Audiobahn Sub opinion
Thread Starter
0 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
Hey all, I am new to the car audio world. I have a 2004 Mazda3 sedan and am looking to upgrade the audtio system. Starting with a sub. I found this sub for sale, and wanted to get some opinions from people with more knowledge than I.
Audiobahn AW1200Q Sub and Memphis Enclosure, I can get this for $180. Do you think it is a good investment?
Audiobahn AW1200Q Sub and Memphis Enclosure, I can get this for $180. Do you think it is a good investment?
audiobahn has been discussed over so many times.....
basically all show no go....
spent to much money on flames and chrome to have any money left to apply to performance.
you looking for loudness or sound quality?
basically all show no go....
spent to much money on flames and chrome to have any money left to apply to performance.
you looking for loudness or sound quality?
It might work OK, but considering the box wasnt made for the sub it probably sucks....
$180 isnt alot to spend so its your deal...
Id figure the sub can handle about 1/2 what its rated for if its going to last very long.... probably better off modifying the box to suit the sub or just sealing the port IMO...
$180 isnt alot to spend so its your deal...
Id figure the sub can handle about 1/2 what its rated for if its going to last very long.... probably better off modifying the box to suit the sub or just sealing the port IMO...
Thread Starter
0 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4
My main concern is sound quality. The stock system goes plenty loud, but at higher volumes it gets very distorted.
I figure I am going to have to replace everything but the stock head unit. Overall, I want to keep it in the $1500-$2000 range for the whole setup.
Any recommendations?
I figure I am going to have to replace everything but the stock head unit. Overall, I want to keep it in the $1500-$2000 range for the whole setup.
Any recommendations?
500 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 870
What do you want out of your $1500-2000 investment?
Loud, low, or clear.
Pretty hard to get a really clean signal out of a stock head unit, especially considering that aftermarket decks are less than 200 for a decent unit with built in high/ low pass x-overs, so you'll eventually find it to be the weakest link.
It's distorting, 'cause it's trying to send bass to the speakers, and using up it's meager power doing so.
A decent set of front speakers will be able to show how poor that stock deck is, so plan ahead to replace it at some point.
If you really have that much to spend, then leave that sub for someone with a slanted driveway, and buy a decent 4ch. amp/sub combo, some nice components, and a good installation.
Actually, you should buy the install first, and then let your installer pick the best parts he needs to do his job. Audio components are just "parts on the counter" until they've been installed.
If you're willing to give up a bit of loud, in exchange for more clear and low, you should be able to find a package in that price range.
Keep in mind that getting a lot for a little requires a good design, by an experienced installer, and not wasting any $$$ on useless crap.
$300 for a deck, $400 for some components, $400 for an amp, and $400 for a sub, should get you a nice sounding ride for under 2 grand with tax, installed.
Loud, low, or clear.
Pretty hard to get a really clean signal out of a stock head unit, especially considering that aftermarket decks are less than 200 for a decent unit with built in high/ low pass x-overs, so you'll eventually find it to be the weakest link.
It's distorting, 'cause it's trying to send bass to the speakers, and using up it's meager power doing so.
A decent set of front speakers will be able to show how poor that stock deck is, so plan ahead to replace it at some point.
If you really have that much to spend, then leave that sub for someone with a slanted driveway, and buy a decent 4ch. amp/sub combo, some nice components, and a good installation.
Actually, you should buy the install first, and then let your installer pick the best parts he needs to do his job. Audio components are just "parts on the counter" until they've been installed.
If you're willing to give up a bit of loud, in exchange for more clear and low, you should be able to find a package in that price range.
Keep in mind that getting a lot for a little requires a good design, by an experienced installer, and not wasting any $$$ on useless crap.
$300 for a deck, $400 for some components, $400 for an amp, and $400 for a sub, should get you a nice sounding ride for under 2 grand with tax, installed.
Originally posted by Haunz:
^ I agree %100 but Id pick your installer very carefully if you are relying soley on his advice...
^ I agree %100 but Id pick your installer very carefully if you are relying soley on his advice...
I know of a person, not naming names or naming shops , that paid for a Kicker Resolution set and ended up with a mid line Kicker set and a Terrible hack job install.
Hard to find a good installer these days.....at least an honest one.
50 Watt CAFz'r
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 150
I would completely disagree that your head unit is the problem.
The main issues that limit stock performance are lack of power in the stock head unit and inadaquate speakers.
Change the 4 speakers and use a high powered amplifier through high level and you will be fine.
Now some factory systems have xovers that role off bass as volume increase which makes things a tad tricky.
So many stores are so quick to sell you that $200 dollar head unit when the money could be much better spent.
In a few years it wont be much of an option to take out factory decks. Many Head unit companies are projecting major drops in sales for that catagory.
Companies like JL(Clean sweep)MTX(new high level on 2005 amps.)and many head unit focused companies have starting to make IPOD interface because they know it wont be long and that is where the market is going.
The future is all about "how to integrate" [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
The main issues that limit stock performance are lack of power in the stock head unit and inadaquate speakers.
Change the 4 speakers and use a high powered amplifier through high level and you will be fine.
Now some factory systems have xovers that role off bass as volume increase which makes things a tad tricky.
So many stores are so quick to sell you that $200 dollar head unit when the money could be much better spent.
In a few years it wont be much of an option to take out factory decks. Many Head unit companies are projecting major drops in sales for that catagory.
Companies like JL(Clean sweep)MTX(new high level on 2005 amps.)and many head unit focused companies have starting to make IPOD interface because they know it wont be long and that is where the market is going.
The future is all about "how to integrate" [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
