mustbesatan

Hi all,

Just purchased my first car a couple weeks ago. It's a 2011 Hyundai Elantra. So far it's been great, but it needs some low end help in the stereo department. Hoping to get some input before I make any purchases and start improving (read: screwing around with) my new car.

Here's what I know so far: I'm stuck with the stock head unit. That means I need a line out converter, which I will splice into a pair of left/right speaker wires. I intend to do that near the head unit, rather than at the rear speakers, simply because that way I don't need to disassemble the rear doors. Good so far?

For components, I'm looking at the JBL GTO7001 1-Channel Amp to power two 10" JBL GTO1014d subwoofers. [Links provided below] For quick reference, the subs are 350w stable at 2ohm or 8ohm, the amp is 280w@2ohm or 450@4ohm. Are these a good match? I realize the amp won't put out quite enough to power the subs at their full RMS, but it is my understanding that this is a safe route. I may be mistaken. What would the best way to wire these subs be?

I have tried to do my own research before posting, and I think I'm starting to get a grasp on this, but sometimes you just can't beat the information you get from actually asking the question.

My final, and most important, concern is that I'm not going to be pulling too much current from my alternator. It's a small (90A) alt and replacing it is not currently an option.

Besides that, I think I'm mentally prepared to do this install. I have my eye on a 4-gauge amp install wiring kit, and from what I've read this should be sufficient for a ~600w system.

I really appreciate any input, advice, criticism or insults I get in response to this post.

Thanks in advance,

Nick

**Edit** I originally provided the URLs to the subwoofers/amp. Apparently I have to post 5 times before I am allowed to post URLs. The links are below, but would need to be copy/pasted. My apologies.

AMP:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/jbl-1-channel-subwoofer-amplifier-gto7001/10097742.aspx?path=27a827de6190667b0463aa4b61e4ba0 6en02

SUB:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/jbl-10-car-subwoofer-gto1014d/10118795.aspx?path=7ba30b48da9ee4cd0e984e6e2986801 ben02

mustbesatan

Or maybe it would be better to go with two of the JBL GTO3501 mono amps? I'm just thinking maybe I was a little too optimistic with the 7001, maybe I'm too far off from the rms for the subs. The GTO3501 is 360W RMS which matches up nicely with the 350 RMS for the subs. My question if I go with two amps is how to wire them. The 3501 have an AUXOUT rca port to get the signal from one amp to the other, but what about power? Do I simply splice the power wire and run it to both amps? Am I biting off a little much for my first project by using two amps?


JBL GTO3501:
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/jbl-1-channel-subwoofer-amplifier-gto3501/10097744.aspx?path=81f73734d8c2be5f53a8e574a7d1cf8 3en02

Mr.DatSubishi

Not a big deal doing multiple amps besides space and tuning. If the amps work in a master/slave configuration, tuning is not a big deal. (in most cases only the master is adjusted and that in turn tunes the second identically) Split the power with a fused (or unfused) distribution block and ground both amps to the same point. I use a seat belt bolt if possible.

An OFC 8g amp kit could run 600w, but if using mixed metal or CCA kits I'd do 4g.

If the subs are dual 4 ohm, just find a 1ohm stable mono amp and simplify things.

mustbesatan

Thanks for the reply! The distribution block seems like an easy solution if I do go with two amps.

Any thoughts on whether or not my alternator will be able to handle 700W? That's the thing that makes me the most nervous... I'm not prepared to upgrade the electrical system at this point. I suppose I could keep the volume down a little if I have issues, but I'd rather play it safe for now. Putting a ton of strain on the alternator seems like a great way to void the warrenty if the alt were to have an issue. 700W would be drawing like... 45-50 amps, which is just over half the output of the alternator... At idle it would probably be close to the whole output of the alternator! I have to think that the car would be using more than that, but I'm having a heck of a time finding any solid information on that.

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

hey whats your budget overall for a new system? Individually for amps, then subs, then wiring ect.

If your planning on buying from future shop or bestbuy please stop and re consider. There are plenty of good options here from guys like myself that will get you the sound and install your looking for.

email me if your interested in saving a ton of money and time!

mustbesatan

My budget is as little as I can spend to get something I enjoy. I'm no sound snob and I'm not going to be putting it into any shows, so I'm not worried about top of the line or anything too fancy. The thing about BestBuy/Future Shop is I can get anything I need at cost+10%. That means that $500 amp will cost me $180, and the $220 subs will be $80 a piece. I know people in the scene frown down upon the major chains, and I understand that, I really do. But when it's $900 in components for $350...

Unless you can beat that? And bring it to London for me Then we'll talk.

I appreciate the input though, honestly

**EDIT** Tried to send you a PM, Johnny, but my post count has to be higher than 10 to send one -_-. S'alright though. Mount Forest is a little far for me to travel anyways, there are shops I've heard good things about much closer to me, something I will keep in mind for anything that doesn't involve buying beginner components

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

you got a brand new car man! you bring it to me! ha

well thats a good deal yes just didnt want you paying retail when there is ways around it.

good luck!

mustbesatan

lol! Yeah, if I was paying retail, believe me I'd drive as far as I had to for someone who knows what they're talking about. I've only started researching car systems in the last couple weeks (buying a car was actually sort of a last minute thing, for a new job) and I'm quite sure I know more than everyone I've talked to at best buy -_-. But yeah, I can't argue with the price I can get (pays to have friends in the right places!) so for now I'll work with what I've got.

I'm well aware how these things go though... I'll get one or two little 10" subs and then before you know it I'll have no air conditioning and 3 alternators and a trunk full of amps... But we've all got to start somewhere!

Thanks,

Nick

mustbesatan

So... Wierd...
I was looking at the specs on the JBL website for the 7001 amp. They have the 4ohm RMS output as 700W. Bestbuy says the 4ohm RMS is 425W. Obviously, the JBL website is a more reliable source... But that should mean that I can run two 350W subs... Yes? Yes.

Now if someone could just chime in on the whole 'Alternator' question, I'd be in business... *cough*subtlehint*cough*

JohnnyRock1588

iTrader: (22)

JUST YOU WAIT.... YOU'LL END UP LIKE ME 5 GRAND LATER AND STILL NOT HAPPY! haha no but it really does take years and countless set ups to figure out whats great for your ears and what you like. there is no "drop in" feature for immediate success unless you have 10 k to have a competitor do it for you but where is the fun in that? youll get ten times the pleasure doing it yourself instead of paying people to do it for you.. takes time to learn.. youll continue to learn new stuff everyday.

Welcome to canadiancrackaudio ha

ps this website is my homepage on my laptop and blackberry... **** GOOGLE!