slim142

Ok, with that said I will definitely stick to 2k watts RMS. Im not sure if I should run the risk and go for a refurbished 2000 or just buy it new. I think the warranty makes up for some of the extra, but would still prefer a new one. We will see... Im located in North Miami Beach, Florida. If anybody knows a person or shop that knows is serious about this, I would really appreciate if you could let me know about him/them. I seriously wouldnt like to touch anything when it comes to Big 3, install of batt and amp since I dont have experience there. However, wouldnt like to get ripped off either just because of my ignorance when it comes to installation. subBoy, what you mean front stage? As what do I want for speakers and headunit? If so, I was going to ask you guys what was a good brand/model because first I was going for the best alpine receiver (single dash, no dvd or screens because $1k can be spent on the best single dash with all the components and I need a receiver with RCAs as soon as I install the BTL). So, its alpine good for receivers? I got Eclipse as a recommended brand, but dont know much about them. For speakers, I guess most crossovers use 5 1/2 in the front doors and 6x8 in the rear doors. Speakers will come later as I will need to start from zero (again) after buying my BTL project. About the kinetic battery, I really meant HC2400. Is there such thing as HC2600? For some reason I decided to call it 2600 instead of 2400 LOL. I looked on amazon for that battery you mentioned (HC 3800) but couldnt find it. Is it out already? About the gauge cable. Everything will be 1/0 no doubt. How much does it cost for somebody to install an alternator? Does it depend on the car? I mean, you guys say its easy, but its 3 things combined. The Big 3, Amp and Batt so we are talking about a person that will spend a good time on the car (maybe an entire day) installing all three. But like I said, I will look around first. I dont want to overpay for this, but I dont want to go to a cheap garage either. Now, its time to save money for the big project. Im working really hard to save up my money. Im in college and we are not in the best economy situation right now so we will see how that goes. Really appreciate everyones input. Now before going offtopic, I would like to know if its ok if I ask a couple of questions of my current system to see if you guys see anything wrong or that can be improved. Im really dissapointed at what I have right now but if a thing or two can be done to improve it, why not

Yeah, I definitely want to use the best specially for the big 3. Will stick to Kicker if there is no problem then. Ok so 4000watts its actually too much for a BTL? I will definitely try to stick to 2000watts for the first months mainly because 1) cant afford more than that 2) Dont want to damage it the first days I start playing it 3) will most probably give me enough bass since this will be my first time with an 18" I will most probably end up with a box that is between 5-8 cubic feet. I think Im going for 32Hz. Is 32Hz a good number? Will that be enough for most stuff that I listen to? (70% Rap, other 30% psychedelic, hard style) EDIT: Also, I would like to know something. Why are the prices of the refurbished amps so low compared to the new ones? I mean, its great to see db-r giving a huge opportunity to everybody to try them out, but with such a low price (when compared to new ones) it makes me believe for a moment those amps were abused or pushed to the extreme. Please some comment regarding this I would appreciate.

Thanks everyone for the help. Yes, I did spend a good time (since january) reading and just reviewing whats good and not. I would really like to replace my system ASAP, but gotta save up first. Any coupons around here? LOL The 3500D looks GOOD! But its way out of my budget right now. I need to buy all the other parts too (I dont have any, Ive just planned what I want to get). If I ever need more than 2000watts RMS on the BTL (which will probably happen, but not the first day I know that for sure), then I can just sell (either 1500 or 2000 whichever I have by then) and go for the big 3500. (I just saw a 4500, unbelievable) Just to make sure, the BTL is safe up to 4000watts RMS or can handle more? I will most probably be playing it daily so want to keep it in the safe zone. For the battery, I guess I will just go for the Kinetiks HC2600. I have seen it in various BTL installations so it should be good enough. Thats the best model from Kinetiks right? As for the alternator, I will keep Ohio generators in mind. I just need to see what car Im getting first. As for the BTL enclosure, I think you are right mjmarovi. I will (Most) probably end up using between 5-8 cubic feet. Dont want to be in the border line and I definitely want to be able to hit those lows. And YES, I missed the wiring lol. I was planning on using Kicker 1/0 gauge cable. I know kicker is overpriced but I mean, after all the money Im spending, I thought I should also keep the cables in the premium side since I dont want any surprises later on. Now, any recommendations on the cables? Maybe Im missing something here, most people on other forums said that it doesnt really matter what brand it is as long as you know the thickness that you need. More input here would be appreciated. And about installation. I will most probably let somebody do it. Ive never done an installation before and I would like somebody with experience do it. I live in North Miami Beach and I only know of one place, but something tells me they are not the most appropiate people who should install my system. By the time I get all my devices, I will hopefully have a place or person who knows about alternator, battery, amp installations. Anybody knows a shop or garage around Miami-Dade/Broward zone, I would REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. Hey Miller, definitely will do the Big 3. First thing as soon as I get my car going to the shop and get those upgraded. Im pretty lost in this Big 3 thing. I understand is replacing the cables that go from batt to alternator and so on, but I have some questions regarding this. Like do you use 1/0 gauge cables (same ones for amplifiers) to do this? Should a mechanic do this? Is it an expensive upgrade? Thats a weak point for me right now, I tried looking for some guides but they are pretty long and kinda lose me but will dedicate some time to it later on. KU40, really appreciate your comment. Thanks for that helpful last sentence. I always thought a small box could blew (or severely damage) your sub if it was too small.

Hi First, Im glad to be part of this community. Ive been reading a couple of threads and I can tell there is a lot of people who know what they are talking about (from what I know). I recently joined a couple of forums but none of them were really helpful. I hope you guys can help me out!. So Im saving up for a FULL (all options and cooling) 18" BTL. From what I been reading, it looks like I will definitely need at least 2000watts RMS amplifier and an extra battery. Just to know, will the BTL run without an extra battery? In other words, with just the stock? Thats the sub. Now, for the amplifier, I was thinking about the Hifonics BXi 2010D. However, I just found out a lot of people mention Sundown as their preferred brand. I personally havent really heard much about them. What are your opinions on this brand? Specifically the 1500D and 2000D? The 1500D would be affordable in my case, I would love to go for the 2000D but thats a little high. We will see... Now, for battery I decided to go for the XS Power 3100 (Since S-M-D has like 10 of those, I thought they were the BEST when it came to choose a battery for your audio system). But I recently read that the Kinetiks HC2600 is actually the best one when it comes to power your audio system? Can somebody please explain to me why would Steve use XS and not the Kinetiks? Anything wrong with them? After knowing what Amp and Batt to get, now I need to know about the enclosure. Fi recommends 3.0 to 5.0 cubic feet for the 18" BTL. I have some questions regarding this. Will the 18" sound good if it is on exactly 3.0? How much loudness do you gain when comparing 5.0 to 3.0? If I put it in less, is there any way I can damage the subwoofer? Im currently in the process of getting a car and I was about to get a Toyota Corolla S (Sports), but now that I have plans to put a good audio system, I think a Corolla will be waaaaay too small for a BTL. In fact, somebody told me it would fit in the trunk (true or not?), but that because of space, it wouldnt sound as good. Now, Im starting to drops plan for the corolla and go for a Crossover. The reason why I dont go full size SUV is because they use too much gas and I cant afford to spend that much gas on a car which 90% of the time I will be driving myself (to go to my university). I think a crossover does the job. Trunk of most crossovers (Edge, Murano, Venza) are big enough (correct me if Im wrong) for 2 18" BTLs pointing up. The rest is just replacing the speakers and tweeters. Now moving on to one of the most important factors (from what I read). The alternator. Now, I have almost no knowledge about them because Im not into cars and I just recently found out that I might need to change it too. If I do, I wouldnt mind because I read it is one of the most important parts and I dont want to be left with no power in the middle of the road or with dimming lights. So, whats a good alternator? I think $300 sounds reasonable since thats how much a new battery (DC2600 or XS 3100) cost. I believe I have to pick a certain model for my specific car right? How many amps for the alternator (MINIMUM) for (2) 18" BTLs? (I say 2 because I want to be ready when I add a second BTL) Whats a good place to buy them, any specific brand? I know its a pretty long read, but I want to make sure I make 0 mistakes. I currently have a system and I got really pissed off when I found out I could have gotten something MUCH better. Im really dissapointed at my system and I decided that I was going to read and ask A LOT before spending another dollar when it came to audio system. I hope I get the help I need from this community! Looking forward for your comments! Thanks Slim142