Sound System Questions, 5 quick questions :) Options

[JonCars17]

I have a few sound system questions.

I'm thinking of adding a sound system to my car by the end of May which gives me enough time to save up.

Q1:
What is the point in putting a Sub (8") in both side doors?

Q2:
How much should I roughly look at spending for the system (components in the front, 2 speakers in the back, headunit and a sub 10" with an amp)? I'd like to get one for qaulity and not the extreme bass.

Q3:
What should I look at when choosing a system? the Sensivity aka the dB?

Q4:
How do I calculate how much amp I need

Q5:
What can I do to stop the car from rattling once it is installed?


I'm a n00b when dealing with cars -_-.

[JonCars17]

what do you mean by "A very good unit"? The one I chose isn't the cheapest but isn't the highest either.

on choosing an amp, do I add up the RMS like say I have a speaker at 70 rms and another for 75, do I need a amp of atleast 150 RMS or an amp of 75 rms minimum? This is my main problem, this is why I chose a mono amp to begin with 1000 rms at 2 ohms.

As far as sound qaulity goes, what is the difference between a mono amp and a normal amp other than what was stated above (meaning mono is meant for subs only)?.

This post has been edited by JonCars17: Mar 9, 2006 - 4:11 PM

[runriot95]

what do you mean by "A very good unit"? The one I chose isn't the cheapest but isn't the highest either.

on choosing an amp, do I add up the RMS like say I have a speaker at 70 rms and another for 75, do I need a amp of atleast 150 RMS or an amp of 75 rms minimum? This is my main problem, this is why I chose a mono amp to begin with 1000 rms at 2 ohms.

As far as sound qaulity goes, what is the difference between a mono amp and a normal amp other than what was stated above (meaning mono is meant for subs only)?.

By very good unit, I mean a well-respected brand like Alpine or Eclipse that has 4 volt (or better) pre-outs, high signal to noise ratio, wide frequency response and low total harmonic distortion. Generally, buying one of those respected brand names gets you all those things but it's always good to actually check the specs. If you're buying ffom Crutchfield, they should have all those specs available for you on their site. This way, you can compare, say a $200 Alpine and a $400 Alpine and see if the price difference is just features.

Amplifiers are rated to deliver power into a certain number of channels. Most are 2 channels but there are also 4,5 and 6 channel, and mono amps are -you guessed it - 1 channel. You'll see these ratings expressed as 75 watts x 2, 100 watts x 4, 300 watts x 1, etc. If you have 2 speakers rated 70 rms and another pair rated 75 rms and are looking to power them all with the same amp then I would look for an amp that is rated at 75 watts rms x 4 channel.

As far as sound quality of amps goes, I was just trying to make the point that there is more to an amplifier than the power it puts out. There's a lot of junk out there that promises lots of power but if you're amplifying a noisy signal then all you'll have is very loud noise. Check out the THD, signal to noise and frequency numbers and more importantly read user reviews online.

Ask around, search the internet and get a general idea of what quality brands to look for BUT go listen to these brands if you can. Check out every car-stereo shop in your area and listen to all the different head units, speakers and amps that you possibly can. The bottom line is that you have to be happy with how it sounds.