Help with car audio..

[ch33zw1z]

So I'm doing my first car audio stuff and looking for a little advise / real world xp from you guys(gals?). Total budget for this is about $400-$500. I typically research, and would like to purchase, from Crutchfield.

I have a 2009 Toyota Corolla. I have 4 stock speakers (working fine for now), and I recently replaced the stock stereo with a Kenwood KMM-BT315U. Great little unit so far, picked up the dash kit, cable harness, and posi-twist connectors from Crutchfield. Install was relatively smooth, the dash kit took some time to get the unit in just right.

I'm looking to add a subwoofer setup into the trunk. This is where I'm have a bit of trouble deciding what to get..since I have a Corolla, I'm likely to get one speaker, I'm not looking to shake the cars around me at the traffic light , and I need to conserve trunk space for the occasional trip with the kiddo's.

I'd really like to add the setup myself if possible. The physical connections are no problem, aka I do much of my own cabling for data and electrical. I only have a couple questions on this part...

1. Do installers typically run the power and RCA's side-by-side thru the car?
2. What's the most typical path thru a sedan like the Corolla?

I've settled on at least one of these 10" or 12" speakers, not sure exactly what size yet.. These speakers seem good, and I'm likely to pick one of these in whatever size I choose.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W0V34/JL-Audio-10W0v3-4.html
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13612W0V34/JL-Audio-12W0v3-4.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SWR12D4/Alpine-SWR-12D4.html

I have researched the difference between SVC and DVC, since I'm only planning on one speaker, a SVC with mono channel or 2channel bridged amp will do nicely...but which one?!

This is the problem, finding the right amp to match.

These are the three I'm comparing:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_777M2250/Sound-Ordnance-M-2250.html?tp=115

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130GMA5702/Pioneer-GM-A5702.html

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136JX3602/JL-Audio-JX360-2.html

I'm kinda leaning towards the JL Audio 12" sub+amp combo.

Crutchfield has the 12" in a box, http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136112W0V3/JL-Audio-CP112-W0v3.html

Final note, it seems ported boxes are recommended for EDM and rap styles, while sealed boxes are for rock and acoustic styles. I listen to a healthy mix of pretty much everything except for mainstream "country"...so I'm not sure it's going to make that much of a difference for me at this point.

Just looking for any advice, as I am a noob that's willing to learn and DIY.

 

[Kazukian]

Protip, call Crutchfield and ask what they have for scratch and dent stuff, I saved a few $ by calling them and being flexible.

 

[Kaido]

Technology has changed. Here's the modern stuff:

1. Build an AutoTuba, from plans:

http://www.billfitzmaurice.com/AutoTruckTuba.html

2. Install a quick disconnect system (various coupling plugs are available for sub amps & speaker wires) so you can pop the box out if you need the storage space in the trunk for whatever. There's not really a standardized system, but there are a variety of easy mods to do. For example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOS_GrkZRYE

Anyway, plans are $15. Why build it?

1. You want bass for music, not thump for other cars to hear.
2. It will spank those 12" subs.
3. You can build the whole sub for less than the price of one of those 12" subs cones, which don't even come with a box.

 

[MongGrel]

Why anyone wants an audio system like that in a vehicle these days is beyond me, even the stereo system in my older Mazda 3 Hatch has enough punch that it never gets turned up to even halfway these days.

Granted, it has upgraded factory audio.

It's not like it was in the 60's when cars had crap audio.

About 1980 was the last time I ever worried about upgrading car audio myself.

But I guess maybe that is your thing.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Kazukian, thanks for the protip, I don't mind scratch and dent...more about functionality

Kaido, thanks....will check it out

Mongrel, I spend much of my time driving, the 6x9's aren't terrible, just want the little extra. Also, it's a great way to hang out with my kids, and my 10YO is helping the whole way. He helped with the stereo upgrade. So yeah, right now...it's my thing

 

[MongGrel]

Kazukian, thanks for the protip, I don't mind scratch and dent...more about functionality

Kaido, thanks....will check it out

Mongrel, I spend much of my time driving, the 6x9's aren't terrible, just want the little extra. Also, it's a great way to hang out with my kids, and my 10YO is helping the whole way. He helped with the stereo upgrade. So yeah, right now...it's my thing

I might be worried about my kids hearing, but seems you have something else in mind.

I'm not going to interfere with your life

It sounded originally like you were going to be driving around with it cranked.

An upgrade never hurts, my home stuff would make me deaf pretty fast over time, but I normally never crank em.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Thanks man, my kids appreciate your concern.

That's why my original post said I didn't want to shake the car next to me, I'm not looking to blast it for everyone to hear.