Hello! Need some help

[bkim921 10+ year member]

Sup everyone.. Im Brian.. I got a 07 Mazdaspeed 3 and looking into a system.. Im a newbie when it comes to audio.. but i want to learn and gotta start somewhere..

Currently got a Kenwood Headunit (KDC-X496 eXcelon).. I was looking into getting a 4 channel amp (Kicker 11DX400.4).. upgrading my front speakers (kicker ds68.2 6x8 45 watts rms).. and 10" sub (MTX RTS10-44)..

i'm trying to understand OHMs and i have somewhat figured it out.. im looking into using the amp for the 2 front speakers and bridge the other 2 for my sub..

is it better to have the amp put out little bit more power than the speaker rating or lower?

any recommendations for a sub and amp would be appreciated..

Precision Power PPi P900.4

Image Dynamics ID12D2 V.3

Ground Shaker Ported Box

I'll probably add the comps later if i feel the need to.. i'll be installing this all tomorrow.

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[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Having more power than the sub's rating provides you with what we call overhead. That's the recommended way to go because you're less likely to cause damage to the sub from having the amp send a clipped signal due to overwork.

What is your sound goal? Sound Quality (SQ) or just plain loud (SPL)?

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

OH and welcome, btw. What part of LA?

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

thx.. im in koreatown.. im looking into a very mild system.. 90% of my music is techno/house.. so i want some bass.. im not looking at anything too expensive.. i want to learn and become a mobile tech installer.. i dont know if school is the right way to go or diy.. but right now im going with diy..

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Hmm...Ktown you say? You didn't happen to sell an ID10 a couple months back, did you?

Most people learn better DIY by trial and error. At least it's worked out well for me. Just keep reading and asking questions.

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

that wasnt me.. is they system that im getting decent? i remember years back when i had my tiburon hooked up i liked it alot.. pioneer avic n1.. stock infinity 360 watt system.. with a 10" mtx sub.. cant remember the model.. but something like that would be nice without breaking the bank..

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

MTX used to be great, but I'm not too pleased with their new offerings. Better can be had for less these days.

I'd recommend looking at a different amp than that Kicker as well, same story. PPI makes a great small-form 4-channel (P900.4). Soundstream has a carbon copy of that in a better (IMO) casing (TN900.4). You can get either on onlinecarstereo.com for 200 or ask @trumpet ; since he's an authorized dealer. For the sub, you would be pretty happy with either a SSA dcon or Dayton Audio HO and both are way underpriced for what you get.

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

As for the comps, those DS series IIRC are a refresh of the SS line. Nice comps, but so dang expensive. Especially considering you could go DLS Reference series for less. CDT, JBL MS, ID CTX, and Sundown all make respectable comps that would work just as well if not better for less.

@sundownz ;
@mylows10 ;

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

not too many options when it comes down to 6x8.. : /

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

You can easily change those 6x8 to 6.5". Just need to trace out the 6x8 shape on some MDF and cut a baffle. Bam! Instant upgrade.

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

when it says:

4 ohms: 60 watts x 4 chan.

2 ohms: 120 watts x 4 chan.

Bridged, 4 ohms: 240 watts x 2 chan.

using 4ohms.. my 2 front speakers at 60watts and my sub bridged at 240.. right?

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

Right. Make sure when looking for a sub, you look for a Dual 2 ohm or a Single 4 ohm to make sure it bridges properly. Most 4-channel amps can't support a 2 ohm bridged load.

 

---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:13 PM ----------

 

Those PPI and SS amps I recommended carry a ton more power //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fyi.gif.9f1f679348da7204ce960cfc74bca8e0.gif At 200, I'd place it at the top of your list.

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

ok.. thx for thx input..

 

[neo_styles 10+ year member]

•RMS Power Rating (14.4V):

◦4 ohms: 145 watts x 4 chan.

◦2 ohms: 225 watts x 4 chan.

◦Bridged, 4 ohms: 450 watts x 2 chan.

•RMS Power Rating (12V):

◦4 ohms: 100 watts x 4 chan.

◦2 ohms: 150 watts x 4 chan.

◦Bridged, 4 ohms: 300 watts x 2 chan.

 

[bkim921 10+ year member]

if im shopping for speakers to match the the ppi amp, what do i look for in terms of volts?