Build Advice

[Hillage]

Well, I've been planning and I think I know what I want to spend my summer working on.

Here's a list of equipment:

2x DC Audio Level 4 18"

DC Audio 5k amp

Sky High Audio 1/0 for all wiring, including big 3

Multiple Sky High ANL Fuse holders (What amp fuses should I look for?)

Mechman Universal alt @240A

XS Power D3400 and D1200 (which one should be used as starter? One will be in the trunk)

SMD Voltmeter

Krystal Kable 2 Channel 4M Twisted Pair RCA Cable

4x Rockford Fosgate T1675's

Rockford Fosgate P300X2 amp

Currently planning on keeping stock tweeters as they work fine.

So, first of all I could use some opinions on this setup. This will all be going in my 2001 Saturn L200, which should explain the battery and alt replacement. A few questions I have:

For the alt, will I be providing enough power to recharge the batteries when at high volumes? Is it excessive, and can I get a slightly cheaper alt without any worries?

Is my selection on mids/highs ok? Not enough? Should I get specific tweeters as a replacement for the stock tweeters?

This will be my first true build. I will be getting the batteries and alt (with wiring) ASAP as money allows, then purchasing woofer/amp set and subs/box/amp set as money allows. I don't want to go all out and end up needing an additional item when I'm short on money, and end up having to go without music or even a drive-able car. My budget will be flexible, as I will save up for any large purchases as needed.

Thanks guys for the help in advance. I appreciate it. I enjoy having something to spend my time and efforts on, especially during the summer where the only other thing to do is work or watch mindless videos on youtube

[Hillage]

Any advice guys? Trying to plan out this build, and would love some advice from the pros. Plus, the more I learn, the better

[CJ18]

I would use XLs on the 5k instead of the Level 4s.

[zack_e89]

seems ok, maybe more batts or bigger batts

dc 5k needs juice

[CJ18]

Wow I missed the batteries. You will want the biggest that will fit under the hood and at least 2 D3100 in the back.

[mmets]

I am no pro by any means but I can give you my advice. Don't take it to the bank, may not be worth much. As for the fuses I believe for the 5.0K you need a 300 amp fuse. If you use two runs into the amp I would put a 300 amp on each run. (I am doing that on my 5.0K).

As for the alt your 5k will pull more than what it will put out so yes you see a voltage drop. I am not sure how much though, like I said no pro at all. you may be better off with having more than just the one extra battery in the back. this also depends on how long you plan on playing your system at full tilt for also. but the more power the better. I don't think there is any such thing as too much.

mids and highs are ok. Personally I would do a comp. set but that's just me. I have run jl, mb quart and currently focals. love them. but my opinion is that's really on you. get the two sets and see how they are. if you think you need more put another set in a kick panel.

as for your plan on your gear. I would get the alt last. once you have it then put it all in. at least that's what I'm doing. I rather get all the gear and know I still have the car at the end. if you buy your alt right now and next month you sell the car you have a alt you cant use. just my thought anyway. im in the same boat as you and doing a new build. I still had some stuff but replacing most of it. sorry if this doesn't help much.

[Hillage]

So... XL 18's instead of level 4's, and two D3100's or more instead of the D1200. Sound good?

The D3400 is the biggest that will fit under the hood. I should have plenty of space for batteries in the trunk. Will probably go a little bigger on the batteries in the trunk to be safe.

Will the alt be enough? Not sure how much more I can fit under the hood if I need more of a charge. Will I need to buy a new car to fit more alts?

[Hillage]

After thinking a little bit... Why would the XL's be better on the 5k, compared to the level 4's? What is the math behind it? Do they get enough power?

Looking at the power ratings, the 5k wouldn't be enough for peak on the XL's, correct?

If I'm completely wrong please tell me and why, I'd rather learn from my mistakes.

[Hillage]

So, I'm just looking for approval of somebody who knows what they're doing...

2 XL 18's on a 5k. Powered by a D3400 under the hood and 2x D3100s in the trunk.

Charged by a 240A mechman HO alt. Is this enough to recharge the batteries?

I've never done this before, so please excuse my lack of knowledge. :/

[black05alti]

don't pay attention to the peak rating bro.. just the rms rating.. the rms is what they will actually take.