I am looking to upgrade the sound system in my tC, I want to have good bass, but I don't want to have so much bass that you can't hear anything else. Also for the sake of being different I don't want to take the easy way out with the Bazooka.

I've been looking at FAQ's in several places (mainly www.crutchfield.com) and am gianing a passing knowledge of car audio but there are still a couple of things that I am lost on.

1) I assume that it is possible to somehow regulate the amound of power to my sub(s) so that I don't have to choose between the two extremes of off and on, but I am not completly sure of that and would like some clairity

2) what exactly is a Capacitor, what does it do, and does it serve a purpose outside of looking cool?

3) I'm not an audiophile and I don't plan on showing my car, should I leave the other speakers or replace them?

4) Could someone recommend a good Sub and Amp combo that will give me good sound without breaking the bank, I don't want to pay for premium equipment but I want something better than the Bargin Basement (i've been considering putting a sub on each side of the trunk space for symmetry purposes only)

Thanks in advance

 

I am by no means an expert, but I'll take a stab.

-Yes, you'll have a level control on your amp or on the sub itself if you go with a self powered unit.

-It supplies extra power to your amp when/if it draws more then the battery is able to supply. You really don't need one unless you're running a really big amp.

-It's my understanding that the weakest point in the stock system, as far as sound quality goes, is the head unit. The speakers are alright as is, but upgrading will only help.

-I just order the Kenwood KSC-SW1, because its small enough to fit in the foam cubby under the trunk floor and I've read nothing but good reviews. Also check the Infinity BaseLink subs, I've heard really good things about them. Also you don't need to worry about symmetry with your sub because low fequency audio is very non-directional.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at those subs you suggested.

As far as symmetry goes I was talking about how the back of my trunk looked, not sound quality. If I decide to put a sub in the space with the spare tire (I don't want to sacrifice my spare for my sound system) then that won't be an issue.

I have a Pioneer AVIC-D2 Nav system instead of the stock Head Unit. I don't know if that's better than stock or not though.

 

Good cheap setup is a nice pair of rockford fostgate p1 12's and a p325 amp. You have gain control directly on the amp plus you have the EQ on your head unit. You are always in control of how much bass you do or don't want no matter what your setup.

I would also recommend a sealed box since scions are liftbacks. Ported and bandpass boxes don't let the subs react as fast, giving you sloppy bass.

You definitely don't need a capacitor

It's not imperative that you upgrade the stock mids, but later down the line you'll probably want to. You'll be able to get a better sound overall with an aftermarket setup. The stock speakers are't designed to rock out with some subs per say... BUT a second amp will allow your stock speakers to reach their full potential. it's not necessarily the head unit that is the weak point. All it does is send signals. The thing is, they're not really built to do too much outside of that. A second amp for the mids would ease all the signal processing load off the head unit.

Also you'll need an amp wiring kit. Though an 8 guage kit would be fine for the above setup, I'd go with a 4 guage kit, just for flexibility. (alot of people become bassheads and want more later on.)

if you wanted to get a little more into it.. get some kickers they're relatively cheap and they will rock your body.



ALL WE KNOW IS.... HE'S CALLED THE STIG.

 

Don't forget, our stock headunits have a SSP (Signal Sound Processor) which allows you to change your audio setup via a pre-set eq. I use it frequently, rather then adjusting the bass all the time. I keep my bass set at -5 and depending on what music style I'm listening to at the time, I'll jump from "Hear" to "Feel"

Just in case you end up doing what I'm doing - getting the amp and speakers first and slowly saving for the headunit (since it is the most expensive).