Need help with 1st System

[Cadillacin]

Sounds like some good information I'll definitely keep that in mind. Im looking at some options for alternators right now.

[Neckbeard]

Sounds like some good information I'll definitely keep that in mind. Im looking at some options for alternators right now.

Mechman,DC power, excess amperage, those should be the first go to guys

[WastedTalent]

I know you're trying to buy everything at once, or relatively close together, but my suggestion? Go ahead and buy the head unit you want (or can fit) and then beef up your electrical. Get the alt, do the big 3, get the batts, etc. Then when that's done, start getting actual audio. Speakers, subs, etc. Electrical aspect, if your wanting your 5k watts? Will be pretty pricey. Probably $5-600 for the alt, $100 or so for the wire depending on what brand and gauge you go with, fuses, batts, etc. All of that will add up...quick. And can definitely eat your $2250 budget.

I don't have the big 3 or a ho alt (those are my next steps which I will be doing in around 3-4 months, or so I plan) and I've spent roughly 4-5 grand on my system. Extra batt, 2 RF T1's, 2 amps (one for speakers, one for subs), speakers and tweets, head unit. All the wires. Adding the big 3 and alt, that's lookin at roughly another $1000ish. Have the wire (thanks to Orion/Ken) for the big 3, but gotta get the alt and have it installed as for my car? that's like impossible with 0 mechanical knowledge.

And since it seems like you aren't going the easy route of a simple setup then upgrade it, i'd make sure your electrical is up to par to handle it first. All that'll happen while you beef up your electrical? New models, discounts, etc. As long as your wanting a big name brand (Alpine, Fi, Sundown, list goes on and on)? It'll either just get cheaper or newer models that are better. Worst case? Price stays the same and same model.

So I'd go with finding all the electrical upgrades you can, and perhaps even other upgrades such as sound dampening and throw that in your beginning budget. Then once you have all the electrical upgrades and all, start purchasing the actual equipment.

[Cadillacin]

Sounds like some good information I'll definitely keep that in mind. Im looking at some options for alternators right now.

Mechman,DC power, excess amperage, those should be the first go to guys

Thanks for the suggestions, do you have to go through authorized dealers or is their a cheaper way I could get my hands on these.

I know you're trying to buy everything at once, or relatively close together, but my suggestion? Go ahead and buy the head unit you want (or can fit) and then beef up your electrical. Get the alt, do the big 3, get the batts, etc. Then when that's done, start getting actual audio. Speakers, subs, etc. Electrical aspect, if your wanting your 5k watts? Will be pretty pricey. Probably $5-600 for the alt, $100 or so for the wire depending on what brand and gauge you go with, fuses, batts, etc. All of that will add up...quick. And can definitely eat your $2250 budget.

I don't have the big 3 or a ho alt (those are my next steps which I will be doing in around 3-4 months, or so I plan) and I've spent roughly 4-5 grand on my system. Extra batt, 2 RF T1's, 2 amps (one for speakers, one for subs), speakers and tweets, head unit. All the wires. Adding the big 3 and alt, that's lookin at roughly another $1000ish. Have the wire (thanks to Orion/Ken) for the big 3, but gotta get the alt and have it installed as for my car? that's like impossible with 0 mechanical knowledge.

And since it seems like you aren't going the easy route of a simple setup then upgrade it, i'd make sure your electrical is up to par to handle it first. All that'll happen while you beef up your electrical? New models, discounts, etc. As long as your wanting a big name brand (Alpine, Fi, Sundown, list goes on and on)? It'll either just get cheaper or newer models that are better. Worst case? Price stays the same and same model.

So I'd go with finding all the electrical upgrades you can, and perhaps even other upgrades such as sound dampening and throw that in your beginning budget. Then once you have all the electrical upgrades and all, start purchasing the actual equipment.

Yea this is most likely what I will do. Gonna focus on upgrading my electrical and get a decent head unit which will cut deep into my budget but I'd rather get it done now than end up struggling to power my equipment. I guess I'm pretty lucky to have my dad to supply me with sufficient work space and tools plus he enjoys doing stuff like this plus I get free labor/guidance.

[WastedTalent]

As for the alts, just either call or email them. think only mechman is on this site (i can be wrong) but google them. It'll bring you to their website. Then call or email. There's no real discounts or anything, unless stated on the forum. I know Mechman had a special on batteries, but for the alt? Not sure anyone ever truly discounts them. And none of them are truly recommended over one another... as when someone asks for an alt, all 3 recommendations are said. No one says "Go to mechman" or anything. It's always said to go to any of the 3 or all 3 and compare what you want/can get. So any of those 3, great choice.

And as you can tell, we're full of help here. Sometimes may have to wait a few minutes or hours but we'll help.

[Cadillacin]

Alright yea im also gonna have to see what I can fit in my car before I give them a call guess I will have to see how much I need to spend on my electric before you guys can help me too much. Are there any preferred brands for batteries? I'm going to try to have all my electric stuff ordered by tomorrow night.

P.S. I definitely appreciate the help and fast responses and I dont mind waiting

[WastedTalent]

XS is usually up there on the list, mainly because of mechman. They're great batteries and great prices if you go through mechman. Otherwise, yellow tops are it. I personally have kinetik which some have and some recommend. I don't have a problem with them as all seems to be fine. But if you go to mechman, at least their site, may have the alt you need listed on the site. If it's not on there, they may still have it as you just have to call/email.

[Guest]

you can look into deka intimidator. xs power is a little pricey and you'll basically use up almost all of your budget just in the electrical system if you go with a few of their batteries along with a big alt

[Watch the bass]

Guy´s calm down, 4-5 K watt´s with 2250 $ is trash- equipment or umpossible. Next thing is you tell nothing about mid´s and high´s, but with the factory equibment it would

sound like crap.

On you side i would go with 2 12 or 15 sub´s (sorry idk your car im from Germany), comp system in front and in back a coaxialsystem, battupgrading, a vew sounddeadening and than you need the HU, with wire material´s for box and build and your budget is full.

[Cadillacin]

Yea I'm gonna get my electrical straight before I purchase anything for my system. I had a lump um of cash so I was trying to do the most expensive parts now and replace the rest of my system with my monthly income. My cadillac came with boss system stock so it may sound like shit but a little better of a stock system then usual with component in front and coaxial in back already. and speakers will come soon after subs and amps so im not too worried about it I'm more of a bass man anyways. My car is a 4.6L v8 with a 140amp alt I will probably be purchasing a the biggest HO amp that can fit in my caralong with a red top/yellowtop of the same parameters tomarrow once I figure out tthe specs under my hood. Also I should be using 0 gauge wire for my entire electrical system right?