98 EX Coupe Subwoofer/Amp suggestions?

[djroadking]

I've decided to look into improving the system in my 98 Coupe and I'm new to subs and amps in general but I've done some research on what to go by - RMS rating instead of the max watts. In terms of brands I know kicker is probably the best bet (heard them in friends cars but then again it seems like everyone has them...) but I'm considering and open to all options at the moment. This is my first car and will be my first sub/amp install. I have a head unit that will control the subwoofer (Pioneer DEH-44HD). What would be a good setup?

 

[HeX]

What do you want to achieve in terms of sound?
- Well balanced overall range?
- Deep subtle sound that can only be heard in the car?
- Trunk rattling madness that can be heard blocks away?
- Do you want to conserve trunk space along with whatever bass goals you have?
- Do you have a budget in mind?

Also, state the speaker brand you have in the car so we get an idea of where you're at so far. There's no sense in getting high quality bass with mediocre speakers.

 

[djroadking]

Firewall on 98 Civic EX Coupe...

Firewall location 1...
To get here I need to remove the battery which isn't a problem.

Firewall location 2...
I think if Honda left a place for a amp install this is most likely it.

Which would be the best place to thread the power wire through?

 

[civicfan111]

I can't see ur pictures but there I a hole in the firewall that is to the right of u battery and down a foot or 2. It comes out right behind ur glovebox. I run all my wires through it. Then make sure you do not run ur power wire down the same side of ur car as the RCA cables that go in the back of ur stereo. It can create static.

 

[Failsafe88]

brands i would go kenwood,kicker, or alpine. Depending on what type of sound you want helps you decide what size 10s,12s, or 15s. We need more info.

 

[JeffBel]

Why those three brands? With quality wire you'll never hear static due to the power wire. Even with shitty wire it takes a lot of watts out of the amp to be able to hear it.

 

[Failsafe88]

3 brands i've used and trusted. Get monster cables if want to go fancy.

 

[djroadking]

The size I'll most likely get will be a 12 inch and a sealed box because they are the best of both worlds in a sense. My trunk already does rattle some, you can hear it from outside the car but nothing can be heard blocks away. Sound wise I would like to get a good balanced range. Something that hits but not the hardest. My current budget in mind is around $400. Trunk space doesn't really bother me. Usually if I travel to somewhere and plan to stay overnight or a few days I just put my bag in the back seats. As far as passengers, I normally drive by myself and occasionally have one passenger in the front so space isn't an issue.