Help me with my BTL 18!

[Sherbert 0]

Well, Im planning on buying my fi btl n2 18 aroudn december, near christmas!

I have an 03 nissan xterra, so im sure there is enough room for a box in there, but the problem is, i barely know anything about sound systems and their setup/ configurations.

If anyone could please explain what i would need, i would appreciate it.

Im getting a new double din headunit, 2 door speakers w/ tweeters, (Which i will wire to the headunit)

I plan on getting the n2 18

What amp, would be best to run this at its best performance daily? I won't be going to competitions or anything. If you can please let me know a couple good options that arent super expensive, i am not on an unlimited budget.

For the box, does anyone have links to plans that i could build? My roomate has a woodshop and is skilled with building and shit like that, so im not to worried about it.

And, last question, I was informed a while back that i will need 2 batteries, and a new alternator?? If so, what batteries do you reccomend, and what alternator?

To cap it all off,

All i need is

headunit, my 2 door speakers, wired to headunit, sub, amp to power sub, box, alternator, and 2 batteries?(maybe 1 strong one?)

Thanks! if i missed anything please feel free to criticize, I am here to learn!

[azagtoth502 31]

Well just of the top of my head, consider AudioQue brand or Hifonics Brutus series. (both are rather inexpensive) Either way don't get silly with the bass boost & make sure you set the gains on the amps properly to avoid clipping! Set gains with either an oscope or DD-1. Don't use the ear method.

And XS makes good batteries (though there are other good choices)

Excessive Amperage, DC Power & Mechman are all good choices for alternators.

http://www.audioque.com/Amplifiers_c_7.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_m27_i24_hifonics-class-d-amplifiers.html (avoid the HiFi series!)

http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Ignitions-Electrical/Section/Charging-Systems/Part-Type/Batteries/Brand/XS-Power-Batteries/Volts/12-V/Battery-Type/AGM/?Ns=Price%7cAsc

http://mechman.com/

https://www.dcpowerinc.com/

Edited October 16, 2011 by azagtoth502

[MikeMartel 64]

Crescendo also makes some great amplifiers, And as far as box sizes go, lok at the Fi Technical section it will give you all the information you need

[lithium 358]

Well, Im planning on buying my fi btl n2 18 aroudn december, near christmas!

I have an 03 nissan xterra, so im sure there is enough room for a box in there, but the problem is, i barely know anything about sound systems and their setup/ configurations.

If anyone could please explain what i would need, i would appreciate it.

Im getting a new double din headunit, 2 door speakers w/ tweeters, (Which i will wire to the headunit)

I plan on getting the n2 18

What amp, would be best to run this at its best performance daily? I won't be going to competitions or anything. If you can please let me know a couple good options that arent super expensive, i am not on an unlimited budget.

For the box, does anyone have links to plans that i could build? My roomate has a woodshop and is skilled with building and shit like that, so im not to worried about it.

And, last question, I was informed a while back that i will need 2 batteries, and a new alternator?? If so, what batteries do you reccomend, and what alternator?

To cap it all off,

All i need is

headunit, my 2 door speakers, wired to headunit, sub, amp to power sub, box, alternator, and 2 batteries?(maybe 1 strong one?)

Thanks! if i missed anything please feel free to criticize, I am here to learn!

afew things..

-you should at least amp the front speakers. look at some of the offerings in the ssa store for a component set. also, find some people in your area that you can demo.

-sounddeadening! !! check out the sound deadening section of the forum for more info. i recommend you contact don at sounddeadenershowdown.com, he can help you through the process (he can custom tailor a list of deadening products specific to your application and goals)

-plenty of hu's out there. figure out what options you need like gps, etc. buy used from the f/s section if you trying to save some cash.

-how much work you need to do on the electrical depends on how much power you want to run. you seem pretty inexperienced with this so do your homework now so you will be ready. research how to do the big 3 for you vehicle.

-do you have some basic wood working skills? if so then building a box yourself would be recommended, it will save you a ton of money. the're are some people on the forum that can help you with a design or learn to design it yourself.

[Sherbert 0]

As far as amps, what wattage would i be looking for?? I know it runs on 2000 rms, but ive heard a btl 18 can run easily alot higher on a daily basis, so what size amp would be good for that???

And should i get one strong battery, or just 2 decent ones?? Ill check my xterra to see what i already have in there.

[jcarter1885 995]

Since your starting out from scratch I wouldnt recommend running more than 2000 watts to the BTL regardless of what you heard or youtube videos you have seen, take baby steps if you have to. Im not saying dont get a BTL, im saying dont try to jump in the 12ft of the pool if you never been swimming before. Once you learn your sytem and its limits then you can start experiencing with more power an so on, if its for daily then you wont notice a difference between a 2000 watt amp and a 3000 watt amp.

[Sherbert 0]

Since your starting out from scratch I wouldnt recommend running more than 2000 watts to the BTL regardless of what you heard or youtube videos you have seen, take baby steps if you have to. Im not saying dont get a BTL, im saying dont try to jump in the 12ft of the pool if you never been swimming before. Once you learn your sytem and its limits then you can start experiencing with more power an so on, if its for daily then you wont notice a difference between a 2000 watt amp and a 3000 watt amp.

Thanks man, I understand where your coming from.

Right now, planning on getting

http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-Mobile-Electronics-CX501-Bluetooth/dp/B004KVLB9E -- headunit

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPS610/Alpine-SPS-610.html?tp=94 == for my two front door speakers ( i figure the 2 back door speakers will get olbiteraped by an 18, so im not even bothering replacing)

FI BTL N2 18 obviously.

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifier-classifieds/525754-2-audioque-2200s-mint.html Would an audioque 2200 be a good amp for it???

And ill just build a custom box from plans here, i have a few friends who have built boxes before who can help me.

And a question i forgot to ask, How would i power it? Im not really familiar with ohms, besides the fact that they kind of "limit" (right word i think) the power going into it, What would be the best way to wire it dual .5's or dual 1 /2 ????

Thanks.

[lithium 358]

if you have to run coax off the deck then check out the coax from bravox, alot of great reviews on the forum. unless you've heard the alpines in person, and liked them. (btw you can find the alpines for like 60 bucks on amazon, not that i recommend them at all)

another option, find some used. honestly if you dont have money for a decent set of components then dont pay for some overpriced coax's. i would bet money that your next thread on the forum will be something like "help my speakers aren't loud enough".

as far as the headunit goes, it looks ok. if you give us a list of specs you need then someone could point out another option.

edit: why get a double din if you dont have the budget for a touchscreen, gps unit? just for looks? you can get a single din that does all the same shit for less..

[lithium 358]

if you get the audioque then you would want to wire up the sub for a 1 ohm load. people running .5 ohm are doing it for competitions.

you would order a dual 2 ohm btl and wire wire the coils in parallel for a 1ohm load.

[Sherbert 0]

if you have to run coax off the deck then check out the coax from bravox, alot of great reviews on the forum. unless you've heard the alpines in person, and liked them. (btw you can find the alpines for like 60 bucks on amazon, not that i recommend them at all)

another option, find some used. honestly if you dont have money for a decent set of components then dont pay for some overpriced coax's. i would bet money that your next thread on the forum will be something like "help my speakers aren't loud enough".

as far as the headunit goes, it looks ok. if you give us a list of specs you need then someone could point out another option.

edit: why get a double din if you dont have the budget for a touchscreen, gps unit? just for looks? you can get a single din that does all the same shit for less..

Its easier to replace it with a double din since the xterras easy to pop it in like that. I also wanted a bigger screen because im contemplating putting my xternal terabyte hard drive in tehre and formatting it so the HU can read it.

Thanks for the help man!

[jcarter1885 995]

Yeah the Audioque will be a good amplifier to use and do as lithium stated above.

[Sherbert 0]

Lithium, If you want can you reccomend me a good set of door speakers? I honestly don't know a good pair and just went on crutchfield and read the reviews on there. If you do i appreciate it.

Also,

The battery in my xterra is the http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Products/RT/PID-MTP-24(Automotive+Truck).aspx?dsNavigation=Ns~product+Type|101|1|%2CN~21&Title=Mega-Tron+Plus+-+85+Months+-+800+CCA

Interstate megatron plus, MTP 24.

Can that handle the amp(give or take any other amps i find as a deal)

[lithium 358]

if you have to run coax off the deck then check out the coax from bravox, alot of great reviews on the forum. unless you've heard the alpines in person, and liked them. (btw you can find the alpines for like 60 bucks on amazon, not that i recommend them at all)

another option, find some used. honestly if you dont have money for a decent set of components then dont pay for some overpriced coax's. i would bet money that your next thread on the forum will be something like "help my speakers aren't loud enough".

as far as the headunit goes, it looks ok. if you give us a list of specs you need then someone could point out another option.

edit: why get a double din if you dont have the budget for a touchscreen, gps unit? just for looks? you can get a single din that does all the same shit for less..

Its easier to replace it with a double din since the xterras easy to pop it in like that. I also wanted a bigger screen because im contemplating putting my xternal terabyte hard drive in tehre and formatting it so the HU can read it.

Thanks for the help man!

sounds good. i got a 16 gig thumbdrive that i use with my hu for only $20. works great unless you have a shit ton of music.

[Sherbert 0]

if you have to run coax off the deck then check out the coax from bravox, alot of great reviews on the forum. unless you've heard the alpines in person, and liked them. (btw you can find the alpines for like 60 bucks on amazon, not that i recommend them at all)

another option, find some used. honestly if you dont have money for a decent set of components then dont pay for some overpriced coax's. i would bet money that your next thread on the forum will be something like "help my speakers aren't loud enough".

as far as the headunit goes, it looks ok. if you give us a list of specs you need then someone could point out another option.

edit: why get a double din if you dont have the budget for a touchscreen, gps unit? just for looks? you can get a single din that does all the same shit for less..

Its easier to replace it with a double din since the xterras easy to pop it in like that. I also wanted a bigger screen because im contemplating putting my xternal terabyte hard drive in tehre and formatting it so the HU can read it.

Thanks for the help man!

sounds good. i got a 16 gig thumbdrive that i use with my hu for only $20. works great unless you have a shit ton of music.

I appreciate the help man! Is there a way you know of, of seeing if your cars current battery/alternator can handle a 2000-2500 watt amp?? Because if i can figure out if mine can already handle that, then i can go ahead and figure out my budget and go ahead and buy what i need sooner than i planned!

[ricksi30 923]

If at all possible you should do an amped set of comps.

[lithium 358]

if you have to run coax off the deck then check out the coax from bravox, alot of great reviews on the forum. unless you've heard the alpines in person, and liked them. (btw you can find the alpines for like 60 bucks on amazon, not that i recommend them at all)

another option, find some used. honestly if you dont have money for a decent set of components then dont pay for some overpriced coax's. i would bet money that your next thread on the forum will be something like "help my speakers aren't loud enough".

as far as the headunit goes, it looks ok. if you give us a list of specs you need then someone could point out another option.

edit: why get a double din if you dont have the budget for a touchscreen, gps unit? just for looks? you can get a single din that does all the same shit for less..

Its easier to replace it with a double din since the xterras easy to pop it in like that. I also wanted a bigger screen because im contemplating putting my xternal terabyte hard drive in tehre and formatting it so the HU can read it.

Thanks for the help man!

sounds good. i got a 16 gig thumbdrive that i use with my hu for only $20. works great unless you have a shit ton of music.

I appreciate the help man! Is there a way you know of, of seeing if your cars current battery/alternator can handle a 2000-2500 watt amp?? Because if i can figure out if mine can already handle that, then i can go ahead and figure out my budget and go ahead and buy what i need sooner than i planned!

If at all possible you should do an amped set of comps.

x2 on the comps

i think the best course of action for you is to wire everything up properly first and see how the stock electrical handles things (DO THE BIG THREE). im recommending this because we dont know yet, how loud you plan to play your music or specifically what type of music you listen to. for example you may find that you dont need to crank things up all the way to get the level of output that your looking for since this is your first build. therefore it wouldn't require a robust electrical upgrade to supply the amp.

later you may see that the stock electrical is not enough to handle things and you can come back and see what too go with next.

- when you install things, just leave room for an extra battery or 2 in the back.

[Sherbert 0]

If at all possible you should do an amped set of comps.

What amp would you suggest, and which comps would you personally reccomend??

[lithium 358]

If your not picky about looks, you can find a refurb kicker on ebay. something like a zx (or dx) 250.2 300.2 350.2 for example. im sure there are some good deals in the f/s section of the forum. tons of options for amps, i've been pretty lucky with refurb kickers myself. im sure others have other favorites.

the amps i recommended are about 100 bucks, you can probably do slightly better buying used from a forum member. for speakers, how much do you plan to spend. i think the bravox i linked earlier would be nice based on some reviews. it would help if you have heard some other setups to help rule out stuff you dont like. pg rsd comps use to be the budget favorite, but they might be hard to find. the IA comps on the ssa store might be good too... im starting to ramble so ill just leave it there.

[Sherbert 0]

If your not picky about looks, you can find a refurb kicker on ebay. something like a zx (or dx) 250.2 300.2 350.2 for example. im sure there are some good deals in the f/s section of the forum. tons of options for amps, i've been pretty lucky with refurb kickers myself. im sure others have other favorites.

the amps i recommended are about 100 bucks, you can probably do slightly better buying used from a forum member. for speakers, how much do you plan to spend. i think the bravox i linked earlier would be nice based on some reviews. it would help if you have heard some other setups to help rule out stuff you dont like. pg rsd comps use to be the budget favorite, but they might be hard to find. the IA comps on the ssa store might be good too... im starting to ramble so ill just leave it there.

Ill check them out man, thanks! Do you know of any other website forums besides caraudio.com that have classifieds such as used amps and such?? I am planning on buying my amp for the subwoofer used, since new amps are expensive as fuck

[lithium 358]

these would be reallly nice, aura sound

get the Aura RPM2300 RPM Stage 2 Mobile Amplifier 2x150W

[lithium 358]

If your not picky about looks, you can find a refurb kicker on ebay. something like a zx (or dx) 250.2 300.2 350.2 for example. im sure there are some good deals in the f/s section of the forum. tons of options for amps, i've been pretty lucky with refurb kickers myself. im sure others have other favorites.

the amps i recommended are about 100 bucks, you can probably do slightly better buying used from a forum member. for speakers, how much do you plan to spend. i think the bravox i linked earlier would be nice based on some reviews. it would help if you have heard some other setups to help rule out stuff you dont like. pg rsd comps use to be the budget favorite, but they might be hard to find. the IA comps on the ssa store might be good too... im starting to ramble so ill just leave it there.

Ill check them out man, thanks! Do you know of any other website forums besides caraudio.com that have classifieds such as used amps and such?? I am planning on buying my amp for the subwoofer used, since new amps are expensive as fuck

we have a f/s section here on ssa. check it out.

also check out db-r.com for refurbs. he might have a sundown amp for a better price then the audioque.

[Sherbert 0]

If your not picky about looks, you can find a refurb kicker on ebay. something like a zx (or dx) 250.2 300.2 350.2 for example. im sure there are some good deals in the f/s section of the forum. tons of options for amps, i've been pretty lucky with refurb kickers myself. im sure others have other favorites.

the amps i recommended are about 100 bucks, you can probably do slightly better buying used from a forum member. for speakers, how much do you plan to spend. i think the bravox i linked earlier would be nice based on some reviews. it would help if you have heard some other setups to help rule out stuff you dont like. pg rsd comps use to be the budget favorite, but they might be hard to find. the IA comps on the ssa store might be good too... im starting to ramble so ill just leave it there.

Ill check them out man, thanks! Do you know of any other website forums besides caraudio.com that have classifieds such as used amps and such?? I am planning on buying my amp for the subwoofer used, since new amps are expensive as fuck

we have a f/s section here on ssa. check it out.

also check out db-r.com for refurbs. he might have a sundown amp for a better price then the audioque.

Thanks man i will. Does he offer a warranty for the refurbs or no?

[lithium 358]

If your not picky about looks, you can find a refurb kicker on ebay. something like a zx (or dx) 250.2 300.2 350.2 for example. im sure there are some good deals in the f/s section of the forum. tons of options for amps, i've been pretty lucky with refurb kickers myself. im sure others have other favorites.

the amps i recommended are about 100 bucks, you can probably do slightly better buying used from a forum member. for speakers, how much do you plan to spend. i think the bravox i linked earlier would be nice based on some reviews. it would help if you have heard some other setups to help rule out stuff you dont like. pg rsd comps use to be the budget favorite, but they might be hard to find. the IA comps on the ssa store might be good too... im starting to ramble so ill just leave it there.

Ill check them out man, thanks! Do you know of any other website forums besides caraudio.com that have classifieds such as used amps and such?? I am planning on buying my amp for the subwoofer used, since new amps are expensive as fuck

we have a f/s section here on ssa. check it out.

also check out db-r.com for refurbs. he might have a sundown amp for a better price then the audioque.

Thanks man i will. Does he offer a warranty for the refurbs or no?

on the sundowns from db-r. yes 1 year i believe.

[16K 159]

for the amp i would get a hifonics brz2400.1 off ebay... i bought mine for 320 bucks each bnib...they work great for the BTL

for the battery... get 1 good battery... XS Power D3100... and just wire it to your starting battery...

you shouldnt need to upgrade your alternator... but i would put in a volt meter so you know how much volts your running...at full tilt you should try to be above 12v...you could upgrade just to be safe... mechman has the best alternators

make sure to do the "big 3"

for your sub... get a Dual 2 ohm sub and wire it to 1 ohm on the amp...

Edited October 17, 2011 by 10000wrms