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long time reader, first time poster.

I'm looking to add a sub/amp combo to my car without adding an aftermarket head unit. I park outside and don't want to risk the possibility of a break in. Will it sound like crap without a aftermarket headunit? Link to a DIY if possible?

And can someone recommend a single 12" sub / amp combo? something compact and that doesn't take a lot of room in the trunk.

Thanks!

 
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Every one of my cars have been parked outside. And my past 3 have had touch screens and parked in st.louis. Never had a problem. Don't be a pansy.

I would recommend a JL Audio 12w0 with about a 300watt amp. Would be just fine. And would also look into a good alpine deck that will sync your iPod/iPhone.

 
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Last 2 vehicles where broken into. It cost me more to replace the window and retint then the headunit was worth. And unfortunately I don't have any room in the garage.

So, call me a pansy if you want, but if I can get by with just the stock headunit and a sub/amp combo I'll be good. I don't need crazy bass just something to enhance the drive to and from work/school.

 
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sounds like you need to spend your money on an alarm instead.

 
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I second the Alpine deck. I have had mine for about 3 years now, excellent quality. Just added Bluetooth interface for my iPhone and it works beautifully. Excellent company. I prefer my Infinity amp never had a JL. I am actually in the process of replacing my 2 10 inch subs with 1 8 inch to make more room and less weight. A well balanced and matched 8 inch maybe all that you need if you don't want earth shattering bass. That's what I read on the reviews, I will see when I instal it!

 
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absolutely not!

I was considering one 12" sub... depending on airspace requirements I doubt I will save much space going with a 10" or 8". I'll have to look into it.

Thanks!

 
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absolutely not huh well then have fun getting broken into a third time when they hear your new system bumping.

 
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Will it sound like crap? Probably not, but it will not sound as good as with an aftermarket headunit. The problem is most factory units do not have RCA outputs so you will have to use the speaker wires to feed the amp. The signal is not as clean as from the RCA jacks so you may have a little more noise. I don't think you will be unhappy but it just won't be as good as it could be.

The good news is most amps have both RCA and line level inputs so if you change your mind and replace the headunit you should be able to keep the amp and just change how the signal in input.

 
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i have a single din pioneer, always wanted a double din mainly cause easier to read but not worth the risk of break in. Plus theyre still very pricey.

If they had a double din in the market where it has a plastic slide down cover, id get it but there is none.