Ok, after 2 weeks of a lot of reading and shopping online, I'm still confused. Let's start with the Bass amp.
I have read the "new to car audio" noob help guide, which explains a lot but not far enough. BTW, why are stickies so buried in this forum? I can't even find it again...
I want a budget system under 1k total cost including big 3 and all other wiring (just letting you know I am not looking for competition or the loudest thumper on the block).
So, a few questions:
The easiest first I hope. What brands do I need to be looking at? I have been all engrossed in Hifonics until I find in a couple of threads it is not a recommended brand. Time wasted...
Big box I would go with Alpine or RF but they seem to be a little pricey.
I am assuming these are some brands I should be looking at?:
PPI
American Bass
CAB
Audiopipe (not sure about this one yet)
Orion
Any other suggestions?
Second:
What Ohm rating do I need to match? I understand the noob guide says 1ohm = more distortion, more power drain, but I feel that this is only partial information.
I guess my question is, does this depend on how much power you are using from the amp or is it across the board?
If I have, lets say, 2 - 500w subs RMS. An Amp that is rated at 1000w RMS at 1ohm, I can see where this may be true if you have the gain tuned exactly to the power rating of the speaker.
Now, if I have the gain turned down, or if I went 50% higher power on the amp (1500w RMS, tuned to 1000 watt output or less, which is what I am planning on doing anyway) does the same hold true pertaining to electrical drain/distortion? Or do I just need to ignore the 1 Ohm and strictly look at higher impedance ratings and wire my subs accordingly. (Important question because this basically will double my cost). Oh yea, and on PPI, do I go by the 12v rating or the 14.x rating for RMS?
Last, what online store is good for shopping/comparing entry to mid level systems?
Thanks for your input.
