First time post here!
First of all, merry xmas and happy new year!

So I am looking to add some punch to my car (99' ford explorer) without spending too much.
I am thinking of just adding 1 or 2 subs, and keeping stock speakers. New head unit too.

Will I need to run a battery or capacitor?
The car has a 130Amp alternator.

Is $300-400 going to be enough for a decent system? (Head unit, amps, subs, wiring, sub box)

Thanks guys!

 

What do you listen to, and at what level?

Rock at moderate volume, $400 would cover it.

Listening to rap...

Not really. A good sub will drown out the stock speakers.

I would start with speakers/amp, and a deck first.

Later, if you've got the space and want good low end output, get a cheapish big sub like a Fi SSD 18 for $200ish, 1000w amp, and a nice box.

So a little over double your budget.

You don't need a cap at all, and I would get a battery for every 2000W. I would use around 1000W with a 130A alt. If your voltage drops a lot than a batt might help.

Try cheaping out on the deck and speaker amp, like $100 total for both. $125 sub (like a SSA DCON 12 300W RMS), $50-100 ported box, speakers $100, wiring $25. Around $400.

 

No Rock at all, i listen to rap etc, good low beats.
So basically you are saying that with a sub, you wouldnt be able to hear the speakers, or if you do they will drown.

 

your best bet is some beat up garbage on kijiji that you can get locally

 

Stock speakers will sound quiet and high-pitched when combined with a sub that hits the lows well. Just a big difference in sound that kinda hurts your ears. Atleast get speakers, and a cheap sub that can handle some power, like a JL 18W6 or Kicker CVR 18. Lots of bass in an SUV with an 18".

 

best bet would be to peice somthing together start by upgrading the deck then upgrade the speakers , im sure you could have a nice sounding system off a single sub setup , if your on a budget just buy one or 2 peices at a time that way your not buying low quality stuff you can buy decent stuff each time

 

From experience, I would just start piecing it together one or two things at a time, as mentioned above. Start with a decent head unit, and then shop around for a strong single 12" sub. After you get the sub, look around for a decent, reliable amp thet will katch the sub well. Build yourself a good box for the sub, ask ppl on here to design it for you (jalat seems quite knowledgeable in that department). Then when get a little more cash, upgrade your speakers. You'll appreciate the system much more doin it like this. Take your time, do your research, you'll be a happy man!!!

 

for around 500 you should be able to get everything you need that will be reliable especially if you build your box and instal it yourself or have a buddy help you if you buy say a deck wiring and some speakers you can wire the entire vehicle have the speakers hooked up have the deck hooked up and wired ready for the sub and amp and once you have the money for the sub and amp and you and simply just wire them in

 

No.

You said decent.

Try to budget $1000. That's sourcing used equipment.

 

A good "low-budget" setup is a 4 channel amp with the front channels powering front comps/coaxials and the rear channels bridged to power a subwoofer. But first you need a deck.