Can someone help me throw together a system?

I'm looking to spend about 500 bucks. I want to get subs, a box, amps, and new speakers. I have a 2004 Cavalier, and my owners manual doesn't say what kinda speakers I have. So I'm not sure what size I'm supposed to replace them with.

I probably want to get it all off ebay, new, because sellers there seem to have some really good deals. Much cheaper than most of my local audio shops.

I want reliability, good clear sound, and name brand. I hear so much crap about Sony, are Audiobahn's good? I'm just really novice to this.

Is this a good deal?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7917222820&category=38647

Or these?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916318933&category=38647

I've never heard of Sound Storm, and both these deals have a Sound Storm amp.

I noticed the box with the Audiobahn subs is designed to point them down. Is that going to distort the sound quality? I'd rather have very good loud, clear sound over the ability to make my neighbors think there's an earthquake.

And am I going to need a crossover? I'm not sure what they do, but I've been told I need one or else I'll get lots of distortion.

Also, do I need power capacitators(sp?). I'm planning on having two amps, one for my subs and one for my speakers. I don't want to be driving down the street blasting my subs and then all of a sudden my car dies or something. At least that's what I think the power capacitators do, I'm not sure.

Help is very appreciated and needed.

Oh yea, looking at all this stuff, I'm guessing I might go $100-$200 over my original $500 budget.

I'd go audiobahns. Power capacitator won't need. will need a distributor block tho however. the subs our mounted in that fashion because audiobahns have fancy backs( this does not affect sub performance). Just make sure the ports are facing up in your trunk. should be a decent system. I would email them for sub specs and make sure the box volume matches up tho. as for figuring out your other speakers you will need to get to them and measure their dimensions before buying anything to replace them. how big is your trunk will the box's fit?

kenwood and audiobahn suck, definitly pick somethign else, how about 1 tempest, 500 watts for it

I'd go audiobahns. Power capacitator won't need. will need a distributor block tho however. the subs our mounted in that fashion because audiobahns have fancy backs( this does not affect sub performance). Just make sure the ports are facing up in your trunk. should be a decent system. I would email them for sub specs and make sure the box volume matches up tho. as for figuring out your other speakers you will need to get to them and measure their dimensions before buying anything to replace them. how big is your trunk will the box's fit?

Cool thanks for your help. I can't figure out how to measure the speakers, because it seems like i would have to take the whole door panel off to see what kind of speakers the stock are. Also, I seem to have speakers imbedded in the roof of my trunk that I never noticed before, and they seem pretty big, but I don't think they're subs.

And can you go into a little bit more detail of what a "distributor block" is? I've never even heard of those before. The sub specs that they give on the item description are:

TWO 12" Audiobahn AW1251T Subwoofers
800-watts MAX Power Handling EACH SUB (1600W TOTAL)
400-watts R.M.S. Power Handling EACH SUB (800W RMS TOTAL)
Freq Response: 30Hz - 1kHz
Phat Foam Surround
Poly-Coated 2 Layer Non Pressed Non Transfer KM3 Coated-Cone for Virtually No Cone Distortion
2" four Layer Black Aluminum Voice Coil Dual 4 Ohm Voice Coils(DVC)
Efficiency: 91.1dB
45oz Strontium Magnet
The Mounting Dimensions: Depth 5 1/4" Hole 10 7/8" Diameter 12 1/2"

I don't know what most of it means, but the "Phat Foam" sounds promising. ;-) Is there any other information on these subs that I should ask him for before I buy?

Is it a for-sure thing that I would have to buy a new deck before getting the subs installed? I know my current deck would have to have some sort of amp connection outlets already in it, I have no idea if it does or not. It's just a stock 2004 Chevy Cavalier LS CD player. If so, I've heard a lot of crap being talked on Sony, but they have the coolest looking decks (display wise). Are their decks crap as well? Or just their speakers/subs?

And is this amp decent?

Max watts/ch at 2 OHMS. 700W x 2
RMS watts/ch at 4 OHMS 250W x 2
Bridged Power at 4 OHMS 1400W x 1
S/N ratio 102dB
Low pass crossover continuously variable 40Hz ~ 150Hz
High pass crossover 200Hz
Bass boost 0~+18dB
Remote subwoofer level control
Frequency response 20Hz~50KHz(+/-3dB)
THD @ RMS output 0.01%
Channel seperation 90dB
Damping facto 125+
Fuse values 25A x 2
Dimensions(11" W x 2 1/2"H x ) 18-3/4"L
Tri-mode operation
Input level adjustment

Also, what kind of amp should I get for my regular speakers. I believe someone told me to make sure it was a 4-channel. What's a good quality cost-effective brand to go with. Should I go with Audiobahn?

I notice the auction includes a 300w chrome dome tweeter. Wtf is that? Do I even need it?

Haha so many questions... I hate not knowing things.

kenwood and audiobahn suck, definitly pick somethign else, how about 1 tempest, 500 watts for it

Why do they both suck? Do they not last? Or is this just an opinion you're regurgitating? I'm not saying you're wrong or a liar, I just want to know if you know this first-hand or not.

I would think in any case, one 500w "tempest"(which apparently isn't sold at all on ebay, I searched for it), wouldn't be as good as two 800w Audiobahn's.

Also, I'm not trying to perform in shows or anything like that. I just want good quality LOUD sound.

These speakers are dual voice coil (4 ohm)that's what I was wondering if they were single or duel. I don't remember how the ohmage will work with those(can't remember but I'm sure someone on here knows).

ok well you got 4 days so don't rush it. A distributor block will take your main power. It then connects to this block. Where it "Y's" Into 2 or more diffrent parts that you can now run seperate power lines out of. It also holds fuses for each of these lines.

Cd player ya I am about 95 % sure you would have to replace. most stock cd players don't have anything for accesories. I would stay away from anything sony. I would look at pioneer, alpine, rockford fostgate, or kenwood cd players. These aren't to expensive (except for the alpine's).

If you do replace stock speaker's you will want a 4 channel amp, this allows you to fade, balance as well as control frequencies much better.

Tweeter's- They are small ,tiny speakers that carry high frequencies. You wight want to install but most midbass speakers also come w/ tweeters in them. If you don't want em i'd take em lol.

You will have to possibly do some digging to get to your speakers just take your time and be gentle.

amp didn't mention rms at 2 ohms.....I'll see if i get get more stats on the subs.

Audiobahns look good they don't sound good. Most people when they first get into car audio are turned on to Audiobahn, Fosgate, Kenwood, Sony ect... Theese are all brands you can go to best buy and circuit city and get but they suck. A Tempest is made by Adire Audio and I'm sure you never heard of them because it is whats called an internet brand...you order them through the company, but they some of the best subs out there. Your point about watts means nothing. watts mean not a lot. those audiobahn's only have 7 mm one way xmax that means they only move 7mm in and 7mm out. The Tempest has around 16mm plus its a 15=more cone area. It doesn't need a whole lot of watts to get moving though. It also has good sound quality which Audiobahn doesn't. I used to have those two subs they got loud THATS IT. They didn't even hit very low. I've also ran a tempest and the tempest got MUCH louder then both and was good smooth deep bass. Definately check out adire audio www.adireaudio.com and resonant engineering www.reaudio.com ..... If you want extreme amounts of output look at re's xxx and adire's brahma. One of those will get ridiculously loud and still have great sound quality. As far as amps go look at elemental designs www.edesignaudio.com hifonics and cadence. If your amp needs to be on a budget I would highly reccomend profile. A Tempest and a ca600 will rock your world and you can get both for $242 shipped by getting the tempest through www.visionaryaudio.com and getting the ca600 off of ebay from barney's electronics.People on here can also help you design a box.

Audiobahns look good they don't sound good. Most people when they first get into car audio are turned on to Audiobahn, Fosgate, Kenwood, Sony ect... Theese are all brands you can go to best buy and circuit city and get but they suck. A Tempest is made by Adire Audio and I'm sure you never heard of them because it is whats called an internet brand...you order them through the company, but they some of the best subs out there. Your point about watts means nothing. watts mean not a lot. those audiobahn's only have 7 mm one way xmax that means they only move 7mm in and 7mm out. The Tempest has around 16mm plus its a 15=more cone area. It doesn't need a whole lot of watts to get moving though. It also has good sound quality which Audiobahn doesn't. I used to have those two subs they got loud THATS IT. They didn't even hit very low. I've also ran a tempest and the tempest got MUCH louder then both and was good smooth deep bass. Definately check out adire audio www.adireaudio.com and resonant engineering www.reaudio.com ..... If you want extreme amounts of output look at re's xxx and adire's brahma. One of those will get ridiculously loud and still have great sound quality. As far as amps go look at elemental designs www.edesignaudio.com hifonics and cadence. If your amp needs to be on a budget I would highly reccomend profile. A Tempest and a ca600 will rock your world and you can get both for $242 shipped by getting the tempest through www.visionaryaudio.com and getting the ca600 off of ebay from barney's electronics.People on here can also help you design a box.

I know this is disgustingly long, and FULL of ebay links, but please bear with me.

Many thanks to Cody and yourself for all the help. I first came here with the idea in my mind to go totally Xplod lol. Now I've discovered that's not quite the best idea. Funny, I've always known Sony to be a very reliable manufacturer. At least as far as TV's and Discman's and Playstations go.

So now I'm kinda thinking about one of those 15" Tempests... unless anyone has any other ideas. The $150.00 for one sub seems a bit pricey, but I guess it'll show in the sound quality. If I wait another two weeks for my next check... I could probably afford another 15" Tempest... but would that be a little overkill? Again, my goal is good quality sound, not to let my neighbors know when I get home. Plus I'm impatient, and would probably put together everything this weeks if I get one sub. Since I'm moving up to a 15", would It be just as good or better to get something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916449016&category=38647

The Tempest seems to be 150 bucks retail, and this seller claims this sub retails for $349.00, and is going for $133 after shipping. I'm also more leaning towards a name brand because that way the installer won't totally be lost installing my sub.

What should I do about a box? I really don't want to make one... I'd totally screw it up lol. I measured my trunk, and it's only 18" tall, so I have to make sure the box is going to fit. Length and width isnt too bad, 34" from the back edge to the back of the rear seats, and 36" across, so the height seems to be the only thing I should worry about. What kind of box should I get? Would something really simple like this be good enough?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916142683&category=38647

Also, I found it kind of funny that a dual 15" box was actually cheaper than a single slot 15" box. Would it hurt to get the 15" box and leave one slot open until i can afford another sub? Or should I just stick to getting a single slot box, and then get another single slot box if I choose to add another sub? Also, the dual slot box measured 34" across, and my trunk measures 36" across. Would it be too tight a fit?

Bumpin, which amp were you talking about for 72 bucks?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18797&item=5715943776

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18797&item=5715969241

Would it make a big difference to pay 18 more bucks and get this? Or would the upgrade be so small i wouldn't be able to notice?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18797&item=5715561495

I'm surprised that wattage means so little, because every single seller puts the wattage in the item title. The amp you reccommended only gives 420 watts unbridged at 2 ohms, and 300 watts unbridged at 4 ohms.(Keep in mind I have no idea what any of that means, but isn't more better?)

I took a look at my front speakers, and the door panel's are 6x9's. I couldn't tell what the ones behind the back seats were, but they were definately oval, so I think they are 6x9's as well. So now I need to pick out two pairs of 6x9's I'm guessing? And also a 4-channel amp.

Would two of these be a good choice?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7917318354&category=38646

And this for an amp?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4950&item=5715943886

I don't know if amp wires matter all that much... i saw some decent looking ones on Ebay, dunno if they're any good or not.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916776875&category=38636

Lastly the head unit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7916290540&category=38641

There were only two new Alpines on sale on ebay, neither of them very great looking... this one is 137 shipped.

Or... I could go with this one, which I already OWN, I pulled it out of my old car, I was planning on selling it. Even though it isn't very pretty... it's the cheapest route I can go I guess. Its 45x4, I dunno if that's good or not, I know I've seen some in the 50's.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=13697

I still think this one looks awesome though.

http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/exchange-glance/Y04Y5206215Y8036160/104-6430900-4231153

But I guess if it's not really gonna do anything extra for me besides 9 watts, I should just stick with my Panasonic?

I did a search for the "Distributor Block" on ebay, and got these things for car engines, but they seem to be for much older cars. I don't know if I was looking at the right thing or not, but I'm lost on this distributor block stuff. Cody, if you or someone else can walk me through how to purchase one, and who I should go to to get it installed, that would be wonderful.

Adding it up two ways:

the way "bumpin" suggests plus my ideas thrown in:

84 for a barneyselectronics amp
106 for speakers
72 for a barneyselectronics amp for subs
133 for 15" MTX sub or 150 for 15" Tempest
50 for a box
50 for amp wires

Comes out to 495, 5 bucks less than what I had planned for my max to be, or 512 if I get a tempest.

OR

The Audiobahn way:

317 for 2 12" 800w Audiobahn AW1251T with a fiberglass ported enclosure neon lit, Sound Storm Labs F700.2 1400 Watt 2-Ch Amplifier, Amp wiring kit, and 300w tweeters.
84 for amp
106 for speakers
30 for amp wires

537 clams.

So apparently, the better quality option is cheaper, but with a lot less show. I guess I can always stick some silly neon's in my trunk myself :P

If you read all this, you're as crazy as I am, or just a really really nice person. Thanks again to those who have already offered me their help.

As far as the head unit Alpine is arguably the best I would DEFINATELY GET IT. MTX is along the sma elines as the other brands and the tempest would be a much better coice. The amp I was talking about was a ca600 NOT ca600m because the tempest is dual 8 ohm so u need an amp to get best power from 4 ohms. A prefab box would work but a custom ported box would be much better. Kenwood isn't great highs look along the lines of MB Quart, JL Audio, Infinity, Boston Acoustics, or even Alpine. With profile don't get the baja line stick with the california line I've had a lot of success with them. Where are you located because if your close to anyone on here a few people could build a box for you or help you build a box. Any more questions let me know.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/ezcompare/accessories/Accessories_fullSize.asp?key=138

There's a link to a distribution block, sorry I said distributor block before. The "big hole" will take your 12 V power line and then it will split the power into the two diffrent "smaller holes" where you can run a smaller gauge wire from it. KEEP IN MIND YOU NEED TO BUY A DISTRIBUTION BLOCK TO FIT THE WIRES GAUGE FOR THE POWER.

Ya the tempest's would be better if you could get them didn't figure you could get them that cheap. Make sure you can build a box to fit in the trunk with there recommended volume. If the box is sealed with a divider you could buy one sub at a time but if it does not have any diveders it would be operating in "free air"(not good)

I just deposited my check today, so I can start purchasing any time I want. I'm not in too much of a rush though, since anything I buy now won't be shipped till Monday anyway.

So I'm guessing I should definately go with a Tempest then. Just one for now, all I can afford. Will one give me really good sound still? And would two really be necessary? Again I'm not looking to set off alarms.

I was checking the blocks on ebay, they all look pretty much the same, can you tell me if this one is any good, or recommend a different one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50550&item=5716337293&rd=1

or

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50550&item=5715766474&rd=1

I'm sure the shop installing all this will have the knowledge on how to install the block.

I can't afford to get a new deck now, so I guess I have to go with my Panasonic for at least a few months.

So I'm guessing THIS is the amp I should get for the Tempest?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18796&item=5715557912&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

In reference to the box... I live in Souther California, I don't know if someone wants to make one for me and charge me or what, but I think I'm only planning on getting one sub. If somewhere down the road I feel the need for another sub, I'll just buy a new box I guess.

This one is apparently "ported", is that good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50568&item=5716114075&rd=1

Or should I just go with the other, simple one I linked in my last post?

I'm gonna look around for more 6x9's and link em for your guys' opinion.

i realize that you are on a budget, but how much are you willing to spend on an amp? i dunno about the profile, i've heard mixed things about them...

I would go With the rockford distribution block, (however not one necessarily this big)what you will need is a block that will take at least a 4 awg power line and then have 2 outputs that are 6 or 8 awg. You can have more but they will just be more. Reason for not getting the stinger, it does not appear that it holds any fuses, which you will need when going to a smaller diameter wire. With the stinger you would have to make some kind of in line fuse and I think it would look shady. Look for a block with internal fuses.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50550&item=5716144910&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

by the 4 8 awg inputs i think he means outputs. this will take 2 and 4 awg input power line. would need to get fusses and 8 gauge wire additionally tho

I will vouch for that amp it is great I've ran three of them in installs two w/ tempests and they work great. That box is tuned too high u need around 30hz for a tempest. Also unless ur running 2 amps u don't need a disto block.

ya not if it has preamps.

I will vouch for that amp it is great I've ran three of them in installs two w/ tempests and they work great. That box is tuned too high u need around 30hz for a tempest. Also unless ur running 2 amps u don't need a disto block.

I was going to run one 4-channel amp, an amp for the sub, and mabye eventually an amp for a second sub.

This box doesn't give a hz rating, I asked him, waiting on a response, don't know if you guys can tell just by looking, but it's dual chambered.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7917398974&category=38647

This is what I found for 6x9's.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5715502750&rd=1



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5715662954&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14940&item=5715817170&rd=1

The Alpines are a little out of my range with that high shipping charge.

I was hoping to pay no more than 120 total for my two 6x9's.

go with the alpines, you'll be glad you did.

the second choice would be the polks, and the rockfords taking third

Agreed Polks aren't great but they're definately decent. Out of those the Alpines are definately the best DON'T go with the fosgate I've never heard any fosgate speakers that sounded good. You said 120 was your budget so here's some other ideas to throw in the mix.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5716127441&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW ........ http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5714951291&rd=1 ..... And also that box is sealed you will get louder with ported.

You said 120 was your budget so here's some other ideas to throw in the mix.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5716127441&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW ........ http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14942&item=5714951291&rd=1
Lol, $120 for TWO pairs of 6x8's. And the two Alpines I linked are already $148, check out his shipping charge, madness.

And also that box is sealed you will get louder with ported.

Ok... I'll keep looking for a ported box I guess.

I found these two boxes, which are both ported. Although they both are a little over what I wanted to pay. Why is staying under budget such a hard thing!?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14945&item=5716348536&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50567&item=5716394643&rd=1

Or I guess I could go with this single...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50568&item=5716395671&rd=1

I found these two boxes, which are both ported. Although they both are a little over what I wanted to pay. Why is staying under budget such a hard thing!?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=14945&item=5716348536&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50567&item=5716394643&rd=1

Or I guess I could go with this single...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50568&item=5716395671&rd=1

those boxes aren't ported, those are bandpass boxes, and stay far away from prefab bandbass, no matter what sub you put in those boxes, it'll sound like shit.

i'd say go with those alpines, and you'll be happy, they are nice speakers