Need some recommendations (NEWB)

[bluevilevo8 10+ year member]

Hi guys. I just picked up a 2000 ML320 as a daily driver, and would like to add a cd changer and subs. I am a car guy who has always been deeply involved in the performance world, but am a TOTAL and complete newb when it comes to audio. The ml currently does not have a cd player, and the radio is run off a flip down lcd screen. The screen conceals a removable panel (where the stock cd player would have resided) that would fit a new HU nicely, but the c/d changer will be mounted in the back.

Anyway, for now, I would like to keep the stock speakers (will address those later on), while adding 2 12's and a cd changer (and everything necessary to make it work). I am looking to keep the overall cost down (and keep everything as simple as possible), as I don't need the loudest system nor one of the highest quality, just a good bang for the buck setup that will get the job done. As far as subs go, I like a deep deep sound as opposed to a harder hit, if I had to choose (probably go with a ported box then?). What components would you guys recommend that fit the bang for the buck bill and go together nicely?

Thanks,

-Dave

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[DragonCub 10+ year member]

I'm in the same boat as you, new to audio. I going to keep my stock speaker for now, but I am think of getting 2 10's or 12's not sure yet. Don't want anything extremly loud but something with good sound quality.

Please give us suggestion on what to get, also if you could recommend amps to go with them as well it would be great.

 

[Bavarian3 10+ year member]

u set on adding 2 12's? u can get a single top of the line 12" or 15" that would be better than 2 decent 12's. If u just want some nice, good sounding woofers, and u are set on 2 12's, then i would look into getting adire shivas....theyre 120 bucks a peice and some of the best woofers u can buy for the money. My advice on what amp to choose depends on what woofers u get, so after uve picked out the woofers, then look for an amp. Some good bang for the buck amplifier brands would be JBL, Profile, Hifonics etc.

 

[bluevilevo8 10+ year member]

How about if I got 2 15" phoenix gold ti's? They are rated at 650 rms, appear to be high quality, and are inexpensive right now as they are discontinued. If I wired them in series the amp would see 2ohms resistance (right?), so I would need a monoblock amp that could push about 1300 watts at 2 ohms. Are these subs a good idea? If so, what amp would you suggest to power them? Thanks again.

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

go PG all the way and get a Tantrum 1200.1 //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

much love for the tantrumz, hehe.

 

[bluevilevo8 10+ year member]

The more I think about it the more I realize that combo would be overkill. I don't want to have to swap alternators and such. If I decided to run a single 15 pg ti, what amp would suffice at 4ohms?

 

[Bavarian3 10+ year member]

How about if I got 2 15" phoenix gold ti's? They are rated at 650 rms, appear to be high quality, and are inexpensive right now as they are discontinued. If I wired them in series the amp would see 2ohms resistance (right?), so I would need a monoblock amp that could push about 1300 watts at 2 ohms. Are these subs a good idea? If so, what amp would you suggest to power them? Thanks again.

PG TI's would be a great choice and yes they are very cheap right now.

 

[bluevilevo8 10+ year member]

Would I need to change the alternator in my ML to power an amp like the 1200.1? Is there another solution to skirt this issue?

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

nah...i'm running it off of my stock alt (135A), with no dimming problems. I've even been too lazy to put in the magic three, although I have the wire and connectors in my shop //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

nah...i'm running it off of my stock alt (135A),

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

you're telling me that suburban has a smaller alternator? that i'm surprised about...how big of an engine you got in there?

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

5.7. ███'n 104a alt, yet you can have 2 batteries. CHEAP SCATES!!!!

 

[bluevilevo8 10+ year member]

Don't laugh too hard, but I searched and am still a little confused at to what the magic three is. I know, I know... I'm a moron. Someone help me out here.

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

no prob i got a link http://forum.sounddomain.com/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=007801

 

[mcchesney21]

Hi guys. I just picked up a 2000 ML320 as a daily driver, and would like to add a cd changer and subs. I am a car guy who has always been deeply involved in the performance world, but am a TOTAL and complete newb when it comes to audio. The ml currently does not have a cd player, and the radio is run off a flip down lcd screen. The screen conceals a removable panel (where the stock cd player would have resided) that would fit a new HU nicely, but the c/d changer will be mounted in the back.
Anyway, for now, I would like to keep the stock speakers (will address those later on), while adding 2 12's and a cd changer (and everything necessary to make it work). I am looking to keep the overall cost down (and keep everything as simple as possible), as I don't need the loudest system nor one of the highest quality, just a good bang for the buck setup that will get the job done. As far as subs go, I like a deep deep sound as opposed to a harder hit, if I had to choose (probably go with a ported box then?). What components would you guys recommend that fit the bang for the buck bill and go together nicely?

Thanks,

-Dave

Hey man..

okay want an awesome system for a great price?? Here is what I use to use 2 12" Alpine Type R's in a ported box.With an Audiobahn A1500HCQ amp and 2 caps. And an Alpine deck of course. This was in my 2000 Mercury Cougar Sport okay. I was hitting 149.7dBs. it was insane those subs took it all never distored any. Alpine kicks serious ***. I think you can get the subs for around $200 each.

Here is a site of the pics in my car when i had it. I moved this system into the back of my F150 Supercab.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/317021/3

I dont know your price range but i put my whole system in for around $1500-2000CAN.