Minoxide98

Just a quick question from a newb. I took my old system of out my '98 Cavalier last summer and am just getting around to getting it installed into my 'new' '03 Cavalier this weekend. My system includes a rebuilt 5 channel alphasonik amp, some 4x6 pioneer door speakers (which are currently installed), an older model pioneer deck w/ usb hookup, a single 12" kaption sub, and a set of 6x9 Energy speakers for the rear. When I installed my door speakers, I tried installing the rears at the same time. They fit my old car, but I had them mounted in the trunk above the sub and under their brackets - because even though the speaker size is 6x9, the stupid flare design makes them fan out to be a bit larger on either side. I wanted a clean install with this car, and only have factory rear speakers (mind you, it's the factory 'premium' stereo for the 2003). I want to know, with the sub and everything else, is it worth getting the amp to power them? I've got enough channels. Would it be too much for the speakers to handle anyways? I don't really know their specs. I swear I've read somewhere before that people with subs and amps and such, don't worry too much about the rear speakers, or even hook them up at all, just because the sub would give you enough sound for the back of the car anyways. Any thoughts?

Hi there, So just a quick question from a newbie. I just got off the phone with one of the automotive audio guys at a local FutureShop. I've been wanting to get my old stereo system that I had in my old '98 Cav put into my 'new' '03 Cav for awhile now. Now that I'm on holidays and money is ok, I can afford to give my car up for a few hours and can afford what it will cost me for them to hook up my deck, 5 channel amp and sub. Everything was in working order when I took the system out of my old car, so I'd assume it would be the same when putting it into my '03. The dash kits are apparently the same between the '98 and '03, but the associate was telling me that in 2000 GM/Ford/Chrysler made changes to their wiring harness to incorporate air bags and all this other stuff, and that I'd need the new wiring harness with this 'module.' I've been trying to find what actually changed via google, but can't. Is this new harness necessary? Were these changes done? Thanks

Hey guys, I'm new to these forums. Hopefully you are all enjoying your holidays. =) Anyways, I won't lie. I know little-to-nothing about car audio. I've been starting to pick some stuff up over the course of this past week, when I decided that I would like to start looking into subs/amps for my car. I own a 1998 Chevy Cavalier, and I currently have; Front Speakers - 4x6" JBL's (GTO6427) Click Rear Speakers - Energy 6x9" 3-Way's (ENC693X) Click Deck - Pioneer MP3 Deck w/ USB (DEH-P5000UB) Click I can't complain all that much about how things sound in my car, I really don't mind them. I'd just like to put some more power (specifically bass) into it now. When I first bought the ENERGY's, I was told that they were quality speakers with deep bass. I don't think I've actually gotten the full potential out of my current setup, since I just found out within this past week of research, that my deck has an rms of 14w and a peak of 50w. However, I was out looking at Future Shop tonight at these Dual 12" MTX Thunder Subs (TCE512X2D) Click. I figured they were a great price at 299.99+tx CDN. Now, I've heard mixed reviews about MTX and their products. On Future Shop's website, there is a number of reviews, and the majority of the customers seem to be very happy with their choice. I've also heard that MTX isn't very great though, in what seem to be more professional and knowledgeable sources. I want to just say that I do not plan to be entering any competitions, I'm not looking to have the absolute loudest system there is, I just want a decent sounding setup with a great sounding (and feeling) bass. I'd like for there to be a recognizable and sizeable difference. That being said, I'm not looking to spend thousands of dollars on this, as I am only a highschool student working at a grocery store part-time. At the same time though, since I can and most likely will take my equipment if/when I sell my car, I don't want to completely cheap out. Like I'm sure many other people are, I'm looking for the biggest, clearest bang for my buck. Really, I came here looking for suggestions from you guys. What would sound the best in my car and what would fit the best? I'd say I'm willing to spend about 500-$700, give or take a few CDN $. And if you could, give me suggestions of the subs AND amp(s) to power them. I've pretty much got my heart set on 2 12" Subs in a prefab enclosure (that's probably frowned upon around here, but I simply do not have the time, or skill to make an enclosure myself. NOR do I have the knowledge in tuning it.) As for amps, I don't even know where to start. I've heard that mono amps are the best way to go for powering subs, simply because it's a straight current, and all the power is used for them. Makes sense. I would also like to know some of your opinions on Kicker products, more specifically, their subs. I know my friend has some of the most expensive Kicker subs out there right now. They are crazy loud, but I could not remember the model for the life of me. Anyways, that's besides the point. I know he loves them, and would recommend them to anyone, anyday. However, I've read that they aren't always so reliable. I just wanted some different opinions, some more insight into their products. I just got out tonight and heard Dual 12" Kicker 05DC124's (in the prefab enclosure) it was powered by an old MTX amp (again, can't remember the model). He also had some Stinger capacitor, and 2-guage wiring. I absolutely loved the sound! And as it turns out, I was looking in my local classified ads on the internet, and I can pick up the identical Dual Kicker subs for $150 obo. They are used (apparently in great condition still, as they were only used in-doors) but I wasn't given any pictures and cannot determine to condition for myself. (these subs have 300w rms, 600w peak. which amp would be recommended to get the best sound out of these things?) Click I was also checking cruthfieldcanada.com and came across a set of Dual 12" Rockford Fosgate P2's (P2L-212) Click and wanted to know peoples opinion of their products. I seem to find a lot of them on youtube, but I would say the majority of them are for their amps. How are their products? What about Sony Xplod? I hear they have pretty bad stuff, says the salesman trying to sell me the Kickers. Before seeing these Kickers, I was really almost heart-set on those Dual 12" MTX Thunders, and a Sony Xplod 1000w amp to power them. After seeing them, I'm not quite sure. But I'm curious about their quality, anyways. Also, I know what the capacitors do, but are they really necessary? I've heard a lot of mixed reviews, and I just wanted to know if it's worth spending the extra money on. I believe this is it for now. I was told that if I were looking to spend $500-700, I could do about 3x better than the MTX 12"s and Sony Xplod 1000w Amp. Is this true? Again, what would you guys best recommend for the price? Oh, by the way.. I most often find myself driving to Rap/RnB.. or Alt. Rock. The odd time some heavy stuff, of course I have different EQ's for all of them. So I guess really, I'm looking for a fairly versatile setup, aswell. Thanks!