Help choosing subs for a friend

[michael_w]

So my friend is building up a VW Manx and has decided to throw a stereo in it. He has come to me asking what he should get but I'm not sure because I'm a home audio guy and haven't really dealt with car audio enough to know. At the moment we're working on finding out what kind of subs and amp he should get so that I can start building a box to fit the car (then later once the car is closer to competion the rest of the install).

He's looking to get something with decent sq and spl on a small budget. I belive he wants to keep the cost of the subs under $200 cdn (after shipping and everything). I think he originally wanted to go with two tens or something just because they'd look cool but I mentioned that it might be a bit better to just spend the money on a single, better sub. I have the feeling he's hoping for a lot more spl with the theory that two is better than one.

What would you guys recommend? Keep in mind we're in canada so if possible I'd rather buy from a canadian dealer to avoid any extra taxes or duties at the border. I'm not sure what amp he'll get but I'll probably make a different thread on that one after we pick out some subs.

I told him to look at the Assassin series ascendant audio just put out. I've heard good things about them as a budget sub. I've also had a good experience buying and owning one of their Atlas 15's and since the assassin series is the series that is supposed to replace the atlas's I can only hope they'd be similar.
Assassin Link

Oh I forgot... keep in mind that these will be going behind the seats in a convertable style car, so it won't have a roof or actual enclosed space. Some pics of similar completed ones to try and show how it might be tough to make things sound good ;)

Thanks!

[MacLeod]

Check out MTX. Those are kinda poo-poo'd cause theyre a Circuit City brand but man, those are some outstanding subs and you wont find a tougher build sub anywhere. They have very good SQ and can also more a lot of air. Best yet, theyre virtually indestructible. Something like these Thunder5500's.

http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products...hunder5500.cfm

As for going with 2 subs, if he's looking more for SPL then 2 would be the way to go.

[1996blackmax]

I don't know if you guys have Phoenix Gold up there, but their new subs (Radial Sd's) have gotten very good reviews. Great bang for the buck. Here it is at Crutchfield.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-V1PHblh...ld&i=218RSD12D

[MacLeod]

Yeah, they got a stellar review in this months Car Audio and Electronics. May be worth a look and would be cool to have something different. I would still stay with MTX if I was wanting SPL and good SQ.

[michael_w]

Thanks for the two suggestions. I'll have to check to see if they're available up here and if not see what it'll cost to have them shipped. I have a feeling those two might be slightly over budget, but it's definatly worth thinking about.

[MacLeod]

Arent there any Circuit Citys in Canada? I thought there wouldve been.

[Greg Peters]

Negative to the Circuit City in Canada, or at least in BC. "The Source, by Circuit City" bought out Radio Shack Canada but alas, no car audio (just the same Radio Shack-type garbage).

Bellingham WA. would be the closest CC on the I-5 corridor.

We have some Best Buy stores in Canada, but they have different stock (and prices) than BB south of the border.

In BC, Future Shop and A&B Sound both carry MTX (with A&B currently closing out some nice MTX amps/subs for low $$). United AutoSound (in Burnaby) carries much of the Polk lines.

[MacLeod]

In BC, Future Shop and A&B Sound both carry MTX (with A&B currently closing out some nice MTX amps/subs for low $$). United AutoSound (in Burnaby) carries much of the Polk lines.

Cool, there ya go. Run down there and give some a listen. I betchya like them! ;)

[audiobliss]

How'd this turn out? I hope your friend managed to get a system thumping in his open-top buggy!

[michael_w]

Unfortunatly some things came up (like him having to buy a truck because the engine blew in his beater) so any audio related purchases for the manx will be put off until some extra cash appears. I appreciate all the advice and it will be used.... eventually :p

Thanks again.