Need help with setup, I'm completely new to this:

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Hey everyone,

First off let me say that I'm completely new to this so bear with me.

What I need help with is determining everything I need for a complete setup that sounds good.

What I have right now is:

Two 12-inch Arsenal Speakers

&

Two amplifiers (one works perfectly, the other only runs at half power)

So what else do I need to complete the setup?

I need help with everything down to the gauge of wiring I need.

Also, if it helps any, the system will be going into a Mazda 3.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Click to read more...

 

[Dirtrider4eva 10+ year member]

you need a wiring kit. depending on your wattage, depends on gauge of wire. i have 6 gauage running about 800 watts..

upping to 0 gauge for 2200, 1 run of 0 gauge is good for about 3000 watts, if your lucky.

so, you need a power wire,

ground wire,

remote wire,

RCA's,

should do the BIG 3.

 

[Varinabassing 10+ year member]

Do you already have a box for the subs ?

Do you know the rms power of the 2 amps? This would be actual power not the inflated number on the box they came in more likely in a manual or just give me the fuse rating that will give you a maxium power the amp could supply

Have you looked at door speakers? Components tend to be a much better sound than coaxial but they do require a bit more space and sometimes planning

Have you picked out a headunit? This is something not to go cheap on a cheaper headunit will affect the sound of the overall setup

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Dirtrider, what are RCAs?

Varinabassing,

I don't know where to look for the power of the amps. Here is a link to their page on JVC 2 Channel Amplifier - KS-AX4302 - Introduction

Remember, only one works at full power, could I just use one?

Here is the link to the subs:

JVC Mobile Entertainment \ 12" Subwoofer - CS-AW6240 \ Introduction

Also, I haven't looked at door speakers, I was hoping the stock speakers would do.

As for a head unit, how much will a decent one cost me?

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Oh and yes, I do have boxes for the subs

 

[rebelfromva 10+ year member]

the full power amp would not be nearly enough power to power these subs. You need roughly 700 rms watts since each sub is rated at 350. bridged that amp does 200. Also depending on what kind of head-unit you want will depend how much you will spend.

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Rebel,

Is there anyway I can check the functionality and power of the amps? I was told when I got them that one was half power. If it is, can I fix it?

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

You don't need 700 W RMS to power the subs, less power means lower volume, even 350W RMS is only 3dB quieter.

Son, you should consider paying a shop for the install and letting them provide the accessories. A lot of parts and pieces are required for a fully functioning system and the installation is crucial for safety, reliability, and sound quality.

You have a lot of reading ahead of you if you want to learn. Look through the build logs to get an idea of what is required.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

You need to have the knowledge and equipment to test amplifiers. You will not be able to determine output capability with your current experience and I assume you lack the tools necessary. Not many people can/do. An electronics repair shop can.

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Keep_hope_alive,

Thanks for the feedback.

I plan on getting the system professional installed, I just want to make sure I have all of the equipment before I get there.

Now with the amp/sub combo I have, you said I don't need 700 w to power the subs. Im not looking to blow up my neighborhood with sound, so would the one amp he okay to use with the subs?

 

[destined2race 10+ year member]

youd probably be better off just using one of the subs with the one amp. you said boxe(s) as in plural, do they have seperate boxes? And RCAs are the wires that transmit the sound to your amplifier. definately read up a bit on here before you go to the shop to have it installed. better to be prepared so they dont try to rob you. Most shops wont but there are ones out there that will take advantage of ya im sure

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

destined2race,

Yeah the subs have separate boxes. Would using only one sub and one amp affect the sound greatly?

Also, would I be able to wire the door speakers into the setup? I'm assuming they would wire into a new HU, right?

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Also, I'm looking at a HU like this JVC - 50W x 4 MOSFET Apple® iPod®-Ready In-Dash CD Deck with MP3 Playback - KDR520

I plan on air brushing a different color over the pink, but thats the type of HU I want.

Is that good enough for what I want to do?

From what I understand, I can use one sub and one amp.

Thanks guys for all the help.

 

[rebelfromva 10+ year member]

^I seen that head unit while in walmart earlier this evening!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[brancaster 10+ year member]

Alright guys, I think I'm going to go with:

One amp (2 Channel Amplifier - KS-AX4302 - Introduction)

One Sub ( JVC Mobile Entertainment \ 12" Subwoofer - CS-AW6240 \ Introduction )

This HU (JVC - 50W x 4 MOSFET Apple® iPod®-Ready In-Dash CD Deck with MP3 Playback - KDR520)

What do you guys think? Would that be decent? Would I need door speakers?

What am I looking at for additional equipment like wires and harnesses and such?