own guitar effects and tube amps. I'm not brand loyal or even trendy. If I need 500w RMS, and a $100 amp will do it, then that's what I'll use. I'm a married family guy with 4 kids, so I make due.

I have one ear toward sound quality and one ear toward SPL, but I end up landing in the average lane. That's fine by me. I'm in awe of yiur systems and quality and power! More than that, I appreciate the knowledge sharing. Keep it up!!

I picked up a 2000 Montero Sport this week, and the stock system is so aweful. Time to upgrade a little.

CHAD

Click to read more...

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Look at the DD and Sundown websites.

does everyone need a ridiculous system? No, but I always enjoy window shopping //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

By the way, I am a Zapco fan

 

[MrFoca]

What are you looking to buy ?

 

[fly_marlin]

Last system I built was in 1991 with one 50WPC Zapco amp into a hand built passive crossover into some 5.25" JBL separates and one 10" running stereo/mono. I don't think All Gore had even considered inventing the internet. I had piles of car audio mags.
So I have some catching up to do, although it's interesting which brands are still around.

I didn't see a budget forum heading... I do most all hobby stuff on the cheap, like building my own guitar effects and tube amps. I'm not brand loyal or even trendy. If I need 500w RMS, and a $100 amp will do it, then that's what I'll use. I'm a married family guy with 4 kids, so I make due.

I have one ear toward sound quality and one ear toward SPL, but I end up landing in the average lane. That's fine by me. I'm in awe of yiur systems and quality and power! More than that, I appreciate the knowledge sharing. Keep it up!!

I picked up a 2000 Montero Sport this week, and the stock system is so aweful. Time to upgrade a little.

CHAD

SUVs are easier to make loud than cars with separate trunks, so you're in luck. Depending on how much trunk space you're willing to give up, I see a nice 1500w 15" in your future.

 

[seedlings]

Q: what is the "big 3 upgrade"?

What are you looking to buy ?

> A cheap head unit with CD, USB and AUX (pioneer dehx2700 or similar)

> Cheap 6.5" coax in 4 doors (knowing they are less than ideal) like VM Audio

> Cheap/decent sub like Boston G215-44 or JBL GT5-15 in whatever size box is needed

> Cheapest amp to drop 500 RMS into 2 ohms

I have 0 ga cable ready. No alternator or battery upgrade. Only looking for fun-to-listen-to quality.

CHAD

 

[Slo_Ride 5,000+ posts]

the internet is older than you think

 

[fly_marlin]

Q: what is the "big 3 upgrade"?


> A cheap head unit with CD, USB and AUX (pioneer dehx2700 or similar)

> Cheap 6.5" coax in 4 doors (knowing they are less than ideal) like VM Audio

> Cheap/decent sub like Boston G215-44 or JBL GT5-15 in whatever size box is needed

> Cheapest amp to drop 500 RMS into 2 ohms

I have 0 ga cable ready. No alternator or battery upgrade. Only looking for fun-to-listen-to quality.

CHAD

There is a ton of threads on this forum, and others, about big 3 - just do a search.

For SQ, I'd recommend separates for the front...unless your budget is insanely tight. Pioneer TS-D 6'5" are $100 shipped on amazon...DEAL! They're by no means audiophile grade, but they are built like tanks, don't need much power and get loud and sound clear.

Btw why do you need 500w into 2 ohms? Do you already have the sub or something?

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

The big 3 is adding larger wire to the factory power and ground runs. Battery - to chassis, chassis to motor or alternator bracket, alt + to battery +.

To be honest, 500 watts isn't big stuff anymore. Also, I wouldn't bother with coaxials. If your stock speakers are functional, I'd have those over cheap coaxials.

Budget and space is important for good recommendations

 

[seedlings]

No sub yet. I have to dollar cost average these purchases, like some each paycheck. I said 500W to emphasize budget and not emphasize SPL, and that's on par with the BA or JBL 15 I mentioned. Right now the BA is in my Amazon cart. So is that Pioneer, and an amp that may get me blacklisted from the get go. But really I haven't settled on an amp, though it would be helpful to stay around $100 for the amp. I've seen those audiopipe amps on ebay for the $140 range. I'm not all-in for the gear budget a 1500W sub would require //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

CHAD

 

[seedlings]

The big 3 is adding larger wire to the factory power and ground runs. Battery - to chassis, chassis to motor or alternator bracket, alt + to battery +.
To be honest, 500 watts isn't big stuff anymore. Also, I wouldn't bother with coaxials. If your stock speakers are functional, I'd have those over cheap coaxials.

Budget and space is important for good recommendations

The factory speakers literally pop with each kick drum from the FM radio. Think super cheap headphones. Probably combine that with 5watts from the OEM head unit.

I can easily upgrade wiring like you said. I have access to wiring and lugs and power crimpers and all that. I work on high current 48vdc power plants every day.

Budget is $300 or less. So, there will be no fun-having on the front side selecting gear, only compromises. I can lend 3 or 4 cu ft to the 15" enclosure.

CHAD

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

EDIT: Nevermind

 

[fly_marlin]

SoundQubed HDS215

That's $105 for that and you'll need 2 amps and 4 speakers...not doable for $300. Or is this $300 for this check? lol

 

[seedlings]

Your thread about testing Boss is why I signed up here.

In my amazon cart is this amp:

Amazon.com: BOSS Audio R2400D Riot 2400-watts Monoblock Class D 1 Channel 1 Ohm Stable Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control: Car Electronics

CHAD

 

[fly_marlin]

Your thread about testing Boss is why I signed up here.
In my amazon cart is this amp:

Amazon.com: BOSS Audio R2400D Riot 2400-watts Monoblock Class D 1 Channel 1 Ohm Stable Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control: Car Electronics

CHAD

This may just be your 500w amp.

 

[adulbrich 5,000+ posts]

Your thread about testing Boss is why I signed up here.
In my amazon cart is this amp:

Amazon.com: BOSS Audio R2400D Riot 2400-watts Monoblock Class D 1 Channel 1 Ohm Stable Amplifier with Remote Subwoofer Level Control: Car Electronics

CHAD

Don't buy a Boss amp, lol. That was just me having fun

If you want a good budget amp, buy a used Hifonics Brutus. Don't let anyone convince you to pay extra for the Soundqubed heatsink

As for subs, the lower level soundqubed stuff would probably be fine for you. Sundown type E's have good reviews.

Sundown SA's are great for the money if you have enough amplifier power for them