Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Sub opinions needed to narrow choice please!

Hey all,

I'm just about ready to buy a sub -- got some money, some time, and the need to do some unneeded upgrading.

I'm running a JVC HU and changer, pioneer door speakers powered off the HU, and that's it.

I've been to a few places in the Greater Toronto area, and found 3 possible combinations at my price point.

I'm not interested in ordering stuff in from the States as it takes a long time, and the duty payout ends up eating any cost benefit. Besides, all the cool places to shop don't ship to Canada (Ubid, for example).

All subs listed are 10", and I'll be using a sealed enclosure (I think).

Location 1

Pioneer Sub (last year's Premier series 10")
Pioneer Amp (not Premier series)

Location 2

Fusion Amp (Model ends in '402')
Boston Generator or Kaption Standard series sub

Location 3

Alpine S-series 10" sub
Kenwood Amp


BASED ON THESE THREE OPTIONS -- could I get some opinions? I'm leaning towards location 2, but I need some more experienced advice.

Thanks everyone.

Brian

What are the model numbers on all that stuff? Also, what are the price differences?

I don't know all the model numbers.

All the amps are approx 250-300w rms bridged, and all the subs are rated for between 100w -- 500w rms (approx).

The price difference is negligable.

One place was 600 including amp install, one was $630, one was only a little more -- about $650 (for the fusion/kaption/boston) combo.

All included amp installation and wiring kits. Prices are in C$

Thanks.

Brian

Keep in mind you get what you pay for!!! None of your choices sound particularly good. Isn't the high end Alpine subs the Type R? Not sure though. I recommend you waiting a bit and saving up a bit more cash, also installing yourself isn't that difficult if you have someone who knows what they are doing help you. The hardest part is running the power wire through the firewall.
If your looking to run one 10" I would look at alpine v12 m-300. I have the m-500 driving 2 500 watt Diamond 12"'s with no problem. I got it for 325 shipped off of ebay, the 300 usually sells for around 175-200. Lastly, is driving over the border and bringing stuff back an option as opposed to having it shipped to canada?

I Realize that I'm not choosing from high end components here. I don't have the money to do so, and I'm only really looking for some bass fill to make up for what my HU/door speaker combination can't quite cover.

Also, I don't listen very loud, and I'm not thinking it necessary (in my setup) to get a 5 channel amp or anything.

All I want is some low end to thump occasionally, and since the sub is only competing with the 100w rms total my deck puts out, why spend the money on high-end pieces.

I can do the install myself (I did the deck/changer/doors/antenna switch all myself). But -- if I get them to do it, the install is warranted, which means I never have to worry about it. Besides, even if I save 50 or 60 bucks on installation, it won't make up for a $300-400 jump for higher end pieces.

Driving into the states and picking stuff up isn't a great help -- all the best deals are online, so I'd have to find someone in the states that could take delivery of the gear until I get down there (which I don't very often), not to mention the crazy exchange rate -- no savings.

I just wanted some opinions of the items I mentioned above - particularly the Kaption and Boston subs.

Brian

I haven't seen very many great write-ups on the Alpine Type-R subs, and I know their amps are SQ rather than SPL (which suits you). I have the IDQ 10 (D4V2) and it just pounds. However, the IDQ runs about $375 on its own!
I could probably pick it up for about $325 for you if you want it.

An IDMAX can be found for less than 375! Even in canadian dollars, 375 seems to be about 50% more than what you should be able to find an IDQ for.