Need help deciding what to go with.

[z411811 10+ year member]

Hi everyone. I'm pretty new, but I just got a decent paying job and so I decided to put a real system in my car now. I don't really know anything near where you guys are at, so I would really appreciate the help. Almost a year ago I got my car and put upgraded the speakers and head unit. I have a 2001 malibu if this helps. I am looking for more high quality sound and bass, over loud, thumping, vibrate the windows of your house kind of system. I have have Shure and audio-technicas just to listen to my ipod and laptop at home, so you can see the kind of sound I want in my car.

I don't really know where to start except to list what I upgraded so far.

My head unit is

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.

My rear speakers are

Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB691 6-by-9-Inch 3-Way Speakers (Pair, Silver): Car Electronics

And my front speakers are

Amazon.com: Polk Audio DB461P 4-by-6-Inch Coaxial Plate-Style Speakers (Pair, Black): Car Electronics

Someone got me this mini amp as a gift without me asking, and I am sure you guys don't think it is good and I will most likely sell it.

Amazon.com: KTP-445 - Alpine 4-Channel Head Unit Power Pack Amplifier: Electronics

Are these speakers and head unit good quality? I have around 600-700 to spend. How do I know what ohms are best? Obviously my speakers are already 4 ohms but what is best for me? Same with box styles. I appreciate any help, thanks again.

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[z411811 10+ year member]

Anyone? The best help I receive will be gifted a steam key.

 

[naughtyca 10+ year member]

you can run 2 skar VVX and power them with around 2500 watts for the money I will suggest the BRZ 2400, Skar i offering free sub box when you buy 2 vvx

 

[raptor727 10+ year member]

obsidian 12's are cheap and decent subs as well as sundown e series or sa good quality amp for a good price imo aq2200d dependable solid amp does rated and more in some cases thats just my 2cents and your head unit is a decent unit I would use it for sure the power pack definitly helps also

 

[UnderFire 10+ year member]

It sounds like you are looking for a more pure sound quality build.

My preference when I'm trying to get pure sound quality is single sub set-ups, I'll usually tune around 32-36hz on the box, but a custom box is a must, prefabs will never be right and some can be built just terribly. My favorite budget sound quality sub is the Dayton HF12, but other people have had success with the SSA Dcon series.

I would definitely sell the power pack, it isn't necessary for a real system build, an actual 4 channel amp is what you're going to want.

I would also drop the front speakers you have already, a coaxial will never give you the mid range response that you are used to from the headphones. You are going to want a component system, decent systems can be had for around 150-200$ as long as you don't want a huge substage that they won't be able to keep up with.

As far as amps, there are limitless choices, 3-500W RMS on the sub along with 80-100W RMS on each speaker should make you happy, and can be found easily within budget.

You might want to rethink your headunit, the low output voltage may not give you the sound you want with a fully amped system, but if a crossover network or EQ is used, you shouldn't have a problem there.

Here's what I would recommend for your system.

Front Speakers: Massive Audio CK 5III (CK5III) 5.25" 2-Way CK Stage III Speakers (Unless you can use 6.5" mids.)

Full-range amp: Precision Power PPI S580.4 4-Channel Car Amplifier/Amp (S5804)

Subwoofer: Dayton Audio RSS315HF-4 12" Reference HF Subwoofer 4 Ohm High Fidelity Reference Series 295-464

Subwoofer Amp: Precision Power PPI S420.2 2-Channel Car Amplifier/Amp (S4202)

If you were to sell the headunit, go with something very good like an Alpine CDA-117, Alpine 9887, Pioneer 9800BT or something along those lines. If you want to keep the 122, pick up some sort of EQ, Crossover or Line Driver to up the voltage to the amps.

 

[z411811 10+ year member]

Thanks a lot man, I tried PMing you, but your box is full.

I am looking for high sound quality, but how will the bass be? I wanna bump some lol. I have a bit extra money if I sell the front speakers and amp so I can put more money in. Are sundown good quality, that is what I was looking at before. Is the EQ or crossover a better choice than just a better radio? Or is one cheaper?

Also I am not sure the size of wire I should go with and what type of box. I got a steam key waiting for you.

 

[UnderFire 10+ year member]

Sundown are the most popular subs on the forum, but the SA series just isn't a sound quality sub, I had an SA-8 in my truck and it just boomed over all the highs, if you are looking for the best possible sound quality but want some thump, check out Digital Designs' 1500 series, I've had a 1515a before, and it was my absolute favorite all around sub I ever had.

If it were my choice I would replace the stereo and add an active crossover to the system, but if you get a good stereo it will provide better signal strength right from the start and should produce better sound quality, most high end stereos also have front, rear and subwoofer outputs that can be crossed over from the settings menus.

Depending on the total power output you are going to get either 4 gauge or 0 gauge, don't skimp on the wire, KnuKonceptz Kollosus, Scosche EFX or Kicker Hyperflex will last you a lifetime unless you change how much power you want.

I use 14 gauge wire into the crossovers for the components, 16 gauge to the speakers, and 10 gauge on subs.