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View Full Version : Looking for pointers on new gear



Z71rmz457mx
03-04-2012, 09:49 AM
Hey guys, Im looking into upgrading my sound system in my 97 ext. cab with the third rear door. So far i have a clarion NZ501 headunit, and RF Punch P1652-S components for the front doors, which are not installed yet. I had RF punch 4x6 coaxial for the rear, but didnt fit right so i sent them back, and now looking for replacements. As far as subs, i am considering JL Audio 10w1v2-4 or Polk MM1040. Im not sure if i want one or two subs, so i need your opinions. As far as amps, i want to run the front 6.5's to an amp with the subs also, but have no clue what to look for as a good matchup.
So my questiuons are...
What do you guys run for 4x6 coaxial that you are happy with?
Which sub should i go with? Should i go 1 or 2?
Which Amp would be best for the front speakers and possibly 2 subs?

I have done a lot of research but I am no expert on audio equipment. Thanks again guys.

JL 10"
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W1V24/JL-Audio-10W1v2-4.html?tp=111&nvpair=FFSize%7c%5brank7%5d10%22&nvpair=FFBrand%7cJL+Audio&nvpair=FFBrand%7cPolk+Audio
Polk 10"
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107MM1040/Polk-Audio-MM1040.html?tp=111&nvpair=FFSize%7c%5brank7%5d10%22&nvpair=FFBrand%7cJL+Audio&nvpair=FFBrand%7cPolk+Audio

juan valdez
03-04-2012, 12:39 PM
most people, including myself, will say to ditch the rear speakers all together. apply the money to something else. I havent ran rear speakers in at least 10 years in any of my trucks or cars.
For subs, go with as many as you can afford. Two will be a lot better than one as far as output. Amp, any good brand 3 channel will do.
Really to give a good accurate report an overall budget would be good to know. A budget of $1000 is going to be a lot different than say, $400. Also, just a thought, but I've bought a lot of used gear over the years. Good way to save some dough.

Z71rmz457mx
03-04-2012, 05:15 PM
I am thinking about just leaving the stock speakers as is in the rear then. The two sub choices are still JL and Polk, and i might just go with one sub (leaning more towards JL) and then run the two front components to the amp as well. What would be a good choice for an amp, because i have no clue on how to match up power ratings and etc. My budget for the sub and amp then will probably be no more than 500.
Here is a link to the sub and front comps. Which amp would match well with the sub and speakers?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W1V24/JL-Audio-10W1v2-4.html?tp=111&nvpair=FFSize%7c%5brank7%5d10%22&nvpair=FFBrand%7cJL+Audio&nvpair=FFBrand%7cPolk+Audio#overview-tab
and the Rockford fosgates
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P1652S/Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P1652-S.html?tp=106&nvpair=FFBrand%7cRockford+Fosgate

juan valdez
03-04-2012, 05:55 PM
The jl is a single 4 ohm, so you need to look at an amp that puts out power for the sub channel at 4 ohms. For your comps you also need 4 ohm power. A kicker 550.3 wouldn't be bad but the sub channel will be a bit underpowered. If you want room to add a second sub later then look to make sure at 2 ohm load it has enough power.
Wen matching power look at the rms load rating, not max. Match the sub to amp as close as possible and it's better to be over powered on amp side than underpowered. Also most companies rate their amp power at 14.4 v and most cars never put out that much.
Any of the major manufacturers will be fine for an amp.

Z71rmz457mx
03-04-2012, 06:38 PM
Ok that makes it a little easier to understand. I am now thinking of possibly going with 2 subs, either JL or Polk. Would you be able to find an amp that would work best for either of these setups? Also what is the difference between 2 ohms, 4 or dual 4? Sorry for the dumb questions but im learning a lot. Thanks again.

juan valdez
03-05-2012, 03:09 PM
The ohms merely affect what load your amp will see and this output power at. Type in ohm load calculator or speaker wiring calculator to see what load applies to what configuration.
If you have a speaker that needs two ohm then you could run a 4 channel amp. Bridge the rear channels to the sub and use front channels for comps.
If I have time when I get home tonight I'll try to find an amp

Z71rmz457mx
03-05-2012, 05:10 PM
Ok this is all starting to make some more sense thank you. If you could find a couple 4 channel amps that would work best it would be greatly appreciated. My budget for an amp is around $500 max.

juan valdez
03-05-2012, 05:58 PM
Well, if it was me I would run two amps. A smaller class D for the sub such as a kicker zx 750 http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_21956_Kicker-ZX750.1-10ZX750.1.html
and then either a 2 or 4 channel amp for your comps.
2 channel http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_31874_Kicker-ZX200.2-11ZX200.2.html

4 channel
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_21950_Kicker-ZX350.4-10ZX350.4.html

For a 4 channel strong enough to power 2 subs its gonna be some dough more than likely, so that is why I recomend two amps. If you stick with one sub then you could get away with it. That said, i recommend two subs. As is, youre probably going to want to go more later on anyway. It can be a very addicing hobby. Ive spent tons of money over the years changing my setup at least yearly, if not more.

For lots of info, though you gotta pick through it more now as the site gets filled with more and more dumb ****, go to caraudio.com forums and use the search function a lot before posting there.

juan valdez
03-05-2012, 06:00 PM
Also this is just one brand that I offered up to show a general guide to what kind of power you need to be looking at. I've had good success with kicker over the years but have used many different brands. There are usually a few smaller, less known companies that are all the rage over at caraudio.com Dont be afraid to try some of them out. Image Dynamics, RE audio, Sundown Audio (though these are now becoming more known and more expensive).

Z71rmz457mx
03-05-2012, 06:09 PM
Thank you very much that was the info i was looking for. Stupid question though, that first kicker is a mono amp, so it is only for one sub then right? Running two seperate amps seems like a better idea then, a 2 channel for the front comps and then a 2 channel for the subs.

Z71rmz457mx
03-05-2012, 06:10 PM
Also for the kicker zx200, would it be best to run the front comps at 4 ohm, 2 ohm, or 4 ohm bridged?

Z71rmz457mx
03-05-2012, 06:51 PM
I have a lot better ubderstanding of everything now thank you.
I'm thinking for this for the front comps.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_16058_Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P300-2.html
And this for two JL 10W1 at 300 watts rms 4 ohm. Bridged at 4 ohms for 600 watts.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_8894_Rockford-Fosgate-Power-T600-2.html

Hope this is getting closer haha thanks again

juan valdez
03-06-2012, 11:13 AM
Single channel has no affect on number of subs you can hook into it.
Don't believe you can use that amp bridged at 4 ohms. I believe two single coil subs is going to see a 2 ohm load

SuthrnZ71
03-06-2012, 01:33 PM
Rear speakers are pretty worthless when upgrading to a nice sound system. Your main focus being on staging your front speakers and getting good quality ones. I've always preferred/used JL Audio and MTX for my subwoofers of choice. Polk also makes kick ass speakers, had them in previous trucks, they are top quality fo shizzle!

Z71rmz457mx
03-06-2012, 06:35 PM
Ok thanks i will probably go with the amps you chose. This has helped me so much understand audio, thanks again