dgghostkilla

I'm in the process of finding the right place/price and equipment to get some base going on my 2010 c300 with the Multimedia package 8 speakers 7 inch lcd blablabla you know.

I'm not sure if I shoud go for one or two subs. To be honest in my other car a 2002 jetta i've had two 12''s for the last 5 years so i'm used to hard hitting base for my hip-hop style music. However, I actually do like the way my c300 sounds like maybe I'm just accustomed to the sound.

The one thing is that I woule like to actually have trunk space in the c300 unlike with my jetta where I pretty much don't have a trunk.


my 3 quotes were as follows A $1234.87,
b $2027.99, and C $3643.77
i will only be listing down the main equipment not amp kits or wires or interconnectors etc, I'm getting a decent place on that stuff.
for all 3 setups it includes a custom box for the subs and installation fee
A $125 for custom box 1 sub, install fee $185
B $250 for custom box 2 subs, install fee $185
C $250 for custom box 2 subs, install fee $680

setup A
1 JL Audio 13TW54 sub http://www.crutchfield.com/s_13613TW...-3.html?tp=111
1 XD600/1 mono amp http://www.crutchfield.com/S-G4yLDEy...o-XD600-1.html

Setup B
2 JL Audio 13TW54 subs
1 JL Audio Slash v2 Series 500/1v2 mono amp http://www.crutchfield.com/s_1365001...h=JL+Audio+500

Setup C
2 JL Audio 13TW54
1 JL Audio Slash v2 Series 500/1v2 mono amp
1JL Audio Slash v2 Series 300/4v2 4 channel amp http://www.crutchfield.com/s_1363004...h=jl+audio+300
1 L Audio CL-SSI signal summing interface http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136CLSS...l?search=clssi
1 JL Audio CL441dsp CleanSweep http://www.crutchfield.com/s_136441D...l?search=cl441

I've been shopping around online (amazon,ebay, all the stores that come on google shopping etc)

I can save around 177 dollars on the 2 subs by buying them from either amazon or ebay
I can also save over 150 per amp by buying them online from same places,
same thing with the signal summing and interface.

this store for the most part has lower places that crutchfield on all the equipment. the thing is that buying the equipment from an online store that is not authorized by JL Audio would not have the warranty from JL Audio because they only honor warranties from authorized places etc.

I will not be replacing the front speaks just yet.However if i was to go for setup 3 it would allow to replace the front speakers and give them a cleaner and juicer output.

this is alot of money for me so if I go the expensive route I would have to finance 2/3 of the price.

whats your take on box and install prices and what do you think about buying the stuff online. I think i would save 600 or more if i buy the stuff online but I'm not really sure what to do just yet.

AkaSigFreak

First- make sure the shop you plan on using for install will install components you did not purchase from them. Make sure you are buying form an authorized dealer.
Second- why are you choosing the TW5's? I would suggest the W3v3's if you are trying to save money , but get incredible performance.
Third- I would recommend the XD series amps. They are incredible for the price.
Bottom line- I would do option B but I would use 2 12W3v3 and the XD600/1 amp and $250 for an enclosure is a little high. For that price- it better be completely custom (no trunk liner wrapping).

ROLLNNN

i agree with the w3v3 and xd600.1 amp. The w3's take very little space and sound awesome and the price and power of those tiny xd amps are crazy. I have 2 10w3v3's and the XD600/1 in a custom box and still have lots of trunk space.

What will the custom box look like?

Reaperman

Um...from personal experience and advice from a good audio installer......the front components should be the ones to replace first....then the sub etc.
Unless you plan on changing the HU ie the source, changing the fronts will improve the soundstage, midrange and clarity. If you add the sub first it "could" muddy your sound stage.
In the past I have always stuck with JL Audio or Focal as they tend to suit my musical taste (Rock/Metal/AOR)....but its a personal decision.
My advice is always talk to a good installer and, if possible, have a listen to a similar setup.

Good Luck......

dgghostkilla

thanks guys i will check the subs you guys are talking about online.
i just purchased the JL Audio Slash v2 Series 1000/1v2 which retails at $1100.00 for $410.00 and the JL Audio Slash 300/4v2 4 Channel for $161.00 from a pawnshop store on ebay.
from what it says they tested them and they work, plus they have a 14 day return policy and i can purchase a square trade warranty for them.
so i know the amp as very powerful so im just gonna keep in in mid settings so i dont burn out a sub.

so far i got the amps. i did talked to the guy from the install place. they will install the equipment however he says that if the equipment fails that they will not provide warranty which is expected.

the w3v3 who makes them? hopefully i can google them and find them by just w3v3.

dgghostkilla

ok so i just found the w3v3. well they reason I came up with the 13TW54 was because i told the guys at the company that i wanted to have as much space as possible. I also told him how i have two 12's on my jetta and that i liked the sound but i had no trunk space.
so they introduced me to the 13TW54. they said they were the best subs at 2.5 inches deep.
they do cost a whole lots of money. whats your take on this dilemma.

i wanted to install component speakers but to be honest after he gave me the price for setup 3. i kinda got scared at the huge price so i kinda just stop talking there. this is the reason why im like shopping around online for prices etc.
the main problem is that most online stores like ebay and amazon dont really get the backed warranty by JL audio for not being an authorized company.

so far i spent $604.00 for the two amps. but im just like having a hard time on whether i should keep buying the rest of the main components online and save money. but its just too much of a gamble with not having a backed warranty etc.

the guy from the install did tell me that if i buy all my equipment online that he was going to CHARGE me more for the install. im still waiting on a replay from him to see how much more he is going to charge me because if he charges me a whole lot of money i would be just be better off just buying everything else from him and keep the authorized warranty and the install warranty on the products i do buy from him.

Reaperman

Yip...that's the problem with buying stuff online...yes you can get it loads cheaper...but the installer will "load" his install price and probably not give you a warranty on the install/kit...his profit is in the kit not the install

Its a tough call to make.....if you have a budget...try and stick to it.....I'd always go with the installer for a such a big project....if it were just the components I'd probably do them myself....;-)

dgghostkilla

thanks. i've bought all the main stuff on online except the subs. im still deciding. so far i saved about 400 bucks plus i got the jl audio 1000/1 v2 slasher at a discouted price.

plus i havent told my wife any of this. she would kill me if she knew i spent more than 200 bucks on sound for the car :-) so i need to save as much as i can

jamesecarr

okay, calling all the stereo kings....I am looking to improve the sound in my C300 4-matic. I love the J L Audio brand and would like to get a dual box with either 12 tw5 or 10tw3. I welcome all input to the situation or solutions.

odus

I have a JL W1 and love the sound it puts out with a JL 500 slash amp its in my acura and that thing is plenty loud for the variety of music I listen too. More expensive subs I have found sound good but even the JL entry level subs are hard to beat.

benzdude

Wow, I find the stock package already sounds awesome.