Noob Speaker Setup Question

[goofygamer]

Hey audio gurus, so I'm looking for a little pep in my sound system without having to add subs. I know it makes a world of a difference, but just don't want the extra weight in my trunk for the box and the subs since it's my DD and I need to put things in there. So here's my dilemma:

What do you think of the JL Audio J2 320.4 amp with 4 Polk Audio DB651 speakers (coaxial)? Or how about the JL amp with 2 Polk DB6501 speakers (component)? I'm on a tight budget for the sound system as upgrading it wasn't part of my build plan, but I'm trying to get as much out of a buck as I can.

I am open to other suggestions of speakers/amps/etc... but please don't include a sub. Thanks!

 

[JGvtec]

You could always just upgrade your speakers. My brother found found some brand new mtx speakers that just slipped right into the old speaker spots. $100 shipped. Im sure you could even find some cheaper.

If you want to shed some cash then go with the JL speakers/ amp. Its all up to you man.

 

[goofygamer]

Yeah, that's what I have right now. Just slipped some new speakers to replace the OEM ones, but I've read that the sound is much more clear after using an amp? What do you think?

The Polk DB651s are about $60 shipped for a pair. I used to have the db650s for the rear and it sounded great, so I'm sure that the db651s are as great. I just wanted to see if adding an amp would make the speakers give off a cleaner sound and probably a better "bass"

 

[JGvtec]

Do you have a head unit?

Wow 60 for the pair? Thats really reasonable. Why did you take the speakers out of the back?

 

[goofygamer]

My uncle "borrowed" them to try it on his car. lol lame...but I'm thinking of just letting him have it and just get a new "system"

Yeah, I currently have the Alpine CDA-9856 with a 50watt peak rms and a 18watt rms power output (can you explain what this means?). lol

 

[JGvtec]

My uncle "borrowed" them to try it on his car. lol lame...but I'm thinking of just letting him have it and just get a new "system"

Yeah, I currently have the Alpine CDA-9856 with a 50watt peak rms and a 18watt rms power output (can you explain what this means?). lol

From what i looked up :lol: Peak rms is i think the max, and rms power output is like the average its at.

 

[goofygamer]

Okay, so basically, since the speakers are like 180watt peak power RMS and 6-60watts power range, I might need an amp to make use of its full capability?

Thanks Jordan for the help!

 

[JGvtec]

I have never had an amp hooked up to just speakers alone so i don't know how that would be.

 

[XslickwhitetegX]

4 way amp hooked up to just speakers sounds awesome! I have alpine 4 way hooked up to my components and rear speakers,and another amp just for my sub. If you don't want a sub I'd look into better sounding speakers to make up for the no sub.

You can a huge diffrence when a amp is on or off,makes the speakers (specality. components) sound 100X better!

 

[jcrabb13]

4 way amp hooked up to just speakers sounds awesome! I have alpine 4 way hooked up to my components and rear speakers,and another amp just for my sub. If you don't want a sub I'd look into better sounding speakers to make up for the no sub.

ya the amp will make the 4 mids sound excellent.

 

[sylvaner01]

I have had my fair share of audio experience and I know that in 90% of cases that, once you upgrade your speakers, after a while you will upgrade to a sub too. So why wait dude, it adds hardly any weight, it would be like caring a few books in the back and the added quality is amazing. Just my advice.

I have really crappy speakers in my car, I spent probably $50 on them, but because of the added sub my system sounds great!

 

[goofygamer]

4 way amp hooked up to just speakers sounds awesome! I have alpine 4 way hooked up to my components and rear speakers,and another amp just for my sub. If you don't want a sub I'd look into better sounding speakers to make up for the no sub.

You can a huge diffrence when a amp is on or off,makes the speakers (specality. components) sound 100X better!

Okay, I think I'll go with 2 components in the front and 2 coaxials in the rear plus an amp that can handle the wattage =D Thanks!

ya the amp will make the 4 mids sound excellent.

Thanks!

I have had my fair share of audio experience and I know that in 90% of cases that, once you upgrade your speakers, after a while you will upgrade to a sub too. So why wait dude, it adds hardly any weight, it would be like caring a few books in the back and the added quality is amazing. Just my advice.

I have really crappy speakers in my car, I spent probably $50 on them, but because of the added sub my system sounds great!

Wouldn't I have to create one of those wooden boxes to hold the sub in my trunk?

I have never had an amp hooked up to just speakers alone so i don't know how that would be.

Yeah this is how my speakers are hooked up right now lol

 

[XslickwhitetegX]

dude you can do a hidden sub or one sunk into your tire well and still have your room in your trunk. Ill post a pic of my friends, I plan on making mine just like his,looks sweet!

Edit:

 

[jcrabb13]

Wouldn't I have to create one of those wooden boxes to hold the sub in my trunk?

if you want an amp for the speakers;
then both setups will require speaker wire (or RCAs for the sub) to the amp
speaker wire from the amp to the sub/speakers
power to the amp from the battery
the amp itself (duh)

the difference will come in the speakers
4 component speakers ~200
sub+box ~225 (i used a JL Audio w3 with a prefabbed ported probox)

the expense from setting up a sub is the amp and the other little things. which if your willing to pay for that then you can get a sub for as you see, not much more. also, if you do the amp for the speakers you will need a 4 chan, which will cost more than the mono or 2chan that you need for the sub.

in conclusion, if you just want a clearer sound and a bit louder, just buy the component speakers and replace those (to be honest dont even waste your time with the rear speakers...most pros will say they just screw with the sound stage). that would run you ~100. also, pay attention to the depth of the speakers when purchasing for the doors, not all speakers fit. might want to go talk to a shop to see what will, cause its prob different for the 4dr

 

[jcrabb13]

dude you can do a hidden sub or one sunk into your tire well and still have your room in your trunk. Ill post a pic of my friends, I plan on making mine just like his,looks sweet!

Edit:

that looks really clean, good job.