[Mk2] [Turbo] Do I need an amp?

[sw20GTS]

Hi all,

Thinking of custom making my own subbox. Right now I am running Alpine headunit with 50Wx4 out (with dedicated subwoofer out) http://www.caraudiosolutions.co.uk/prod ... 103BT.html

It is currently powering 2 6x9s and 2 5.25 in the door. Do I need an amp if I were to add one 8" sub? If so, what is the recommended amp?

[Mr2_NA]

What watt rating is the sub and what ohmage is it?

you will need an amp and wiring kit rated to the same as the amp your buying.

[sw20GTS]

What watt rating is the sub and what ohmage is it?

you will need an amp and wiring kit rated to the same as the amp your buying.

Haven't really decide on a sub yet. Planning to build my own custom enclosure from MDF and atm looking at a single 10" sub. Not many choices though, seems that 8" subs are more popular. If needing amp, most I will go for is a mono amp. Must be something small since I will have to mount it on top of my sub box.

[Mr2_NA]

Just remember, peak power of the sub is different to the rated power.

If your sub is peak at 500w, but only rated to 300w.

Get a 500w amp.

Its the way I have always done it.

You set the gain levels to about 1/2 way (or just over) so effectivly your sub is only going to produce about 250-300w with the amp effectivly being able to hit some louder notes.

They you get the full range your sub can punch out with no distortian from it or loss of sound quality due to the amp not being able to produce the power.

Worked for me since I was 17 and i've had loads of installs for me and my mates.

[sw20GTS]

Just remember, peak power of the sub is different to the rated power.

If your sub is peak at 500w, but only rated to 300w.

Get a 500w amp.

Its the way I have always done it.

You set the gain levels to about 1/2 way (or just over) so effectivly your sub is only going to produce about 250-300w with the amp effectivly being able to hit some louder notes.

They you get the full range your sub can punch out with no distortian from it or loss of sound quality due to the amp not being able to produce the power.

Worked for me since I was 17 and i've had loads of installs for me and my mates.

Sound advice mate

Few questions though :

1) Any easy way to get the power line from battery to cockpit? Also, any recommended Earth points?

2) Should I get 8" or 10" ? Don't want earth shattering bass just want to balance out the tone a bit. I hardly have any useful bass atm.

3) Lastly, can you recommend any sub + amp from your experience?

Thanks.

[Mr2_NA]

JBL sub and a cheap amp if your going 8".

Should produce a nice thud.

If you want a bit more variety of bass then a 10" would suit nicely.

As long as you don't go for a competition package you'll do fine between 300-500w depending how loud you want it. Just remember to buy around your current set-up.

A 2kw sub and standard speakers will sound abit crap.

Get your trebble and mid set up on the CD player and use the sub for lows and it'll sound perfect

I have a pioneer competition sub and amp in mine

12", 1800w peak 1200w rms and a 2kw amp.

Makes my eyes water and my insides hurt not to mention I can't even see a thing when its turned up more than 3/4.

Great to show the saxos and corsas what a sub should sound like

Perfect

Amp under passenger seat with dials to the back so easy access.

Power wire though the gromet under the steering wheel, under carpet round back of dash to passenger side then down the plastic skirt.

Earth, stick an O-ring on the cable and bolt it to the sub box metal thing where the grill usually sits.

Phono cables and 12v amp remote down the centre console. It's abit fiddly to get under the ashtray but it does fit

I've actually cut the sub box out now so the sub sits on the floor allowing the seat to go fully back and full recline.

[sw20GTS]

Good advice mate thanks!

I didn't know there's space underneath the passenger seat to mount an amp. IT looks quite cramped down there.

[Mr2_NA]

Looks can be deceiving in the 2.

Just watch out for cooling as it can get hot!

Mine has 2 fans built in and seems to be fine, also watch out for any water leaks. They will kill your amp and corrode your terminals.

It shouldn't need screwing down, but if you really want to attach it, get some velcro. 1 strip on the rear (engine end) so you can easily get it in and out if need be.

Think its about 4-5" gap under the seat.

[SamUK]

Not all amps fit under the seats. I annihalted the face on my old vibe amp when the chair moved.

Im just running the 1 1000w sub and amp at the moment but i think im gonna get another for the passenger side.

[madbasshunter]

You set the gain levels to about 1/2 way (or just over) so effectivly your sub is only going to produce about 250-300w with the amp effectivly being able to hit some louder notes.

They you get the full range your sub can punch out with no distortian from it or loss of sound quality due to the amp not being able to produce the power.

Worked for me since I was 17 and i've had loads of installs for me and my mates.

You should really have your amp set up with an oscilloscope, when I had mine set up we found I was putting out an undistorted 5v from my pioneer DEH-P700BT but my sub amp gain had to be set at 0 (I had it at 2.5) and my comp amp set at 2 and they are both kenwood amps, I thought I had set it up well before hand but thought my sub might be distorting so had it set up before the soundoff. Probably saved my sub as distortion from having the gains wrong will cook the voice coil.