New System, need advice
 

I dont know too much about sound systems so I was hoping someone could steer me into the right direction.

Basically I have 400-500 bucks to work with. Now I dont want to make the mistake I made a while ago by getting a cheap bass tube, im looking for a good amp and subwoofer that will pump alot of juice. Does anyone have any suggestions?

bumppp

Easy.

You can find:
A custom box for single 12" sub on ebay for $120 (from member ZEnclosures)
A 12" JL Audio 12w3v2 subwoofer (325 watts RMS) on ebay for $134 (from member www-sonicelectronix-com)
A Kicker ZX400.1 Monoblock Amp on ebay for $150 (from member audio-club)

If I can do math as well as the next guy, then I'm pretty sure that total is less than $400... leaving enough money to spare for wiring and stuff.

If you need someone to do the install for you, you might need more money or cheaper components...

Note the key phrase in each "on ebay"... ebay is a great tool, learn how to use it

Thanks for the reply.

Ya I have been looking around for a while now, But I wanted to make sure I wasnt spending money on something that sucks.....just needed a push in the right direction

EDIT: Would 2 12's be overkill?

I have two Directed 10" Sub... I think they are PLENTY.. You will probly have a harder time fitting two 12"s in the trunk.

I have 2x10's in a single custom box. ( Fit's in right behind seats, and doesn't budge ) and It sounds great.

is the sub and amp that climber suggested really good? If so thats probbaly what I will do

my gf just got a combo pack for her scion tc from circuit city for something like 250 dollars installed and everything. It has two 10" bazookas and a 350 watt (i think) amp in a box. I thought it would be pretty crappy, but it hits like a champ. It shakes your hair and bones. Check CC online.

if you can afford two twelves, then ZEnclosures also sells custom boxes for dual twelves... do realize this will make you have to buy a more powerful (more expensive) amp as well though...

not sure if you can pull off two twelves with a strict budget of 500 holla dollas

in terms of wattage, what should I be looking at for both the sub and amp?

I'm currently driving my JL 12w3v2 at 2 ohms and 325 watts rms, right in the middle of the optimal power band for that sub. I'm using the rockford fosgate 325.1 amp, which is decent.

overall, my system gives plenty of bass if you turn up the gains a little bit. with my stock bose HU at bass = +1 and the gain on my amp at like 3/4, my system pounds on rap with bass tracks, and gives a decent amount of bass for most rock.

if youre looking to shake your brains out, you need 400+ watts... make sure your amp has enough RMS wattage to power your sub(s).

if you want heavy bass on rap, and clean-sounding, complementary bass on rock and other music, then you'll be fine with the 12w3v2 and a 325 watt amp.

great, thanks for the help climber...