View Full Version : what to get
whitetrash
10-14-2006, 10:08 AM
My girlfriend is gonna buy me a system for my birthday and i have been considering these three setups.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tKTOn6QaBmo/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=208250&I=700MXA4RT
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tKTOn6QaBmo/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=208250&I=700ROCKP4
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tKTOn6QaBmo/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=208250&I=700PWR299
Mustang_GT Gurl
10-14-2006, 02:38 PM
Go with the Apline! My roomate works for a car audio shop and has most of his life and he always says Alpine is the best!! Hope this helps you.
Chopped54
10-15-2006, 07:00 PM
None of the 3..
Go with two JL 10W3 subs and a JL Monoblock D 500/1 amp
whitetrash
10-16-2006, 09:29 AM
None of the 3..
Go with two JL 10W3 subs and a JL Monoblock D 500/1 amp
I like JL products but its not in her price range so that is not an option. 300-350ish is the most she can afford.
agent_orange
10-16-2006, 01:00 PM
does the $350 include the box and wiring kit? What kind of system do you want one that has good SQ (sound quality), SPL (gets loud), or a mixture of both. Also don't buy from Crutchfield all of their stuff is way overpriced. Let me know what kind of system your looking for from the above choices and I will post some stuff up. You might want to also check out this website realmofexcursion.com lots of good info on there.
whitetrash
10-16-2006, 01:27 PM
350 does not include wiring ill take care of that myself. As far as the box thats not a big deal. If it is included great but if not no biggie.
One reason for crutchfield is its easy for my g/f to use. She has no knowledge of this sort of thing and refuses to learn so i try to keep it simple ie: the alpine stuff for x amount and she can order it without me being there
whitetrash
10-17-2006, 12:07 PM
does the $350 include the box and wiring kit? What kind of system do you want one that has good SQ (sound quality), SPL (gets loud), or a mixture of both. Also don't buy from Crutchfield all of their stuff is way overpriced. Let me know what kind of system your looking for from the above choices and I will post some stuff up. You might want to also check out this website realmofexcursion.com lots of good info on there.
i am looking for a mixture of both but mostly sound quality. I also have to be able to turn it off when my g/f is with me but i believe i can do that from my head unit
Hawk in Arlington has some good discounts on all the audio stuff. LMK, i have a hook up. ME.
P4002 2-channel car amplifier
» 100 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (200 watts x 2 at 2 ohms)
» 400 watts RMS x 1 bridged output at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
» variable high- and low-pass filters (40-400 Hz at 12 dB per octave)
» variable bass boost (0-18 dB at 45 Hz) with wired remote control
» Tri-way capable (Tri-Way Crossover required)
» MOSFET power supply
» CEA-2006 compliant
» preamp-level inputs
» preamp outputs
» fuse rating: 30A x 2
» 4-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
» 11-11/16"W x 2-7/16"H x 11"D
» warranty: 1 year
P210S4 Stage 2 10" 4-ohm subwoofer <-- QTY=2
Am I the only one that sees a problem with this plan?
zcs626
10-17-2006, 01:24 PM
alpine.
franks
10-17-2006, 01:25 PM
alpine FTW
P4002 2-channel car amplifier
» 100 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (200 watts x 2 at 2 ohms)
» 400 watts RMS x 1 bridged output at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
» variable high- and low-pass filters (40-400 Hz at 12 dB per octave)
» variable bass boost (0-18 dB at 45 Hz) with wired remote control
» Tri-way capable (Tri-Way Crossover required)
» MOSFET power supply
» CEA-2006 compliant
» preamp-level inputs
» preamp outputs
» fuse rating: 30A x 2
» 4-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
» 11-11/16"W x 2-7/16"H x 11"D
» warranty: 1 year
P210S4 Stage 2 10" 4-ohm subwoofer <-- QTY=2
Am I the only one that sees a problem with this plan?
What kind of POS amp can't run 4 ohms bridged? Oh yeah that crap they sell at the mass retailers that has the Rockford Fosgate name on it. Of the options given I'd go with the Alpine stuff. It's VERY FAR from being the best out there but of the stuff Crutchfield sells it's probably the best.
Personally I'd go to a reputable local car audio shop and explore the options there. Crutchfield is a few steps ahead of Wal-Mart and Pep Boys when it comes to car audio.
What kind of POS amp can't run 4 ohms bridged? Oh yeah that crap they sell at the mass retailers that has the Rockford Fosgate name on it. Of the options given I'd go with the Alpine stuff. It's VERY FAR from being the best out there but of the stuff Crutchfield sells it's probably the best.
Personally I'd go to a reputable local car audio shop and explore the options there. Crutchfield is a few steps ahead of Wal-Mart and Pep Boys when it comes to car audio.
No. My point is that Crutchfield (and other places like BB) sell people a "package deal" containing a pair of 4 ohm woofers instead of 8 ohm when the amp is not stable at 2 ohm mono. In other words, YOU'RE ONLY GOING TO GET 1/2 THE POWER YOU'RE PAYING FOR OR YOU'RE GOING TO RUIN THE AMP BY RUNNING IT 2 OHM MONO.
No. My point is that Crutchfield (and other places like BB) sell people a "package deal" containing a pair of 4 ohm woofers instead of 8 ohm when the amp is not stable at 2 ohm mono. In other words, YOU'RE ONLY GOING TO GET 1/2 THE POWER YOU'RE PAYING FOR OR YOU'RE GOING TO RUIN THE AMP BY RUNNING IT 2 OHM MONO.
Pretty gay. Still though, only being stable to 4 ohm bridged sure limits your options and to me is a sign of inferior quality when looking at a subwoofer amp.
Agreed. However, you do have some flexibility with the amp since it can be used for mid/high or bass. Many mono amps these days can not run full range and you would need 2 for stereo. IMO, the "package deal" is not a deal since they are not selling you the proper woofers to maximize the output of the amp and overall volume output. Misleading IMO.
agent_orange
10-17-2006, 07:57 PM
Take a look at this sub and amp. It will make the ones you listed sound like shit. First
the amp: http://sonicelectronix.com/item_6521.html
the sub: SSD12, if you order it be sure to get the dual 2ohm version
https://ssl.perfora.net/www.ficaraudio.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1545356c8466233/shopdata/0030_SSD/product_overview.shopscript
wire the speaker like this to the amp. Wiring option #1, 1ohm load. Look at this website to set your amplifer gains so you don't blow your new sub http://www.subwoofertools.com/forum/setgain.asp
I know it would be a hassle for your girlfriend to order stuff from two different places but if you want a great sounding system for the money this will be vastly superior to the options at crutchfield. Also since you want mostly sound quality build a sealed box the recomodation for size is on the sub link I posted.
Chopped54
10-19-2006, 08:23 AM
Item Quantity Price Subtotal
JL Audio 12W1v2-4 $99.99 $199.98 Delete
JL Audio e1200 $149.99 $149.99 Delete
Total $349.97
you can do a pair of G1 Boston accoustics 12" subs, a Clarion 2ohm monoblock amp, standard dual 12" carpeted box for around $370
ThreeFingerPete
10-20-2006, 03:51 AM
Take a look at this sub and amp. It will make the ones you listed sound like shit. First
the amp: http://sonicelectronix.com/item_6521.html
the sub: SSD12, if you order it be sure to get the dual 2ohm version
https://ssl.perfora.net/www.ficaraudio.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1545356c8466233/shopdata/0030_SSD/product_overview.shopscript
wire the speaker like this to the amp. Wiring option #1, 1ohm load. Look at this website to set your amplifer gains so you don't blow your new sub http://www.subwoofertools.com/forum/setgain.asp
I know it would be a hassle for your girlfriend to order stuff from two different places but if you want a great sounding system for the money this will be vastly superior to the options at crutchfield. Also since you want mostly sound quality build a sealed box the recomodation for size is on the sub link I posted.
Dude, That Hifonics amp is an overrated piece of shit. Overall, you're not exactly following the lines of his request.
agent_orange
10-20-2006, 10:47 PM
Dude, That Hifonics amp is an overrated piece of shit. Overall, you're not exactly following the lines of his request.
I would like you to show me another 600 rms amp in that price range that does it rated power. Hifonics isn't the best amp made but it does make good power and is very cost effecient. I could show you a dozen links saying Hifonics is a good brand but on the other hand you could show me links that says it's a piece of shit. So arguing about it would be pointless. I was just showing the guy a decent amp in his price range.
As far as not following his request. The only part of his request I didn't exactly follow was that the order would be simple to make for his girlfriend, but I don't think it would be too hard though with the links I provided. Since you have a opinion on the equipment I suggested lets hear what you would buy within the budget. I'm not trying to come off as an ass, just a friendly debate.
Mustang_GT Gurl
10-22-2006, 05:21 PM
alpine.
I agree. As previously posted. Go with alpine! :D
ThreeFingerPete
10-23-2006, 02:10 AM
I would like you to show me another 600 rms amp in that price range that does it rated power. Hifonics isn't the best amp made but it does make good power and is very cost effecient.
Well that amplifier would be a great deal if it did make its rated RMS power, but it doesn't, which means it's not a great deal. It is an overrated p.o.s.
Since you have a opinion on the equipment I suggested lets hear what you would buy within the budget.
If I were just going to recommend something simple and easy, It'd be something like this.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Di0drOypRA4/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=520&I=500SWR1242
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-Di0drOypRA4/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=120&I=236T421D
Spend an hour or two building a custom ported box for that sub, and it will sound great. That amp has been a little workhorse for me for quite some time.
Now bear in mind that this equipment isn't world class. It doesn't claim to be, but they are both good solid pieces pretty close to the price range he's needing.
agent orange, when you're talking about the Hifonics "rms" power ratings, you may want to get acquainted with this:
http://www.the12volt.com/ohm/page2.asp#15 and don't forget to take into account that class AB amplifiers aren't going to be near 100% efficient.
NeedleSharp
10-24-2006, 07:32 PM
the MTX 421D is the shit man. Sounds great and will get the job done... time will only tell on the durability but MTX have a pretty good name so it should be good... kicker has pretty good stuff for a decent price and can be found on crutchfield... like everyone said, alpine has well built stuff and is pretty fairly priced. you can always tell ur g/f to CALL UP crutchfield and they will make a system for what you want and within your budget... but i would prob just reccomend going to (hate to say this...) cartoys or somewhere like that... w/e man good luck
agent_orange
10-26-2006, 01:30 AM
From reviews that I've read on the Hifonics BXI series of amps is that they make around 80% of there rated power. If you look at the specs of that MTX 421D amp their watts are rated at 14.4 volts which you will not likely see a 14.4 or above constant volts on a stock electrical system, so that amp is overated as well. As far as quality goes Mtx has been around for a long time a makes good stuff except for most of there subs. The BXI amps are the lower line of Hifonics amps but there still not bad amps as you claim them to be. Look over at the amplifer section on realmofexcursion.com and you can see many people use Hifonics equipment and have great success with it.
As far as the sub you suggested the type R is a great budget woofer. I've read about people putting up impressive scores on the TL with them. Going thru Crutchfield to get it though is a waste of money. For the $199.99 price tag you can go to almost any other internet site and get it for almost 1/2 price. Crutchfields equipment is way overpriced. Almost everthing they sell is twice as much as any other internet site.
ThreeFingerPete
10-26-2006, 02:15 AM
From reviews that I've read on the Hifonics BXI series of amps is that they make around 80% of there rated power. If you look at the specs of that MTX 421D amp their watts are rated at 14.4 volts which you will not likely see a 14.4 or above constant volts on a stock electrical system, so that amp is overated as well. As far as quality goes Mtx has been around for a long time a makes good stuff except for most of there subs. The BXI amps are the lower line of Hifonics amps but there still not bad amps as you claim them to be. Look over at the amplifer section on realmofexcursion.com and you can see many people use Hifonics equipment and have great success with it.
As far as the sub you suggested the type R is a great budget woofer. I've read about people putting up impressive scores on the TL with them. Going thru Crutchfield to get it though is a waste of money. For the $199.99 price tag you can go to almost any other internet site and get it for almost 1/2 price. Crutchfields equipment is way overpriced. Almost everthing they sell is twice as much as any other internet site.
Hey, *I* wouldn't be buying anything from crutchfield, but he said he wants to make it easy for her. *I* would cough up another 75$ and go a different direction with an amp, but that's me. However, in practice, the 421d has proven to be a rock solid performer for me, I sold car audio for quite some time, and for 150$ or whatever it is, it's a little hellion.
I'm well aware of Hifonics reputation, which they make every attempt to burn at the stake with their lower line product. I've seen first hand the lack of power output by those amplifiers time and again, from people who brought them to us brand new purchased online, and they did not perform. Is it cheaper to buy one good amp, or buy a piece of crap, and then when you're not satisfied, buy a good amp aswell?
agent_orange
10-26-2006, 03:02 AM
Going to crutchfield to order equipment has nothing to do with making the purchase easier on his girlfriend. There are hundreds of other websites that make the purchasing of equipment just as easy but you don't get butt-raped in the process.
On the topic of the amp I think we will just have to agree to disagree. I'm obviously not going to change your mind on Hifonics amps and your not going to change my mind, it's just a difference of opinion.
Just out of curiosity what kind of system do you have?
ThreeFingerPete
10-26-2006, 04:18 AM
at the moment nothing, as I just purchased a new car. I've built more than my fair share of systems, although this car won't be getting much, maybe a single 12" in a ported box with a few hundred watts with some coaxials all around.
ThreeFingerPete
10-26-2006, 04:25 AM
and the reason I used Crutchfield is an example is because everyone knows it. I don't buy from online retailers, so I rarely concern myself with who is willing to whore out what product the most.
I'm well aware of Hifonics reputation, which they make every attempt to burn at the stake with their lower line product. I've seen first hand the lack of power output by those amplifiers time and again, from people who brought them to us brand new purchased online, and they did not perform.
ever thought it may be the installer. Hifonics may not be my amp of choice, but they are very well made amplifiers for the price. And the factory that produce the internals have been around longer than most of us. And they are pruduced exactly on line with Autotek, and Sid was pretty much the pioneer of the industry!
ThreeFingerPete
10-30-2006, 11:35 PM
ever thought it may be the installer. Hifonics may not be my amp of choice, but they are very well made amplifiers for the price. And the factory that produce the internals have been around longer than most of us. And they are pruduced exactly on line with Autotek, and Sid was pretty much the pioneer of the industry!
So if the same installer installs a Hifonics amplifier, and cannot get it to sound good on a proven woofer/box combination, then allows someone else to take a stab at tuning, and again, no satisfactory results, then that amplifier is removed and a different brand amplifier of similar rated power is installed, and now everything magically sounds better, that is a fluke?
I know that you must be aware that there are multiple lines of Hifonics product. I have used some of the top line, and have nothing bad to say about it, however the low line product is a joke.
So if the same installer installs a Hifonics amplifier, and cannot get it to sound good on a proven woofer/box combination, then allows someone else to take a stab at tuning, and again, no satisfactory results, then that amplifier is removed and a different brand amplifier of similar rated power is installed, and now everything magically sounds better, that is a fluke?
I know that you must be aware that there are multiple lines of Hifonics product. I have used some of the top line, and have nothing bad to say about it, however the low line product is a joke.
yes, agreed the bottom of the line isnt by any means a good lineup, BUT that is why it is the entry line. You want a 2 ft. amp that cost 89.99, and doesnt much of anything but a trunk mounted paper weight, then that is exactly what you get. And a good installer can make total junk sound good, tune the box, change woofers ect. You work around the amp if that is all they got. AT any rate, with the price range he is trying to stay in, he can get some DECENT items, but by no means will be get top notch. So why not do a piece at a time of quality items, and build a nice system. May take longer, but will be much happier down the line.
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