SubWoofer and Amplifier query - 8K Budget

[nitin.dangayach]

Ok i'll keep it short. My current set up is in my signature (jvc*with polks)

Lately I felt that I need a SW since the current sound lacks the lows i want.

The issue is I am short of funds and want to use minimum space.

Other requirements are that I dont want the bass to overshadow the sound. All I want is to add definition and depth to the sound. And since I dont hear my music too loud, anything good at fidelity and lacks in too much power will do.

The budget is 8K. And the thing should be able to get under the current MDF tray and should be able to leave some usable luggage space.

[abhibh]

SW - JBL CS1204(gray) - around 2.8K (more or less depending upon the location)
Amp - kenwood 8401(gray) - 4.5K
Sealed box - around 1.5 K

Overshooting budget here cuz of a good sealed MDF box. Sealed box for CS1204 is 1 cubic feet. Its a very small box and will get under the tray easily and leave around 60% space in the boot.

Will post the pic tomorrow for the size of the box.

[nitin.dangayach]

Thanks for the reply.

Well instead of having a separate enclosure, do we have some option of the company fitted sealed enclosure with sub ? I guess the company fitted stuff will be far more efficient.

Also what about the cables and all ? What all will I need ?

[hydrashok]

Getting a sub-driver and building a box for it will be the less costlier option. I think Abhibh's post covers the best VFM option.

If you want a sub-in-a-box, I think the most VFM one available now is the BULL ESW-12 - 12" sub in a ported box. The box will be carpeted and will have the speaker-wire terminals outside. Rs.6700/- if I remember right.

As for cables, you will need a 4AWG power cable (8AWG might also do, but 4AWG is better, considering upgrades), 2 sets of 2-ch RCAs (for a 4-ch amp). Good VFM Cabling can be done in 2.5K, I should think.

[cooldude1988765]

Originally Posted by hydrashok

If you want a sub-in-a-box, I think the most VFM one available now is the BULL ESW-12 - 12" sub in a ported box. The box will be carpeted and will have the speaker-wire terminals outside. Rs.6700/- if I remember right.

Wont a ported box be bigger than a sealed one ?

[low_bass_makker]

Originally Posted by hydrashok

If you want a sub-in-a-box, I think the most VFM one available now is the BULL ESW-12 - 12" sub in a ported box. The box will be carpeted and will have the speaker-wire terminals outside. Rs.6700/- if I remember right.

It is for 8.5k approx, Also the sub is 200 watts rms. One can get better options in 8.5k

[nitin.dangayach]

Guys trust me, I m totally confused. I cant cross the budget. If the SW itself is 7-8K, and cables demand at least 2K, my budget will get exhausted in these two itself. I need an AMP as well.

Ok getting to the basics, please let me know first that can the said requirement be fulfilled in the said budget ? Since I am sure I can not extend the budget, I would rather wait than going for a compromise on the sound.

The polks have good bass. All I was is to add some groove, some lows. If my budget is less, i'd rather leave the idea of upgrading :(

Suggestions friends.

[cooldude1988765]

Do you want to add an amp to your front speakers also ?

kenwood/blau/jbl 4 channel 5-6k
pio/jbl/gz sub 4-6k
cables, box and installation 3k

That is about 12-15k

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by cooldude1988765

Do you want to add an amp to your front speakers also ?

kenwood/blau/jbl 4 channel 5-6k
pio/jbl/gz sub 4-6k
cables, box and installation 3k

That is about 12-15k

Don't we always have a solution to overshoot a fella's strict budget?

Even i think Abhibh's recommendation is best. CS1204 is the best value for money boom box. I have the original that comes with the box and it is more than decent in SQ. I got it for about 8K more than a year ago.

[nitin.dangayach]

Ok that reminds me. The current output from my HU is good enough for the rears and fronts.
Can't I then go for a MONO AMP ? I am not sure if it'll be cheaper or not. Just wondering.

ANother cobination can be : Front coaxials on HU and the rears+SW on AMP. I can then go with a good 4ch AMP.

Any suggestions on that as well ? That way we can finalise the requirement.

The front speakers are good enough on the HU. Here are the specifcations for the fronts speakers :
db401 Car Audio Speaker from Polk Audio

Driver ComplementMid/Woofer1 - 4" Diameter (10.16cm)
Polymer/Mica Composite cone with rubber surroundTweeter1 - 3/4" Diameter (1.91cm)
Silk/Polymer composite domeElectricalOverall Frequency Response85Hz-22kHzNominal Impedance4 ohmsPower Handling (continuous)45 wPower Handling (peak)135 wEfficiency91 dB

What do you guys suggest ?

[chiragh_bir]

go in for Blaupunkt GT4 Special MKII. excellllent amp!

With B&W it costs 4800/-

more info here
Blaupunkt - Amplifier - GTA-Series - GTA 4 Special Mk II

[cyclops]

Originally Posted by nitin.dangayach

Guys trust me, I m totally confused. I cant cross the budget. If the SW itself is 7-8K, and cables demand at least 2K, my budget will get exhausted in these two itself. I need an AMP as well.

Ok getting to the basics, please let me know first that can the said requirement be fulfilled in the said budget ? Since I am sure I can not extend the budget, I would rather wait than going for a compromise on the sound.

The polks have good bass. All I was is to add some groove, some lows. If my budget is less, i'd rather leave the idea of upgrading :(

Suggestions friends.

nitin, i'd suggest you first try your setup by adding only an amp. sans any sub. if you still miss the lows, go for a sub..

even i'm planning to get an amp for my setup, but a bit short of moolah and a lot confused in the choices between the three amps, 8401/A-604/GT4 MK2

i've even compiled a comparo of these three amps in the attached pdf..

EDIT: Mods, can we create a separate thread titled "Best Entry level Amp" maybe with a poll and put this PDF there?

Sorry nitin, for going OT..

[nitin.dangayach]

WOW thanks cyclops. I am thinking of buying some stuff second hand to keep the cost within limits.

[sonic_boom]

If u want to get heavy lows at low volumes get this :

Kenwood/JBL 2 channel entry level amp(3 K)
JBL 12" 3K
Tsunami Kit (No specific idead but definitely under 2K)

(All prices approx and gray)

But beware....don't crank up the volume too much or you might end up embarrassed

[harry2223]

the cheapest option woud be an alpine 4 channel amp i dont know the number but that silver coloured one.pioneer subwoofer or xplod subwoofer in custom made box. this setup is common in our city and bass is sufficient. the amp cost around 3k and the xplod woofer is around 2200 and pioneer is around 3k. all these are grey markit without warranty . but never heard any complaint

you can also exchange these if you want better stuff later on.