New Stereo system. Worth it or not?

[Ducati]

I don't know much about sound systems but I figured this is a nice little one for me to enjoy myself. Nothing too fancy but i'll feel a slight bump bump.

1) Rockford Fosgate Punch 900W Mono MOSFET Amplifier with Selectable Bass Boost
[ link ] [ picture ]
2) Alpine 10" Single-Voice-Coil 4-Ohm Subwoofer
[ link ] [ picture ]
3) Q-Logic 10" Dual-Chamber Sealed/Vented Subwoofer Enclosure
[ link ] [ picture ]
4) Rockford Fosgate 4-Gauge 800W Car Amp Power/Signal Kit
[ link ] [ picture ]

Total with tax: $300.32

[permit]

a) Rockford amps rule
b) I'd go with a JL sub

[808BMW]

That amp puts out 300watts, not 900.

Are you getting 2 of those 10's? If you only get 1, that amp will put out 150watts.

I don't like prefab boxes, but for your purpose (no hassle, nice and pretty) it fits the bill.

Wiring is all the same, but I guess the RF stuff is cool.


I think those subs are crappy, and the amp is small. But at that budget I'd really have no suggestions, and it seems to fit your needs pretty well.

I think the best option would be a single type r 10 or 12, with a proper box, and about 500watts.

[Ducati]

It's not a budget, I just wanted to see if it's worth it. If not then F it. I work at bestbuy and I figured with my discount that's what the total would come out to. Just curious if it was worth it, if not I'll save up and get something a little better down the line.

It was some what of an impulse buy thing but I just wanted to double check?

Thanks for the fast imput guys.

[StereoInstaller1]

Ducati (desmo?), try and remember that as a general rule, almost all car amps prefer to see 2 ohms per channel.

Your 1 channel amp would like to see a DVC woofer, with each coil being 4 ohms. (that being a common setup)

I am not a fan of Alpine, in general, but not to dis the product. As a retailer, they SUCK to deal with.

I sell a Memphis woofer that kicks the crap out of the Alpine you showed...it retails for $70. Not saying the alpine is bad, just that I think better is available for less.

Luke

[DSchultz325e]

Few things...

1. The Stage 2 Rockford woofers are a better deal than the Alpines, and I think they perform better. A lot of people refer to the Alpines as "Hype Rs".

2. Don't waste your money on a pre-fab vented enclosure. If you're going to go ported, build it to specs. More than likely you'll end up with some high frequency tuning point that will sound awful. If you go prefab, sealed is a safer bet. Also, they are much much cheaper here: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/cat_1.html

3. Why a 10" and not a 12" ? You can get the Rockford 12" for cheaper than the Alpine.

4. If that wiring kit costs more than 27 dollars after tax, there is a better deal at Wal-Mart with their Scosche "1200 watt" amplifier kit. It's 5 gauge, but you would be just fine with 8 or even 10. Laugh all you want at the RCA cables, but I'm letting you know the #1 cause for noise in cars is install, not "cheap wire". Aside from the insulation and flexibility, wire is wire is wire, and don't let anyone tell you differently.

Also, get this amp instead if you are just running one 4 ohm woofer:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6250433&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03085&id=1069301995330

Just my two little cents.

[marakka]

Wire is not wire is not wire. The core material of cheap wire is a cheaper material. Research it and you'll find out that wires that are cheaper utilize less conductive materials to cut costs.

I can't remember what is what any longer.... its been too damn long. But I'm sure Luke will back that up.


For 300 bux.... to add a sub, box, amp and wires to your car. Not a bad price.

[DSchultz325e]

I was implying as long as it uses virgin copper, it's just fine.

http://www.roger-russell.com/wire/wire.htm

Welding wire would even work.

[marakka]

Yeah at that point you are correct. But a lot of this junk that floats around for 10 bux for a wiring kit is just that.... junk. Spend a couple of bux, get some nice connectors and some wire thats worth a shit.


Thats a damn good read by the way.

[StereoInstaller1]

I can't remember what is what any longer.... its been too damn long. But I'm sure Luke will back that up.

Yup. It's true. Max can't remember shit.

Luke

[DSchultz325e]

The Scosche kit is not junk. I've personally used it for a couple installs, and it's a really good deal. Like I said, the RCAs might not look like much, but if you route the wires properly, noise won't be an issue. All of mine have been shadetree installs, yet end up having inaudible noise and no ground loops, some from this kit:

5ga. Power cable
8ga. Power cable extension
8ga. Ground cable
Fuseholder and 100 amp MAXI-style fuse
4ga to 8ga distribution block
Ring terminals
Remote wire
2 pairs of 18' RCA cables
Assorted grommets, screws, and other hardware.

For 28 dollars out the door...

[StereoInstaller1]

I sell the SoundQuest 4 gauge kit for a few bucks more than WallyWorld. It weighs about twice as much and includes OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) twisted pair RCA's, but no cheesy distribution block.

I have done several installs with the WallyMart crap. It is just fine...I just like the thicker, nicer wire.

Luke