Ok, so I've had my system running for some time now and am very pleased with the sound except for my sub. It sounds great when I turn it up, but I'm looking for a bit more bass when I'm just cruising with the sound at a moderate to low level. I've tried playing with the settings, but am not pleased with the outcome.

I'm currently running an alpine V12 MRV-F540 amp for everything i.e. Focal components and a 10" audiobahn sub in a WLaurent passenger side box. Run by an Alpine 7894 headunit. I plan on getting a new headunit this spring (because it's dying) and figured I might also upgrade my sub. My questions are the following- will getting a new shallow sub do the trick or am I better off getting an independent amp for the sub. I would prefer to keep the box due to convience versus a different style box. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

no one?

 

Here's my recommendation.... headunit get a 9885 (new alpine) it's amazing for IPOD features if your looking for something like that, and has crazy amounts of features for the money... as far as your system set up goes though, i'd recommend changing both your amp and sub... the sub is your weak link in the system for your bottom end.... but the amp could use an upgrade also. I'd recommend 2 things depending on your budget.... one , getting the alpine PDX 4.150 amp , using the front two channels to power your front speakers , and the other 2 channels bridging them out to a sub. Or if you wanted you could do the same thing with a JL 350/4 amp... now the amp is where your going to want to put your money in since if you get a good amp right off the bat, it'll last you forever and it will also have enough power for if you decide to change out products later on...

Now for the sub , I'd check into a JL w1v2 10'' , or possibly (depending on how much room you have in that box) a 10'' JL w3v3

let me know if you need anything else :-)

 

Thank you for the reply and advice. As for the headunit, you'd recommend the 9885. What about the 9886 or the IDA X series? I am willing to spend up to $400. I plan on using this with my ipod. As for the amp my amp is pretty much an older version of the PDX you recommend (looking at the specs ie. wattage RMS all but bridged I'm running 250 vs. 300 watt RMS on this model etc). So I guess I'll start with a new headunit and go from there.

 

IDA series isn't very user friendly, even though it looks pretty sweet.... plus doens't play CD's :-) which you may say now that's ok , but it does suck.... Alsp I appoligze , I ment the 9886 , 9885 is the older one , 9886 blloooowwss away alot of things. WHen I first played with this I was amazed how easy it was to use and the speed. If your amp is matching up nicely just stay with it... but sub change out is going to be a must eventually... good luck

 

The only problem with Alpine head unit's is the output Volts into the AMP.. I use a Eclipse deck that has a 5v Preout, MUCH better for amps in general. In order to put out more volts to your amp you would have to purchase a Crossover which takes up more space and requires more wiring.

My friend at the Stereo shop told me that they are coming out with a new alpine with a higher Volt Preout later this year so you might want to hold off on the headunit for now.

I am running a 12w3v3 sub in a sealed enclosure built by DB powered by a JL Audio 500/1 and it hits nice throughout the whole range.

 

S2K2XGA- is that sealed box a side box .38 cf (passenger / driver side)or is it the stealth trunk?

 

New alpine radio I quoted him has a 4v pre-out

 

The 9887 has media expander wtf is that? vs bass engine on the 9886 is it worth the price difference? That seems to be the only difference besides a larger choice of color display.

 

Not sure but in the manual it says "makes vocals or instruments sound distinct regardless of the music source. The FM Radio, CD, and iPod, will be able to reproduce the music clearly even in cars with alot of road noise". I guess you can set to levels 1-3 for each type of playback. I don't know much yet... but I have this unit, just not installed yet.