Sub + Amp, is it enough?

[dezert]

I am looking to install a sub and an amp. Do I really need to change the speakers? A local shop here told me it would be a good idea to install 2 extra speakers and hang them from the shelf in the back of the car.

I am just looking to give the car some more bass and most importantly QUALITY sound, doesn't have to be extremely loud. Not thinking of changing the head unit either as I feel that it would give the interior a modded look, whicih i dont like.

In a nut shell, can i have a kick ass system by just changing the sub and amp? Any recommended amps (power?) and subs (size?)

Thx

 

[fungusman]

Well if you have a standard headunit without some funky wiring you wont be able to run an amp anyway (no preouts)

If you are getting a sub for the boot then i wouldnt have 6x9's dangling from the parcel shelf cos the sound from the sub will distort them.

I would recommend upgrading your standard components and see what you think. It makes a huge difference. Just change them to something like alpine type r's.... or a lot of people on here like rainbow stuff.

If you do change the headunit and get a sub/amp, I would recommend a 12" sub, running at about 500w rms. Gives a nice bass without going too over the top.

Hope that helps ya squire.

 

[dezert]

Well yeah i would have to wire the amp to the HU, but I just dont want to change the HU it unless it makes that much of a difference. I would rather spend the money on a quality amp and sub.

Wat do u mean by standard components? Back and front speakers?

 

[fungusman]

Yes i think upgrading your components (ie front and back speakers hidden in the reveals) would make a huge difference. Upgrading the headunit will also make a huge difference,

Personally if it was me, id upgrade the comps see if i like it, if its not good enough change the headunit... and then if its still not all there add a sub and amp...

But if what you are looking for is bass then go for the sub and amp.

Well yeah i would have to wire the amp to the HU

Not being awkward but im not sure if that can be done, im sure you need preouts (ie white and red)

Anyone any thoughts on this.

 

[dezert]

I dont have to change the HU to install an amp and sub, or do I?

 

[Dink]

you can use a high level to low leverl converter running from your rear speaker(s) although no where near as good as a pre-out from a hu.

the problem is there's two really weak links in the chain, one the HU the other the original speakers.

if you are going to get a sub and keep the HU i'd suggest around 250-300wRMS as not to drown the fronts out

 

[Martin_172]

id upgrade the head unit first and it will sound twice as good as standard, then once you get bored of the quality upgrade your front components (tweeters and drivers)

rear speakers you dont need. it ruins the sound stage but what ive got is just some 3-way pioneer rear speakers in the standard location which i fade in slightly when ive got rear passengers so it doesnt sound as bad in the back.

 

[dezert]

Sounds good, the reason i am asking is becoz i want to keep using the CD Changer. Thought the HU wouldnt make much of a difference if u have a good amp.

 

[Dink]

well the amp is going to get it's signal from the hu (the amp output at that) which if crap is just going to sound worse after being amplified, no matter how good the amp is, it's only as good as it's signal

and the chances of sending the amp a clipped signal is increaced because you'll try and turn the hu up to match the sub

 

[SingleServingFriend]

I had a sony amp (before someone nicked it) that took Hi-Level input. I thought I test it since it would mean I could be lazy and not run RCA cables and it sounded shocking. Wouldn't recommend using Hi-Level at all.

 

[blink172]

After a lot of experimenting over the years, The first step should be the Head Unit. Followed by the compo's up front, then the Amp/Sub.

The Head unit is first as RCA output is a much better signal and long term will help build a decent set up. Then the Comps as you'll get excited at having the new bass and turn the rest up to try and match the new output. You'll soon cook the crap standard speakers if you didnt do these first.

Last, a single 12" will give a decent, deep punchy bass. Ask the guy to match the amp at the shop, maybe buy something a little more powerful than needed in case you wanted to upgrade to 2x 12's later on.

Above all, price and name dont always give the best results.

 

[dezert]

Thx blink172. I shall change the HU. I just have to let go of the CD changer thats my problem.

About the compo's up front, should i change the tweeters or speakers, or both?

 

[hydeyho]

About the compo's up front, should i change the tweeters or speakers, or both?

Components are both mids and tweeters plus a crossover

Go for components, dont just put a new set of 2ways in the doors

 

[dezert]

Alright thx everyone. I have made my final decision. Its goin to be components, HU, amp and sub. I am goin to do it all in one so I wont have to pay installation twice. Over here I can do all that for 300 pounds all inclusive.

 

[hydeyho]

I am goin to do it all in one so I wont have to pay installation twice.

Paying for installation is a waste of money full stop, especially when its so simple.

 

[Danith]

ive just installed new mp3 headunit and two inifinity subs and infinity amp in boot.
sounds well better now cos actually got some bass and the std speakers are fine as long as u dont wanna break any spl records.
most aftermarket spekers are naff anyway unless u spend ££££.
enjoy routing your wiring tho if u installin a sub, its SO MUCH FUN.
be careful with your phono leads too cos renault retards havent allowed for enough space for em behind head unit.

 

[Dink]

the alpine hu's have got the rca's on short leads aint they

even the cheapest aftermarket speakers are far far better than the reno ones

 

[hydeyho]

be careful with your phono leads too cos renault retards havent allowed for enough space for em behind head unit.

Its not really retarded though is it, they weren't designing the dash to accomodate aftermarket kit. Its tight, but it will be on most cars, I've got 3 sets of phonos plugged in so it can't be too difficult to find a bit of space.

 

[Danith]

dunno. in my experience a shoppin spree on aftermarket speakers is always a let down. these reno ones are ok but i CBA replacin em they seem allreet for boggo's.
wat do u mean alpine headunits have shorter leads? i insisted on buyin only alpine hu aswell but i was too short and ended up buyin a panasonic.
wat do u have in urs?

the alpine hu's have got the rca's on short leads aint they

even the cheapest aftermarket speakers are far far better than the reno ones

 

[Dink]

i mean on short leads rather than built onto the back of the hu

so you can connect the rca's up without them sticking strait back and stopping the hu from going back

 

[Danith]

ah yes got ya. yeah my old alpine had em, right, might have a panasonic mp3 head unit to flog then!

 

[b3nje]

if your wanting a cheap sub and amp etc. we at halfords have a good deal on...Mutant 12" sub, roughly about 250RMS in a box with a suitable amp for that sun and a complete wiring kit for only £99.99 which really is a great bargain. Pretty loud for what it is!

 

[Justin]

Dont pay for installation mate, its really easy.. dont waste your money

 

[Ruffneck]

Remember NOT to run the power lead down the same side of the car as the RCAs, otherwise you'll get a whining noise coming from your speakers! Which goes higher pitched as you accelerate!

 

[Dink]

Remember NOT to run the power lead down the same side of the car as the RCAs, otherwise you'll get a whining noise coming from your speakers! Which goes higher pitched as you accelerate!

urban myth

 

[nelson182]

I've got my standard headunit with RCA converter off the rear speakers, so I can power an amp for the sub. Sounds pretty good for now. However I may upgrade the headunit for a bluetooth unit soon enough.

 

[Ruffneck]

urban myth

Myth??????????

No myth at all, that IS what happens.

 

[Dink]

not in any have done

i zip tie them all together down the one side

 

[b3nje]

its a myth, usually what you get is maybe a bit of distorsion at high powers/levels but not very often!

 

[blink172]

90% of the time, its not that they have been run together, its that your got a bad connection in the wiring and its picking up the altenator.

As for wiring, the clio was by far the quickest car ive ever wired. The channels all pop off without those stupid gay poppers that break as soon as you look at them, they have clips.

The hardest bit is the amp power cable, once you know where and how thats a piece of piss too. There is a grommet about 10"s up behind the soundproofing in the passenger footwell. Just about centre, and comes out behind the fluid reserviour that unclips in the engine bay. See the guide in the sticky