New Member, Advice Appreciated
07-13-2010, 03:15 AM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
New Member, Advice Appreciated
Hi im 16, and i just got my car and i was looking to install a sound system. I dont really know anyone that could help me out, and at the local futureshop there advice is always bs. So i went to futureshop today and the system i chose was:
2 12' Alpine Type E's
Bassworx Dual 12' Sealed Box
2 6.5 Alpine 2 Way Type S Speakers
2 5.25 Alpine 2 Way Type S Speakers
1 Channel Alpine M500 Amp
Pioneer Bluetooth Deck
Wiring
Installation & 4 Year Warranty For Everything
Total - $ 950
^ Let Me Know If Thats A Good Deal, And If Not What I Should Swap In.
BTW I Have a '97 Toyota 4Runner And Trunk Space Has Alot Of Room, But I Prefer To Keep Some Space For My Stuff. And I Litsen To Rap - Hip/Hop. I Just Want Clear Bass That Hits Hard And Can Be Heard From a Distance.
2 12' Alpine Type E's
Bassworx Dual 12' Sealed Box
2 6.5 Alpine 2 Way Type S Speakers
2 5.25 Alpine 2 Way Type S Speakers
1 Channel Alpine M500 Amp
Pioneer Bluetooth Deck
Wiring
Installation & 4 Year Warranty For Everything
Total - $ 950
^ Let Me Know If Thats A Good Deal, And If Not What I Should Swap In.
BTW I Have a '97 Toyota 4Runner And Trunk Space Has Alot Of Room, But I Prefer To Keep Some Space For My Stuff. And I Litsen To Rap - Hip/Hop. I Just Want Clear Bass That Hits Hard And Can Be Heard From a Distance.
07-13-2010, 05:16 AM
#2
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 93
Hi there, welcome to cca!
Sounds like you are off to a decent start, but i've found a few recommendations for your system. Take them for what their worth, they are just things that i would consider if i were you.
First, is the stereo within the car. Is there a problem with it? Are any speakers blown? are you not happy with the sound at the moment? If the system sounds good to your ears, why change it? There is not always a "need" to upgrade everything inside the car unless you just want to do it for bragging rights to say that you have this this and this.
It appears what your main concern above all though is bass. You want bass that hits hard and can be heard from a distance. With only 500watts of power, i would definitely go with a ported box vs sealed. To add to this, I would sooner forget about all the speaker upgrades inside if you are happy with the sound, and invest that money in some nicer subs, a custom box thats made specifically for them and a bigger amp. Maybe upgrade to two Type-R's and an MRP-M1000.
Good luck with your build!
Sounds like you are off to a decent start, but i've found a few recommendations for your system. Take them for what their worth, they are just things that i would consider if i were you.
First, is the stereo within the car. Is there a problem with it? Are any speakers blown? are you not happy with the sound at the moment? If the system sounds good to your ears, why change it? There is not always a "need" to upgrade everything inside the car unless you just want to do it for bragging rights to say that you have this this and this.
It appears what your main concern above all though is bass. You want bass that hits hard and can be heard from a distance. With only 500watts of power, i would definitely go with a ported box vs sealed. To add to this, I would sooner forget about all the speaker upgrades inside if you are happy with the sound, and invest that money in some nicer subs, a custom box thats made specifically for them and a bigger amp. Maybe upgrade to two Type-R's and an MRP-M1000.
Good luck with your build!
07-13-2010, 08:21 AM
#3
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 66
What Canadian_LX said was rite on the money. With type E's your not going to be hearing your base from far away. The box i'm sure there gonna charge you 150-200 for, and you probably could get it built locally for cheaper and it would match the specifications of your subwoofer(s). Lastly, why not do the installation yourself, its really not that hard and i'm sure alot of people on this forum will help guide you through it.
07-13-2010, 08:48 AM
#4
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 730
OP, this kind of stuff is gonna get your hand slapped real quick. 
Your "Need Help" thread is exactly the same as this thread. What was the point of that??? If you want a quick response, I'll tell you straight up not to bother with the big box junk. The type R gear is mid-level at best, and you will generally get hosed on the cost. The big box stores have buying power, so they can undercut local shops if they have the same gear, but you are far better off dealing with a private shop that carries higher end gear for around the same price tag. Trust me, they're out there. MR2NR on this forum is a popular guy for picking up quality gear from for a respectble price. Morel speakers, ARC amps, DD subwoofers, the list goes on. The only benefit I can see to using the big box stores is the warranties on the products and the installs. If you've paid for install and the warranty on the products, there are legal terms and conditions the stores (and you, for that matter) are obligated to follow, and that means that you are going to get taken care of in some way. This would be the only downside to a private shop, as they tend to have more personality and suffice it to say, some people are like oil and water
Your "Need Help" thread is exactly the same as this thread. What was the point of that??? If you want a quick response, I'll tell you straight up not to bother with the big box junk. The type R gear is mid-level at best, and you will generally get hosed on the cost. The big box stores have buying power, so they can undercut local shops if they have the same gear, but you are far better off dealing with a private shop that carries higher end gear for around the same price tag. Trust me, they're out there. MR2NR on this forum is a popular guy for picking up quality gear from for a respectble price. Morel speakers, ARC amps, DD subwoofers, the list goes on. The only benefit I can see to using the big box stores is the warranties on the products and the installs. If you've paid for install and the warranty on the products, there are legal terms and conditions the stores (and you, for that matter) are obligated to follow, and that means that you are going to get taken care of in some way. This would be the only downside to a private shop, as they tend to have more personality and suffice it to say, some people are like oil and water
Last edited by RomanticMoments; 07-13-2010 at 11:55 AM.
07-13-2010, 04:22 PM
#5
I am 16 as well and am fairly new to the whole car audio scene. Welcome to CCA, if you hang around I am sure you will learn tons and be bit by the car audio bug. I have installed a few systems already and even built a couple custom boxes. It's not that hard to install if you are even slightly technically inclined. If you learn now how to install you will save some bucks and you can put that toward a even bigger badder system.
For $950 that is a decent system.. But you can get alot more for the money if you shop around and buy used if you're willing.
If you're not willing to go used you should go check out your local car audio store. See what they can piece together for $950. I am sure they will do what they can and give you the deals you need to get your business over futureshop. The one thing that is missing from your system that is very important is the ported box. Ported vs sealed there is a world of difference and your local car audio store would be able to build one for you to spec.
For $950 that is a decent system.. But you can get alot more for the money if you shop around and buy used if you're willing.
If you're not willing to go used you should go check out your local car audio store. See what they can piece together for $950. I am sure they will do what they can and give you the deals you need to get your business over futureshop. The one thing that is missing from your system that is very important is the ported box. Ported vs sealed there is a world of difference and your local car audio store would be able to build one for you to spec.
07-13-2010, 06:48 PM
#7
07-14-2010, 11:53 AM
#9
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 730
OP, you are new to car audio, and new to this forum. My advise at this point is to go to an audio competition. Most info on the shows are available on the CCA. You are worried about making sure you're purchasing quality gear, and you're not sure what or who to ask... Understandable. You are going to get a lot of personal preferences, so the best way to get a multitude of opinions is at the shows. You can ask a ton of people a ton of questions and I guarantee you will walk away educated and confident in what you are going to spend your money on. On top of that, you'll get to hear good gear that has been properly installed, two key points that makes sure you put your money in the right place(s)
07-14-2010, 01:51 PM
#10
It's not that, One day I hope to get my MECP certification too. I am no means ragging on that. What I mean is it's not very hard to install some door speakers, a head unit, some amps and subs into your car as long as you can turn a screwdriver. Even building boxes is not hard at all. I just built my first box a couple weeks ago and I am completely new to car audio.
