Which amp?

I am want to put 2 10" subs in. Image Dynamics ID10d4 v.3 or JL 10W1v.2-4. I am looking at either Image Dynamics Q450.4 Amplifier or JL Audio 500/1v2 Amplifier. I am really embarrassed to say that I do not understand all the RMS and OHMs mumbo jumbo even though I am in the electrical field (also never had to work on amplifiers, guess I will stick to building Petro-Chem Refineries) Also open to suggestions.

Thanks In Advance

 

If you have questions about RMS, MAX, Ohms, or whatever, just shoot. I can probably explain most of it in a real world sense (I, might even be able to throw in some refinery parallels).


As for the equipment, I am a fan of both subs but would give the nod to the ID's, and the amp I'd get the JL.

 

Great choice of gear there! I would need to check dimensions on both amps to make sure they will fit to start with, you really need to be under 14" in length to comfortably fit them in the Taco (crap, forgot to check which truck you have before I started to post) if you have the DC Taco. I don't think you can go wrong with either amp.

 

toyotanation.com has good stero write ups to sift through. I've done considerable reading on steros lately. I'm leaning toward DLS equipment over JL. Here's a list of websites:

www.mobilesoundworks.com
Great prices on automotive audio
www.mobilesq.com
Really high end, competition category equipment
www.woofersetc.com
Decent prices on automotive audio, lots to choose from
www.crutchfield.com
Prices might not be great, but for a beginner the instructional material covers the basics and their instructions that come with your purchase are outstanding
www.dlsamerica.com
Competition amps, speakers, from what I hear outstanding sound if the everything is powered correctly
www.zapco.com
Competition amps
www.secondskinaudio.com
Sound dampening a little pricey but great quality
www.sounddeadnershowdown.com
This is objective review of sound deadners, about as scientific as a guy can get at home, it's thorough and at least you can use it as a reference

This should get you started. I had no idea about half the websites listed until I started researching, I thought Alpine and JL Audio were the absolutes on quality and sound, which isn't necessarily the case. I installed a MTX amp, Infinity Reference components, Alpine head unit, and sound deadening in my wife's F150 a couple of years ago. The next system I install will have considerable better equipment, all depends on budget. Enjoy

 

Thats what I was leaning towards also. But what am I looking for as for as ohms rating and RMS is the actuall part of the sign wave you are useing or somthing like that. Basicly what are the key numbers I need to match up amp to sub when buying.

and just for fun: 000,001,010,100,101,110,111. dont ask for hexi its been way to long

 

I'm going to be sporting 18.5" and 15.75". We've done some measurements and it can be done. Then again, I'm only doing 1 sub.

There's a guy who stuck an amp near 16" under the passenger seat as well. You could always have the larger amp under the seat and the other behind the rear seats.

Do you need 2 subs? I'd imagine our cabs would do fine with just one... I'm still waiting to find out.


If the OP can help it though, space-saving is the mantra.

 

Agreed that bigger amps can and do fit, I personally run a Sundown 1500D and a SAX100.4 which are both roughyl 17" long and have 2 10" IDQ's, I had to modify my seat latches to make it work which required cutting into the plastic seat backs. If you only go with one sub then size really isnt too much of an issue.

 

There is one thing my Uncle tought me was if you are going to do it, it better be the biggest and baddest you can get.

 

Two isn't necessarily better than one in this case, though. Does it become overpowering and annoying? Did I just waste money on two subs and not be able to tell the difference? These are questions to ask up front. Quality over quantity.

 

Check out the new alpine amps they are extremely small and give a good amount of power. I went with the pioneer premier amps and I love em. 300 watts to each sub RMS and wired for 2ohms

 

just dont get any kenwood or pioneer amp they are garbage i have a lanzar 4000w mono block with 2 12 L5 kickers. It hits to hard. Another good amp is a fusion. The amp you have chosen will be fine though

 

...whereas I would have said Pioneer Premiere is fine for entry to mid-level spending, and Kicker is a brand to pull out the garlic and crosses.

Now, there is nothing wrong with what blacktaco is running - he loves it, and my opinion doesn't make his music sound worse or better to his ears. For me, I will be tuning my 1000w mono block down to ~300W to accompany my JL sub. It doesn't make my setup wrong either, just different.

This is also a good time to talk about "what is too much amp?" Consider that you have a limited amount of space (where do you plan on sticking that 30" long Soundstream XXX-10,000D with the MTX JackHammer 24? ).
Due to the space in the truck, you are regulated more by how much wattage your subs will draw - get the subs first, then get an amp that will handle them. Having a little extra isn't bad (you can always tune down), but more power = more money and more size.
From my setup, you could see that I'm obviously carrying more amp than needed. The amp I already had, and I couldn't find a subwoofer that would tout both that much power handling and fit in the space requirements I had - I want all my backseats usable. So yes, I'm wasting power, and had I bought new specifically for this truck, it would be a ridiculous move where I would have wasted money.


Brand loyalty is going to be the biggest problem you face, and dealers will prey on that. Find two amps you like, do research on both, and unless people say, "this one is prone to failure", it's going to come down to splitting hairs.