Suggestions on entry level system

[Chaise]

Sup SMD? I'm fairly new to the whole car audio world and would just like a suggestion on an entry level system from some people who know a lot more about this stuff than I currently do right now. However, I do have a fairly decent knowledge of car audio through random research here and there and talking to people I work with. Saying, that there is still some stuff I have questions on as well. Really the only thing I am curious about right now is the power rating I see when looking at subs. For example, Rockford Fosgate has power ratings written like: "600w RMS 1200w MAX" Is that "MAX" the point where the sub will blow or what? I'm completely ignorant in that department.

Ok back to the topic, I've been looking around (i.e rockford fosgate, pioneer, alpine, JL Audio, stores in my area, and some others) and am wondering what yall think is the best for subs and the best for amps (and cables/wires of course). Also, should I get a prefabricated box or look into making my own? Right now I'm pretty much 100% open to options and will take any criticism seriously.

As for my budget, I won't to keep this under a grand (which I know is more than possible), and I'd prefer not tearing anything up on my car (apart from panels for cables). I have a Scion tC so the trunk space is pretty ample - plenty of room for at least two 12s(which is my preference).

Thanks for the help ahead of time. Peace

[Holden]

I have a buddy with a Tc and he has a Kicker L7 12 sound really good in that car and he has the kicker box that comes with the sub. But i got to say Give rusty a call and pick you up some DC Sound Lab Level 3 12's n a good amp have fun bumpin. Oh yeah, build box not buy.

[Alex K]

2 dc lvl 3 12's, aq 1200, some knukonceptz wire, biuld your own box, call it a day.

[pthrift]

Really the only thing I am curious about right now is the power rating I see when looking at subs. For example, Rockford Fosgate has power ratings written like: "600w RMS 1200w MAX" Is that "MAX" the point where the sub will blow or what? I'm completely ignorant in that department.

no; it will not "blow up" at 1201 watts. but, being as you are a self-proclaimed noob; i'd stick to the lower end of the power range, to keep you safe from over-driving whatever speaker you are running. just my opinion. and if you think you can; build your own box.

[armyranger3858]

yeah either rusty for dc woofers or ed lester for t3 audio they are both on this forum and both great subs....knu wire is way to go and def build your own box or have someone with experience build you one and if you get a t3 t.600 sub or dc level 3 an alpine mrp-m500 is a good cheap amp

Edited January 17, 2011 by armyranger3858

[Chaise]

Holden, Alex K - I looked at those earlier and now that both of you suggested them, I'm starting to like them more and more. Living near a dealer (sound of tristate), they shouldn't be too hard to get a hold of either. Thanks

pthrift - Didn't think so. Yeah I'm definitely not trying to have some ultra high wattage system. Just something I can call my own.

[splxlt]

2 dc lvl 3 12's, aq 1200, some knukonceptz wire, biuld your own box, call it a day.

x2

[Lost Legacy]

agreeing with the others, if u can build your own box, do it.

1- it ends up better (if you know how to do it)

2- you can tune it to what ever you want

3- no one else will have a box the same as yours, so its unique

unique is good!

[Chaise]

Alright, I'll definitely look into building my own box. Gotta figure out the whole tuning and port thing though.

[osamio]

Alright, I'll definitely look into building my own box. Gotta figure out the whole tuning and port thing though.

Depending on the subs you buy, look in the installation manual. It will give a simple ported or sealed box design, usually with a round port, simple enough to make, and it's the ideal tune/volume for the sub, as recommended by the manufacturer. Another option is a pre fabricated box, which everyone on here will bitch about, so don't go with a best buy one for instance, but check around on the internet, there are a lot of boxes available, just make sure you choose a decent one, like one recommended by the sub manufacturer. Everyone is so against pre fab boxes but the truth is if your completely new to this, you'll probably be better off with a professionally made box.