help...car audio for dummies

[IronReload04]

k........um....so their are some other things that I need to get after christmas....but **** that shit

I am getting what i always wanted


I want my ride to get hooked up phat with some nice sound



I know next to nothing. ALl that i really know is that i need a sub, an amp, and some tight speakers.

I ride a f150 and my budget is about 4 hundred give or take. From dudes i talk to, with the internet, they have done it with that budget and may help me get some deals?.


SO, It would be awesome of somone could help me out or at least point me in the right direction since i am so clueless with this stuff



not looking to go super crazy, just somthing descent

[bbplaya21]

Do you have a head unit now or do u gotta get on. U can get a cheap one for 120 or so. 280 left. wiring kit is 20 so 260 left(Walmart). U can find on ebay a set already for less than 200 but depends if u want 2 subs or one. U can put a 12 under or behind(depends if its extended cab or regualar) and it would sound good. A sony Xplode 12(Walmart) is around 100 or so or a memphis 12(if u can afford much better) is less than 200. Your only problem would be findin an amp. ask around or ebay it prob find a 300 watt or 200 watt for less than a 100 bucks sometimes. That should help u out some.

[IronReload04]

ya, the cab is extended by the way

man this stuff just makes my head spin. pretty sure i am good with the head unit

one sub could be enough. I saw somewhere that getting a tube could save some money

[abstrack]

Sorry to bust your bubble, but for 400$ you are not really going to get much for a bangin sound system.

I would take the 400 and invest in replacing the factory speakers or just plain out wait and build your system right.

[IronReload04]

Sorry to bust your bubble, but for 400$ you are not really going to get much for a bangin sound system.

I would take the 400 and invest in replacing the factory speakers or just plain out wait and build your system right.

ya, maybe i could have worded my words better, ya i am not expecting too too much.

But my cuz got all he needs for between 4-500 hundred bucks, i will probably be able to get the same hookup

I have been snooping around car audio forums, and i have actually seen people do descent things for my standards with 3-350 bucks

[bbplaya21]

its possible to spend that much and get a decent sounding system. im big into systems I've had 4 diff systems and spent lil over 2 grand on my current one now. just start hittin up the audio shop and get sum prices

[T3/T4 GSR]

As a professional installer I can tell you that you aren't going anywhere for $400. If you want a very basic system with a sub I would start by spending that $400 on a headunit and some decent coaxil drop in replacement speaker (5x7 most likely for you). Then save some coin for the sub, amp and wiring you will need. Also determine where you plan to put the box in this f150.

[spywizard]

i'm sure the noise laws in your area won't mess with ya..

and put aside $1200 for hearing aids, the tax payers of america thank you..

[IronReload04]

here is the deal. i am going to get some help on this

I have decided that i will go as high as like 500 bucks

I will be getting most stuff at half price potentially

so its gonna be like a thousand dollars worth of shit potentiallly

[IronReload04]

i have been reading through some forums. It can definatley be done for 4-500 hundred. its not gonna be like top of the line, just descent, and im fine with that

[IronReload04]

ok so, i am going to some people look at for me. they are gonna basically help me pick out all of my stuff and all that

ps. i will be getting 200 dollar subs for like 60 bucks and so on

[cfiler]

Well, you would need to start off with a good head unit. Pick one with the features you want.

The stock head unit will need to be replaced if you still have the stock one. If you have a good head unit, then you can continue onto the next step. If not, you will probably not be able to offord to continue setting up a basic system.

Then you will need to pick a sub. Depending on the amount and depth of base you will need to choose the brand, size, and amount of subs.

Then your box is critical. Depending on the sound, you would need to choose what type of box, and how you want your subs possitioned. The main type of boxes are:
1: sealed
2: ported
3: bandpass
4: isobaric
Personally I'd measure out your air movement, and have a proper sized ported box built for you. The difference in boxes is incredible. Those prefab boxes are generally crap. They are usually undersized for subs, and create a muffled sound. If you are pressed for space, a custom built sealed box is a good second choice.

Next comes the amp. You need to choose a amp that would work well with your sub(s).

Lastly for a basic system, is the wiring. Proper sized wiring for the amp is critical. The majority of amps I see installed have undersized power and ground wires, and alot have improper sized fuses.

After everything is installed, then your amp needs to be tuned.

output = square root (watts * ohms)

Also, the things that you should add later, but won't be able to offord now.

Everyone gets the wrong idea about capacitors. THEY ARE NOT A BATTERY. They do store some energy, but for car audio, they're used to fill valleys and level out peaks when you have a long bass note. They are used to clean the signal only, not make up for a weak electrical system.

Batteries, without them, your car won't start. Yellow top optimas and deep-cycle batteries are wonderful for car audio. They generally have higher storage than regular batteries, and they can be discharged and recharged safely. They are usually a closed battery, and can safely be put inside a trunk without having fumes.

Aftermarket speakers can make a world of a difference. Depending on the type of music you listen to, you could go with 2 or 3 way speakers, or components.

Tweaters can hit the higher notes way better than stock speakers can, and when installed in a proper location (usually in the a-pillar) will create a deeper listening experience.

[IronReload04]

thanks, when i figure this stuff and place my order, i will let you know how its going down