View Full Version : Where to Start? New Sub for Car
Hey everyone,
I'm very new to sound systems, but the sound and feel of bass has GOTTEN ME HOOKED! I currently drive a 2000 Cadillac Deville, and my bass speaker is alot of fun to have cranked up, but I'm thinking I want something even more powerful.
It may be a bit much to ask for my budget, but I'm hoping I can get something with enough power to be able to hear a nice big beat when people are outside of my car, I think that would be fun. Also, I own a set of Sennheiser headphones, and they have great bass response, I like to listen to Bass Tests on my computer, and was hoping to get a sub for my car that could run deep stuff like that.
...I'd like to know, where should I start in determining what new sub I should get for my car?
Is $200 or so a good budget for a new subwoofer, or is that too cheap?
Thanks a bunch!
liftedcj7on44s
11-25-06, 12:11 AM
if you want a good sub that hits hard but has very good response and clarity then i would opt for a JL Audio 12W7. gonna set you back more than 200 buks but just 1 is plenty!
W7 for some good quality bass. Nothing beats it. If you just want some trunk rattling bass to get the girlies turning their heads, get kickers. I think they "hit" better, but the quality does not compete with a w7. Kickers are a lot cheaper if I remember right too.
--pak
wow just checked the price on the W7....not going to happen guys lol.
Yeah, did you see what kind of amp you need too? But once you hear one, youll think its worth it.
Just get some square kickers. You'll be happy.
--pak
I'm not up to date with this years stuff, but I do know a few places you could ask:
SoundDomain - http://forum.sounddomain.com/
Ecoustics - http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/4/4.html
Either one has some knowledgable members (or at least used to) that can help you out.
Mr. Roboto
11-25-06, 11:55 PM
Wait, are you looking to replace a stock "subwoofer", or do you allready have an aftermarket sub/amp, and want to change the sub? If it's the latter, what kind of amp do you have now?
Not to take a shot at you here or anything, but getting a new subwoofer so people can hear your outside the car is just dumb. I'd rather get a nice sub that will produce good SQ for listeners inside the car, than one that will have loose, crappy bass just so people can hear you coming.
Don't take that the wrong way though, please.
/\\/3|2o
11-25-06, 11:58 PM
Wait, are you looking to replace a stock "subwoofer", or do you allready have an aftermarket sub/amp, and want to change the sub? If it's the latter, what kind of amp do you have now?
Not to take a shot at you here or anything, but getting a new subwoofer so people can hear your outside the car is just dumb. I'd rather get a nice sub that will produce good SQ for listeners inside the car, than one that will have loose, crappy bass just so people can hear you coming.
Don't take that the wrong way though, please.
Ill second this, and Ill add that it pretty much says "ROB ME"
With enough baffling, and matteing, you can get tons of bass inside, with very little outside.
Awake77
11-26-06, 12:37 PM
+1 on this - you dont want to be heard outside your car man, just asking to get ripped off. Plus, its annoying. Lots of good clean bass IN the car is what you want...
OK, I agree with you guys. I'd rather have great quality bass inside my car, screw the outside then.
Wait, are you looking to replace a stock "subwoofer", or do you allready have an aftermarket sub/amp, and want to change the sub? If it's the latter, what kind of amp do you have now?
Not to take a shot at you here or anything, but getting a new subwoofer so people can hear your outside the car is just dumb. I'd rather get a nice sub that will produce good SQ for listeners inside the car, than one that will have loose, crappy bass just so people can hear you coming.
Don't take that the wrong way though, please.
I'm looking to replace the stock "subwoofer". And no, I didn't take that the wrong way. I'd rather have good sound quality.
Mr. Roboto
11-26-06, 04:23 PM
ok, well, do you know what the wattage of the stock amp driving that subwoofer is then? Might not be powerful enough to make a new sub worth it.
Also, what size is the stock sub?
ok, well, do you know what the wattage of the stock amp driving that subwoofer is then? Might not be powerful enough to make a new sub worth it.
Also, what size is the stock sub?
Not sure of either, I'm going to go grab the owner's manual right now, and see if there's anything there on it.
Couldn't find anything. Would I be able to find out the amp power and subwoofer size if I can get to those items? I'm not sure how to yet.
I'm 17 by the way, this is why I don't totally know my car yet, or at least how to get to the amp and sub/speakers.
Mr. Roboto
11-26-06, 04:58 PM
Call the parts department of a caddy dealer. They can look up the size of the speaker for you, as well as the wattage of the amp.
Call the parts department of a caddy dealer. They can look up the size of the speaker for you, as well as the wattage of the amp.
OK will do.
Mr. Roboto
11-26-06, 05:10 PM
Don't expect much from the stock amp tho. the reson i put subwoofer in quotes is because you the stock sub speaker that comes with most cars isn't really a subwoofer, its more of a shallow, low frequency cone i guess, for lack of something better to call it. you're going to have a hard time finding an aftermarket sub that will even fit in the enclosure.
Your best bet really is to just keep what you have, or get a new amp/sub/enclosure and put it in your trunk. You will probably need a new head unit to do that though.
Car audio can get expensive fast though heh.
I was only 17 when I installed my first complete system, it's not that hard really.
Don't expect much from the stock amp tho. the reson i put subwoofer in quotes is because you the stock sub speaker that comes with most cars isn't really a subwoofer, its more of a shallow, low frequency cone i guess, for lack of something better to call it. you're going to have a hard time finding an aftermarket sub that will even fit in the enclosure.
Your best bet really is to just keep what you have, or get a new amp/sub/enclosure and put it in your trunk. You will probably need a new head unit to do that though.
Car audio can get expensive fast though heh.
I was only 17 when I installed my first complete system, it's not that hard really.
Well, we (my family) actually uses my trunk pretty often, so I don't think I'll be able to place anything in the trunk. BUT, it could be a neat idea if it won't take up much space, because I have a trunk access door behind the rear-center arm rest thinger. I think someone mentioned one time that opening that up w/ a sub in the back helps the sound get through. Dunno.
So then I'd prolly need to replace the whole amp/sub/enclosure setup...and the head unit....great...
What's a head unit? hehe.
Mr. Roboto
11-26-06, 05:38 PM
haha, the stereo in your dash up front.
haha, the stereo in your dash up front.
That sounds like another fun item to replace. :-/
OK so say I want to have my subwoofer in my trunk, what do I do now?
-What is a good subwoofer to use, within my budget ($200)?
-Do I need to make my own enclosure? I'm reading "Sealed" are the best for car audio.
-How much do amps go for, and where will that be placed?
Mr. Roboto
11-26-06, 06:24 PM
Generally, you can build your own enclosure to save some cash. There are many guides that tell you how to do so online.
Amps vary, and need to be picked so that it will work with whatever sub you're going to get. Generally, people put 2 subs in their trunk, and drive them either with a mono sub amp, or a stereo 2-ch amp. The amp goes in the trunk as well.
200 should be enough for just the one sub though, all depends on how crazy you want to get.
take a look at www.partsexpress.com. you really do overpay for the name brand subs. Take a look at dayton from that site, they offer GREAT subs for a nice price.
Awake77
11-28-06, 11:31 PM
You know man, some powered Bazooka Bass tubes might work really well in your situation. They dont sound that bad at all, are light and dont take up too much space - and are a snap to take out if you need the trunk space. They also have a built in ohm-matcher so you can hook them up directly off the factory wiring.
Check it out:
http://www.sasbazooka.com/productAutoAmplifiedBTsBT.asp
You can get them on Ebay pretty cheap. They arent going to sound as nearly as good as a Zapco amp and a 12W7 - but they definitely get the job done.
jivetrky
11-29-06, 12:02 AM
I had a bazooka 8" 100W model several years back (like 7 years ago) and it was crapola. It gave a slight punch, but nothing like what I have now (which was actually real cheap BTW.
I have low model, fairly cheap, Audiobahn 12" ers and an Audiobahn 800W AMP.....Together they were only around $240. BUT, 2 12's are going to take up a fair bit of trunk space. But they really sound great and give a LOT of bass. I have them tuned so they are balanced with the rest of the system, but they go way higher than what I have them at. (They shook the rear view mirror off the windsheild, and they shake everything inside the car (unfortunately including my trunk lid as I cannot currently afford dynamat :()
Anywho, you could get a pretty decent 12" sub, build a custom box to fit nicely in the trunk without taking much space, and then get a decent amp to power it and also mount it out of the way.
Awake77
11-29-06, 01:34 AM
I had a bazooka 8" 100W model several years back (like 7 years ago) and it was crapola. It gave a slight punch, but nothing like what I have now (which was actually real cheap BTW.
I have 2 8" bazookas (the original design too, from the 90's) in my girl's car and they pound pretty good. With the tubes, you really have to find the sweet spot and have them firing into a corner in order to maximize the bass output.
I totally agree though, a 12" driver, custom box and decent amp would be superior.
jivetrky
11-29-06, 02:01 AM
I found the order that I placed for my amp and subs (and enclosure)
1 x Audiobahn A8002T 800W 2Ch Intake Series Amp (A8002T) = $124.95
1 x QPower Dual 12" Deep Angle Single Reflex Enclosure (QAHD12E) = $29.95
1 x PAIR! Audiobahn AW1251T 12" 800W RMS Subs (AW1251T_PAIR) = $59.95
I got them from CarAudioDeals.com. They don't seem to have that A8002T anymore, They replaced it with the A8002V.
Here's a kit that has the AW1251T's, an A8002V, and wiring, for $199 (http://www.caraudiodeals.com/dual-audiobahn-aw1251t-subs-a8002v-amp-amp-kit-p-623.html)
They are pretty decent for the price. They definitely aren't JL Audio W7's or anything high end like that, but they are quite decent for the price! You'll surely get enough bass out of them. Like I said, my problem now is my trunk lid rattling :)
EDIT: oh yeah, kinda forgot that you were trying to keep most of your trunk space :)
You could get a single AW1251T for $29.95 (http://www.caraudiodeals.com/audiobahn-aw1251t-flame-style-400w-rms-subwoofer-p-381.html)
And get the A4002V for $99.95 (http://www.caraudiodeals.com/a4002v-audiobahn-400w-rms-channel-intake-series-car-amplifier-p-582.html) and run it at 400W RMS bridged mono @ 4 ohms
Then build yourself an enclosure that fits nicely in the back of the trunk (Perhaps get a grill for the sub since you often use the trunk, to protect it)
Actually, even better yet, CarAudioDeals.com has the A4002T for only $69.95 (http://www.caraudiodeals.com/audiobahn-a4002t-400w-rms-intake-series-amp-p-65.html) (which is the same line as mine, just half the power)
Then you have a single sub setup for $100 +shipping and enclosure costs.
And of course you could look around and see if you could do other brands/models/etc. for less. I just went with Audiobahn and was quite happy with it.
How about the Infinity Basslink II? It actualy has some realy kicking power (no fender rattling levels) but great sounding, and a good deal of punch, enough to rattle the mirrors, and give a sizable bump in the rump.
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16936
Not too expensive either, and realy easy to add to any stock sound system since it is self powered.
autolex84
11-29-06, 06:33 PM
How about the Infinity Basslink II? It actualy has some realy kicking power (no fender rattling levels) but great sounding, and a good deal of punch, enough to rattle the mirrors, and give a sizable bump in the rump.
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16936
Not too expensive either, and realy easy to add to any stock sound system since it is self powered.
ill second that.
Thanks for the recommendations guys, I'll give everything a look!
damarble
11-29-06, 10:19 PM
I've been eyeing this (http://www.hsustore.com/asw1203.html) Hsu sub for a while. It really seems too good to be true from what little I've been able to read. It sounds really good even in a small box, or so I hear. I'm giving it a try whenever I get around to buying my sub. I need my trunk space too so I'm going with a single.
I have 2 8" bazookas ....... in my girl's car and they pound pretty good. With the tubes, you really have to find the sweet spot and have them firing into a corner in order to maximize the bass output.
Man I want to run with that soooo bad. ;)
Awake77
11-30-06, 10:12 AM
Originally Posted by Awake77
I have 2 8" bazookas ....... in my girl's car and they pound pretty good. With the tubes, you really have to find the sweet spot and have them firing into a corner in order to maximize the bass output.
Man I want to run with that soooo bad.
Yeah it sounds alright. Probably not as nice as that Infinity basslink though...my car gets the 12W7 and Zapco Z300C2-SLX so its a moot point anyway I guess :D
jivetrky
11-30-06, 10:29 AM
My friend had a couple infinity subs...not an all in one deal like that....but seperate components...and they were awesome!
How about the Infinity Basslink II? It actualy has some realy kicking power (no fender rattling levels) but great sounding, and a good deal of punch, enough to rattle the mirrors, and give a sizable bump in the rump.
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=16936
Not too expensive either, and realy easy to add to any stock sound system since it is self powered.
OK, now what amp can I use with that?
jivetrky
11-30-06, 10:40 PM
That Infinity basslink II is self powered
That Infinity basslink II is self powered
Really? So I don't need an amp? Sweet!
I thought subs powered by amps, "powered subs", were the best though, is it still considered a powered sub?
jivetrky
12-01-06, 10:17 AM
It is a powered sub, it has a built in amplifier in the enclosure with the sub.
But do understand that you could put together a single sub system that will be louder. If you pick out a sub and amp, and either build a custom box or just buy one...it'd probably end up cheaper or around the same price as that Infinity, but will almost definitely be louder.
damarble
12-01-06, 11:59 PM
Yeah it sounds alright. Probably not as nice as that Infinity basslink though...my car gets the 12W7 and Zapco Z300C2-SLX so its a moot point anyway I guess :D
No, I meant I saw a few good jokes there.... ;)
It is a powered sub, it has a built in amplifier in the enclosure with the sub.
But do understand that you could put together a single sub system that will be louder. If you pick out a sub and amp, and either build a custom box or just buy one...it'd probably end up cheaper or around the same price as that Infinity, but will almost definitely be louder.
Yes, but for the size of the Basslink, you realy cant go wrong.
Wiggles
12-04-06, 02:04 PM
I know it's a plug, but I recommend www.edesignaudio.com
I have one of their older flat coned subs I bought a few years ago, and their current line up of subs require very little boxes, are cheap especially if you go with a sub and amp combo, and they ship free.
damarble
12-05-06, 07:16 PM
I know it's a plug, but I recommend www.edesignaudio.com
I have one of their older flat coned subs I bought a few years ago, and their current line up of subs require very little boxes, are cheap especially if you go with a sub and amp combo, and they ship free.
I've heard good things about them too, can't go wrong with eD.
Eh, think I'm going to back off on the idea of a new sub for a big while. I would be adding it to the stock audio system...so, yeah. And I think I have different types of stuff I want to buy at the moment.
Thanks for all the help though guys, I'll remember it for later.
WeaponX6X
12-06-06, 03:25 AM
Have you considered something simple to install? Like the Infinity BassLink II?
W7 for some good quality bass. Nothing beats it. If you just want some trunk rattling bass to get the girlies turning their heads, get kickers. I think they "hit" better, but the quality does not compete with a w7. Kickers are a lot cheaper if I remember right too.
--pak Nothing mainstream beats it yes. But if you look at less popular brands such as Stereo Integrity and Resonant Engineering, they make subs that can be louder and more accurate than the W7 for a hell of a lot less.
Stereo Integrity Magum D2 (http://www.stereointegrity.com/Magnum12.html)
RE XXX (http://www.reaudio.com/specs.html#sp_xxx)
Have you considered something simple to install? Like the Infinity BassLink II?
Nothing mainstream beats it yes. But if you look at less popular brands such as Stereo Integrity and Resonant Engineering, they make subs that can be louder and more accurate than the W7 for a hell of a lot less.
Stereo Integrity Magum D2 (http://www.stereointegrity.com/Magnum12.html)
RE XXX (http://www.reaudio.com/specs.html#sp_xxx)
Yeah I'm not concerned with installation, just price. I'm very into photography, and it's a very expensive hobby (or can be)...and I want some new equipment :santa:
WeaponX6X
12-06-06, 07:04 AM
The Infinity BassLink is $200 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-EplT7SKNtcC/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=basslink&i=108BASSLIN) I believe...amp and sub together. It'll give you some decent bass...but it's not gonna be mind blowing.
jtjuska
12-06-06, 08:56 AM
I don't know if you have found something yet or if you have made up your mind but I thought I would chime in and give my .02
I am a big fan of Polk Audio and since I hadn't seen anyone else suggest it I thought you may want to look here http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/products/subs/ Polk makes some great SQ speakers in general. One thing to note though, I believe you said this was going in a 2000 Deville... Great car btw, I had a 92 STS that I loved, anywho. Replacing the Head Unit on that Deville may be more of a project than it seems, because Cadillac likes to do goofy things like tie everything into it so you may want to check that out just to make sure. I hope you find what your looking for and everything works out for ya!
~jtjuska
cozmo_d
12-09-06, 09:48 AM
Its all about the enclosure
Make sure you have the right sq.inches of internal space for your speakers & the right port size & placment
ported is boomier
sealed is tighter base, cleaner, hits harder, imo but not louder than ported if you want hard hitting base thats clean but wont wake the hood go with sealed if you want to flaunt it go with ported Ive had bolth & prefer sealed for sound quality over braging rights altho you can still hear it coming :D
The next most important thing imo is haveing Duel Voice Coil Subs, this way if you have or get a high quality amp that can deliver 2 ohm mono, you can wire the subs at 2 ohm load and reduce the resistance on the drivers = more watts from same amp
Rockford Fosgate punch DVC's are nice the old ones are better imo.
vBulletin® v3.8.7, Copyright ©2000-2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.