New System Help

[Shakespeares]

For amps I would look into brands like sundown, AQ, DC... thats just to name a few. For how much wattage, what I would do is add the RMS of each sub together, then add 500 per sub. So lets say they do 1500rms each.. thats 3k. Then add 1000 (500x2). That's 4k. So you'll need an amp (or amps) that can do 4k rms. The reason I add 1000 is because those subs can EASILY push an extra 500 rms each if you know what you're doing. You also want your amp to have some breathing room. So if you want to buy an even bigger amp, that would be even better. Mechman makes great alts as well as DC Power. You should do the big 3 in 0ga wire (which you can find a tutorial for here: http://www.stevemead...big-3-tutorial/)

After you do the big3, you can have your alternator installed by a shop or your dealership even... as long as you tell them to use the upgraded wire you should be fine.

Then you need to start planning your enclosure size. When that's done, see how much room is left. Then start measuring the space for batteries. Put at least 2 or 3 supplimental batteries in. You will need lots of power to get those DD's to their full potential.

You can do a lot with 5-6 grand. You came to the right place to save money and do it right.

Thank you a LOT for this. You don't think I could get away with my stock red top and a D3100, do you? I was thinking about getting a Stetsom 7k if I could find prices or a place to buy them. I'll probably pay someone to draw up enclosure plans for me once I get the car and the dimensions. I don't want to wall completely because I enjoy seeing out of my rear view mirror.

You couldn't go off stock man, nothing at all stock. Basicly hes saying those brands base there RMS at a very safe level.. they can be played well above that if your smart about it. Bigger amp will help you a ton, that way your amp's not working so hard to push whatever it has to push.. DC FTMFW I think grab up 2 level 5's and you'll be on your way.. Sundown, AQ, more of the brands you'll find on here will do over rms rating.. If you want you can PM me if you have some questions on electrical, been learning alot on it actually I'd be willing to help always on the forums.

Eh, I've read a lot and I've fully decided that I want DD 9518s. I know that for fact. I've heard of people pushing them at 3k each and more without a problem. I know they can't take too low of bass, but that's fine with me. Eh. I guess I can look at a smaller XS battery and a D3100. Steve has 10? for 30k? I'd imagine I could do fine with one.

[Hifonics]

For amps I would look into brands like sundown, AQ, DC... thats just to name a few. For how much wattage, what I would do is add the RMS of each sub together, then add 500 per sub. So lets say they do 1500rms each.. thats 3k. Then add 1000 (500x2). That's 4k. So you'll need an amp (or amps) that can do 4k rms. The reason I add 1000 is because those subs can EASILY push an extra 500 rms each if you know what you're doing. You also want your amp to have some breathing room. So if you want to buy an even bigger amp, that would be even better. Mechman makes great alts as well as DC Power. You should do the big 3 in 0ga wire (which you can find a tutorial for here: http://www.stevemead...big-3-tutorial/) After you do the big3, you can have your alternator installed by a shop or your dealership even... as long as you tell them to use the upgraded wire you should be fine. Then you need to start planning your enclosure size. When that's done, see how much room is left. Then start measuring the space for batteries. Put at least 2 or 3 supplimental batteries in. You will need lots of power to get those DD's to their full potential. You can do a lot with 5-6 grand. You came to the right place to save money and do it right.

Thank you a LOT for this. You don't think I could get away with my stock red top and a D3100, do you? I was thinking about getting a Stetsom 7k if I could find prices or a place to buy them. I'll probably pay someone to draw up enclosure plans for me once I get the car and the dimensions. I don't want to wall completely because I enjoy seeing out of my rear view mirror.

You couldn't go off stock man, nothing at all stock. Basicly hes saying those brands base there RMS at a very safe level.. they can be played well above that if your smart about it. Bigger amp will help you a ton, that way your amp's not working so hard to push whatever it has to push.. DC FTMFW I think grab up 2 level 5's and you'll be on your way.. Sundown, AQ, more of the brands you'll find on here will do over rms rating.. If you want you can PM me if you have some questions on electrical, been learning alot on it actually I'd be willing to help always on the forums.

Eh, I've read a lot and I've fully decided that I want DD 9518s. I know that for fact. I've heard of people pushing them at 3k each and more without a problem. I know they can't take too low of bass, but that's fine with me. Eh. I guess I can look at a smaller XS battery and a D3100. Steve has 10? for 30k? I'd imagine I could do fine with one.

My pleasure man. Glad to give back to the community. If you want to run that much power, you'll need at least 2 to be safe. The more batteries you add, the more reserve you'll have. If you run just 1 supplimental for 7k, you won't make it too far before you have to turn down the volume due to voltage drop. BUT, you can always upgrade later if you find you need more. You'll definately need a high output alt though. You will not make it without one.

Also you should use the new XP series XSpower bats as your supplimentals. Apparently they're really good.

[Emmet]

Look at it this way, steve has 10 because steve likes overkill

If your running that stetsom thats 450 amps ish max draw.. and thats just that amp, never mind mids and highs and your cars needs... Whatever alt you get, the chances of one extra battery being able to support the remainder aint likely, better to be safe than be droppin voltage like a mad bish once you get everything set up...

[Hifonics]

Well he probably won't use the whole 7k. But still I agree.

[TheNewbie]

For amps I would look into brands like sundown, AQ, DC... thats just to name a few. For how much wattage, what I would do is add the RMS of each sub together, then add 500 per sub. So lets say they do 1500rms each.. thats 3k. Then add 1000 (500x2). That's 4k. So you'll need an amp (or amps) that can do 4k rms. The reason I add 1000 is because those subs can EASILY push an extra 500 rms each if you know what you're doing. You also want your amp to have some breathing room. So if you want to buy an even bigger amp, that would be even better. Mechman makes great alts as well as DC Power. You should do the big 3 in 0ga wire (which you can find a tutorial for here: http://www.stevemead...big-3-tutorial/)

After you do the big3, you can have your alternator installed by a shop or your dealership even... as long as you tell them to use the upgraded wire you should be fine.

Then you need to start planning your enclosure size. When that's done, see how much room is left. Then start measuring the space for batteries. Put at least 2 or 3 supplimental batteries in. You will need lots of power to get those DD's to their full potential.

You can do a lot with 5-6 grand. You came to the right place to save money and do it right.

Thank you a LOT for this. You don't think I could get away with my stock red top and a D3100, do you? I was thinking about getting a Stetsom 7k if I could find prices or a place to buy them. I'll probably pay someone to draw up enclosure plans for me once I get the car and the dimensions. I don't want to wall completely because I enjoy seeing out of my rear view mirror.

You couldn't go off stock man, nothing at all stock. Basicly hes saying those brands base there RMS at a very safe level.. they can be played well above that if your smart about it. Bigger amp will help you a ton, that way your amp's not working so hard to push whatever it has to push.. DC FTMFW I think grab up 2 level 5's and you'll be on your way.. Sundown, AQ, more of the brands you'll find on here will do over rms rating.. If you want you can PM me if you have some questions on electrical, been learning alot on it actually I'd be willing to help always on the forums.

Eh, I've read a lot and I've fully decided that I want DD 9518s. I know that for fact. I've heard of people pushing them at 3k each and more without a problem. I know they can't take too low of bass, but that's fine with me. Eh. I guess I can look at a smaller XS battery and a D3100. Steve has 10? for 30k? I'd imagine I could do fine with one.

DC can take well over rated as well But I won't push that envelope, DD's a great brand, never messed with one personally. I'd go with the fellers up there ^ more batteries longer you'll be thumpin

[Shakespeares]

Thanks guys. I'll probably grab two just in case. I'll also check out the XP? series.

Any other advice? Input is greatly appreciated! I'd like to try to do a build on here when I do it, but being at a college dorm I'd rather not openly advertise the bank in my audio.

EDIT:

I'll probably be buying: http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/store/products/Stetsom-7K2--E-%252d-1-or-2-Ohm.html

Unless I can find something better and cheaper.

Edited March 15, 2012 by Shakespeares