All You Auto Junkies - Please Help!

[Minoxide98 0]

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!

[Adrian_D 520]

As far as I have seen, Kicker pre-fab boxes are decent for what they are. If you really have no option of building something, you could buy that.

You have to think that maybe in the future you will have time on your hands and you will learn about box building so you're able to build yourself a box. Take the time to build it now and you will probably spend less in the long run

Capacitors are, in my opinion, useless. Avoid them.

You can shop for some used gear. And if you really take the time to build your own box there are tons of decent subwoofer options (first thing that pops in mind is a pair of Sundown E8's)...

[dbjunior 0]

a good solid setup that will not disapoint. get a custom enclosure from thumper 2.5cu slot port tuned to 33hz. a fi ssd flatwound coil. and an opti 1000d from db-r.com should cost about 700 or less and is a great setup.

[BigCProductions99 21]

dbjunior Just Hit That One Square On The Head, I'd Do That. Especially If You Want An 18". xD

[BigCProductions99 21]

....That's The Second ODYo(a*&fRO9 Time I've Freaking Done That In A Day, I Need To FREAKING READ WTF HOW DOES AN 18" FIT IN A 2.5 CUBE BOX?!?!? >_< Sorry. xD Sundown SAZ-1000D And A Fi SSD 18" Would Be A Nice Combo With A Pound That Sound Box, Since They Reside In Canada, I Think. (On SSA's Store, The 1000D Is Like $300 After Added To Cart, And, As You Expect From Sundown, Of The Highest Quality Possible.)