How many watts?

[blakgtp]

so i'm going to get subs soon (or 1 sub, not sure yet) but i want to now what is the highest amount of watts that i can run for the amp and subs off off the stock wiring/alternator etc.

thanks in advance

[Bob Padilla]

You would'nt be using stock wiring to do that bro. Except for the remote wire and you wouldn't be decreasing or increasing wattage on it. To run an amp get an install kit for mentioned amp.

[develand]

The amp is completely off its own wiring from the battery and remote wire. I am running 8gauge wire.

This is what I am running.
http://stingerelectronics.com/produc...2&CategoryID=1

[Confusingboat]

Sub amps are typically wired with 4awg or bigger, because class D mono amps usually pull a lot more power than say a 2 or 4 channel amp for normal drivers.

You really shouldn't need to worry about upgrading your alternator unless you're gonna be going crazy with your setup, but then again if you were going to be doing that you wouldn't be here asking a question like yours. I always recommend upgrading your battery/ground cables under the hood though, which I myself have yet to do (btw those are typically 0awg).

That being said, all you really need is a good 10- or 12-inch sub for decent sound. No need to overdo it and rattle the car to pieces and annoying people by blasting a couple huge Jackhammers.

One last note: read up on the subject A LOT if you intend to do the install yourself, and if at all possible get a friend to show you how to do it that's done it a few times before. The install is always at least if not more important than the equipment itself.

[blakgtp]

i am aware of the wiring, sorry for my horrible wording. but ya i wanted to run a 15" alpine type R or kicker l5 or l7. the rms for type r and kicker l5 is 750w, the l7 is 1000w. So as long as i get a good amp to match rms, and do the install properly with the rights wires, there should be no issues?

[I800C0LLECT]

Find out the speakr sensitivity for 1watt. In the 90's most subs were a higher sensitivity; i.e. 94 decibels w/1watt 1 meter, 8ohm. Theory states that doubling power increases output by 3 decibels. Therefore, they needed less power to reach higher output vs today's speakers that are typically made like tanks but are usually in the low 80's for output w/1watt.

Bottom line, you can't calculate requirements until you pick a speaker. You can't pick a speaker until you know installation goals.

[blakgtp]

ok so I have a ported box tuned to 27hz for a 12 inch sub. Which sub/amp do u recomend? I care a bit about sq but i want it to hit hard.

[blakgtp]

the ported box was from a friend it was designed for the alpine type R 12"

[I800C0LLECT]

the ported box was from a friend it was designed for the alpine type R 12"

Then if you put any other speaker in it isn't "tuned" for 27hz anymore. Placing his exact setup in your vehicle doesn't guarantee that it will sound the same either.

I think the type R is an all around decent sub though. Very hard to go wrong if you want a jack of all master of none. It's what I tell most people to grab if they want cleand and loud on the cheap.

The sound characteristics of your sub have a lot to do with your mids and tweeters.

[blakgtp]

oh ok. so what do u think would be a better setup? the type R in that ported box or a 15 inch kicker l5 in a sealed? both would get 700-800 rms

[I800C0LLECT]

I'd stick with a type R. Both brands are somewhat easy to resell if you want to mess around. Why not try your friends type R in there and see what happens? Just a quick trial would help you decide if you want to try bigger.

I'd go with the bigger sub either way...

[DanPrixGTP]

I have a buddy of mine with 2 - 12in Alpine Type R's and an 1800 Watt Kenwood Amp. The subs can hit so hard it ridiculous and its in a sealed box, so if it was ported the subs would make you deaf. Definetly go with the type R. Thats what im getting next.

[blakgtp]

so 15 inch type R in sealed box? lol

[blakgtp]

dan is that 1800 rms or peak power?

[tc300]

just because a system "hits" doesnt mean it gets loud or even sounds good...

god i bugs the s h i t outa mean i hear kids/ppl say that!! hahaha

[tc300]

op, with that box i would look into getting a FI audio Q 12.... with that box tuned low it will sound and get PLENTY low.....

[DanPrixGTP]

tc i know what im talking about when it comes to subs, ive been through so many subs and amps and hooked up systems so much. yeah the type R's hit hard AND sound good. thats why i said im getting them for my next pair of subs. and for you blakgtp, my friends amp was an 1800 watt Kenwood, that 1800 watt was peak power. it pushes the subs pretty damn good but you could go even bigger if you want. buy a named brand amp too, thats your your make or break part in the system i think. a 4,000 watt Lanzar is worse than a 1,000 watt kenwood for sure. go with name brand amp, and buy a ported box. let the sub breathe

[I800C0LLECT]

I'd take a zed made lanzar over a Kenwood. Depends on the build house. Don't discount tc300 either.

What impressed me was a sub setup that hit 130's w/1watt Don't always need power to reach your output goals. But remember, the "sound" of your sub is determined by your mid as well as tweeter depending on the drum note. Majority of the bass fundamentals start with a sub while transients complete the sound at higher frequencies. Ever sit in a vehicle specific for SPL and it's so loud you can't "hear" the sub? The mids aren't able to match the output of the sub(s).

[DanPrixGTP]

the way i do my systems is i get all new speakers first and deck. i have pioneer tweeters, pioneer 5.25in front speakers and 6x9 kenwood performance series in the back hooked up to a 1200 watt SPL amp. get the speakers first then the subs. the speakers are like the "underwear" of car audio. need your underwear before you put your jeans on. thats how i look at it

[accuab]

If you wanna do it right, buy a sub and then build a box according to the ts parameters of the sub. Buying a "good for all" box is just wasting your money on everything you bought because it isn't what you need. Truthfully, you are asking this question in the wrong forum. You are getting decent answers here but there are much better answers on a car audio forum. I just got done adding a sub to my regal and I spent over a month just designing and building the box for the sub. With something done right, you won't need a 15 or 2 subs. Like said above, too much bass without upgrading your main speakers will destroy your sound quality. And buying name brand amps will only get you an empty wallet. There are plenty of awesome non-mainstream amps that will put the big name brands to shame and cost less. Never pay for a name.