Some questions for a new system in my Jeep.

[Getdahorns]

Hey everyone! Now try to not get mad at what I'm about to say because it will probably sound pretty nooby. And yes, I did search the forums a little, and the internet in general, and I didn't find a concise answer. Mostly just a lot of bickering and DD-1 talk.

Anyways, I consider myself a beginner when it comes to car audio, and rightfully so. I have hooked up a few systems, tinkered with settings, but never REALLY understood some of it. Anyways, I got a new car and I'm going to put a system in it soon. It's a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, and I've already replaced the speakers and head unit. It's a JVC HU and some cheap Scosche 3-way speakers which I would consider factory replacements. Now on to the good stuff:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_38130_Earthquake-Sound-TREMOR-X154.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_76925_Hifonics-BRX1400.1D.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_1906_Single-15-Sealed-MDF-Subwoofer-Enclosure-Belva-MDFS15.html

There is the single 15" sub, amp, and box I plan on getting in a few weeks. I know the box is only 1.9CF, but I don't have all tools to make a nicer box (wish I did!) and no where around me can make a better box near that price. So, here are my many questions:

- Should I reset my user profile on my HU? If I don't have to reset it, are there any settings I should specifically turn down/up?

- Can I use either combination of + and - speaker outputs on the amp to my subwoofer? I'm under the impression that they're bridged so it wouldn't matter, but I want to make sure it's alright to do.

- To tune the amp, what frequency tone should I play? I see people saying anywhere from 30Hz to 60Hz, as well as 0db to -10db. I briefly tried finding tones on youtube, but none specified the dbs. Also, youtube probably compressed the hell out of those tones, so I probably want to look for original file tones.

- What is each knob on the amp? I know level is interchangeable with gain. No idea what Phase is. I'm assuming remote port is for things like the DD-1. I'm going to guess that Bass EQ is like a bass boost. As for Sub Sonic and Low Pass, I have no idea. I'm going to do some research on it independently, but if someone here could clarify, I'd appreciate it!

- Before I hook the amp up, I should make sure all knobs are set to their respective minimums, correct?

- When I find the frequency in which I'll tune my amp to, how do I go about doing it? From the short amount of research I've done, this is what I have seen:
I hook my DMM up to the speaker outputs and put in the tone into either the CD or USB port on my HU, not the AUX. After that, play the tone and turn the gain up until I hit a certain voltage. I've seen some formulas like taking the voltage squared and dividing it by the impedance (4 ohms in this case) to give you a rough estimate at the wattage that is being output. From my calculations, I should be looking for a voltage range around 42.5 for this subwoofer. I've seen people saying that way is all fine and dandy, but I have to also look at the "max voltage," or something along those lines. I guess there's an issue with setting gain with a DMM? If so, what's wrong with it? I know I could meet up with people near me (Wake Forest, NC), and there are 2 within a 1.5 hour drive of me, but I want to see if it's possible to do it well-enough on my own that it's not necessary for me to meet with someone. Getting the experience won't hurt too

Well, I think that about covers it. If it makes a difference, my DMM has a Hz setting, but I have no idea how it works. (I usually stick to volts, amps, and capacitance )

Sorry for all the long and drawn out questions; I just want to make sure that I'm providing you with more than enough to give me your opinion. If you need any more information about what I'm planning or something, let me know and I'll be happy to tell you. I'm about to go to sleep and won't see any replies until mid-day tomorrow, so thanks in advance!

P.S. Please don't bash me on my choice of components. I'm just looking for a decent sound system, not high or competition grade levels... at least not yet!

[Aj11]

wow.. lots of questions!

um.. yes, make everything on your deck flat. keep loud and sla off. tune again after it's all in. don't go past 0 for bass.

as for your amp, if it's 2 channel it will say what ones to use. mono just + & -

a 40hz tone at -5db is a good one. but your not using a dd1.. so that's all kinda void anyway.

subsonic is limiting how low the sub will play. if you set the subsonic at 30hz the amp will send a -24db slope at 30hz so the sub doesn't play below tuning. the lpf is almost the same thing, except this time it won't let it play higher. most here like 80hz a sub really shouldn't play 250hz

phase is polarity, and

Yes! all settings at min!

just find someone with a dd1 and save yourself time hassle and.prolly gear!

[Getdahorns]

Good news, there's a shop 5 minutes down the road that does tuning. Their reviews are very good, and they tune everything for $25. I have ordered all the stuff listed, and then some. It should be here on Monday. I'll let you guys know how it goes!

[Aj11]

if they tune by ear its not worth it!

[afrakes]

Yeah man the only way to ever know if ur clipping is by using a dd1 or an o-scope. Proven scientifically, a dmm can get u in the right ballpark, where as a dd1 or o-scope will put you in the right seat.

[Aj11]

I'm curious to see if they do charge to tune by ear. i mean i could get you pretty close by my ear but i wouldn't charge you for it. I'm not saying I'm

better then them by doing it by ear. but i know I'm better then the guys at my local shop. they charge $25 as well. i know for a fact they tune by ear. every system I've worked on that they have installed (over 40) has had a maxed out gain, maxed boost and way off eq settings. but they only charge $85 a hour with a 3 hour min... what a bargain right?

[hdorre]

Bcae1.com

Do some reading.. Most of your answers are there.

Good luck.

[Aj11]

please don't get a sealed box for a 15. I'm guessing you want lows because you got a 15. well putting that in a sealed box won't do much for that. in your case the box is gonna make or brake your system.

your amp at 4ohm will give decent power to your sub. but sealed is gonna choke your output