Iam a newb to sound systems and have very limited knowledge about this kind of stuff. I got an alpine CDA-9847hu. I do want to add a subwoofer but first I was wondering if I should replace the stock speakers and add an amp for the speakers? If I should what should I look for? I listen to a lot of rock and heavy metal with occasional rap, when I do listen to rap I like the bump of the bass thats why I want a subwoofer, but rock and metal are the priority. Or since I listen to rock and metal should I just get the highest quality speakes and an amp and Ill have enough bass for those few times when I want the bump?

Thanks in advance for the advice guys.

Also performance is always number one for me so Iam never going to put a sub in my trunk that adds substantial weight just thought id add that if it would reflect upon the advuce given.

 

I love these questions......
But of course there are hundreds of factors to take into consideration!

Most important...how much are you willing to spend?

I've dropped like $8K on my setup so it all depends on what is important to you.

Since you are into performance it sounds like one 12 will do you right.

Let me know and I'll give you my suggestions!

Hollalalala......

 

well I was planning on getting everything slowly little by little spending about 200-300 at a time, The reason iam asking these q's is cause I am not sure if the sub will sound good with rock and if the money would be better spend on speakers and amp I mean ultimately I am lookign to spend not mkore then 1200 k maybe a little over that with subs and amp

 

1 12" or 2 10" subs =$300
1 500 watt amp =$300 (approx 500, give or take)
1 enclosure =$100 (or save $$ and DIY)
1 wiring kit = $60

So do the math and u should def be able to build a nice system with that budget. I recommend Audiobahn all the time, because they have a full line of subwoofers and amplifiers, so you can tailor to your needs/wants. And the pricing is pretty reasonable for the hi quality performance. I paid less than 1200 for my 2 10" sound q subs, 600 watt amp, custom enclosure, wiring kit, and line out converter (running off stock HU) Never had any problems whatsoever and the SQ is great for rock, rap, whatever! check out my set up on my sounddomain page (link in my sig)

 

i've been through a lot of different systems, and my musical preference is very similar to yours. I would recommend one 12 with AT LEAST 500 Watts in a sealed enclosure. This way you save space and weight (over having two 10's).

I have an IDMAX from Image Dynamics and would VERY highly recommend it to anyone. Great SPL and excellent SQ. It is a little pricey though (about $350-$500/sub).

Audiobahn, Alpine and JL make some good subs.

STAY AWAY FROM SONY. I know it's cheap, but there's a reason for that.

oh, and nice choice on the hu.

 

Ok,
It sounds like you aren't wanting to go all out! Which is respectable based on your goals for your vehicle.
$1,200 is a good price for what you want.
Since you already have you a good quality Head unit you are heading on the right track.
stl_tc_king is right about IDMAX....they rock!
Perfect for small sealed enclosures and sound great for every music application. And it is one of the lightest super woofers made but it is still a pretty heavy sub.
Audiobahn does make "cost efficient" products. Though I am personally not a fan.

My suggestions.....
JL W3V2 12" sub
JL 250/1 mono amp.....
Sealed Enclosure built to spec.....

That might sound to simple but it sounds like it would be enough for you.
If you want louder then you are going to have to upgrade your components....
That's where it can get more tricky and cost a lot more money.

My suggestion would provide you with smooth quick responsive bass and go easy on your electrical system. I really don't think your lights would dim just pushing 250 watts.

I've owned a JL W3 12" sub in the past that was pushed by an Eclipse 200watt amp and was more than happy with the results.

I craved more though.

 

.....you always crave more! It's just plain gonna happen, lol.

btw- thank you for the compliment popalock85.

 

JL is def good, but too pricy IMO. Plus I think the w6 and w7 are the only true performance woofers in the line. Overall, kindof overrated...where as audiobahn is Underrated!

 

It's all relative, I personally haven't had much experience with Audiobahn so I really don't want to lean that way.
My one experience with my old JL W3 was a good one and I recommend it to someone who want's clean responsive bass response in a small sealed enclosure.

If you wanted to spend a little extra dough and you could afford a JL W7 10" it would blow you away!!!!!!!!!!!
haha.

Go check all of your options out and physically hear them for yourself.

I was impressed with the MTX 7500 series when I heard them. They rock out great.

I never was an MTX fan but I personally ended up getting 2 of the 9500 series 12's.....I'm not dissapointed at all!

 

you actually dont have to spend that much to get a really nice sounding system i probly spent between $210 - 230 including shipping on my ENTIRE system and it sounds NICEEEE.
if you shop smart and do things urself it really pays off. Oh and it helps to know some people...

link > https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...&highlight=sub

i could have gone under 200 if actually had everything i needed on instal day... (had to go to store and buy things at expensive prices)

 

I must say....that is sweet....
I'm jealous man, I honestly wish I had the time, tools, friends, and knowledge to do it all myself.
I peobably would have saved $3K or so because I got my stuff done all professionally.
If you can do it cheap like this then by all means do it!
I wanted to get the best everything instead of just getting decent stuff.
That's what ended up costing me so much.
If I could take if back I would do it differently.

 

I must say....that is sweet....
I'm jealous man, I honestly wish I had the time, tools, friends, and knowledge to do it all myself.
I peobably would have saved $3K or so because I got my stuff done all professionally.
If you can do it cheap like this then by all means do it!
I wanted to get the best everything instead of just getting decent stuff.
That's what ended up costing me so much.
If I could take if back I would do my set up differently.

 

$230 for a HU, amp, sub, wiring and box materials??? Did u have to kill someone ?

 

no head unit needed, and the box was 20$ for wood, and $20 for the good car felty carpet. box was made by wood worker friend, 15 hours labor almost, free for me.

24$ for brand new 05 audiobahn + 20 shiping (ebay baby)

50 sumthin dollars for abanrd new amp + like 10 for shippin (buddy that works at car domain gave me an online coupon so that i could buy it at like cheapest possible.) the amp even came with a bass controoler that i have installed in my cubby hole

70$ amp wire kit
20$ rca output kit thing ( i couldnt save any money on the last two things because i didnt know i needed em. so when my audio installer friend and i were puttin the stuff in at had to go and buy them at store prices, which hurt

moral of the story is if u take time to seriously look for the best deals u will end up havin so much for so little.