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Hey everyone,

So I've been doing hours and hours of reading on the subject and should be receiving a Pioneer DEH-880PRS head unit on Friday, and a pair of Alpine 10" subs on Saturday. Not sure about the amp. Door speakers I have yet to choose.

I'd like to know if I can please get your opinions on a few things:

1) The two subs (second-hand) come in a box. They're Alpine Type-Rs with 300-watts RMS each. I'm still choosing an amp, the same guy is offering a 1000-watt amp for quite cheap, but it's some unknown Earthquake brand I'm skeptical about. No specific model provided. What's your take on Earthquake amps? I'm not really partial towards any specific amps, I'm pretty new to this.

2) My alternator is still stock. I've got a DX, with from what I have read about, it has 65-amps of output, which might barely cover powering the subs.
The problem is that I'm already getting a little headlight dimming here and there without the new deck or anything else. Would I have to replace my alternator? Probably won't need a high-output one, given my subs, but let me know.

Referring to the following info:
http://au.answers.yahoo.com/answers2...4004152AA8t9E1

65-amp alternator.
2000-watts peak (calculating for a 1000-watts RMS 2-channel amp) divided by 13.8 volts = 145 amps.
Divide 145 amps by 3, to be the average music level requirements = 48 amps.
40% of 65 amps = 26 amps.
26 + 48 = 74 amps.

So it'd be overdrawing, even from a completely new alternator, I'm guessing. Mine's worn down for a good six years. Since I've got 600-watts RMS subs attached to this amp, I don't really know how much less it would factor in. The amp doesn't draw what it doesn't need, right? So is it safe to assume that I effectively can power 600-watts RMS without hiccups, based on the calculations?
I still have yet to factor in powering some door speakers. May have to get another amp for them, too.

I don't know if this has bearing. The 01 Civic I have has only 57,000KM on it. :P


3) As far as door speakers go, I've read on Pioneer's site that the 01 Civic sedans should have 3.5" of clearance for the depth of the door speakers. I'm pretty sure that this is incorrect from what I have seen from a DIY thread for installing speakers (there was about 2" of clearance before hitting glass), but I'm not sure if it's a coupe door. The window when wound down takes up some of that clearance.

Thanks!

PS. I'll probably use this thread to post the progress of my installations. It'll all probably happen over the next few weeks.

 
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1. stick with brand names. alpine makes great amps, so does JL.

2. stock alternator is suck, get one that puts out more amps. i believe stock is around 80. but you dont have to, its just better for everything.

3. usually you need spacers for the door speakers.

 
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1. Yeah... I'd get something brand named too... check ebay for used stuff. There are some reasonably priced alpine mrp-m series amps on.

2. I have a pretty modest system. My speakers aren't amped, however; I have about 250rms amps running into my Alpine Type E sub. On decent bass hits the lights do dim somewhat when I'm playing at loud levels. I'm thinking about doing the big 3 upgrade. I can't justify an alternator at this point though.

3. Yeah, If you get spacers that'll gain you quite a bit of clearance.

 
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as for the alternator problem, im just curious what are you intentions with this system, are you going for crazy loud booming bass? or just better overall sound quality? if you wanna do it big, then yes you should upgrade the alternator, but if its just sound quality, i wouldnt bother.

keep us updated with the project!

 
Rep Power: 287

When you say your lights are dimming, do you mean when you roll up a window, or turn the a/c on, things like that??? If so, that's normal on our cars. My car did that when it was stock.

Stock alternator puts out 70 amps. You should be ok with it. Best thing to do is try it with it, and see what happens.

If you want, you can install things like a ground wire kit, better battery, and a capacitor. I have all of those and my lights don't dim when my music is bumping, and I play it loud everyday. My lights still do dim when I turn on the a/c, or roll down the windows though.

 
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Hey everyone! Thanks for the responses. I definitely am just going for general quality, than loudness. I can probably get away with the regular alternator with this said. Also the Type-Rs are 500-watts each, contrary to what the seller of these subs is saying (I don't know if he realizes this, but whatever).

My ligths dim with the A/C and playing with the locks and rear heaters, obviously. I guess I'm paying too much attention to it, but I'm paranoid of ruining the already worn-down alternator.

And for sure, pictures will come. The deck's coming first, just picked up the install kit for it today.

 
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ehhh... Just wait till your alternator dies then go buy a new one.

 
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the new alpine type-R's are rated for 500rms each. if theyre older, they could very well be 300rms. but i really wouldnt know the difference.

 
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Youre alternator should be fine. I finally had to replace mine after 96,000 miles. Ive been running 4 aftermarket speakers, an aftermarket deck, and a 1200 watt amp to a single 12in sub. Ive gone throught 2 different systems in the car already.
Earthquake is ok