REVscene - Vancouver Automotive Forum

jmanhas · 02-05-2009, 07:04 PM

i'm thinking about changing my stock speakers and adding a sub...
if i change speakers, would i need an amp?
also this is my setup..would this combination work?
sub/amp all in one: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0084256&catid=
Front Speakers: (are they the right size?)
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0108214&catid=
my car is 2008 hatch gt mazda 3

thanks again for your time

asdfpic · 02-05-2009, 07:05 PM

FOIIIIIIIIIIIIG

asdfpic · 02-05-2009, 07:26 PM

on a more serious note, does the mazda 3 have 6X8 speakers and not the typical 6X9??
also i know you have 6 speakers in your car, how many are you changing and whats the sizes
.....mc majic...FOIG =]

jmanhas · 02-05-2009, 07:47 PM

it has 6X8 i think
on mazda3forums, it said 6X8 and 5X7 is direct fit with mazda 3..
but not sure if these are the right ones
could i run these speakers and sub and keep my stock unit?

jmanhas · 02-05-2009, 08:03 PM

oh. and i'm just changing the front speakers
and adding a sub

installerz · 02-06-2009, 05:44 AM

My shop has worked on several of those cars, and yes, you can change those speakers without getting an amp for them, but you could in the future for a superior sound. As for adding a sub to the factory deck , we've done a few of those too. We usually mount the amp under one of the front seats as there is lots of spare room for that, then we mount the box against one of the back seats.
What kind of music do you listen to? How much are you looking to spend on equipment? When would you like it done? Are you looking to get it done professionally? How much room are you willing to give up for your stereo?

jmanhas · 02-06-2009, 07:45 AM

i was just thinking of purchasing the Infinity Basslink and mount it in my trunk..my car is a hatch
i believe the basslink has a sub and amplifier attached together..it is a self amplified system
i could also run them with 4gauge wires right?
and how mch would it cost to install this sub/amp ?
this is the one i am talking about
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/pro...0084256&catid=

Cman333 · 02-06-2009, 11:21 AM

What your budget?

The odds are, you're gonna end up regretting what you bought and wanting to upgrade pretty quickly. So doing it right the first time is usually the best bet. I'm sure you'll find that most people think the basslink is more of an entry entry level setup. Yes it has the name, and that's why it sells. But in all reality, a weak ass amp and a weak ass sub in a weak ass enclosure doesn't make for a good sounding setup. Almost like stock sub. I've had a customer put TWO of these basslinks in his car because the first one wasn't enough, the 2nd one helped. Then eventually he listened to me and upgraded to a proper setup.....but in the end he lost ALOT of money to do it. Losing the depreciation + installation 3 times + changing wiring 2 times.

If you're on a super tight budget I would suggest spending a little more and maybe focussing on ONE thing at a time. $500 spend on a sub/amp would go a long way and probably achieve what you're looking for if you're more of a top 40, rock, techno, rap kind of listener. If you're a jazz, classical, classic rock kind of guy and just looking for a VERY little bit of bass to fill the bottom end then a basslink wouldn't be so bad.

As for the speakers, just replacing them with aftermarket generally doesn't cut it for lots of people. Especially when you add a subs. Adding an amp will give you more output, which your stock deck doesn't have much of. You're probably better off checking out one of the sponsors shops, having a listen to different speakers with and without an amp.

I used to run all Infinity back in the days. It's the name that sells you, then you realize you paid too much for what you got. They lack mid bass/mid range bigtime.

jmanhas · 02-06-2009, 11:37 AM

well yea my budget is pretty tight :S
i'm not looking for a sub to compete at a contest, i just want a little bit more low bass because it lacks in my car..
my car did not come with a stock subwoofer which is why i'm just looking at the Basslink

As for speakers, i am satisfied with the quality is has for now, so i've decided not to upgrade them yet.

my alternate setup would be an Infinity 8" Sub 850W and purchase an Exile 1000W amp..
did you have experience with the 8" Sub by Infinity?

Cman333 · 02-06-2009, 08:29 PM

Get a 10" sub. 8" subs definately will not be enough for most consumers. If you're a rock/pop/rap listener then you will want at least a 10" subwoofer.

Check the buy/sell section. I'm sure you can score a proper amp and sub for the $300 range. It will sound 3x better than a basslink. You gotta rememeber, EVERY person starts in car audio with the EXACT same mentality. "I just want a little more bass". That little more bass, increases because you want to feel the music a little more. It's what they call the "car audio bug". I started in the industry EXACTLY the same way. Small budget, wanting to improve the bass a little bit more. Not realizing importance of quality. Not just about the ease or the name brand.

asdfpic · 02-07-2009, 08:17 AM

what is everyones take on the mazda stealth boxes

http://www.mazda3stealthbox.com/hatchback.php

Cman333 · 02-07-2009, 01:39 PM

Are you a hip hop/rap kind of music listener?

If so, an 8" most likely won't cut it for you.

richmondbmw · 03-02-2009, 10:52 PM

meh, ive heard and seen some horrendous things when people put subs with factory decks, i dont know if the mazda 3 headunit has built in preouts and if u do the high low converter it doesnt sound as good as it should, if you do go that way, invest the money in a good high low converter and u should be fine with a not-too powerfull amp/sub combo. around 500 is fine

*edit* 500 watts that is