Sub-woofer, stock system?

[JSTCOZ]

Hey all,

I'm a bit of a n00b to all of the car stuff. (apologies in advance)

I want to add some bass to my car speakers and heard that a 12" Sub in the boot would be good.

My speakers and head unit are all stock at the moment however, and i was wondering if it is just as easy as buying it and getting the people to install it or me? (i suck at DIY) If not, what else will i need to buy for my car?

Also trying to buy cheap, heard 'fusion' was good?

thanks for any help, much appreciated.

Matt

[UFO]

im no expert, but if you are as you state "suck at DIY" best if you just get someone else to install. the sub in the boot will also require an amp to run it, and in turn that amp will need connecting to both the battery and the head unit. not a complex job- but definitely daunting for someone who has never done it before.

to get a better idea on what you'll need (and what you are prepared to spend), go into somewhere like JB Hifi and let the sales person try and sell you a sub and amp pack. In 5-10min you'll learn the very basics on what is required, and more importantly how much it will likely cost you.

Some people will tell you to steer clear of JB, Autobarn etc. but for someone just starting out they are perfectly fine to get you started with. Like with any installation however, try to go with personally recommended installers. And don't be afraid to go into a specialist store either.... if only to compare. They will be inclined to sell you something more expensive of course, but that's not because they are dodgy.... they are just trying to sell you a product that you will be most likely more happier with in the long run.

And LISTEN TO THE SUB BEFORE YOU BUY IT!

One person likes Fusion, another likes Kicker. Depending on your tastes and budget, you may find a particular brand you like more than the rest. Since you are the one listening to it, thats all that counts!

[JSTCOZ]

im no expert, but if you are as you state "suck at DIY" best if you just get someone else to install. the sub in the boot will also require an amp to run it, and in turn that amp will need connecting to both the battery and the head unit. not a complex job- but definitely daunting for someone who has never done it before.

to get a better idea on what you'll need (and what you are prepared to spend), go into somewhere like JB Hifi and let the sales person try and sell you a sub and amp pack. In 5-10min you'll learn the very basics on what is required, and more importantly how much it will likely cost you.

Some people will tell you to steer clear of JB, Autobarn etc. but for someone just starting out they are perfectly fine to get you started with. Like with any installation however, try to go with personally recommended installers. And don't be afraid to go into a specialist store either.... if only to compare. They will be inclined to sell you something more expensive of course, but that's not because they are dodgy.... they are just trying to sell you a product that you will be most likely more happier with in the long run.

And LISTEN TO THE SUB BEFORE YOU BUY IT!

One person likes Fusion, another likes Kicker. Depending on your tastes and budget, you may find a particular brand you like more than the rest. Since you are the one listening to it, thats all that counts!

So I will be looking at a 'head unit, amp, sub woofer' buy.

thank you very much

[Joe Bellissimo]

How cheap are you talking mate? Do you have a set budget for this upgrade?

[JSTCOZ]

How cheap are you talking mate? Do you have a set budget for this upgrade?

under $500 really.

i put it in perspective for ya. Living with parents, 17yrs old, new p-plater and bought first car. has $950 in the bank with a $150 to $200 a week income until i find a better job with more hours.

also wanna keep some money incase a prang happens, better to be safe then sorry. just soem good deals atm and i want some bass in the car.

=)

hope that helps

[HCVP]

Just to put it out there, the OP is currently considering buying the double set of AD's that i have for sale.

Considering your budget, you only really have 2 options.

Spend you money on building the best front stage you can, such as the AD's, a good 2 ohm stable amp, and an aftermaket H/U, then the custom work required to fit a second set of mid drivers to your front doors.

Or, get yourself and aftermarket H/U, then spend the very most you can on a sub/amp pacakge.Run your stock speakers on a High Pass, and then just ride the bass waves everywhere you go As a beginner, i'd be more inclined to go with the 2nd option

[holdenboy]

Yeah i agree, the custom work required to properly fit those 2 sets of ADs properly will send you broke. Youre much better off to fit an aftermarket head-unit and sub / box / amp package.

As an option, look at the Jaycar CS-2271, 12" subwoofer in its own ported box with a 200wrms amplifier built in. Nice and simple design which is fairly easy to install:
12" Active Subwoofer - Jaycar Electronics
RRP is $269, so add wiring ($50) which leaves you with around $180 for a decent head-unit (easily get USB/Ipod, MP3 etc for that).
Then just allow a weekend and you should be able to get it all fitted without too many dramas.....as always if you run into any troubles you can ask on here and someone will be able to help you ASAP.

I know you said you suck at DYI, but if you try to get a head-unit, amp and sub / box bought and installed youre almost certainly going to go over the $500 budget, probably closer to $600 for decent gear. By decent i dont mean the best, but something thats going to last several years and not start playing up and / or breaking within the first year or two.

[Joe Bellissimo]

To add to the list of hardware you can choose from I also have this: Shopping Secure - Car Audio Specialists - FLI Trap 12" Active

It includes wiring as well

[HCVP]

I thought your budget as listed in the other thread was $975.

[JSTCOZ]

Yeah i agree, the custom work required to properly fit those 2 sets of ADs properly will send you broke. Youre much better off to fit an aftermarket head-unit and sub / box / amp package.

As an option, look at the Jaycar CS-2271, 12" subwoofer in its own ported box with a 200wrms amplifier built in. Nice and simple design which is fairly easy to install:
12" Active Subwoofer - Jaycar Electronics
RRP is $269, so add wiring ($50) which leaves you with around $180 for a decent head-unit (easily get USB/Ipod, MP3 etc for that).
Then just allow a weekend and you should be able to get it all fitted without too many dramas.....as always if you run into any troubles you can ask on here and someone will be able to help you ASAP.

I know you said you suck at DYI, but if you try to get a head-unit, amp and sub / box bought and installed youre almost certainly going to go over the $500 budget, probably closer to $600 for decent gear. By decent i dont mean the best, but something thats going to last several years and not start playing up and / or breaking within the first year or two.

making a new thread now cos im just gunna go with some speakers and amp and head unit and subwoofer now. lol. making it now