microterf

I just got my system installed a couple of weeks ago and everything is done except for a high output alternator and getting tuning it. I have a couple of questions though.

What I have.
Head Unit: DEH-80PRS
Front Component Speakers: Hertz HSK 130
Rear Coaxial speakers: Hertz EcX 690
4 Channel amp for highs: Arc Audio KS 300.4 90W RMSX4 @ 4-Ohms
Sub amps: 2 Arc Audio KS 1200.1 1200W RMS @ 2-Ohms, run in master/slave
Subs: 2 JL 12W7s in a ported box.
Car: 98 Grand Prix GTP
Alternator: Current 105 Amp output stock, getting 260 amp stinger alternator (160 Amps at idle)
Battery: 2nd BAttery installed in the trunk.


I've been trying to do some reasearch but haven't found any answers on a coupld of my questions.

First, How much power are my amps putting out at 3-ohms? I can't seem to find that anywhere.

Second, what kind of power am I getting now, and what will I be getting with the new alternator. What will be the difference in sound I guess. The installer said he expects it to be huge, that the 2 sub amps are starved for power right now. according to my math, the alternator is putting out 1512W peak (105x 14.4) and will be 3744 (14.4X 260) after the new alternator is installed.

Everything sounds pretty awesome right now, the only real issue I have is that when on lower volume, I have to turn "Loud" on to get bass. I hope that this changes with the new alternator, and amd wondering how you smart people that have experience in this think the alternator will affect the sound.

I don't know much about it all, escpecially when you throw in the second battery, how it draws from there.

lpchouinard

each amp will put out around 1000w at 3ohms

with 2 good battery and no voltage drop under 12v you probably are getting the rated power, the HO alt will help to keep everything running fine but the amp wont be producing much more power... That's the problem with ported box designed to be loud, there's too much port area and you loose all the bass at low volume.

Also since you have an active capable deck, i would ditch the rear and power the front with the 300.4 (1 speaker per channel). This will give you more tuning capability and a better sound.

DaVibe

iTrader: (9)

I'm thinking it's something to do with your box design as well. You have a lot of good equipment there with a lot of good power to it, I don't see why you shouldn't be enjoying all levels, both high and low. The only variable left is the subwoofer box itself.

I mean this might sound nuts, but I wonder what a sealed box would sound like. You have so much power going to the subs anyways, you'd lose a bit of output but in turn you'd get the low volume notes you're looking for (hypothetically, I don't know).

microterf

I thought about getting a sealed box but I would like to hearsolariums similar power first. I listen to more rock than rap anyway, and from what Ove read sealed will give you more of a "tight" bass, is this correct?

Shmore

iTrader: (4)

A sealed box will give you tighter bass response with SQ in mind however you do lose spl when going sealed. However in a system geared more to rock and alternative I would go sealed every time. More accurate bass response and tighter SQ overall. I tend to agree with DaVibe

With the power you have going to them i wouldn’t worry to much about losing overall volume when going sealed.

Look at your enclosure first before shelling out for the alternator

microterf

I'll ask them what it costs to build a sealed box, or see if they have some that I can listen to. Thanks for the advice, as for the alternator though, I already have that ordered.

microterf

Could you elaborate on this a little more. Your saying dont even run the 6x9s, correct? How does that help for the overall sound? Sorry, but I'm pretty new to anything beyond the basics.

Dukk

I find it surprising with the wealth of resources on the internet, as well as free design software, that so many incorrect myths about subwoofer cabinets still exist and are so often.

microterf

Without any other statement, I find this very unhelpful. Please let me know what you mean by this, and share some "correct" information about enclosures

lpchouinard

Basically, you want to reproduce sound like if the band was playing in front of you. The sub can stay in the back since it play in a frequency range that's harder to locate. Also your deck support to run your speakers actively (Without passive crossover) so 2 channel of the 300.4 will power the tweeter and the other 2 the mids. This will help you to have better results with time alignment since you will be able to individually delay each speakers.


I can understand, there's so many misinformation on the net and cheap component. Like for instance subs that have the same motor for their entire line, a 10 with the same motor as the 15, i'm pretty sure the 10 will have better control of the cone mass with the same power. So, in a ported box the 15 might also feel "slow" compare to the 10 due to the lack of control, putting it in a sealed box will help to reduce the problem. So IMO they are partial myths...

Also with ported box group delay will be more important so that could have also a big impact on the sound...