Advice for speaker/sub/amp selection

Equinox · 10-16-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fast4thelaw

Focal underates thier power rating big time!. If they say 60 watts, you can safely double that and you will be fine. Like i said before about Focal, thier are extreamly efficient and will not need a lot of power.

For simplicity sake and cost savings I recommend a single amplifier. You dont need a 5 channel amp. A 4 channel properly configured will be adequate. Also Class - D amps are more efficent and will be easier on your electrical system. Most people dont realize that a car audio amp will quickly destroy your battery and alternator if its drawing more current then it can support.

I would not exceed 600 watts rms total in this car without changing your battery or you will be replacing it in a year or less.

A .5 farad for 600watt RMS, or 1.0 Farad for 1000w rms capacitor would help a lot in making your car's battery last longer as well.

The Weapon · 10-16-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Well 2 of the systems I have put in exceeded 600 watts RMS. Also I use to have a true 1000 watt rms amp and a 60 X 4 amp in my car and the only upgrade was a auto zone alternator. I think the z can handle way more than 600 watts. I am thinking around 950 is were you should start worrying a bit.

I have about 950 watts running in my Z and I don't have any problems with dimming or battery draining.

250.1:
1 Sub @ 2ohms = 500w RMS

600a4:
Front Focals VRS @4ohms = 75w RMSx2 150w
Stock Rears @ 2ohms 150w RMSx2 = 300w

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 11:39 AM

DO NOT USE A CAP

I can link you to sooo many websites about how they are bad and just a band aid to a bigger problem. If you need one of those to stop dimming or what not you need to upgrade your alternator.

teejnut · 10-16-2009, 11:50 AM

From everyone's advice I'm thinking about going with this setup:

Focal Access 165A1
IDQ12V2.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer

Not sure on amp though, preference anyone? They're both the same price and similar rating.
G4500 - JL Audio 4 Ch 1000 Watt Amplifier
MRP-F600 - Alpine V-Power Series 4-channel 600 Watt Amplifier

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 12:19 PM

I like alpine but JL amps are good as well you can go either one.

teejnut · 10-16-2009, 12:34 PM

And how many feet of speaker wiring will I need for my setup? Most likely I'll be placing the amp under the seat.

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 12:42 PM

Well you are only going to really need it for the sub and to the fronts. So around 25ft of 14 gauge and maybe 12ft or 10 gauge for the sub.

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 12:43 PM

You can use the factory speaker wire in the doors IF YOU WANT but you will get better power threw a new piece going to the new speakers.

teejnut · 10-16-2009, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Well you are only going to really need it for the sub and to the fronts. So around 25ft of 14 gauge and maybe 12ft or 10 gauge for the sub.

thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

You can use the factory speaker wire in the doors IF YOU WANT but you will get better power threw a new piece going to the new speakers.

what gauge wiring are the stock do you know? how hard was it to run the new wiring into the door? i don't think it's that bad i haven't taken a close look at it yet. and how long RCA cables do you recommend? 12ft? 17ft?

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 02:01 PM

Well the new wire you will have to drill a hole threw the door harness to run the new wire threw the factory wire is like 18 gauge. Just remember to run a new piece to the new tweeter.

Equinox · 10-16-2009, 02:06 PM

And the one peice of advice killed five small children in a third world country.

I've always wanted to run aftermarket speaker wire to all my speakers, I'm sure I would be able to tell the difference.

Also, please type through Big, not threw, JEEZ. lol <3

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 02:17 PM

???

2fast4thelaw · 10-16-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

DO NOT USE A CAP

I can link you to sooo many websites about how they are bad and just a band aid to a bigger problem. If you need one of those to stop dimming or what not you need to upgrade your alternator.

Definitly DONT waste your money on a cap! Caps are a bandaid solution at best. The 370Z has a very hefty alternator, Its 150AMPS!! the largest I have ever seen in a compact car. You can exceed 1000watts rms but you really should get a Stinger or Oddyesse Dry cell battery if you want any kind of life out of the battery if you are pushing this kind of power.

The battery is the only weak link here in the 370Z.

2fast4thelaw · 10-16-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teejnut

From everyone's advice I'm thinking about going with this setup:

Focal Access 165A1
IDQ12V2.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer

Not sure on amp though, preference anyone? They're both the same price and similar rating.
G4500 - JL Audio 4 Ch 1000 Watt Amplifier
MRP-F600 - Alpine V-Power Series 4-channel 600 Watt Amplifier

I know Big A is not a big JL Audio fan and thats ok, but I think JL is a great option with your budget. The G series amps by JL are a great value and are excellent amplifiers for the money.

I think the IDQ12 is a great sub and 250 watts is PLENTY! of power. This sub is pretty legendary and it will make you one happy camper! The Alpine MRP amps are very reliable but not the most dynamic amps. I think you would be happier with the JL G4500, its a better amp! However, Alpine PDX 4.100 would be even better and its more efficient! However, add another $100.00 to the budget.

Here is another tip that will save you some cash. For amp wire, go to a Welding shop and buy some 4 or 2 GA Welding Cable! Its premium grade with the small strands and its pure OFC Copper and its half the price of Car Audio wire. (Most Car Audio wire nowdays is Copper Coated Aluminum)

BTW, If you were happy with the stock system in your Lexus, this system is going to Rape your ears!

bigaudiofanat · 10-16-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2fast4thelaw

Definitly DONT waste your money on a cap! Caps are a bandaid solution at best. The 370Z has a very hefty alternator, Its 150AMPS!! the largest I have ever seen in a compact car. You can exceed 1000watts rms but you really should get a Stinger or Oddyesse Dry cell battery if you want any kind of life out of the battery if you are pushing this kind of power.

The battery is the only weak link here in the 370Z.

I honestly do not want to get into a war about this. I use to swear by caps and all back in the day. Than I found out somethings about them and all. Yes they do help take some load off the electrical system. But if you do need a cap you would be better off getting a new alternator or a second battery. Like I said people have there opinions. So let's agree to disagree.

10-16-2009, 11:39 AM	#18 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	DO NOT USE A CAP I can link you to sooo many websites about how they are bad and just a band aid to a bigger problem. If you need one of those to stop dimming or what not you need to upgrade your alternator. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-16-2009, 12:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	I like alpine but JL amps are good as well you can go either one. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-16-2009, 12:42 PM	#22 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	Well you are only going to really need it for the sub and to the fronts. So around 25ft of 14 gauge and maybe 12ft or 10 gauge for the sub. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-16-2009, 12:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	You can use the factory speaker wire in the doors IF YOU WANT but you will get better power threw a new piece going to the new speakers. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-16-2009, 02:01 PM	#25 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	Well the new wire you will have to drill a hole threw the door harness to run the new wire threw the factory wire is like 18 gauge. Just remember to run a new piece to the new tweeter. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-16-2009, 11:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
teejnut Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 206 Drives: 09 Z34 Sport/6MT Rep Power: 15	From everyone's advice I'm thinking about going with this setup: Focal Access 165A1 IDQ12V2.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer Not sure on amp though, preference anyone? They're both the same price and similar rating. G4500 - JL Audio 4 Ch 1000 Watt Amplifier MRP-F600 - Alpine V-Power Series 4-channel 600 Watt Amplifier

10-16-2009, 12:34 PM	#21 (permalink)
teejnut Base Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 206 Drives: 09 Z34 Sport/6MT Rep Power: 15	And how many feet of speaker wiring will I need for my setup? Most likely I'll be placing the amp under the seat.

10-16-2009, 02:06 PM	#26 (permalink)
Equinox Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Beaumont, TX Posts: 685 Drives: 06 Porsche Carrera S Rep Power: 17	And the one peice of advice killed five small children in a third world country. I've always wanted to run aftermarket speaker wire to all my speakers, I'm sure I would be able to tell the difference. Also, please type through Big, not threw, JEEZ. lol <3 __________________ Check out my Albums '13 Subaru WRX STi \| '06 Porsche 911 Carrera S (SOLD) \| '96 Mazda RX-7 6.0L V8 RHD (SOLD) \| '09 Nissan Nismo #0058 (SOLD)

10-16-2009, 02:17 PM	#27 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 852	??? __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

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