Just a couple of questions

[psycho72 10+ year member]

This is what I currently have (all fairly old stuff)

Alpine CDA-7863

Soundstream Rubicon (50x2 RMS)

MB Quart Components (MB Quart PKC116)

Hifonics Boltar Series VIII (200x2 watts rms @ 4 ohms, 350x2 watts rms @ 2 ohms, 700x1 watts rms @ 4 ohms)

1 JL Audio 10w6 in a 1 cubic foot sealed enclosure (stressed to it limits but hey I was short of cash and I got for $100 over 5 years ago-I could be wrong on that time frame)

Running Fosgate RCA's and Monster cable (1 guage from bat to dist block)

Now for what kind of audio guy I am. I listen to Rap, Oldies, R&B, Classic Rock, Reggae, Gospel & Alternative. I like strong rumbling bass that pounds my chest but that does not fart. I like it to rumble, that is fine but no farting. I say this so that you can determine if I am a SQ guy or not as I think I am somewhere in the middle. My car is currently a 95 Acura Integra but I am so desperatly hoping to be getting a 96 Impala.

So this is the deal, I am gonna upgrade something for myself this Christmas and I need a little guidance. I definately want to upgrade subs and I need to get a cap because I tax my electrical now and with new subs I am really gonna tax it (I don't wanna spring for a hi output alt as I want to get rid of this economy car). I also want something that will allow me to attach an mp3 player to my stereo. I sick and tired of burning cds that just end up skipping or having some other problems. I also need to boost the output voltage of my system as it is currently 2v which from what I know (and that is not much) that is low. So I was thinking of getting an Audio Control HPX.

For bass I was thinking of these. Or maybe the 12's as I have been told that 15's are muddy (whatever that means). I have read on a few occassions that Audiobahn are not so good and that they over rate their products but I thought maybe for my system they might be spot on, plus for the money geezz. I am open to opinions and suggestions but I really don't have the cash for RE xxx's or Image Dynamics IDQ's ($250 vs $600+).

As for a cap please school me as I know squat. And as for my fronts I like then just fine and I don't need anymore there as I don't like my fronts very loud. I will work on imaging by moving them and shooting them up towards the dome light but other then that I don't need alot of noise there. Anyways, thanks for your time and your suggestions.

Jerry

Click to read more...

 

[psycho72 10+ year member]

Anyone? Did I post something bad? Do I got boogers on my post? WHY WON'T ANYONE SPEAK TO ME????

 

[Damaso87 10+ year member]

Alright, i dont know much more than you, but word is on the forums, caps are shit. Apparently once they start to recharge, they have the same effect as a low bass note. ergo killing their purpose. For the low rumbling bass while staying in budjet, im getting a 15" Adire Tempest, which ive heard nothing but good about. For $150 you cant go wrong... Your best bet would be getting a HOAlt...but im not sure if theres anything you could do otherwise...maybe the big 3?

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

Ok...

Well,

Subs: those audiobahns are trash...would you be looking at one or two twelves?

Look into...

http://www.incriminatoraudio.com (187 or Lethal Injection...call for direct pricing)

http://www.reaudio.com (you don't have to get a XXX...i suggest an SE...call for direct pricing)

http://www.adireaudio.com (Shiva 12" or Tempest 15")

Misconception from years ago is that 15's are "muddy". NOT so anymore...quality manufacturers now-a-days have equivalent SQ in all sizes of speakers. Those listed above are all great SQL subs...Good mix of SQ and SPL...most of them leaning on the SQ side.

Electrical: DO NOT GET A CAP! They are a band-aid for a weak electrical system...they create ANOTHER load on your alternator! If anything, replae your stock battery with a yellow top (this can be transfered to next vehicle!) And if possible do a big 3 upgrade!

HU:

Alpine is great, you should know since you own one. Now what type of mp3 player are you wanting to hook up? Especially if it's an ipod...look into some newer alpines. They have an ipod adapter that let's you control your ipod thru your HU! I'm getting one soon...it'll be nice to have 20gigs of music in the car.

That hifonics amp should work well with any of your subwoofer choices...if it's one 12" you desire...i suggest an IA LI series. If it's two you desire...i suggest two IA 187 series. Either way...drop the LI in 2 cubes ported low for good SQ...or the 187's in 1.5 cube each and you'll love it! good luck, peace

NG

 

[JL_W6_v1 10+ year member]

audiobahn //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/nono.gif.eca61d170185779e0921b0faa9704973.gif

never heard anything about their amps? they any good?

 

[psycho72 10+ year member]

Yeah I am looking to connect a HDD based MP3 player, like a Ipod or Nomad or whatever else that comes along that offers superfast transfer speeds. I may have to look into a new head unit as my current one is messing up a little, thanks for the heads up on the adapter thing. And as it is Alpine I assume so long as the unit is AiNet it should be no prob for me to use the adap with my older hu.

What do you think about the Audio Control HPX? It has some super important things for me. The line level boosting. The aux input. And most important of all the seperate volume controls so that I can keep my fronts sane while my subs go insane.

I am looking to get (2) 15's. How would you recommend I setup the amp. 200x2 or 700x1. Would it make a real diff? Those Tempests look like a possiblity budget wise as do the 187's. If I were to up my budget just a bit to say in the range of $200 a woofer would those still be your recommendations. Those Brahmas look as insane as the XXX's. You mentioned the 187's, would those be the best of the 3 you recommended. And when I say best I mean most likely to satisfy my needs within the constraints on a limited current setup that I cannot afford to completely overhaul.

Thanks for all your help. And please feel free to smack me in the head. I don't know much and am willing to learn.

**edit: Hey what about maybe getting a single 15? for the $300 range and a second later. And how much of a diff is there between 1 or 2 15's?

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

In your current situation, keeping the same amplifier and wanting two subwoofers...yes the 187 series would be your best bet! You could look into the LI (lethal injection) series...may want to call up...if you do a somewhat larger box they should do well with 350wrms a piece. With more power(you can always upgrade later)...the LI's would be wicked GREAT! Also, even tho your HU has the ai-net...it's no compatible. I believe it's 2003 and above HU's...peace

NG

edit:

A single brahma would work well in this situation as well...if your willing to spring for it a bit money wise. With that in mind...i'd go with a single Brahma ported or the two LI's ported.