jonny_b

Hey,

I just sold my Jeep for a more fuel efficient car (Acura 1.6el) and wanted some car audio advice. I really don't know much about car audio and needed some help as to what to put in there. I am on a budget of $500. I guess I need sub, enclosure, and amplifier. I already have a head unit.. Can I get a decent system with that kind of money?

How much does the installation cost?

I just found this online - http://www.caraudiodeals.com/fusion-repk2120-p-1833.html
Any good? I don't need something amazing, just something that sounds a lot better than the factory crap I'm dealing with now.

TragicMagic

* This isn't a suggestion. Just wanted to show you that you could get it done with quality equipment. I haven't read any comments on this forum that shed a negative light on the Alpine brand. I have the 10" Type S. My biggest problem is the atrocious band-pass box I bought it in. Eventually I'm going to have someone build me a nice sealed enclosure.


~ Links in RED text ~
Bassworx 10" Sealed Subwoofer Box $39.97

10" Alpine Type S $149.99 - Get the 4ohm dual voice coil model. The voice coils will be wired in parallel to create a 2ohm load for your amp. Then you need an amp that can provide 400-500W @ 2 ohm.

Alpine MRP-M500 $269.99. 500W x 1 @ 2 ohm

So you're looking at $470 before install. If you were to go to an actual car audio shop, instead of Best Buy, I'd be surprised if you couldn't get that exact setup with install for $550. They'd be able to give you a little better price, if they want your business. Keep in mind that you're going to have to buy all the cables necessary to run the amplifier - from the battery, and the head-unit. In a few months you may want to upgrade your front speakers and get a 2 channel amp, the shop you deal with should be made aware of that, so they do a good job so you return.

Before anyone bites my head off, I realize that the BassWorx boxes aren't worth the money. I was just showing him what he'd expect to pay for an enclosure.

Johnny, please note that a ported enclosure will give you better output from any subwoofer, but its a more expensive option.

You could always go sealed now, and if you're not satisfied you can have a ported box built to Alpine's specs for that sub later on.

You could save a few bucks by buying a less expensive subwoofer. I'd stick to a quality amp though. That way, if you decide to upgrade to a better sub, the amp won't have to go too.

Need more help? Just ask.

TragicMagic

Do me a favor. Go on East Hamilton Radio's website. Send one of their guys an email stating you want the price on the setup I listed. Be specific. Tell them what kind of car it'll be going in. Tell them that you want a 4 ohm dual voice-coil model wired for 2 ohms so you get the right output from that amp. Ask them if they suggest a ported or sealed enclosure. Ask for the total price after install.
Then, when you have a number from them, send the same email to another audio shop, then another. Take the lowest number and see if EHR will match it, assuming theirs isn't the lowest.

I'm curious to see whether or not I'm close on this one.

Good luck.