car audio question about bying subs and amps.

mustang5 · 07-19-2003

I am looking to buy a system for my mustang, but I don't know a whole lot about car audio. I'm thinking about just getting one 12" sub to save space and money. Say I buy a sub that is 800 watts peak, and 50-400 watts normal power, how many watts amp should I get? If the amp says it's 800 watts, but is 2 X 400 watts does that mean my sub would only be getting 400 watts?

Saleen Owner · 07-19-2003

I whould stick to single channel sub amps for that. You get higher wattages for less money than multi-channel amps. Also there are alot of powered subs on the market that take the guess work out, are easier to install, and have awesome sound.

Jboarder · 07-21-2003

I put 2 12's in mine with just a 600 watt amp 2x300 and it sounds great. In a mustang it doesn't take much at all.
I think you would be fine with a one channel 400 watt amp.

jdawson598 · 07-24-2003

I use a 1 12" in mine. The trick to making it sound good is the radio. A good radio will give your amplifier, any kind, more volume and better sound quality. I use the Alpine 9815 cd/radio and so far I've won every stereo competition that I've been to.

yoop33 · 08-27-2003

If you don't know that much I would start out slow and small. One 12" would be perfect for that. If you plan on doing the install your self you really don't need that much power from an amp to make it sound nice. You wanna make sure that you don't under power the sub or over power it. I would say something between 200 and 400 watts RMS would be good. If you don't plan on upgrading everything in the car then this should be fine. Good Luck, Joe

chknhntr · 01-02-2004

you pay for what u get when u buy stero systems, dont go cheap, find someone who has one and ask them to answer any questions. as for undering power a sub, your not going to blow it, think about it, if u give it some power not all, how is that bad for it, now if u give it too much you will kill it. i had a 1000 watt kenwood excelon amp with a jl w3 12" sub, now the amp was barly turned up on the dials and it worked just fine.

Quote:

Originally posted by yoop33
You wanna make sure that you don't under power the sub or over power it.

mattdeez · 01-03-2004

The two post above this one are right on. 1. you pay for what you get. 2. start small and leave room for improvment.

A single sub setup is perfect. I have gone that route and will probably stay that way.

I recommend a JL w0 woofer...nothing beats them for the money...nothing. Awesome sound quality and can handle quite a bit of power and abuse. Plays well in ported and sealed enclosures. JL is one of the few manufacturers that actually design and comstruct there own woofers and speakers.

For amplifiers...there are actually quite a few that would suit. First I would say a Rockford Fosgate, Memphis audio, or even some of Sony amps. DO NOT fall for any junk at Wal Mart (jensen etc.) Buy a amp that is MONOBlock...that means its a single channel is usually a Class C or D amp that is designed strictly to power subs.

Other factors you should consider are: are you going to be using the Factory radio or and aftermarket radio.

If Factory you will need a line out convertor so you can run RCA connectors to your amp...which is necessary.

If you have more questions I will be glad to help.

Stangboy5666 · 01-09-2004

On the subject of paying for what you get, that is generally true, but you can find places that will sell you stuff for much cheaper than the average price from a circuit city, or crutchfield. Try www.etronics.com They are pretty darn cheap and not refurbished.
If you want punch dont get a 12, all you get with a 12 is smooth bass response. A 10 will give you more punch but less drive, and whatever you do get a good amp. You can buy an average speaker and make it sound great with a nice amp. Try Concept, theyre small and kind of hard to find, but they make an awesome amps for all purposes. Also go with a mono amp, cheaper, and if your only running a subs with it, it will sound better. Otherwise the treble will try to come through with a multichannel amp.

mattdeez · 01-11-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by Stangboy5666
[B
If you want punch dont get a 12, all you get with a 12 is smooth bass response. A 10 will give you more punch but less drive, and whatever you do get a good amp. You can buy an average speaker and make it sound great with a nice amp. Try Concept, theyre small and kind of hard to find, but they make an awesome amps for all purposes. Also go with a mono amp, cheaper, and if your only running a subs with it, it will sound better. Otherwise the treble will try to come through with a multichannel amp. [/b]

That is relative the speaker...you might have a 10" that has a lower frequency response then a certain 12" and might be louder...but that is usually relative to your power amp.

Stangboy5666 · 01-13-2004

If you buy a nice amp, you can hook up a half decent speaker and it will rock. Just shop around and find what you want.