Total Newbie on Subs, ect... Need Advice
Session25
09-03-2007, 12:29 PM
Hey, I' m new to the forum. I just got my liscense and I'm going to buy a 2005 Cadillac Deville (black/black) soon. Anyway, I want to get some subs for my car, I don't have a budget... but i don't want to spend too much $. Somewhere up to 600 or less. All I want is to have a good sound system for rap music, and rock, (i want the bass to be loud, deep, but nothing sucky. but idk anything about subs,amps, ect... I've been looking around on this site for a little bit, but i don't understand some of the responses on some sub threads because i'm new to all of this. if you could advise me on everything I need to get to have a really good system for a reasonable price. I have a good friend that's going to help me install everything, so thats not any issue. Thanks.
nicks84
09-03-2007, 03:17 PM
Hey, I' m new to the forum. I just got my liscense and I'm going to buy a 2005 Cadillac Deville (black/black) soon. Anyway, I want to get some subs for my car, I don't have a budget... but i don't want to spend too much $. Somewhere up to 600 or less. All I want is to have a good sound system for rap music, and rock, (i want the bass to be loud, deep, but nothing sucky. but idk anything about subs,amps, ect... I've been looking around on this site for a little bit, but i don't understand some of the responses on some sub threads because i'm new to all of this. if you could advise me on everything I need to get to have a really good system for a reasonable price. I have a good friend that's going to help me install everything, so thats not any issue. Thanks.
I dont mean to be sarcastic, but to get started, you will need:
sub(s)
amp
wiring kit
Take a list of the post "The ultimate question". We were just goin through this same thing. There are a slew of really nice subs mentioned in that post. And if I may pry, are you just putting subs in, or re-doing the whole system ? Just a heads up, installing anything in that car if goin to get pricy ! I got a caddy too, and as tempting as it may be, I dont recommend the DIY method on this kind of car. If he is experienced, by all means, otherwise, you are bound to run into issues.
Also, I you wanted ideas for the whole system, or just the subs ? And is that 600 or less JUST for subs, sub + amp, or sub+amp,+ rest of system ?
I dont mean to be sarcastic, but to get started, you will need:
sub(s)
amp
wiring kit
Take a list of the post "The ultimate question". We were just goin through this same thing. There are a slew of really nice subs mentioned in that post. And if I may pry, are you just putting subs in, or re-doing the whole system ? Just a heads up, installing anything in that car if goin to get pricy ! I got a caddy too, and as tempting as it may be, I dont recommend the DIY method on this kind of car. If he is experienced, by all means, otherwise, you are bound to run into issues.
Also, I you wanted ideas for the whole system, or just the subs ? And is that 600 or less JUST for subs, sub + amp, or sub+amp,+ rest of system ?
sickcallawayc12
09-03-2007, 03:26 PM
Well I gotta recommend the Alpine Type-R. Terrific sub for the money. Plays really deep and great sound quality. I wouldn't say its earth shattering loud, but it will be plenty loud in a Cadillac. 2 12s will run a tad bit less than 300 bucks. An Infinity Kappa perfect is another sub with a good balance of sound quality and loud. Do you plan on keeping the stock deck? If so then you'll most likely need a really good Line Output Converter to connect the amp to the stock deck. If you plan on aftermarket, you have that GMLAN thing to worry about, especially if you have OnStar. You will need an adapter if you want to keep it and it runs roughly 100-150 bucks depending on where you go. In addition to what nicks84 said, look at the start of newbie info thread to see what brands to avoid.
BikerPaintballdude
09-03-2007, 03:58 PM
I would have to agree with sickcalleyway. 2 12" or one nice 15" would get the job done and depending on how many watts you are gunna be running Id probably get a Hiphonics Brutus AMP to power the subs. This is there web page http://www.maxxsonics.com/hifonics/amps_brutus.html. You will want to match the RMS level on the subs and the AMP level as closley as possible, But im sure some one else will get into that later with you. (if I missdirected him in some way please correct me, hes the first person ive helped, and of I told you something wrong im sorry)
PlayStation3
09-03-2007, 05:12 PM
I would have to agree with sickcalleyway. 2 12" or one nice 15" would get the job done and depending on how many watts you are gunna be running Id probably get a Hiphonics Brutus AMP to power the subs. This is there web page http://www.maxxsonics.com/hifonics/amps_brutus.html. You will want to match the RMS level on the subs and the AMP level as closley as possible, But im sure some one else will get into that later with you. (if I missdirected him in some way please correct me, hes the first person ive helped, and of I told you something wrong im sorry)
the only thing wrong about that is you recommened a series of amps that is known to be overrated and then you told him to match the rms. with the brutus line of amps if you want 1200 rms at 1 ohm look at the 1600 rms one. etc
the only thing wrong about that is you recommened a series of amps that is known to be overrated and then you told him to match the rms. with the brutus line of amps if you want 1200 rms at 1 ohm look at the 1600 rms one. etc
Session25
09-03-2007, 07:16 PM
I dont know if i should re-do the whole system, or just put subs in. (i'm new to all of this). which would be better? and would redoing the system be really exspensive? I would like ideas for the whole system, and the 600 was for the subs, amp, wiring cables...but i could proably spend more than 600. (i was just estimating). if i keep the stock, and get a good Line Output Converter, how would it sound, and how much is a good converter? what's the GMLAN thing? I want to get like two 12". thanks for guys help so far!
sickcallawayc12
09-03-2007, 09:21 PM
It isn't necessary to swap in an aftermarket deck. A good Line Output Converter (if needed) will make it sound just as good. 600 bucks isn't that great of a budget if you're doing a complete system. If you just want bass it will do though.
As for the GMLAN, its only an issue if you get rid of the factory deck. GM runs certain things (dunno what exactly) through the factory deck in most of their vehicles after 03 or sometime around then. Adding an aftermarket deck means that you need a certain adapter in order to keep the factory features affected. Its only a real issue if you have OnStar cuz otherwise without the adapter you lose the door chime and some DTC radio code is set and that's it.
As for the GMLAN, its only an issue if you get rid of the factory deck. GM runs certain things (dunno what exactly) through the factory deck in most of their vehicles after 03 or sometime around then. Adding an aftermarket deck means that you need a certain adapter in order to keep the factory features affected. Its only a real issue if you have OnStar cuz otherwise without the adapter you lose the door chime and some DTC radio code is set and that's it.
Session25
09-03-2007, 09:41 PM
ok, so if i get the converter instead of getting a whole new system, how someone recommend which ones to get. (sub,amp,cables,converter,ect..) thanks again.
alphalanos
09-03-2007, 11:21 PM
Theres a list in the FAQ which has Bad, Good, and Highly Recommended.
nicks84
09-04-2007, 05:02 AM
the only thing wrong about that is you recommened a series of amps that is known to be overrated and then you told him to match the rms. with the brutus line of amps if you want 1200 rms at 1 ohm look at the 1600 rms one. etc
LoL, ya beat me too it. I want to say, that if your goin Hi-fonics, you might . . . actually, you will, wanto overshoot the total RMS value of the amp by a max of , say 20%, that way, it will actually match :grinno:
I dont know if i should re-do the whole system, or just put subs in. (i'm new to all of this). which would be better? and would redoing the system be really exspensive?
Personally, I would redo the whole system, and yes, that can get as cheap or expensive as you want it to get. For the back and front, I can honestly set the range at 200 - 525$ total (that is for most conventional comp sets, anything higher, is getting into some Realy nice shit). I also would imagine that you might even have the Bose system , which doesn't sound 1/2 bad. But even still, I would recomend doing the whole thing. You will me much more satified, beucause Bose . . .. .. :disappoin well, not goin there .
I would like ideas for the whole system, and the 600 was for the subs, amp, wiring cables...but i could proably spend more than 600. (i was just estimating).
OK, just some ideas. But just so you know. The purpose of this my advice, or anyones for that matter, is to cator to your needs. And its kind of hard to do so based off little feeback. But here are some options to think about. With that said, 2 ways you can go about this (well, more than 2, but worthwhile suggestions).
1. Replace the HU and all speakers with something just better that what you have, and stay on the cheaper side of things. Im going to make the assumption that, becuse you mentioned woofers instead of high end & hu, that either you are already either satisfied with it, or, dont yet know what it sounds like, and are just assuiming it will be Ok, or, you really just dont know ?
2. You can buy a nicer set for the front stage, and just keep the rear fill stock, or none at all. That is of coures, with or without a new HU (I personally would do that if money is accessible). But with doing this, you would need a 4-chn amp too (not imperative,but going about it the best way woudl require it). So you will either need 2 amps, or a 5 chn hybrid. And also, do the what is refered to as, "The Big Three".
[quote=Session25] if i keep the stock, and get a good Line Output Converter, how would it sound, and how much is a good converter?
It will sound fine, but really, its all relative. It will sound much better IMO to relpace th HU with aftermarket, but some nice HU can be pricy. But with a Cadillac, Im assuming money is not an issue . :iceslolan You also have to think, your stock HU, probably don't play mp3s. If you are a heavy user of this format, might behoove you to go aftermarket. If your not a heavy user in this, still might behoove you to convert (lol). Or maybe you have an I-pod, I-river, or some other sort of mp3 player, that you might want to use ? You can get HU with an input on it. But its all up to you and what suits your needs.
It boils down to how picky your ear is. Mine unfortunately for my cash flow, is super picky. And its hard for me to recomend, because if not experienced, what sounds great to you, could sound horrible to me. But all that really matters, is what you think.
what's the GMLAN thing? I want to get like two 12". thanks for guys help so far!
I dont know spefically what that is persay, but I do know that car is going to be pricy with the installation of the HU. Once you pay for that, you might as well pay them to hook up the amp too. I believe you said you and your freind are goin to do it. I dont know your freind, or you, but something tells me you and him might not know what ya'll are getting into with this car. I know, because I got one. I woudl advise to talk to a few people at local shops and get some quotes. But before you see him, tell him you already have all the equipment. Have them quote you on the installation of new HU, 2 compsets, 2 subs, 2-amps, all wiring, done deal, out the door, taxes and everything and no strings attached. That will give you an idea of what needs to be done, or specific quotes on things you will encounter that you need to know ahead of time. Misc things like, you will neen an antenna adapter to run to an aftermarket HU. Also, the reciever in that car is actually located in the trunk, therefore takes about a 100$ wiring harness to be routed through your entire car. This goes from the front face, which most people think is the radio, to the trunck. It is necessary to bypass the factory amp etc. .. for an amp. And that is before you start your install, etc. .. .. .
Whew, you got alot on your plate buddy, and good luck taking all the panels off that thing :grinyes: Lil things like this make that car a PITA. And again, to emphasize on what sickcallawayc12 said about the onstar. . . you shoudl let us know if you are goin to use this. Cause Im sure for a price, that car might even come equipted with a navigational DVD player that is touch screen. IN an instance like that, I coudl understand why you would NOT want to replace it, cause it will cost you a 1k off the batt to replace it.
LoL, ya beat me too it. I want to say, that if your goin Hi-fonics, you might . . . actually, you will, wanto overshoot the total RMS value of the amp by a max of , say 20%, that way, it will actually match :grinno:
I dont know if i should re-do the whole system, or just put subs in. (i'm new to all of this). which would be better? and would redoing the system be really exspensive?
Personally, I would redo the whole system, and yes, that can get as cheap or expensive as you want it to get. For the back and front, I can honestly set the range at 200 - 525$ total (that is for most conventional comp sets, anything higher, is getting into some Realy nice shit). I also would imagine that you might even have the Bose system , which doesn't sound 1/2 bad. But even still, I would recomend doing the whole thing. You will me much more satified, beucause Bose . . .. .. :disappoin well, not goin there .
I would like ideas for the whole system, and the 600 was for the subs, amp, wiring cables...but i could proably spend more than 600. (i was just estimating).
OK, just some ideas. But just so you know. The purpose of this my advice, or anyones for that matter, is to cator to your needs. And its kind of hard to do so based off little feeback. But here are some options to think about. With that said, 2 ways you can go about this (well, more than 2, but worthwhile suggestions).
1. Replace the HU and all speakers with something just better that what you have, and stay on the cheaper side of things. Im going to make the assumption that, becuse you mentioned woofers instead of high end & hu, that either you are already either satisfied with it, or, dont yet know what it sounds like, and are just assuiming it will be Ok, or, you really just dont know ?
2. You can buy a nicer set for the front stage, and just keep the rear fill stock, or none at all. That is of coures, with or without a new HU (I personally would do that if money is accessible). But with doing this, you would need a 4-chn amp too (not imperative,but going about it the best way woudl require it). So you will either need 2 amps, or a 5 chn hybrid. And also, do the what is refered to as, "The Big Three".
[quote=Session25] if i keep the stock, and get a good Line Output Converter, how would it sound, and how much is a good converter?
It will sound fine, but really, its all relative. It will sound much better IMO to relpace th HU with aftermarket, but some nice HU can be pricy. But with a Cadillac, Im assuming money is not an issue . :iceslolan You also have to think, your stock HU, probably don't play mp3s. If you are a heavy user of this format, might behoove you to go aftermarket. If your not a heavy user in this, still might behoove you to convert (lol). Or maybe you have an I-pod, I-river, or some other sort of mp3 player, that you might want to use ? You can get HU with an input on it. But its all up to you and what suits your needs.
It boils down to how picky your ear is. Mine unfortunately for my cash flow, is super picky. And its hard for me to recomend, because if not experienced, what sounds great to you, could sound horrible to me. But all that really matters, is what you think.
what's the GMLAN thing? I want to get like two 12". thanks for guys help so far!
I dont know spefically what that is persay, but I do know that car is going to be pricy with the installation of the HU. Once you pay for that, you might as well pay them to hook up the amp too. I believe you said you and your freind are goin to do it. I dont know your freind, or you, but something tells me you and him might not know what ya'll are getting into with this car. I know, because I got one. I woudl advise to talk to a few people at local shops and get some quotes. But before you see him, tell him you already have all the equipment. Have them quote you on the installation of new HU, 2 compsets, 2 subs, 2-amps, all wiring, done deal, out the door, taxes and everything and no strings attached. That will give you an idea of what needs to be done, or specific quotes on things you will encounter that you need to know ahead of time. Misc things like, you will neen an antenna adapter to run to an aftermarket HU. Also, the reciever in that car is actually located in the trunk, therefore takes about a 100$ wiring harness to be routed through your entire car. This goes from the front face, which most people think is the radio, to the trunck. It is necessary to bypass the factory amp etc. .. for an amp. And that is before you start your install, etc. .. .. .
Whew, you got alot on your plate buddy, and good luck taking all the panels off that thing :grinyes: Lil things like this make that car a PITA. And again, to emphasize on what sickcallawayc12 said about the onstar. . . you shoudl let us know if you are goin to use this. Cause Im sure for a price, that car might even come equipted with a navigational DVD player that is touch screen. IN an instance like that, I coudl understand why you would NOT want to replace it, cause it will cost you a 1k off the batt to replace it.
BikerPaintballdude
09-04-2007, 08:34 PM
Ok I realy dont mean to butt in but I didnt want to start a new thread for this. So if the subs I want can handle 500-1200 I think and I get 2 of them should I get the 2000 watt Hiphonics AMP?
(and sorry again)
(and sorry again)
PlayStation3
09-05-2007, 01:24 AM
get the 2600 one if you are looking for 2k rms. at 1 ohm but if you need that much power i would look into a better amp. a guy on ssa is selling like 4 us amps md3d for 395 oh and hifionics higher series of amp do there rated rms. it is just their brutus line i think.
the best deal you are going to find anywhere for the watt/$
http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10265
i think i might get one.
the best deal you are going to find anywhere for the watt/$
http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=10265
i think i might get one.
nicks84
09-05-2007, 08:23 PM
Ok I realy dont mean to butt in but I didnt want to start a new thread for this. So if the subs I want can handle 500-1200 I think and I get 2 of them should I get the 2000 watt Hiphonics AMP?
(and sorry again)
Just out of curiousity, is that 500 - 1200 W RMS (meaning, somewhere in that range) ? Or, 500 RMS and 1200 Wpk ? It makes a big difference on the amp that will suit your needs. Just a question.
(and sorry again)
Just out of curiousity, is that 500 - 1200 W RMS (meaning, somewhere in that range) ? Or, 500 RMS and 1200 Wpk ? It makes a big difference on the amp that will suit your needs. Just a question.
DatSnowBoy
09-06-2007, 03:16 PM
I know that you can get a sundown 1000 amp with two 12 rd classic subs for 600 and possibly less if you bargin. Check out low-hz.com and email them they can definentaly help you out alot. Also you should make sure you get a good box it is the most important part of your sub system a bad box can make good subs sound like shit.
nicks84
09-06-2007, 07:15 PM
Also you should make sure you get a good box it is the most important part of your sub system a bad box can make good subs sound like shit.
I could not agree more. And on the upside, a good box can make shitty woofers sound tremendous.
I could not agree more. And on the upside, a good box can make shitty woofers sound tremendous.
DatSnowBoy
09-07-2007, 02:15 PM
True that. Most people new to car audio think a box is a box and there all the same but that is the worst mastake you can make. I know a kid that has switched through three completely different subs and used the same box and keeps wondering why they always sounds horrible but he wont listen to me.
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