Newbie needs some advice!

[Midwestkracker]

What's up guys.

I've always been into sound systems, but have only had a few in the past and am still pretty uneducated on the subject. Im currently transitioning out of active duty army after four years of service.nill be returning home next month and will be buying an '01 or so deville for a daily driver. Really looking for advice on a quality system to install.

I'm set on two 15's, unless somebody can Talk me into a single 15. Budget is around 3500 for subs, amp, headunit, wiring, etc. I could go a bit over that number.

Really looking for a loud system without sacrificing SQ. I listen to a variety of music, from rap/hip hop to 80's grunge. Literally everything.

Hoping for suggestions for not only subs, but also an amp and headunit within my budget. As with everything I do, I want to do this right. I'd like to pull up to a sound comp and atleast be competitive for having a set of daily bumping subs.

I appreciate any help in advance.

Thanks guys.

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[T3mpest 10+ year member]

You didn't mention upgrading your actual main speakers. If you want to do it right and listen to everything, just adding bass won't get you far. For 3500 I'd be looking towards a split of about

500 headunit/processing

1000 amps

800subs

500install supplies (wire, box mats, tools,etc)

700 front stage

You could play with that some depending on overall goals, but that's going to be a good ballpark. I always spend more on amps because if you get good amps that are reliable, they last a long time and you can always switch out drivers.

 

[civic si 10+ year member]

look into sundown audio amps for that price range. I think these amps will please you. Personally i haven't heard them myself but know from hand they are great amps. My perspective leans toward directed amps. I've always used them so i know what they are about

 

[Bassman999 10+ year member]

There are several great brands of subs to choose from like FI, Ascendant Audio, etc....or you can buy from some of the builders on here as well.

Sub Amps, Sundown, Audioque, RD Audio, American Bass and so on.

I personally like old school amps to run my main speakers like Linear power, Zapco, US Amps, but I am sure honestly there isnt as much difference as I would like to think there is.

Front speakers are the place where you have to decide for yourself.

Every pair of speakers can have a different sound, and I have found that listening to others systems can guide you in the right direction.

 

[Midwestkracker]

Thanks for all the good info guys.

I overlooked the front speakers in my original post, I'll certainly be upgrading atleast the front door speakers.

Ive had a pair of RE 15s back in the day before Fi branches out, so I would love to stick with some Fi subs.

Sundown amps was actually what I was already planning on for power.

If somebody could actually suggest a specific model of 15s, specific headunit, amp, door speakers, etc that would fit my criteria that would be awesome. Like I said I listen to everything, but I would say the majority is rap.

I'm sure I sound like a fool, but mechanics is where my heart is. One dy I will research and fool around with systems more, but for now I'll leave it to you pros! Haha

Thanks again fellas

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

Fi SP4 Subs and crescendo audio amps. loud, quality, and better priced. my recommendations 100%.

 

[OldManBass]

Thanks for all the good info guys.
I overlooked the front speakers in my original post, I'll certainly be upgrading atleast the front door speakers.

Ive had a pair of RE 15s back in the day before Fi branches out, so I would love to stick with some Fi subs.

Sundown amps was actually what I was already planning on for power.

If somebody could actually suggest a specific model of 15s, specific headunit, amp, door speakers, etc that would fit my criteria that would be awesome. Like I said I listen to everything, but I would say the majority is rap.

I'm sure I sound like a fool, but mechanics is where my heart is. One dy I will research and fool around with systems more, but for now I'll leave it to you pros! Haha

Thanks again fellas

I'd look to Fi for subs... maybe Q 15"s, and DD for a sub amp... but that's just me //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif Q's can get loud, and sound really good doing it.

 

[OldManBass]

Front stage wise, I'd take a good hard look at PHD. They are really, really good. Run active off of a nice 4 channel amp, and you will have a pretty sweet SQL setup indeed!

 

[Bassman999 10+ year member]

Thanks for all the good info guys.
I overlooked the front speakers in my original post, I'll certainly be upgrading atleast the front door speakers.

Thanks again fellas

1st thing ppl notice in my cars is that the front speakers are loud and clean, and then that the bass level sounds right, and not just blasting bass and mids/highs off a deck lol.

I think anything by Fi will sound awesome, as will many other brands.

Subwoofer enclosure build quality is the most important part of a sub-woofer, and next is clean constant POWER.

You will need batterie(s) and or a HO alt to make your amps and speakers get the clean power and last longer, so dont forget to budget that in as well.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

agree with bass man ,you'll need a ho alt at least a couple of group 31 agm batts and 1 under the hood ,then a good 4500 rms amp for the subs,250-500 rms amp for the components and a nice set of components ,phd,hertz , cdt , dls ,pick you poison .also lots of wire a custom box.i listen to pretty much the same music and i'm in the process of building a system in my truck just like what you are wanting

 

[Midwestkracker]

agree with bass man ,you'll need a ho alt at least a couple of group 31 agm batts and 1 under the hood ,then a good 4500 rms amp for the subs,250-500 rms amp for the components and a nice set of components ,phd,hertz , cdt , dls ,pick you poison .also lots of wire a custom box.i listen to pretty much the same music and i'm in the process of building a system in my truck just like what you are wanting

How do you guys feel about the sundown SAZ-3500D v.2 for my application? The crescendo amps look nice as well..

The sp4's need a ton of space. Maybe I'll just go with a single 15

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

How do you guys feel about the sundown SAZ-3500D v.2 for my application?

sundown amps are very nice amps , a bit costly ,but none the less nice.there are others as well ,dc, american bass,mmats,ampere audio and the new flatlne amps all are nice amps

 

[macsdad 10+ year member]

First, thank you for your service. Sundown makes great amps and subs, hard to beat. Also American Bass, subs and amps, Sound Solutions Audio (SSA). The fun part for most of us is the research portion. There are some on here that can assist you, also, remeber that the enclosure will be very important no matter what amp/subs you decide on. You have a decent budget that should garner a lot of prospects for you.

 

[Midwestkracker]

Well how does everybody else feel about the crescendo amps? Their bc3500d is under 800 dollars and I haven't read a bad review yet. Seems like a quality piece?

I'm liking the phd for the front. Which model would you all recommend?

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Well how does everybody else feel about the crescendo amps? Their bc3500d is under 800 dollars and I haven't read a bad review yet. Seems like a quality piece?
I'm liking the phd for the front. Which model would you all recommend?

cresendo amps are ok ,everyone i know here in cali ,doesn't keep them long tho .also the fb6.1 pros