I'm pretty much just looking for a few tips or a few general good things to know when going aftermarket audio (subs and speakers/components). I will soon have a pair of Rockford Fosgate 12" subs, and am looking at a certain 1200W 2 Channel amp for them. I'll definitely eventually upgrade my speakers, probably decent 4-way 6x9s and components for the door. But I'm not sure exactly what to do. I'm not going for PRISTINE audio quality or an award-winning system, I just want better than factory speakers with my subs, and have an adequate but not over-the-top amp. And while I'm at it, as far as sound deadening, how much and where should I dynomat my trunk or other areas?

I've found that Pioneer has a pretty good range of stuff, alot of it very affordable. My h/u for instance, I paid $100 for it, and it sounds great.

I have had Pioneer as well. My last HU was a DEH-P7600, and I had Pioneer 4-way 6x9s.


With 2 12" subs should I expect to upgrade my alternator and/or battery?

you should be fine with the 140amp. And they are easy to replace later if you are getting voltage drops

you should do the "Big 3" upgrade too...

What'* that?

I was definitely thinking of upgrading my battery too. Anything else?

if you upgrade your battery you should do the alt. If you upgrade your alt you need to do a battery.

definately look into the Big 3

I did some quick internet research on "The Big 3." 1) alternator positive to battery positive, 2) battery negative to chassis, and 3) engine ground to chassis.

I definitely have some work to do...

how many wattts are you running?

2 subs that are 200W RMS each (Rockford Fosgate 12" RFS-1412 subs). How does that sound IYO?

Talking with another member I decided to go with a bare minimum of a 300W RMS amp. Of course, it will probably be more. Remember, I'm a newbie to heavy aftermarket audio, so any pointers, advice on above is appreciated.