I'm looking for a sound upgrade for my Monte. Keep in mind I listen mostly to rap an R&B. I don't want to beat down the block of rattle the frame off my car, I just want a nice deep clear sound. Any opinions on what brand I should go with?

Also, what are your opinions on Powerbass USA, Precision Power, and Massive Audio?

 

I'm partial to Pioneer for the HU, JL for the amp and Boston Acoustic/Infinity for speakers. It's really up to you and your budget. Keep in mind that you will need an adapter for the new HU and probably will lose onstar if you have it unless you get an adapter for it. For a simple system of four speakers and an amp I'd suggest the JL Audio G2250 or JL AUDIO AMPLIFIER 300/4. The HU should be one that has the features you want, ie: usb, bluetooth, dvd, mp3, acc or dvix, and remember to get the installation kit/adapter for it. I like component speakers for the doors, but that's a very personal decision and dependent on your budget and listening experience. Remember to match the speakers to your amp.

 

Id like to add components to my car but Id hate to drill holes into my door panels for the tweeters...Is the sound difference really worth it?

 

No particular brand is gonna accomplish that goal better than another. The difference in brands will be cost, features, durability, customer service, looks, etc. Sounds to me like you just want to add a little bass but without going too crazy with it. That being said, I think a single 10" sub in the appropriate size ported box would be more than enough for you. It won't take up much trunk space, won't cost very much, and will give you a noticeable low end without being overpowering or too loud. I think you should look for one that can handle about 300 watts rms, find an amp that puts out 300rms x 1 @ 2ohms and make sure your sub has dual 4 ohm coils so you can wire it down to 2 ohms.

Good luck

 

^^ Sounds like good advice to me. I'd do just what he said, but personally I'd go 12" instead of 10". That's going to be up to you though.

Don't get too set on "I want an MTX/Rockford/whatever brand sub". That will really limit you and your system's potential. Just look for the sub that suits your system's goals, then pick an amp to appropriately power it.

Do you plan on going aftermarket with the headunit or staying factory? You may need different adapters depending on which way you go.

 

^That does sound like solid advice.

 

I will also agreaa with 04 monte, but when it comes to brands... its everyones personel preference, but I have really fell in love with MTX.... I do a lot of sound comps and time after time, I can really pound my system and it just keeps going! I run a MTX sub but I have a mix of alpine type-s speakers in the doors and mtx speakers in the rear and throughout the car. Alpine Type-s is another favorite in speakers, but not my fav in subs. As for amps.... I love the profile ones I have now but if I could afford MTX amps I would def go that route. HU range big time in what your looking for, I have tried almost everybrand out there and I have been stuck on my pioneer with the 6.5" flip out screen for about 3 years now, so if that says anything lol. Thats just my personel opinion, hope it helps in your decision!

 

Ok. I already have a new head unit, its called Roadview GM-700. Its factory fit. Has DVD/GPS/Ipod capabilities, onstar compatable, all the bells and whistles

 

Well thank you Your advice is pretty spot on too. It's nice to have more audio guys on the board now for situations just like this

You guys are making me feel like I know what i'm talking about:p

MTX is a solid brand. I used to have some MTX 12's in my Civic, they banged way harder than I ever imagined they would. I think it all comes down to expectations...in your case you compete so you need something that's a bit more durable than most so it's definitely a good idea to pay for something of better quality.

I've never heard of that brand before but I hope it works out for you. Got any pics of it?

 

Mtx is good i really respect the 9500 and there amps are pretty good quality. If your looking for rap bass your prob gonna wanna get 1 or 2 12s. The bigger subs have the ability to get lower with less effort and with rap music bass being at the absolute bottom of the sound spectrum your gonna need it. my favorite budget sub of all time has to be the 12inch kicker cvr or the 12 L7. Decide on what your budget is and if your new to car audio let someone design your system on here and just install it yourself. but most importantly make sure if your gonna make a purchase on a system that you do it right. audio systems are fragile and a lil complicated and if not set up correctly will for sure break after a couple of months (or days). First thing you need to figure out is where are you gonna get your signal from. New headunit or existing headunit. after that decide on the sub then find an amp to match with wires and box. And all these guys above know what there talking about and all ways give good advice.