I recently decided to go with a one amp setup rather than two. I just ordered the Kicker KX550.3 last night. This is my first time messin with car audio, but I already know more than I knew a couple weeks ago. The only things I have installed so far are the Optima Yellow Top and the Eclipse Head Unit.

Ok great choice on amp! I don't know much about the new Eclipse subs so I cannot comment on it. And I will let someone else how has more experience with Alpine take the components. But so far looks like a nice clean system.

Not a terrible start, you could do worse

Not a terrible start, you could do worse

you crack me up man!

I agree though. I spent a decent amount on much worse my first run in with car audio.

you have me more than beat...you are starting with components! i had stock fronts and chitty 6x9s...lol

i'd say you are off to more than a good start...especially with the yellowtop, that will leave a good amount of room for upgrading, but i am not really sure about the eclipse? i have never heard one or heard of one...let us know how it is

Nice diagram, looks good! I have a kicker zx700.5....the 4ch high side is a little weak for my liking, in my setup anyway. However the subs work great and I'm going to run it 3ch and I bet it will hammer clean. My first experience with a kicker. Also mounted it on stands if it makes any difference, since the whole bottom of it is heatsink.

I had an eclipse 6200 12, but never used it. Looked a lot like an MTX to me. Running 4 infinity 1242s IB.

I always get the HU, front drivers, and some kind of amp in a car first but I lean to SQ. Do like some deep bottom though. Even with the system in my car I still have enough old stuff around to put together another system that would work....I'm never empty handed.

Edited November 2, 200717 yr by sqguyib

Thanks for the input guys. I ordered my Eclipse sub last night off of eBay. Now, I just need to get the wiring...

What do you think about this?

Amp Kit

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KOL-AK4

20 FT 12 Gauge

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR12SS

50 FT 16 Gauge

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KAR16SS

Would that be all the wiring I need? The amp kit comes with some extra stuff I don't really need, like the RCAs because I already ordered some Tsunami, but oh well.

knu has good stuff. as an alternative pm johnecon2001 over here. he can make some nice amp kits for you....im a repeat customer of his

Start off with 4 gauge wire! just in case you decide to upgrade. if you r really gonna upgrade say 2400 watts or more get 0 gauge with an anl fuse holder. that power wire really makes a difference. getting the right gauge wire will really save you a lot of time because you'll do it right the first time.

I am going to be needing a box within the next week or so. How many cubes should the box be? I have a good bit of room in my trunk and I want to get the best performance possible out of this sub.

depends what you want...are you interested at being loud, or have it just sound good? or both?

depends what you want...are you interested at being loud, or have it just sound good? or both?

the most thump i can get without losing alot of sound quality. my front speakers should help with the clarity as well.

i would probably go ported then...probably like 2 cut ft. tuned to 30hz would be good based on the available specs...

i would probably go ported then...probably like 2 cut ft. tuned to 30hz would be good based on the available specs...

A member of another forum said he could build me a 2.5 cube ported box tuned to around 32hz with black carpet for $120 shipped. Sound about right? I doubt I could find a better price.

$120 shipped is a pretty good price. I wouldn't build a 2.5 box for less than that. Just make sure you check out his portfolio (he should have one).

And yea, def better than my first 'system' which consisted of 6.5 Pioneer REV coaxes running off a Panasonic HU. 22wrms of POWA!

Edited November 6, 200717 yr by VQ35max

that's a great price...the local shop here would probably charge more than that without carpet...

just watch out

let's see a build log when you start putting it all together

The box builder's portfolio.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures...l?id=2103859320

Opinions?

EDIT: A build log will be posted once everything has arrived.

Edited November 6, 200717 yr by BuckyBoy

Boxes...how about the 18 in the Tahoe, that must shake a little if its got some power on it.

looks like the guy has done lots of work...you are probably safe with him...

looks pretty legit to me. I say go for it and let us know how it all works out for ya.

Looks like a real nice first system! Way nicer than mine was.

You shouldnt have any trouble getting that Eclipse loud. My friend used to have one and had 2 12" Alpine Type S in a sealed prefab and a 600rms Alpine amp. That thing actually hammered! It rattled to hell!

Because of how bad they rattle, be sure to sound deaden it. Buy some Second Skin Sludge and go to town. Will make that rediculous amount of rattling just a very light hum.

Looks great so far!