Hey all, first time posting here. Just want to get a bit of help on choosing the best sub/amp combo for my budget.

Car: 2013 Malibu
Budget: $300-$400(Can go more, but will stick to this for now)
Looking to get some pretty legit low end without going overboard
I would prefer 2x 10's, but would settle for a good 12" or even 2 12" if it all adds up
The Malibu has a pretty big trunk, I could sacrifice about half of it
Car has factory radio in it (cd player/aux/no navigation)
I mainly listen to house music, and some rap.
My steering wheel does in fact let me seek/control volume on it.

I kinda want to make it easy and buy one of those all in one packages on like Amazon and what not, but I kinda feel like those don't really let you get the best bang for your buck. My budget is not extremely high, but I don't want to get 2x 10's and some shit amp.

I'm also curious on those powered subs that already come amplified, enclosed, etc... Are those any good? I feel like I would end up buying one and still feeling like it wasn't truly enough.

To wrap it up, essential setup would be 2x 10" subs and a legit amp that will let them hit.

star away from pre made setups off websites. they are junk.

here is the myth. bigger subs are louder. not true.

bigger subs only increase the bass. plus its all in your box and amp anyways.

you can have 2 8 in subs pounding harder than 2 12's on the right amp and box built to spec of the subs.

a buddy of mine has a american bass vfl 4480.1 amp
2200 rms at 1 ohm
2600 watts at .5 ohm
$330 new to give you an idea.

do not ever buy max or peak rated amps. because for one you never want to run your equipment that hard.

amp wise you want to run true RMS rated wattage amps.
depending on what your electrical is like and how many subs shouyld define your subs then pair them up with a amp

if you want to really only spend 400 well you will be pretty shy of gettin even decent subs and amp.
chevy wiring harnes are expensive for aftermarket headunits if you plan on using a new head unit.
youll need a wireharness for headunit(aftermarket) and a wire harness to keep steering wheel controls as well.

or you can get a line conv to get rcas which is cheaper BUT really is not best for soun d quality unless you buy a pretty good one.

Thank you so much for the response.

I can stretch my budget to about $500, but I'd have to buy individually which is ok. Kinda like 1 piece a week to keep the bank/bills going ok.

Anyways, I would like to keep my current radio.. I just got the car and don't really want to start chopping it up already. Would I need to purchase a harness if I plan to keep the factory radio installed?

I just can't tell if I want 1 or 2 subs. I want the car to rumble but I don't need to be short of breath when it hits lol.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_34787_Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P3D4-10-Newest-Model.html

What would your thoughts be on this sub?

1 10' sub isnt really going to satisfy you i dont think. especially in a trunk. unless your going for a really good 10.
i was at my car audio store recently and heard a system bangin in the back of the install bays sounded pretty good.

after dude checled out his instal and purchase i asked the owner what he put in the kids car. was 2 of these but 12's but it was in a mid sized suv.


thing to remember 4 ohm is easy on your cars electrical, 2 ohms make it tougher, 1 ohm is pretty hard on a electrical system and under that is even harder.
also the rms of the subs is what you should run them at. keep in mind it is also a thermal (heat) index of the sub as well.

rockford is decent stuff. i dont really like their subs but their high end amps are pretty nice just toooo over priced. most of the rf is junk imo.

if your buying off sonic..

id stick to re audio
american bass
mb quart
dc



This post was edited by premo1985 on Apr 20 2015 05:35pm

Fosgate power series amps and subs are really nice subs and amps. Oit of his price range but nice.

yea.

hell ill sell you my 2 ab xr12d4's with my amp op for $500

http://www.amazon.com/Package-Subwoofers-Rockville-Enclosure-Terminals/dp/B00MP48FW4/ref=sr_1_8?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1429582697&sr=1-8

MB Audio as you mentioned, what do you guys think?