Subs for $200?

Your ideas seem like they would work pretty well. If you get an amp that can put out some power make sure your not sending the cheap subs too much power.

Hifonics doesn't make the best amps, but they are hard to beat for the money.

$180 seems like a lot for a temporary set up.
 
Mason Fresh said:
Agreed. I recommend Hifonics amps to everyone just because it's a lot of power for pretty cheap. You can pick up a 1200 watt amp for 150, and then two Type R 12s for 260 and an cheapish amp kit and be ready to roll. (MAKE YOUR OWN BOX!) You can get the box specs for most subs online.

Swamp Riders point about the name brands is very valid.

Memphis Audio may be another brand to look into (if you can find them, not a lot of online sellers).

RE Audio will get you loud, most of their subs are built for SPL. Lots of people rave about the sound quality of FI Audio.
Click to expand...

I think I am going to go this route. I was reading up on the Hifonics amps and I think they will be my best bet for the money I have. Although $410 for just the amp and subs seems high to me I guess it will be worth it in the end. But since I have no experience installing car audio I will have to drop another $100 or so for installation and $510 is just waay out of my league right now. Hopefully the stock system can tie me over for a couple months.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. You guys saved me from wasting a couple hundred dollars.

Edit: If I build a box for two 12" Type R's but only install one for now will that cause any problems? Will the empty sub slot cause any sound problems or anything of that sort?
 
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watusippin? said:
I think I am going to go this route. I was reading up on the Hifonics amps and I think they will be my best bet for the money I have. Although $410 for just the amp and subs seems high to me I guess it will be worth it in the end. But since I have no experience installing car audio I will have to drop another $100 or so for installation and $510 is just waay out of my league right now. Hopefully the stock system can tie me over for a couple months.

Thanks for all of the help everyone. You guys saved me from wasting a couple hundred dollars.

Edit: If I build a box for two 12" Type R's but only install one for now will that cause any problems? Will the empty sub slot cause any sound problems or anything of that sort?
Click to expand...


It will sound awful. Don't do it.
 
Mason Fresh said:
It will sound awful. Don't do it.
Click to expand...

Alright, thanks for clearing that up. So yet another question. Where can I get Hifonics amps besides Amazon? The cheapest 1200W they have is $180 and I would like to get one for $150 like you said but I cant find any. Also, will the cheaper Kicker subs work with a 1200W amp for now? If I could get a start-up package with a nice amp, wires, and box for $200-$250 then I would be happy. Throw another $50-$100 to install and maybe buy the kickers for now or just wait for a month or so and then get the subs themselves.
 
You can control how much power is sent to the subs by setting the gain on the amp. There are all sorts of writeups on how to do this. There is a lot to understand about the setups. It is not as simple as picking one amp, picking a sub (or pair of subs). You have to plan the system so that it will work together. Even though the amp says 1000 watts and the subs say 500 watts each, if the ohn rating is incorrect you won't see near that much power. You can use this page to see the effect of different ohm configurations:
Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams
For a cheaper setup, I'd really consider a single sub. One high quality sub that is properly setup will sound better than two cheaper subs or a sub that is inproperly setup. This won't knock your socks off, but I've heard nothing but excellent things about the Infinity Basslink. It is a powered sub, all you need to do is wire it and you're ready to go. It's a single 10, but from what I hear it hits really good. Just something else to consider:
Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer at Crutchfield Signature or here
BassLink - Infinity 10" Amplified Subwoofer

As far as an amp/sub setup, this would work well together:
R500-1 Rockford Fosgate PRIME Monoblock 500 Watt Amplifier
And one of these 12's
SWR-1242D - Alpine 12" Type-R 1500 Watt Dual 4-Ohm Subwoofer
That keeps you under $300 for your sub and amp. You will have a 500 watt RMS system (ignore max, RMS wattage is most important) that will hit very hard. The Type R is known to be a good mix of SQ and SPL. Also, I typically don't recommend this, but you may try buying used. As previously mentioned, try Car Audio Forum - CarAudio.com. They have a huge f/s section with tons of excellent gear at cheap prices.
 
ARK_SWAMP_RIDER said:
You can control how much power is sent to the subs by setting the gain on the amp. There are all sorts of writeups on how to do this. There is a lot to understand about the setups. It is not as simple as picking one amp, picking a sub (or pair of subs). You have to plan the system so that it will work together. Even though the amp says 1000 watts and the subs say 500 watts each, if the ohn rating is incorrect you won't see near that much power. You can use this page to see the effect of different ohm configurations:
Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams
For a cheaper setup, I'd really consider a single sub. One high quality sub that is properly setup will sound better than two cheaper subs or a sub that is inproperly setup. This won't knock your socks off, but I've heard nothing but excellent things about the Infinity Basslink. It is a powered sub, all you need to do is wire it and you're ready to go. It's a single 10, but from what I hear it hits really good. Just something else to consider:
Infinity Basslink Powered Subwoofer at Crutchfield Signature or here
BassLink - Infinity 10" Amplified Subwoofer

As far as an amp/sub setup, this would work well together:
R500-1 Rockford Fosgate PRIME Monoblock 500 Watt Amplifier
And one of these 12's
SWR-1242D - Alpine 12" Type-R 1500 Watt Dual 4-Ohm Subwoofer
That keeps you under $300 for your sub and amp. You will have a 500 watt RMS system (ignore max, RMS wattage is most important) that will hit very hard. The Type R is known to be a good mix of SQ and SPL. Also, I typically don't recommend this, but you may try buying used. As previously mentioned, try Car Audio Forum - CarAudio.com. They have a huge f/s section with tons of excellent gear at cheap prices.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much. Always glad to have more options to consider. Now i see that amp is selling for 160 and its 500W. It looks like I could get a Hifonics 1200W for $150-$180. if I can get a 1200W for the same price then I think I will just get one Type R and build a single Sub box. Then later down the road if I really want to I can simply plug a second type R into the 1200W amp and re-do the box. I'm feeling good about this plan. What do you experts think?
 
I used to have bass tube in my old car..Was an Audi so i didnt have much room. But it provided really good sound and took the low end of the speakers. I was really pleased with it. It was fairly inexpensive and had a built in amp...i just hard wired it to the speakers. In the car it sounded great and outside it didnt sound like a rattling pos.
 
watusippin? said:
Alright, thanks for clearing that up. So yet another question. Where can I get Hifonics amps besides Amazon? The cheapest 1200W they have is $180 and I would like to get one for $150 like you said but I cant find any. Also, will the cheaper Kicker subs work with a 1200W amp for now? If I could get a start-up package with a nice amp, wires, and box for $200-$250 then I would be happy. Throw another $50-$100 to install and maybe buy the kickers for now or just wait for a month or so and then get the subs themselves.
Click to expand...

I would just wait and not even get the Kickers - Just seems like a waste of money to me since you'll be replacing them in such a short period of time. (See below for alternate option:))

Shit man, I was thinking of a completely different amp when I said 150. I'm sorry about the misleading information. That 1200 watt Hifonics Brutus is going to be hard to find for around 150. You might be able to find something on Ebay for around 150 - Keep looking but promise me you won't buy Lanzar, Boss, or Sony.

I'd recommend buying in sections. Get the amp over with. A pay check later, pick up the sub.

And you can find Type R's for pretty cheap... you'd be pretty happy with one i think - in a big ported box. My friend has one that flexes the ceiling of his hard top wrangler.

Like i said, get the amp over with. then maybe get the sub. then build a box. and then get a decent 4 gauge amp kit over a period of a month or so and during that time you're getting all your shit together, learn how to install a sub and amp. It's truly not too difficult of a process.

I have Crutchfield's PDF on how to take apart the dash of a 4runner. There is lots of write ups on line on how to wire the sub, etc.


ALSO:
I have a friend (so many friends!) who is in the market to sell his type R's - he'll sell you one or two and i can get you exact prices but for one shipped he's offering about 110. and for the two, 200 plus shipping. They've been rotated in and out of his car with a few other subs he has for the past 5 or 6 months. Probably less than 30 hrs of playing time on them. PM if you are interested, we can work logistics. He may be able to work you a deal since your hard for cash. Pics/videos/references (only two, but better than nothing) are all available from him.

Let me know! Again, sorry about the false amp price.
 
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That Hifonics amp seems more than $150. I've heard a lot of suggestions for that as a low budget amp, but still prefer a better known brand. That Alpine will come a lot closer to putting out 500w than the Hifonics will 1200. Most seem to be overrated on the power. The Hifonics will still put out more power. Here are the specs on the Hifonics:
# RMS Power Output: 1 x 450 W @ 4 Ohms
# RMS Power Output: 1 x 900 W @ 2 Ohms
# RMS Power Output: 1 x 1200 W @ 1 Ohm
Your goal would be to get a sub (Type R) that would hook it at either 2 or 4 ohms. This automatically reduces your power to either 900 or 450, both of which would be better than pushing 1200. You'll wanna make sure because you should be able to add a second sub and connect both at 1 ohm, getting the full 1200.
 
Mason Fresh said:
I would just wait and not even get the Kickers - Just seems like a waste of money to me since you'll be replacing them in such a short period of time. (See below for alternate option:))

Shit man, I was thinking of a completely different amp when I said 150. I'm sorry about the misleading information. That 1200 watt Hifonics Brutus is going to be hard to find for around 150. You might be able to find something on Ebay for around 150 - Keep looking but promise me you won't buy Lanzar, Boss, or Sony.

I'd recommend buying in sections. Get the amp over with. A pay check later, pick up the sub.

And you can find Type R's for pretty cheap... you'd be pretty happy with one i think - in a big ported box. My friend has one that flexes the ceiling of his hard top wrangler.

Like i said, get the amp over with. then maybe get the sub. then build a box. and then get a decent 4 gauge amp kit over a period of a month or so and during that time you're getting all your shit together, learn how to install a sub and amp. It's truly not too difficult of a process.

I have Crutchfield's PDF on how to take apart the dash of a 4runner. There is lots of write ups on line on how to wire the sub, etc.


ALSO:
I have a friend (so many friends!) who is in the market to sell his type R's - he'll sell you one or two and i can get you exact prices but for one shipped he's offering about 110. and for the two, 200 plus shipping. They've been rotated in and out of his car with a few other subs he has for the past 5 or 6 months. Probably less than 30 hrs of playing time on them. PM if you are interested, we can work logistics. He may be able to work you a deal since your hard for cash. Pics/videos/references (only two, but better than nothing) are all available from him.

Let me know! Again, sorry about the false amp price.
Click to expand...

Thanks! And no worries on the price difference. You got pretty close lol.

Im looking at getting this Hifonics: Amazon.com: Hifonics Brutus BXI1210D 1200 Watt D-Class Mono Amplifier: Electronics

Got pretty close to $150 and then I will have enough for the wiring kit too. I wont be able to get back to work until the 8th but as soon as I do I am going to buy the subs and build the box. I'll send you a PM later tonight regarding the subs when I am done with all of my Christmas obligations.

If I can build the box AND get it installed for $100 I will be quite happy.

Thanks again everyone for all of the help.

Merry Christmas

Edit: Hows this wiring kit? More than I wanted to spend but I have been hearing good things about stinger: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17010_Stinger+SHK241.html
 
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If you put 600 true watts on a single 12" Type R in a ported box I'm pretty sure you would be satisfied.

Or you could do 750 or more to a 15".
 
watusippin? said:
Thanks! And no worries on the price difference. You got pretty close lol.

Im looking at getting this Hifonics: Amazon.com: Hifonics Brutus BXI1210D 1200 Watt D-Class Mono Amplifier: Electronics

Got pretty close to $150 and then I will have enough for the wiring kit too. I wont be able to get back to work until the 8th but as soon as I do I am going to buy the subs and build the box. I'll send you a PM later tonight regarding the subs when I am done with all of my Christmas obligations.

If I can build the box AND get it installed for $100 I will be quite happy.

Thanks again everyone for all of the help.

Merry Christmas

Edit: Hows this wiring kit? More than I wanted to spend but I have been hearing good things about stinger: Stinger SHK241 4 Gauge Amp Kits Amplifier Wiring Kits Car Amplifier Installation & Accessories Car Audio/Video Installation & Accessories Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix
Click to expand...


My friend looking to sell his R's has that exact amp pushing the two of them, sounds really good. I think you'll be happy - the blue LEDS on the logo look cool too! :)

That amp kit looks nice - but you'll need 1 RCA that's at least 5-6 meters so it can run all the way from your head unit to where ever your amp is. I bet you can find a cheaper kit too.

Let me know about the subs! Merry Christmas!
 
If it matters, I have the Dual 12" subs. They only stay lit with the Dual amp which is really wimpy. I have mine on a 200 dollar Kenwood 1000 peak power amp. It's definitely loud enough. The subs blue lights pulse to the bass if it's to a non-Dual amp.
 
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