Hey guys, I've got a 1998 Cavalier. I won't pretend to know what I'm talking about when it comes to the audio of a car, so that makes it really kind of hard to shop for the best amp/subs for their value. Being as Boxing Day is coming up, I figure maybe I'll head out to see if I can get some discounts on subs/amps, and even if I can't, I've been planning to do this for awhile now. Rather than looking stupid at a store, I figured I'd ask my questions on here using the beautiful thing that is the animosity of the internet.
Anyways, my current setup.. I've got;
A Pioneer MP3/CD Deck (DEH-P5000UB)
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10 095551&catid=21981
A set of JBL 4x6" Speakers (GTO6427) for the front
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10 075201&catid=20111&test%5Fcookie=1
And a set of ENERGY 6x9" 3-Way Coax Speakers (ENC693X) in the back
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10 088303&catid=&test%5Fcookie=1
I like the sound of everything so far, but I'd like a louder upgrade. Not to the point where it's going to blow the roof off other people's houses as I drive, but at least make it recognizable. It really comes down to sound quality for me though. I know the stuff I have really isn't the greatest, but it's not bad, and I'm happy with the sound.
What do you guys have? What would you recommend?
Any suggestions as to what I should be looking at for the best sound at the best price would be greatly appreciated. I'm not really sure of my budget, I guess really I'll have to base what I'm going to spend after I've done a bit more looking, so any suggestions would again, be greatly appreciated.
Also, how hard is it to mount amps and install subs in the Cavs? Or would it just be best to get them installed? (I'm not sure the price of installation at like a Futureshop or Best Buy in Canada, but I'm sure I could find out.. unless anyone else has a quote?)
Thanks a lot guys, and happy holidays!
Minoxide
i dont really have too much experience with different brands but i was really impressed with my mtx 5500 12" subwoofer in a ported box. it sounded super clean, and still was loud. i would suggest that with a alpine mono amp, i had mine on a 200 rms alpine amp at 4 ohms (my sub was a single voice coil).
mtx 5500 dvc 4ohm
a video of my mtx playing bass i love you
alpine 500 this amp is great my buddy has it on a type r and it hits pretty good and clean
and for the box if you have basic knowledge of wood working you can build the box,
pdf of mtx specs just scroll down on the sheet and look at the vented enclosure.
and it is not hard at all to hook up a stereo system
click sig for my car audio videos
Hey man, thanks for the quick reply! I'm hoping a few more people get in here and voice their opinions, too. Cause I really have no idea what any of this stuff means when I'm looking, lol. I just found these MTX Thunder Dual 12" Car Subwoofers (TCE512X2D)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10085242&catid=11052&logon=&langid=EN#
Are they any good, can anyone tell me? Does anyone have them? If yes, what amp do you use to power these guys? Even if you don't, what amp SHOULD I look at to have these things operate at their best?
-- Would they fit in the trunk of my '98 Cav?
well first off, state your goals and what type of music you listen to. It helps out a ton.
I prefer Fi over any subwoofer company.
How much are you willing to spend on the Total build?
yea i too love my fi but for the sake of just wanting clean sounding and a little more bump i woudll go with the mtx. however if you want hear pounding nieghbor waking greatness then go with fi 100%.
and dont get that set up you posted. i hate prefab stuff that they just shuv in a box and say here ya go. go to ebay and look up mtx 5500 youll find them on there for around 90$ and then look for a mono amp that puts out clean power at 2 ohms that is in the 300-500 watts rms range like the alpine i suggested. but for this set up you want youll be spending more on the subwoofers than my whole set up that i have now (exaggerating a little but honestly i spent around 500$) you could get what you want for under 300$ if you look in the correct places. ill post in a minute some ebay findings of mine and give you a total of how much it will cost u.
click sig for my car audio videos
I'm not quite sure what I'm willing to spend, that's why I said I was going to do a bit more research, as well as look into what people have suggested. I know amps and subs aren't exactly the cheapest things in the world, let alone boxes/wires/installation and what not. So I am prepared to spend a decent amount, but at the same time, I'm not going to be spending thousands just yet. I'm just a highschool student with a part-time job at a grocery store, and I've got some extra money lying around, plus my Christmas funds on top of that, and I'd like to add some more kick to what I've presently got in the audio department. As for the type of music I listen too, really, I listen to anything. I don't really cruise around to country or classic rock or whatever, (not that I'm all that into either of them anyways), but I find myself switching my EQ on my deck probably every week because I'm in the mood to listen to something different. Most often, I'd say I listen to the Punk/Alt. Rock or the beats (whether it be the rap/hip-hop or R&B) so I want something that's versatile, and sounds good all over, all the while not setting me off budget a huge whack. I'm basically looking for the cheapest sub/amp setup that will make a recognizable difference.
I can only imagine Fi is a pretty expensive company, I'll give them a look in a minute. I'm in Canada, and I can say that it's not a company I've seen at a Future Shop or Best Buy in my area, lol. I know they don't have the most top-knotch equipment, but I think I would be mostly looking at products from either of the two stores. That would be about my price range, I guess you could say.
I was looking at these 12" JBL Dual Subs w/ Box
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926INGFS10091896&catid=20121&logon=&langid=EN but then I figured they probably wouldn't fit in the back of the Cav, .. and I figured that was probably maybe a bit more than I was looking to spend on subs. Although it comes with a box, I'd have to buy a pretty massive amp to power those boys. On top of that, all the wiring and installation, I'm sure I'm talking into the thousands. So I'm not quite up for that just yet, eventually though, for sure.
Then after Anton's response to my original post, I started checking into MTX. I haven't heard much about them, and because of that, just assumed that they were cheap. I came across these 12" MTX Thunder Dual Subs w/ Box
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10085242&catid=11052&logon=&langid=EN and I was pretty impressed. There's been 81 ratings, and it's got 4.52/5 so I assume they are alright. Future Shop just happens to have them on sale for Boxing Day, so I was curious to see what people on here thought about them. I tried checking them on google, but I got a whole list of other MTX products.
If anyone has these subs, I would greatly appreciate some feedback. Also, what amp are you using to power them? If you don't have them, what amp should I look at to power these? Or, should I just not bother looking at them at all? Would they even fit the trunk? Like I said, all the specs and stuff, they are just numbers to me. I really wish I knew what they meant, I mean I can gather the basics but it still really means nothing. I would really appreciate some input from people who've got some upgraded systems for their Cavs!
Thanks a lot for the responses so far guys, I'd appreciate if they kept coming!
12" MTX 5500 DVC 4 OHM, $88.88
ALPINE MRP-M500, $158.00
POWER ACOUSTIK 8 GUAGE WIRING KIT, $29.99
THEN YOU HAVE THE APPROXIMATE COST OF WOOD AND MATERIALS TO BUILD YOUR SELF A BOX WHICH IM GOING TO SAY IS AROUND 30$
88.88+158+29.99+30=306.87+ however much it costs to get it shipped to you. however you should be able to find these itmes on the canadian ebay for probly cheaper. i know i went over the 300$ i said it would be but youll have a pretty rockin system after you install this. also oyu dont have to go with this set up this is just my suggestion. ive had this set up and it sounded great i almost didnt upgrade to what i have because of the great sound of the bass. sooooo clean.
wow i clicked the preview button and none of my hyperlinks worked so i guess youll have to look your self on ebay.
click sig for my car audio videos
Nice quick response man, thanks again! I'd like to avoid eBay if it's at all possible, but it sounds like MTX is a decent brand. What are the specs like on those subs? How do they compare to the ones I was looking at from Future Shop? I'm just looking at those ones because theres two, they're 12" and it comes with a box. Plus, if I buy all my @!#$ there, they'll probably discount me a bit on the installation. But I do appreciate all that you've done so far!
That Alpine amp could power the both of those, no?
as i've stated before, I am not a fan of MTX at all
If you still are considering Fi, and listen to rock and all types. I'd go with a 12" Fi Q Sealed.
SLOCAV wrote:as i've stated before, I am not a fan of MTX at all
If you still are considering Fi, and listen to rock and all types. I'd go with a 12" Fi Q Sealed.
this is a good option and like stated before it all depends on your spending limit. i really like the q from seeing it one you tube. looks like a really nice sub. but as far as how oyur thinking about subs is that you want 2 12"s so do you want a bunch of bass or no? but i dont think the 500 will be enough to power that any more. best buy has a 600.1 alpine for around 250$ i do believe the last time i checked. it should be perfect. but it is all up to you it seems like you have set your way in choosing those 2 12"s and so on. however i would installit your self. they are going to F u in the A for instalation. especially when its as easy as connecting a couple things.
click sig for my car audio videos
But to make it more realistic, decide on a budget, it is way to hard to help when there isn't any budget.
Ok, realisitcally I'm probably willing to spend about $6-700 if I were to go out and buy right now. I've just been checking classified ads on a local website, and there is a pair of Exile 12" subs and Exile 1200 1 Channel amp for 550. I've been trying to find the model of the subs so I can figure out the wattage, but I can't seem to find them anywhere. If someone could look at the picture and maybe help, or if they know the wattage off-hand, that would be great!
Also, how are Exile subs/amps? Has anyone heard anything about them?
Thanks again guys!
It's from some of the guys from PG. Not bad at all, decent stuff put in the amps.
i guess it is your call now, that you want that type of woofer. I sure wouldn't choose any of those just because of reliability, your money, your choice
well i say get sumthing with a larger rms than those like they alpine type x or sumthin like a kicker solo baric witch ive had and pound the crap out of my cavy or id go with 2 cvx kickers 750 rms since audiobahn is out of bussiness or id tell u to get them
joshua knaack wrote:well i say get sumthing with a larger rms than those like they alpine type x or sumthin like a kicker solo baric witch ive had and pound the crap out of my cavy or id go with 2 cvx kickers 750 rms since audiobahn is out of bussiness or id tell u to get them
just shut up. I remember you from recent forms, and all you do is make an ahole out of yourself.
anyways, do like I said, buy something cheap, but plan on buying something better down the road because you will most likely want more.
dont by cheep cheep is crap buy some bump haha
haha i love ur stock car solo cav haha
I love how you have no education.
don't ruin a thread for someone that wants help.
im not i have bought more audio equipment they you have i know these things go big or go home it all depends ur purpose but y buy small then get bigger thats a waste of money if u want one sub get the mtx5500 but i would go with like a kicker cvx or mby sumthin like a mefis mojo or sumthin but go with what ur buget can afford
oh and not to become an e-thug, but lets not rip on me for having a *stock* looking car. lets see you work on a car w/ schooling and working minimum wage.
hmm your mods?
Audio:
* pyle deck
* 2 audiobahn 121 12" subs
* 2 kenwood mono block amps
* power accustic 5 ferad cap
all I see is cheap jcwhitney crap, FAIL
umm thats all old i get new stuff monthly basically and btw im in high school so u can do better i have a mefis mojo sittin in my room i have and audioban imortal 2 profile amps 2 keenwood amps a mefis cap thea power acustic cap and those gay audiobans i sold i also have 2 kicker cvx's and i just sold my kicker solobaric with the matchin kicker amp
joshua knaack wrote:umm thats all old i get new stuff monthly basically and btw im in high school so u can do better i have a mefis mojo sittin in my room i have and audioban imortal 2 profile amps 2 keenwood amps a mefis cap thea power acustic cap and those gay audiobans i sold i also have 2 kicker cvx's and i just sold my kicker solobaric with the matchin kicker amp
and i got the new keen wooddeck
ah right. Learn to type please, or use your high school education to its fullest so you don't go kicking yourself in the butt 10 years from now, when you are in your career.
I am doing what I feel as though is enough, audio wise, it sounds great; and I enjoy it. I know it is reliable, unlike many kickers, along side power acoustic. please end your crap, learn to type, and quit trying to be an ethug.
SLOCAV wrote:do like I said, buy something cheap, but plan on buying something better down the road because you will most likely want more.
Yeah, thanks SLO. I do plan on buying better later, but I'm just a highschool student working a part-time job at a grocery store. Haha, if I had the money, I would go all out. For right now though, I just want something that will do its job for awhile, until I can afford bigger and better stuff. I figured these wouldn't be a bad place to start. I know you wouldn't choose any of these as you're setup and that's fine, but if you were to choose stuff to start with out of those, which would you choose? And could you recommend an amp to power you're choice? (of about the same quality, of course.. lol.)
I know you probably aren't a fan of prefab enclosures either, but I simply do not have the time to make one, and make it properly. I'm not going to be going to any shows/competitions with this setup, so it doesn't really matter to me. I just want to get some bang for my buck, I want a little extra than what I've got now. I'm sure any of these will be a recognizable upgrade, but which will its job the best? Oh, and about the boxes.. sorry, would this one be fine for the 12s?
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10076989&catid=11062&logon=&langid=EN
I appreciate all your help SLOCAV.
