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Hey guys, I just joined this site today. Needing some help concerning building a system. Ill start off by telling you what my current setup is.

Head Unit: Alpine CDM-7854
Subs: MTX Thunder 4000 (Model #T4128) 8ohms
Amp: 300 Watt Kenwood KAC-628

I had this setup built by Good Guys back in 2000. So its a little outdated and not very good sounding.

My question is this: Where do I start?

I would like to start with Subs/Amp. I know that I want 2 12's.

What are the best brands, what do I need to look for?

Well first of all, Welcome.

Second of all, what are your expectations? Do you want SQ or SPL? Why do you want 2 12's?

If you want to know what brands are good, check out the Good, Bad and Ugly list in the FAQ section. That should get you headed in the right direction.

Edit: THIS is the link for the Good, Bad and Ugly list.

Welcome again,

ridr4lif hit all the Q's you need to answer, and we could help you out tons.
Make sure you go through the whole FAQ section, it will help you tremendously.

Thanks for the quick replies. Im new to this whole car audio thing. I dont know what SPL and SQ are. No particular reason why I want 2 12's other than it makes it look like I have a lot lol. I listen to hip-hop so I want something that will hit hard, but also have good sound quality. Im not looking to spend a ton (500-1000) on Subs/Amp for now. I want the most I can get in that price range. I will add a new Head Unit later, something that will be compatible with a DVD screen.

Ok.

SQ= Sound Quality and SPL= Sound Pressure Levels or basically...LOUD!

If you listen mostly to Hip-Hop, you will probably want to look into a ported box. As for Subs, Alpine Type-R's get pretty loud. You could also look into a pair of Resonant Engineering SE's or a Single SX. Possibly Kicker Comp VR's as well.

As for amps, just check out the FAQ and match an amp to whatever subs you pick.

SPL: Sound Pressure level
SQ: Sound Quality

or in between, SQL. If you listen to mostly rap, I'd say a single ported 15". RE audio is having a group buy http://www.soundillusions.net You could pick up a 15" RE SE for 167 shipped. JBL bp600.1 would complement it that should be around 150 shipped. say 30 bucks for a box. And your set. Thats if you can build one yourself. Which they are not hard at all.

As for Subs, Alpine Type-R's get pretty loud. You could also look into a pair of Resonant Engineering SE's or a Single SX. Possibly Kicker Comp VR's as well.

X2 on all of them. I really like the type R's. I got a 15" off ebay for 86. They can be found for cheap. If you were to go with kicker, the VR's are the only way to go. All those should be had for all under 500 or close. (sub+amp+box)

damn you guys are one sided there are so many other subs out there other than re! look at the alpine type r subs or look into a pair of elevation audio comp 12s or a single pro... there are many brands out there. not a big fan of kicker subs but the cvrs are decent

damn you guys are one sided there are so many other subs out there other than re! look at the alpine type r subs or look into a pair of elevation audio comp 12s or a single pro... there are many brands out there.

j/k I was gonna mention them, but on the budget he asked for, it seemed the E audio pro was a lil high. it's around $400 right. And they only come in 12's correct?

I would also suggest Adire Audio, and Ascendent(sp?) audio too. But I believe both don't have the new products out yet.