Recommendations on a low-powered SQ system; one small sub or 6x9's; how many amps?

[Mr Cool]

I have a 2010 Sentra stocked with factory 6.5" & 6x9's; I want to upgrade for better sound SQ, but I do not want to get loud. I believe a 50RMS x 4 amp would be plenty, or maybe a 50-75x2 RMS front stage and a 200-300 RMS to a sub (10in. or maybe 8"). Questions are:

Should I go with 6x9's (say Alpine Type R's) amplified or one 10in. sub for best SQ. I listen to a lot of everything except for gangster rap & speed metal.

How many and what kind of amps (2,4,5 channel, Monoblock for sub) should I get for the set-up you recommend. Saving space is desiriable.

I looked into Bestbuy.com for installation prices. It would cost $50 HU, $70x2 Speakers, $100 4-channel amp for almost a $300 installation. I'm pretty sure they would throw in extra fees for the harness, wires, etc. It's probably more like $400 & thats just a set-up with one amp & two pair of speakers. Would you recommend a local car audio shop vs. someone like Best Buy for installation. I would do it myself, but I have 0 expertise in car audio installation. I don't want to screw up my car.

Also, would there be a big difference in higher end components with a low powered amplification (50RMS x 2) Say like Alpine Type R vs. Alpine SPX Pro. Would it it be a waste to get high end components and only feed them 50x2.

Thanks Fellas,

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[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

If you didn't want to take up trunk space, I would suggest looking into the Tang Band 6x9s for your rear deck to use as subwoofers. Granted, they don't have the most output, but, I have heard them sound pretty decent in smaller cabin cars, like the older Honda Civics.

You can purchase them here: Parts-Express.com: and since they are 8 ohm, you could bridge the two rear channels off of a 4 channel amplifier to them. Just be warned, you may have to trim a little sheet metal or build some baffles to accommodate the Tang Bands because they have an odd shape to them.

 

[thehardknoxlife 10+ year member]

I wouldn't even think about those Tang Bands. Sure they're ok but you can accomplish more with less money and still have plenty of trunk left. I'd invest the most money into the front stage. Heck you might even be ecstatic with just the front set alone if installed properly. I wouldn't even buy another set for the back, just use the stock set run off deck power and attenuate to the front. If you have rear passengers turn them up a bit. If you get a good front set they're going to be overwhelming the rear anyway.

Just do it one step at a time and do it yourself. It will save you 1/2 the cost for anyone that does it right. The hardest part is taking the door panel off, and pffft on a Sentra it's cake. Plenty of people around the forum will help with any trouble you have even though they make you look like a retard or insult your manhood among may other things in the process (no pun intended).

The first thing I would do is read up on reviews of component speakers and then sound deadening installation. If you don't want install it for whatever reason, buy everything you need and then take it all to your nearest reputable local car audio shop and have them do it. I wouldn't have it done at any retail store. If you want product suggestions you'll need to list a budget and what exactly you want.

 

[Mr Cool]

Thanks for helpful info gunz4me / thehardknoxlife! Very much appreciated. I'm highly considering just going with a front stage.

 

[Brian_smith06 10+ year member]

I would buy a 4 channel amp. Along with the 4 channel amp I would get a nice front stage and run that off of 2 channels of the amp. Leave your stock rear fill in and run off of deck. And use the remaining 2 channels bridged for the sub.

It sounds like you are going to use best buy for your stuff so I would suggest the alpine type r comps for front stage, and pretty much any of their subs for you. As far as an amp goes probably the alpine mrp-f300 will work well for you. And the deck I would say just play around with some of their decks and see which you like the best.

However, I would say shop around on here and buy some used equipment, the quality will be much higher and you imo will be much happier in the long run. Have a shop install it and boom. You'll have a nice system

 

[Mr Cool]

That Alpine amp is a 50x4 RMS amp, right? Your talking about 50x2 up front & 100x1 in the back. Is 100 RMS enough to drive a sub. Would I have to go with a 8" sub?

 

[gunz4me2 10+ year member]

I think that amp would be 50x2 up front and 150x1 bridged to the rear sub. Another option that I failed to mention would be running a subwoofer IB behind your rear seats. Something like the Acoustic Elegance IB 15 would be sweet and they sound good with as little as 200 watts RMS going to it: AE Speakers --- Superb Quality, Unforgettable Performance, Definitely.

The only down side is you have to seal your trunk off from your cabin in order for IB mounted subwoofers to work properly. If any of those back waves bleed into the cabin, cancellation will result.