Re-Q needed for stock deck?
 

Hi all, very new to this site and to car audio in general. I'm researching an upgrade to my 2010 Mazda 3 GT sedan and wanted to get some advice. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

- Alpine SPS-600c 6.5" components for my front doors
- Stock rear doors
- Stock deck
- 10-12" single sealed sub in the trunk (still tbd)
- Rockford Fosgate P400-4 amp for the components
- Rockford Fosgate P200-2 amp for the sub

My question is, is it necessary to go with an aftermarket sound processor like a Re-Q, since I am keeping my stock deck but adding a sub? I've read that at higher volumes on a stock deck that the bass is actually turned down to protect the stock speakers.

Also, any sub recommendations to match that amp would be helpful. I'm not looking to break the bank, and just want some solid low ends - likely 250-500 RMS.

I have some ideas for you. Is your current system Bose based? If no, then you have a better option than the RE-Q. At the end of the day you can use a proper interface adaptor with the headunit or you can use a basic LOC and have basic results. I would hope that this important item you will choose appropriately. Do you already have the two amps you have listed and the speakers?

I already have the Alpine components. The amps I have found but not bought yet. The system is not Bose based, it's a 6 speaker which includes 4 door speakers plus 2 tweeters.

Some follow up questions I've thought of:

Can I get away with one 4 ch 400 W amp to power the 2 components (80 RMS each) and bridge two channels to power my sub (roughly 250 RMS)? How would this impact performance as opposed to going with two separate amps?

Also, since I'm getting only one 10" sub and not super powerful, would it make more sense to go with a ported enclosure? I'm aware of the differences of the ported and sealed. The reason for a single 10" is because I want to be mindful of trunk space.

Last thing to keep in mind, I'm trying to stay under $900 for everything including install.

Thanks

A 4ch amp is a great way to save space and money and still have excellent performance. Plus, if you choose to expand your system for whatever reason, a 4channel amp offers a lot of options.

I would definitely go with a vented enclosure.

The Re-Q is a good option. It offers basic crossovers, a remote turn on lead, and bass compensation if your deck turns down the bass at higher volumes. If you choose the 4channel version (although you don't really need the extra channels) you non-fading bass, a remote level control for the sub amp, and an input for MP3 or whatever. Nice piece. :thumbsup:

I too would go with a vented enclosure. The ReQ5 will indeed work for you. Nothing wrong with using a 4 channel amp in the fashion that you are looking to do, matter of fact it will work quite nice and allow you to expand again at a later date. Would you be interested in a quote on some items from me?

Update - bought an Alpine SWS-1023D 10" sub which is a 2 ohm, dual voice coil and outputs 300 RMS. Looking to pick up a bassworx ported enclosure.

With this sub and the component speakers listed above. What kind of amp would you recommend? I can get my hands on an old school SONY XM-5046 which is 400W, 4 channel. Can I power everything using this, or will I be underpowering the sub?

MR2NR, do you carry the Re-Q 3 channel? Future Shop is selling it for $130, but I'm seeing if anyone else has it and would prefer to buy from small business.

I do not stock this item, we order it as needed and it appears that it is needed. I have a big 4 channel Eclipse amp on special right now. It is on sale for $400 instead of waaaay more. Here is a link to it. This amp would be ideal for you for the system now and in the future. It is a little more power than you require on the sub, you can always turn the gain down to keep things safe. It is way more dangerous to turn a gain up, the amp cannot make any more power than it is rated to by doing so, what it will do though is ensure that you are going to be buying a new sub in rather short order in most cases. So again, turn gain up = the bad. Turn gain down = good.

ECLIPSE 4/3/2 Channel Class D Amplifier with Channelflex Crossover plus Subsonic Filter XA4200 | Fujitsu Ten

Should have an answer on the REQ3 shortly, like now.... it is in stock in Vancouver, it is generally overnight getting it to me. FS has a great price on it, I can match that price even though I have to pay shipping to get the unit to me. As a package with the amp it has no PST to pay from me, that will help to offset shipping costs to you. Thank you for considering the small guy that needs and appreciates your business.

The Sony amp will be rated at 50w x 4 rms or in 3 channel mode 50w x 2 and 200w x 1. It is also a class AB amp. This means that it is going to get warm and a warm amp running a sub in summer becomes a hot amp which generally equals thermal protection and you not being happy. While indeed the amp can run in this fashion, it is not what I would recommend for the above reasons.