decisions decisions

[a504boi]

Should i get the liquid cooling system for my bazooka subs?
The amps would cost me about 300 and the cooling unit would be 100. Is it worth it or should i just settle for a generic amp?

 

[JTang]

For 400 total, there's no decision to be made. Get something else.

 

[leenjen]

well i wouldn't get a generic amp. make sure you get a good amp.

the liquid cooling is kinda a gimmick. it does cool the sub and amp a little. but the small intricate parts dont get cooled. the amp's circuit board develops so much heat and the coolant doesnt pass through the whole thing. also the sub's voice coil will continue to build heat as electric current passes through it.

go for a good amp, dont get a generic amp. check out Orion, MTX, Audiobahn, etc...

 

[Rydogg]

I wouldn't go with the Bazookas at all. For that amount of money you could get a sweet MTX or Fosgate AMP. I think that is your best bet IMHO!

RYDOGG

 

[rockymntnhi]

NO Bazooka's !

Don't waste your $$$ . I bought a car that came w/ one before , it was the first thing I upgraded . For $400 you should be able to get a nice set up . Example: my local shop has a set on sale 2-JL WO10's a box and a 200w Fosgate amp for $389 .. Shop around .....

 

[a504boi]

BAZOOKA 12 in. Car Subwoofer
Brand/Model: BAZ EL1204
Are these subs good?

 

[leenjen]

they're not terrible, but there are a lot better subs out there for the same price or less.

i dont know what you're going for, SPL or SQ, but the bazookas aren't known for either. they're not crap like Pyle, Legacy, Pyramid, etc...
but you should really look around at a real car audio shop (not Circuit City, Best Buy, or Crutchfield).

 

[a504boi]

well....now im rethinking about my system. i think i'll just return the bazooka subs and get this audiobahn i seen on ebay. ebay link
What do you guys think?
leenjen i know its bandpass but i like the sound bandpass creates i dont know its my thing.
well any ways. IF anybody has suggestions of a complete sound system for under $500, I'm open to them.

anyone out there know links to find cheap sound systems link them please!

 

[bigtigexplorer]

For $535, I got 2 8ohm MTX 6000 12s and a MTX Thunder 152 amp. I've been really pleased with this setup and have not had any problems.

 

[mrsteve]

Originally posted by a504boi
IF anybody has suggestions of a complete sound system for under $500, I'm open to them.

What exactly do you mean by a complete sound system? To me a complete sound system is: headunit, front and rear speakers, sub, amp (or 2) box for sub, and all wiring.

I am going to assume you are just talking about a sub, box, amp set up. There are so many options out there we need more information on what you are seeking from you sound. Do you want better sound quality, overall loudness, or a mix of both. For just $500 you can get decent equipment but if you dont' install it yourself you are gonna have to shell out serious cash. Most shops will charge around $50 for the installation of an amp and that doesn't include wiring. All the wiring components you'll need will easily run you another $50-$75. So you are already over $100 before you've bought a sub, amp, or box. Okay so you can get a decent pre-fab box for $50. You are left with $350. I'd look for a sub around $125-$150. Leave at least $200 for an amp. It'll be hard to find a quality amp for less than that.

Let us know what you are looking for.

Steve

 

[leenjen]

well since he wants a bandpass box, we can rule out sound quality. they also dont get as loud as a good ported box and sub.

i guess if bandpass is what you want, then you might as well buy that one on ebay. you wont win any competitions, but it looks nice. then get a decent 800 watt rms amp ( a good one not a cheap Legacy, pyramid, Pyle, etc..)

 

[Brian's98XLT]

Stay away from the liguid cooling unless you have a unlimited budget.
I had a buddy who had the Precision Power amp a few years back that had the liquid cooling option on them. Let me tell you coollant and electronics do not mix.
One of his fitting developed a leak and took out 2 of his amp. No warranty from PPI because of the damage caused from the coolant.

 

[mrsteve]

You won't need anywhere near 800 watts RMS to power a sub in a bandpass box. Bandpass boxes are much much much more expensive than sealed or ported boxes. So why not do yourself a favor and save money on the box, increase your overall SPL AND your SQ. Stay away from bandpass boxes they really suck. You get a very narrow frequency range and "boomy" bass. If you do get a bandpass box you won't need to get a very good quality sub either. Something on the lowend of the scale such as a JL Audio W0. The only advantage of bandpass is how they can create a decent amount of volume with very little power.

Steve

 

[leenjen]

Originally posted by mrsteve
The only advantage of bandpass is how they can create a decent amount of volume with very little power.

well you're right, but a sealed or ported system will hit much harder. it's all about how much air you move. with a bandpass you get bass at a certain freq. range (whatever the ports are uned to), but you can only move as much air as will fit through those ports. when you go to competitions, you see either ported or sealed enclosures. i've never seen a db drag where someone used a bandpass.

i blame Cruthcfield for telling all these kids that bandpass boxes are the best thing around.

 

[mrsteve]

I agree with you 100% leenjen. Bandpass is horrible. I think the reason why people get them is because they are using $45 subs and a 100 watt amp. Also they can look better than a regular sealed box if the interior is mirrored and accented with neon. But also the boxes are freaking huge! What a ridiculous waste of space and money.

Steve

 

[a504boi]

ok ok ...you guys convinced me. bandpass blows. what do u think about the kicker solobarics (the round ones)!!??

 

[leenjen]

the kicker solos are good. the main reason why i like the round over the square ones is that i heard too many complaints about the screw holes. on a round sub, you can take it out and turn it a little when you put it back in. this way it will still be in there tight. with the square ones, no matter how you turn it, the holes always match up. if you ever have to take out the sub, you have to keep reusing the same holes. if you do it a couple times, the screws are loose.

 

[a504boi]

thanks a lot leenjen. u've been very helpful.
HOw does 350 sound for 2 12' kicker solobaric round sound?

 

[leenjen]

$350 for a pair sounds like a good deal to me....

unless anyone knows of a website that sells them cheaper. but i dont think you'll find anything better than that.

 

[SteveOD]

These intriigued me the last time I was up at my audio shop, but I am friends with a salesmen there and he said the liquid coolant doesnt really do anything. While it would probably give you more flexibiliy with where you can put it, it wouldnt be worth the 100$ anyhow. He said the bazookas weren't all that bad in general though so its up to you, it looks pretty damned cool.