Looking for a new system, need help coming up with equipment.

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

You can also get a pair of Lanzar Max Pro 10s,or 12s, or even a single sub will be fine,$70 or so?They are good budget subs, and you could find a used amp for the sub.$50-100,and a used HU for $50,and an amp kit/like 8ga or even a 4ga,for like $40.All not top grade, but within your budget.You may be able to look in the classifieds here for a decent used amp,and HU, and wiring?Possibly even a sub with enclosure?Check Ebay/Craigs list.I have an older JVC HU, thats not the Greatest, but still works, and Cheap.PM me if interested.I still have some stuff lying around that will work also.Just have to look see what I have.But you can work with that Budget,to better your stereo system..like you have said..Your only improving..Nothing wrong with that..to me any after market gear is /can be much better than stock

 

[MisterDeadeye 10+ year member]

I'm not sure what you mean by this post, but I take it as very offensive. I never said I will not and am not listening to the above posters. I addressed my response to them, and asked for additional input as in "Is there any other advice to throw into the mix?". Not, "I need more info because the stuff I have is null." So please, I don't understand where your tone is coming from.
But thank you naughtyca, I'll look into that stuff.

The only advice that you should be paying attention to in this thread is that your budget is crap. You're trying to spend less than $400 on subs, an amp, a box, and a head unit? That's just not logical. Your assessment of the $400 being "fairly budget" is the largest understatement I've ever read on this site. With the money you spend on this equipment, it will all be a waste. You'll probably lose quite a bit of clarity and quality from your stock system with spending so little money.

Loaded enclosures from the internet are crap, so whatever you do, stay as far away from them as possible. If you're going for new everything, you'll want to spend more than $100 per sub. The cheapest, bottom of the barrel crap is what it is, and you'll be sidestepping from the cheap, bottom of the barrel crap you have right now. A box will be ~$100 if you go ported, depending on the size/amount of subs you get. Any quality amp will be $150 or more. As for a head unit, you'll probably be spending $100 or more. The cheapest sub I would ever consider buying would be an SSA DCON, and even then, I'd rather save up another $30 and get something from Dayton Audio. You need to understand that all of these people telling you to save up more are giving you the only sound advice there is. You're looking for not one, but two subwoofers, with a box, amp, and head unit. If you get a cheap $40 Dual head unit, use $2 RCA cables, etc., you'd be just as well off with getting a tape player and two plastic cups, gluing Apple earbuds inside them, and taping the contraption to your head while driving.

I'll say it again, and hopefully you'll be able to take it in this time.

Any system you could put together under $400 new would be absolute trash. I would rather flush $400 down the toilet than do what you're trying to do. Many of the people here who understand anything about car audio will agree.

I'm not trying to offend you; I'm trying to show you reality. I hear the argument "I don't need to blow up the world, I just want bass" and "I don't need to spend $8,000,000,000,000,000 on a wire to sound good" all of the time, but that's not what anyone is suggesting. You need to spend more money, or you're just wasting it. If you pay me $400, I'll sit in your trunk and produce better sounding bass than what you'd get from anything you'll find new at the same price.

You need to base your budget around what you want, not base what you are willing to settle for around a budget.

If you're willing to buy used, that's a different story entirely. You could likely find what you want for under $400.

 

[zorphon 10+ year member]

Again MisterDeadeye, I appreciate your opinion but that's all it is. YOUR OPINION. Which is not fact, and never will have precedent over my opinion to myself. The fact of the matter is I'm a 17 year old that works 35 hours a week at a part-time job in addition to going to High School so I can save up for college, even though I'm going to have thousands of dollars in debt for student loans as it looks currently.

I understand that you think I can't find all that stuff for under $400, but I've actually prepared multiple carts on SonicElectronix all under $401.36 (Which was the highest) that encompasses all I am looking for. I just wanted to come on here to get some advice and input to help me formulate a solution to my problem.

I know you think only spending $400 is almost a waste of money because things aren't the greatest, but I am not in a position to spend more than that. My car isn't even that nice and cost me $1100 in the first place, I'm not going to spend the same amount on car audio as the car itself costs, that's just (to quote you) That's just not logical.

Anyway, thanks all for the input so far. Yes I'm willing to buy used, hence why I even registered for this site in the first place. I appreciate the fact that you have an opinion but just because mine differs you don't have to insult the strength of my thought process. I don't understand why you're being so aggressive with me. If this is what kind of help you get with being cynical and rude than I don't see how your victims receive any help.

Thanks all for your input so far though, it's been greatly appreciated!

 

[zorphon 10+ year member]

You can also get a pair of Lanzar Max Pro 10s,or 12s, or even a single sub will be fine,$70 or so?They are good budget subs, and you could find a used amp for the sub.$50-100,and a used HU for $50,and an amp kit/like 8ga or even a 4ga,for like $40.All not top grade, but within your budget.You may be able to look in the classifieds here for a decent used amp,and HU, and wiring?Possibly even a sub with enclosure?Check Ebay/Craigs list.I have an older JVC HU, thats not the Greatest, but still works, and Cheap.PM me if interested.I still have some stuff lying around that will work also.Just have to look see what I have.But you can work with that Budget,to better your stereo system..like you have said..Your only improving..Nothing wrong with that..to me any after market gear is /can be much better than stock

Interesting, I kind of ruled out getting 'one sub'. If I get a quality single subwoofer could it outperform my 10" MTX Magnums I have now?

Because if so, that would probably be a bit of a money saver.

 

[K_Watson 10+ year member]

Hi again...

These guys know their stuff, but you have to remember this stuff is expensive. Build in stages. Start with the foundation... you know what I'm going to say...

The Big 3. It is your foundation.

Figure out what your goal is, wattage wise, and wire appropriately. For 400W-600W RMS 4 gauge is plenty. Any more, consider 0 gauge, and a better battery.

I was in your same situation last April... I had an ancient headunit, basic 2 ways, a good sub box, good subs, but a junky amp.

I started with a better amp an Alpine MRP-M500 ($149) RCA cables ($20) and 4 gauge power wire by the foot and the Big 3 with 4 gauge ($90) Then I added a bass knob ($40 with patch cables)

Not counting what I spent on what I had already... $300 so far...

Then I found a standard Kenwood head unit on clearance for $65

Then came an AGM battery ($135 Duralast Platnium @ Autozone... they may not have one for your car)

($500 if your counting)

Then recently I added components in the front and a used amp to power them... But I have since lost count on the cost.

I have gotten extremely lucky at finding stuff at good prices...but this still has gotten very expensive, and I recently broke a sub so I will have to spend more... and my stuff is still basic.

Good luck, but buy good stuff, do it right from the start, and thank yourself later.

 

[MisterDeadeye 10+ year member]

Again MisterDeadeye, I appreciate your opinion but that's all it is. YOUR OPINION. Which is not fact, and never will have precedent over my opinion to myself. The fact of the matter is I'm a 17 year old that works 35 hours a week at a part-time job in addition to going to High School so I can save up for college, even though I'm going to have thousands of dollars in debt for student loans as it looks currently.

Everything I've said in all of my posts are factual. You said it yourself, you're a seventeen year old kid who has no idea what he's talking about.

I understand that you think I can't find all that stuff for under $400, but I've actually prepared multiple carts on SonicElectronix all under $401.36 (Which was the highest) that encompasses all I am looking for. I just wanted to come on here to get some advice and input to help me formulate a solution to my problem.

Again, I didn't say it wasn't possible. I said it wasn't logical. They're completely different things. It's possible for you to buy a $150 vehicle from a junkyard, but when you check it out, you'll realize that it has no engine, only one wheel, and no interior. What have you just done? You've wasted all of that money!

I know you think only spending $400 is almost a waste of money because things aren't the greatest, but I am not in a position to spend more than that. My car isn't even that nice and cost me $1100 in the first place, I'm not going to spend the same amount on car audio as the car itself costs, that's just (to quote you) That's just not logical.

Because once you put a subwoofer enclosure in one vehicle, you can't move it again? Again, I just mentioned the argument about spending ridiculous amounts of money. You could get a decent setup for $500 or so, but $400 is just as ridiculous as $8,000. Don't go on about how you don't need "the best". You already have the worst, and spending $400 at Sonic will be netting you nothing.

Anyway, thanks all for the input so far. Yes I'm willing to buy used, hence why I even registered for this site in the first place. I appreciate the fact that you have an opinion but just because mine differs you don't have to insult the strength of my thought process. I don't understand why you're being so aggressive with me. If this is what kind of help you get with being cynical and rude than I don't see how your victims receive any help.

Again, this isn't a matter of opinion. This is a matter of fact, and $400 isn't enough for anything worthwhile if you're buying new. Great, you're willing to buy used. I suggest looking at Craigslist. If you can tell me(or us) the nearest Craigslist city to you, I'm sure we could come up with some stuff that's worthwhile. Other than that, look at the classifieds on here, caraudioclassifieds.org, and diymobileaudio.com.

You're obviously under the impression that you and I have a difference in opinion. We have a difference in understanding. I've gone down the super budget road. I'm sure most of us here have gone down the super budget road. In the end, we threw away our trash and moved on, realizing that we had wasted our money. It's common to think that it's possible to do anything as a child, but it's simply not true.

I'm interested in seeing your SonicElectronix cart.

 

[zorphon 10+ year member]

I understand where you're coming from, and I appreciate the help.

Yea I'll definitely be looking at the Big 3 upgrade soon.

As long as I get something better than my current MTX Magnum bundle (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_14931_Magnum-MB210SP-by-MTX-Audio.html), I'd be content.

Now, I have to get some shut-eye now but I'll link some of the stuff I put together on Sonic tomorrow afternoon.

The more I think about it though, I think I may just buy a better amp to compliment the subs I have now and feed them more power, and install the Big 3 and a new HU. I'll look into subs/enclosure later, and hopefully it'll work with the amp I get.

Does that sound like a decent plan? Would the subs most likely perform better with a better amp that actually feed them their RMS instead of under it?

 

[K_Watson 10+ year member]

That sounds good. Just don't blow them... you need them to sell later so you can afford better stuff.

 

[zorphon 10+ year member]

That sounds good. Just don't blow them... you need them to sell later so you can afford better stuff.

I feel like it would be very hard to sell these. They're extremely entry-level, would anybody even be in the market for them?

 

[MisterDeadeye 10+ year member]

I feel like it would be very hard to sell these. They're extremely entry-level, would anybody even be in the market for them?

I'm sure you could sell them on Craigslist. You probably won't get much out of them, but if I were you, I'd try not to mention the model number. Have a very vague description, mentioning that they're MTX, and that they're ported(even though that's obvious).

 

[Bettr n' Revrse 5,000+ posts]

Up your budget to 500 then we can work with that possibly...

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I did a little research for you, and this is what I myself would put in for a low budget,and may be for you.

Sonic Electronics

HU-ON SALE Now-Pioneer DEH-1300mp-$69.99,and comes with free install kit,free shipping

Speakers-5.25-PioneerTS-G1344R-$39.99

6.50-PowerBass S-652-$34.99

6.50-Precision Power PPI S.653-$31.99 one of these for the front speakers.Didnt look up the size for your front doors, but choices here for both sizes.

Ebay-Bullz Audio EPAK4BL 4ga amp kit-$18.99 free shipping

Lanzar Max Pro 10in sub-$45

Bass Blockers for front speakers- for a pair approx-$8.00 shipped

(AMP) BUY IT NOW-Hifonics VIII White Mono Block-$95.00 FREE SHIPPING(Never Loose its Value)Zed Made amp

Home Depot/Lowes-$35-40 for subwoofer box materials

If you get all this,you will spend NO MORE THAN $317.00 Poss Less if you decide on the speakers,and use the stock wiring for the front speakers,and build the sub box yourself,and get that amp before someonelse does!!!

That will sound pretty DEcent for a budgeted system In My Opinion.What Id get.Good Luck to you,and hope this helps:santa:

 

[des343 10+ year member]

look this wont be a popular statement but these people on here are RIDICULOUS!

most of their recemendations for a typical person are non-sense they arnt bad but are overkill for the typical person

a 400 dollar budget is tough but possible but will probably be closer to 500 still very cheap for everything including a deck BUT dont expect top class equipment or something overly impressive...

here is a rough rundown

Pyle PLD33MU In-Dash 3" LCD Monitor DVD/CD/MP3 Car Stereo Receiver - HU very nice at the price (not a good name but good reviews and decent features) better yet this comes with vehical specific instillation kits and everything FREE of charge

Alpine SWR-1243D (SWR1243D) 12" Dual 4 ohm Type-R Car Subwoofer - ONE 12 inch type r (for example) this sub will get louder than 2 pos 12s for the price

Power Acoustik OVN1-2000D (ovn12000d) 2000W Max, Class D - Power Acoustik amp this will not do anywhere near claimed rated BUT will do well for the type r

Custom Enclosures 121KPRO 121RP, 121KPRO - Sonic Electronix - Nice ported prefab box type r could do find in it i believe

Absolute KIT-4GR 4-Ga Complete Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit - 4 guage wiring kit includes some speaker wire

like i said this is really quickly thrown together not a lot of time spent or anything but a solid basic system for under 500 everything before shipping is 477 EVERYTHING even wiring harness and dash install kit box amp sub and wiring kit

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

I did a little research for you, and this is what I myself would put in for a low budget,and may be for you.Sonic Electronics

HU-ON SALE Now-Pioneer DEH-1300mp-$69.99,and comes with free install kit,free shipping

Speakers-5.25-PioneerTS-G1344R-$39.99

6.50-PowerBass S-652-$34.99

6.50-Precision Power PPI S.653-$31.99 one of these for the front speakers.Didnt look up the size for your front doors, but choices here for both sizes.

Ebay-Bullz Audio EPAK4BL 4ga amp kit-$18.99 free shipping

Lanzar Max Pro 10in sub-$45

Bass Blockers for front speakers- for a pair approx-$8.00 shipped

(AMP) BUY IT NOW-Hifonics VIII White Mono Block-$95.00 FREE SHIPPING(Never Loose its Value)Zed Made amp

Home Depot/Lowes-$35-40 for subwoofer box materials

If you get all this,you will spend NO MORE THAN $317.00 Poss Less if you decide on the speakers,and use the stock wiring for the front speakers,and build the sub box yourself,and get that amp before someonelse does!!!

That will sound pretty DEcent for a budgeted system In My Opinion.What Id get.Good Luck to you,and hope this helps:santa:

With this set up..You could still have enough to either do the Big three with a min of 4ga,or buy/have someone make you a sub box, and that amp will out perform any amp you have or is listed,and is Grossly under rated/Cheater amp by Zed Audio/RARE POWER HOUSE

 

[audiobaun 5,000+ posts]

look this wont be a popular statement but these people on here are RIDICULOUS!
most of their recemendations for a typical person are non-sense they arnt bad but are overkill for the typical person

a 400 dollar budget is tough but possible but will probably be closer to 500 still very cheap for everything including a deck BUT dont expect top class equipment or something overly impressive...

here is a rough rundown

Pyle PLD33MU In-Dash 3" LCD Monitor DVD/CD/MP3 Car Stereo Receiver - HU very nice at the price (not a good name but good reviews and decent features) better yet this comes with vehical specific instillation kits and everything FREE of charge

Alpine SWR-1243D (SWR1243D) 12" Dual 4 ohm Type-R Car Subwoofer - ONE 12 inch type r (for example) this sub will get louder than 2 pos 12s for the price

Power Acoustik OVN1-2000D (ovn12000d) 2000W Max, Class D - Power Acoustik amp this will not do anywhere near claimed rated BUT will do well for the type r

Custom Enclosures 121KPRO 121RP, 121KPRO - Sonic Electronix - Nice ported prefab box type r could do find in it i believe

Absolute KIT-4GR 4-Ga Complete Amplifier Installation Wiring Kit - 4 guage wiring kit includes some speaker wire

like i said this is really quickly thrown together not a lot of time spent or anything but a solid basic system for under 500 everything before shipping is 477 EVERYTHING even wiring harness and dash install kit box amp sub and wiring kit

Not a bad set up either....That HU is out of stock atm,but they usually get them in pretty quick at Sonic