Newbie here. Looking for a little help with new system

[ICatchx22I]

Hey, Just wanted to first say hi. I am kinda new to this world of audio stuff, but i am a mechanical engineer and i like it when things work and sound well

Ok, I just got a 97 grand cherokee that I would like to hook up properly. I listen to everything from hard rock, old punk, rap, and ragge.

From my old car i have an older sony head unit that has 3 preamped RCA outs that I intend to use in the jeep. I also have a 2 channel 520w (max.. dont remember rms) Power Acoustiks amp. I would like to use both in my stage 1 just to make the project cost a little less up front.

The previous owner said he replaced the speakers with JL speakers.. i dont know which nor do i care right now..

Stage1:
-Install sony head unit
-buy a 4 channel amp for speakers- run "JL" speakers through stock wirage (60-75 watts a channel)
-Buy a 12" or 15" sub (I was thinking perhaps a Shiva or a Tempest)
-Run said sub with the 2 channel Power Acoustiks i already got

Stage2:
-get sick of amp/sub combo not being good enough
-Buy a better sub amp and maybe another matching subwoofer
-replace blown speakers with components and rewire the whole car
-dynamat everything

Ok! I went through all the brands that you guys are listed as the best and i am still totally lost as what I want. I really NEED my speakers to be loud but clear throughout and my sub to be hitting low and hard.

I would like spend around 400+-50 including all the power cablage and fused distribution box.. and another 400 or so for stage 2.

Can you guys suggest some goodness to me?

thanks a lot,
Tom

[Mannyb18b]

Ok, well for your "stage 1", i guess your just lookin for something cheap and that works well?
Sub= Ascendant Audio Atlas 15" - $160 (you can use the PA amp you have)
4 Channel amp= Profile AP1040
As for your "stage 2", we need to know a little bit more. How much are you willing to spend? How much space do you want occupied?

[ICatchx22I]

Well I am willing to drop 450 bucks here.. so no "cheap" stuff, just cost effective. I do not want to have to rebuy any of the amps so I think id be looking for something a little better than a Profile. I want something that would prob overpower the whatever speakers i have now and so I could buy new RE or CDT Components down the line (a week after perhaps, hehe)

thanks

[Mannyb18b]

Your not gonna get an amp that can run a mediocre sub an then be able to switch to run a high quality sub + the mediocre sub + speaker amplifier for $450. Just get good shit from the beginning

[AndonD454]

ok man just some thoughts..

i second the ascendant audio atlas 15.. ive heard great stuff about it. in fact, its supposed to have awesome SQ so the only thing youll have left for stage 2 is maybe more SPL? that is if you even want more at all..

also, as far as components go, i think you should just get something like a nine.2 (edesignaudio.com), theyre supposed to be great for the money. eD makes some pretty good amps. they also have component sets out too now but havent heard much abotu em. anyways, i suggested the nine.2 over the nine.4 because most audiophiles really hate the sound of rear speakers, and only keep them at a minimal volume, if at all. so i would suggest a solid 2 channel for the comps and then just running any rear fill off of the head unit.

this would put you at 375 for now and then you could spend about 50-75 on box and wires, depending on quality of what you get/ how extensive your work is.

[AndonD454]

i think he means to get rid of the 1st sub and the power acoustic amp and then eventually get a bigger/better amp and more powerful or better sounding sub in the future.

so right now he wants suggestions for a decent sub to run with the PA amp(both of which he will ditch later on maybe) and then a decent amp for some components so he doesnt have to replace the amp down the line.

is this right?

[ICatchx22I]

AndonD, yah u were close. My plan (sorry for being vague.. in my mind it was clearer) is to:
1) get good speaker amp.. havent thought about this running 4 channels vs just the fronts just yet..
2) get sub that would work with the PA amp for now, and then run with better with a better amp. I guess what i meant is something that would run off 4ohms for now and 2 ohms later with the better amp. I am interested in running sealed box, i like the way they sound better.

down the line:
1) replace sub amp to soimething better
2) run some nice components in the front

That's basically it.

Thanks for helpign out

p.s I am flexable with the money.. so please dont get too hung up on the $450.. ive modded my cars and stereo before and i know it always costs more than initially intended..

[Mannyb18b]

What type voice coil configuration do you plan on having that can run at 4ohms AND 2ohms?
OK, so your saying that you want a sub that can work of your PA amp, an then later down the road work on a better amp? well, its one or the other, a sub designed to work off of 800-1000watts is not going to move off of 200 watts. So, IMO upgrade your Sub AND Amp now, forget the "down the line"

[bumpinstang77]

?ur not guna have any luck with the tempest or shiva I believe they're out of stock for a while. but the atlas 15 would be badass. Make sure u make a good box jeeps suck for bass!!!

[ICatchx22I]

Originally Posted by bumpinstang77

?ur not guna have any luck with the tempest or shiva I believe they're out of stock for a while. but the atlas 15 would be badass. Make sure u make a good box jeeps suck for bass!!!

Well If i can find a DVC Sub with 2 2ohms I could run it now at 4ohms off the PA and later on at 1ohm off a good amp. Either that get an Atlas 15" and add another and run both at 2ohms down the line.

So:
1)Are there any 15"s that would be 2x2ohms?

and

2)Any idea on what kind of box i should get the single 15? Should I give it more room than recommended?

3) If i only power the front speakers id def want to run at 150w rms to each side. Can someone recommand me an amp+component set up for around 300?

[bumpinstang77]

get an atlas. that's your best bet.

[ICatchx22I]

Hey I just ordered an Atlas 15" and CDT CL-62 components

The PA-520w is going to power the Atlas for now. What amp should i get the components? (150w x 2)

Also, can someone suggest a nice box for not too much monies? I need this to sound good in a jeep

thanks yall
tom

[AndonD454]

man.. buying boxes is risky as hell.. never know what kinda quality they are.

would you consider building one? a sealed box is easy (and cheap) to make.. ported arent much harder either but just have someone on this site make you some plans

[bumpinstang77]

hey....where u located?

[ICatchx22I]

Originally Posted by AndonD454

man.. buying boxes is risky as hell.. never know what kinda quality they are.

would you consider building one? a sealed box is easy (and cheap) to make.. ported arent much harder either but just have someone on this site make you some plans

New Brunswick, NJ