First System Build - Opinions Needed! (TRUCK)
 

I have spent a lot of time researching and putting together what I have come to believe what will be the best system for me. This is my first system, so I would like to get the opinions of some people who have more experience than I do. I have a few questions which I will get to later. Please provide your input on things such as quality and how well components match each other.


Here is what I've come up with. I've provided links to each of the products that would make up my system so that specifications can be easily accessed for you.

My vehicle is a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab and I would like the subwoofers and box to fit underneath the back seat. I plan to put the amp underneath the driver seat, as I do not have power seats.

Subwoofers: (2) Rockford Fosgate P3 2-ohm Shallows

http://www.ebay.com/itm/251354486500...84.m1436.l2649

Amplifier: Belva BB2000D 1200w Mono

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Belva-BB2000...e5f37f&vxp=mtr

Box: 2 x 12" Vented Specified Truck Box

http://www.ebay.com/itm/121064187790...84.m1436.l2649

Head Unit: Pioneer DEH-X5500HD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/190970300741...84.m1436.l2649

Capacitor: Belva BB1D 1.0

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Belva-BB1D-1...33e534&vxp=mtr

Finally, I plan to use this 4-gauge wiring kit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360814009757...84.m1423.l2649


!QUESTIONS!

1) I want a system with reasonable quality components. I am looking to stay away from cheap brands such as Boss Audio. Are all of my components reputable brands and will they remain in good condition with proper care?

2) I want a system that pounds very hard, but sounds good. I understand that I am limited with my space under the seat. Could I increase how hard my system hits or improve sound quality?

3) I want to make sure that my subwoofers match my amplifier. How well do my subs match my amplifier?

4) I want a good head unit with reasonable features and great sound quality. How well did I do at finding a head unit with these traits?

5) I have heard that it is healthy to break in a system by playing it at certain, increasing volumes for certain periods of time. Would you recommend that I do so? If you answer yes, what are the steps I should take to do so?

6) Should I purchase any other components for my system?

7) Should I upgrade anything on my truck?

8) Is there anything else that I could do to increase the performance of my system?

9) Is 4 gauge the best wire for my system?

10) How well do my subwoofers match my box, considering air space?

11) Are 2-ohm subwoofers the best to run with dual Rockford Fosgate P3 shallows?

12) Finally, one of my biggest questions. I am looking to use two subwoofers for increased loudness. However, I have read that I am only going to get an increase of 6 or less decibels at most. How much am I really gaining with two identical subwoofers compared to one?

Can I get any help from this forum?

First off ... How many minutes ago did you join this forum? Might wanna give people a chance to reply before you complain about not getting help.

As for your system. You should look into upgrading your speakers. Adding subs to a factory GM stereo sounds terrible. Amplifying a decent set of components up front and (my preference) a decent set of upgraded speakers in the rear will improve things greatly.

Not to sure about your choice of amps. I prefer to stick with brand names that I can trust the specs of.

Doubt you will need the capacitor, but lots of people will argue that both ways.

Later,
Brad

I apologize, as other forums have replied much more quickly as I've experienced in the past.

Others have given me multiple suggestions that I am now making a decision upon. I am definitely going to be confident with whatever I come up with in the end.

As far as speakers go, do you have any suggestions as to what I should look into getting? Thank you for your help, it's greatly appreciated.

So much is personal preference and budget.

My personal favourite component speakers are JBL C608GTi's.

JBL - C608GTI MKII - 6 1/2", 2-Way Component Speaker System

I have installed quite a few sets of them in different cars and they just sound fantastic to me. Lots of bottom end and just great sound overall.

I did a 2003 Silverado a couple years ago and put components in the front and the rear being driven by a four channel amp. I thought they sounded great. I personally like rear speakers and usually spend close to the same on the rears as I do on the fronts.

Later,
Brad

Here is a link to something exactly like I would like to accomplish with my Silverado.

1999 Silverado Alpine Build

Please let me know what you think.

I think the sub box looks fantastic. If your interested in loud bass, I'd consider using standard subwoofers instead of shallow ones. I have very little experience with shallows, but everything I have heard is they are a compromise to fit in a tight space.

You can fit them without resorting to shallows. I've done a similar box in a Silverado myself. It was for a single 12". I like his dual 12" setup better. :)

Later,
Brad

1) I want a system with reasonable quality components. I am looking to stay away from cheap brands such as Boss Audio. Are all of my components reputable brands and will they remain in good condition with proper care?
-When shopping for components you will need to find out if your ears prefers the smoothness of a soft dome tweeter or the in your face sound of a titanium tweeter. Go to a local audio store and audition. I personally recommend Morel Maximo's for people you like smooth sounds of a silk dome. They sometimes go on sale at Amazon.com

2) I want a system that pounds very hard, but sounds good. I understand that I am limited with my space under the seat. Could I increase how hard my system hits or improve sound quality?
-If output is your concern you will have to sacrifice space, general rule is more space more bass, not unless you plan on throwing atleast 5k rms.

3) I want to make sure that my subwoofers match my amplifier. How well do my subs match my amplifier?
-In your case I would find an amp that overpowers the subs a little since you are running duals. Plus headroom is always nice.

4) I want a good head unit with reasonable features and great sound quality. How well did I do at finding a head unit with these traits?
-Find a headunit with 4 volt preouts as they give a cleaner single to the amps.

5) I have heard that it is healthy to break in a system by playing it at certain, increasing volumes for certain periods of time. Would you recommend that I do so? If you answer yes, what are the steps I should take to do so?
-during break in you should play the volume at moderate levels to get the spiders loose. I typically would hook up the subs at home and play test tones before I install them.

6) Should I purchase any other components for my system?
-Invest in a good AGM starter battery the bigger the Amp Hours the better.
7) Should I upgrade anything on my truck?
-install the "Big3". Do a google search
8) Is there anything else that I could do to increase the performance of my system?
-sound deadening the cabin will increase sound pressure levels

9) Is 4 gauge the best wire for my system?
-the best would be 1/0, CCA is fine for your application and setup you up for bigger power down the road. If the amp you plan on purchasing is only 4 gauge you can buy a 1/0 to 4 gauge reducer for cheap.

10) How well do my subwoofers match my box, considering air space?
-shallows are perfect for small space's

11) Are 2-ohm subwoofers the best to run with dual Rockford Fosgate P3 shallows?
-if your amp is 1 ohm stable why not wire it lower and get dual 4 ohms?
12) Finally, one of my biggest questions. I am looking to use two subwoofers for increased loudness. However, I have read that I am only going to get an increase of 6 or less decibels at most. How much am I really gaining with two identical subwoofers compared to one?
-cone area is an efficient way to increase SPL

After realizing the poor quality system I had planned out before, I've decided to start fresh. It would be great if I could get some help in working forward to learn new things while I take on my first build. I would like my build to turn out something similar to this Silverado build by silveradokid awhile back.

1999 Silverado Alpine Build

Again, my main intentions for subs is loudness. I have came up with a few new subs that I can work into my budget.

My top two choices, as of now, are either the 12" Alpine Type R or a 12" sub from Sundown Audio.

Here are some others I have also came across.


DCON 12 Sound Solutions Audio 12" 300W DCON Series Subwoofer - SSA STORE

SoundQubed HDS312

JBL GT5-12 (GT512) 12" Single 4 ohm GT Car Subwoofer

Which sub would you choose for my intentions?

How much power will you be running and I am assuming you will be running a ported box so how much air space in cubic feet will you be using?