Hey guys this is my first post here and I was hoping some of you audio people would be able to help me out. I'm less than satisfied with the low end in the Alpine audio system in my truck. I went to a local audio shop and they gave me a quote for a 10" JL W3 run by a JL 250/1 amp with a custom box that would take up the same space as the factory Alpine sub. Basically I want to know if this will be a significant improvement over the alpine. If there is only a slight improvement I can't really justify throwing down over $1K (which is what they quoted) for a new sub and amp. If not are there any suitable replacements that would fit in the same spot? I don't really want to take away any more storage space.

 

$1000?!?!?!?

call the cops on them.. they tried to rob you.

you can find that amp between $250-$300 all over the web... and the sub you can find for around $150... so if you tried hard you could get the sub/amp for $400..

so they want another $600 for a box and instalation?

best bet is to shop on the internet for the components, buy a premade box you like that fits (less than $100) and then go to a few different shops to have them quote you for an install.

if you go for different brands you can even get out cheaper but JL does put out top shelf stuff...

i found a mtx thunderfrom on ebay for $200 with a built in amp and have been doing well with that since... but you dont want to lose the space.. so shop around!

 

There's a latching door over the sub, listen to it with this open or removed before spending $1000. The 8" factory Alpine will never match that of a good replacement 10" but it's enough for most. I'll eventually replace mine but I can think of many other mods to do first.

 

My sub will eventually come out, but like Ran it'll be lowered down on the list of mods to do. Hopefully by then they'll have plenty of pre-made boxes that'll just take up the one side with a single 10". Doc's would be awesome if they made a single of it with the pre-installed amp.

 

war horse they do have plenty of boxes as you speak of.

the 3rd gen rams are exactly the same as the 4th gens under the seat...

so if you want a single 10 on one side... no problem.. hell JL even makes a premade one like mine...

point is.. if you find a single nice box for a 3rd gen.. itll fit your 4th gen

 

Damn it! Now I'm going to be over on eBay all night looking at sub boxes.

Did you put your own in Doc? I'm clueless on these RAMs, so is there a factory amp in the stock box with power to it, or did you have to run power back there?

 

Thanks for the info. I didn’t know 3rd gen boxes would fit the 4th gen. I'm gonna keep looking around for prices for sure on the install. I've seen the JL Stealthbox that fits the same W3. I just want to make sure that the 10" W3 with the 250 amp will be a significant improvement over the stock system. Otherwise I'll just leave it alone and use that money for other mods.

 

Are you talking about the black mesh material or raising the seat? I've already removed the door and that doesn't help much.

As for the original question, I just got quoted, 2 10" Kickers, Pioneer amp (600 watt is what he quoted me), carpeted box and installed for $700. Not sure about 2 10s yet. Seems like a little overkill for what I am looking for.