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my first suggestion is not to base your system on a power rating.
don't say "I want an 900 watt system."
pick the speakers you like, then see how much power they'll need for your application, and then, finally, decide if your car can handle that much power or if you need to upgrade the charging system to support the power required.

I've seen 800 watt systems that weren't very impressive, and I've owned and installed 800 watt systems that would blow ya out of the car they were in.

How about this for a start:
tell us the year, make, and model of your car.
give us a rough idea of what kind of system you're after.
tell us your total budget ballpark for the system.
we already see your musical tastes.

based on that we can help you lay out a system you'll be happy with.
Your current approach is like trying to build a motor around a camshaft. It's a bit backwards but not uncommon to see.

I know I've been a little elementary with the whole "power rating" thing. I just don't know where to start. I dont know what makes one better than the other. I mean there are brands and such that suppose to hit better, etc, but other than that I've got nothing.

I own 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP

I want a system that can catch the feeling of double bass and just make me smile every time I turn it up. I want it to be able to take it until my radio is all the way up. I like the feeling of bass more than the sound. I think that bass is better felt than heard.

I want to try and keep it under $1000 but I want this system to be able to take being relocated a lot. I change cars every so often since my family business is a used car dealership.

Thanx again everyone,
Chad

If you want to put it in car terms like I've been hearing alot...I want to go from a cavalier to a Camaro SS. I don't want to be able to reach what it can put out, but I don't want a Top Fuel Dragster.

well, for a grand, you're not going to get very high end. You can build a decently loud, very good quality system that sounds both loud, and clean though with pretty sharp detail.
Being able to move car to car is a big problem though since every car has different speaker location sides. I'd consider doing this:

-one 6.5" pair of separates in front with f'glass kick pods to house them, so you just change kickpods between cars.
-one 4-channel amp around 50watts x 4 @ 4 ohms to drive those speakers, and perhaps a pair in back.
-one pair of 6.5" coax or 6x9s in back if you want them or if its a big car.
-one 600 watt class D amplifier
-one pair of 12" RE SX or SE subs, or Kicker CompVR subs in a ported box.
going with a single larger sub would have space issues in some cars.
you'll still need to route 4ga power cable for the two amplifiers to their mounting locations, which I'd put on a plywood rack, then f'glass it to make them look really nice, but still able to be moved as a single unit when needed.
I'd also consider alarm systems. It protects your investment, and increases the car's resale value as well as lowering your insurance rates.

component brands/lines will depend on your ears and wallet.
amps, I'd look at Kicker or MTX. decent prices, good amps.
head unit, I'd go with eclipse, alpine, pioneer, or clarion.
get one with 3 pre-outs, and built in crossover.

Im not sure what comp vr's RMS are, but RE SE's are 600w i believe, and SX might be evne more, so if you are on a budget you might want to go with something like comp vrs. I have a kicker amp and i can reccomend it to you with full confidence, they are awesome.

but for a good deal you could look into the JBL 1200 or 600 because cardomain.com does the refurbs for cheap, and they are authorized.

HU i would go with Pioneer, ive never owned an alpine, from what I hear they are very very good, but ive owned two pioneers and never had a problem, so thats where my loyalty lies

speakers you probably wont want a component set if you will be changing cars often. (i guess depending on how often) becuase you will have to moutn the tweeter, the crossover, etc, might get tedious after the first few times. I think you can get CDT cl6x's for $60 authorized. Or you could get their new "braxial" line, kinda in between components and coax's, not sure how much those are. Also the infinity kappa line is good for the $$.

if I am not mistaken, the older CVR's had an RMS rating of 300 watts, while the new CVR'S are 400w RMS each, depending on VC configuration...

my amplifiers rated for 500 watts but you know just as well as i do

that the jl audio 500/1 is putting out way more powere and much better sound than any of that phony overated stuff is

usually you can tell what amps are beter than others by the price

wow you really love old threads man, lol. yes that 500/1 is a great amp but it doesn't put out way more power then 500rms. It has a regulated power supply, so your not getting much more then 500 rms.

Hey man, at least your trying to better yourself with knowledge by searching for it! Although I've been looking for a while now, and its very elusive!! :)

High Society wrote:wow you really love old threads man, lol. yes that 500/1 is a great amp but it doesn't put out way more power then 500rms. It has a regulated power supply, so your not getting much more then 500 rms.

how well will the jl 500/1 push an alpine type x

hmmm....