Hey guys!! its been a long while but I'm back with a few more quick questions here. To keep it simple I'll get right to the point...

My car's audio setup as it stands right now is exactly what i have in my signature so please refer to that so you know what sub/amp i have. Basically I'd like to know what would be the better upgrade right now... Change out the subwoofer or the amp... Both of them are on the entry level side and I have around $300 to spend on one component. Of course down the line I plan to upgrade the other half that i don't upgrade now. I'm thinking i would have to get the sub now (to keep the current sub from overpowering), but maybe the amp can power a 2ohm sub for awhile without underpower damage?

I'm looking into getting a mid level rockford, alpine, JL, or any other suggested subwoofer OR a higher wattage/ "more reliable" amplifier. I'm going to buy from sonicelectronics so if you guys want to offer specific subs/amps please do so!

thanks!

 

Rockford fosgate t1500 and two Rockford fosgate 12" 2 ohm p3's (im assuming you want the option of keeping the dual 12" box)
wired at 2 ohms will give you 500 watts for each sub.

not quite double what you have now.
and you can buy either one first. id get the amp first and wire your subs for a 4ohm load so it will put out 500 watts (250 each. your subs rms is 300)

 

Amp first. Almost always upgrade the amp first, making sure it can handle your current load and power your future plans.

Your current amp Eclipse XA1200:

• XA Series Class D Monoblock Car Amplifier with ICE Technology
• RMS Power Rating:
  • 4 ohms: 350 watts x 1 chan.
  • 2 ohms: 500 watts x 1 chan.

Alpine MRP-M1000

• V-Power Series Class D Monoblock Car Amplifier
• RMS Power Rating:
  • 4 ohms: 600 watts x 1 chan.
  • 2 ohms: 1000 watts x 1 chan.

Double the power at the same impedance. Just set the gain for a lower power output while you have the W1.

Then just choose a sub config that lands you a 2 ohm mono load.

 

Thanks a ton for the suggestions guys!

I was wondering which situation is better: running say one higher quality Power T2 Rockford Sub or two Punch P3's with the same amp?

The amps you two suggested look very nice but are a tad over budget... do i need to get top name brand for quality power?

 

top name brands get you actual rated power. depends how much real, listenable power you want. the Alpine is right in your budget range, no sense in upgrading if you're keeping the same power output. remember that doubling power only gets you +3dB (theoretically).

 

one sub vs two has two many variables to get a flat yes or no answer. usually, two will be louder than one, but sound quality is a different beast. it's all about the enclosure, the installation and the power available.

 

upgrading costs money. you can get the two RF P3D412 i suggested and a RF t1000 (cheaper than the t1500 but same watts at different impedance)wired at 1 ohm giving 1000 watts 500 each for a little under $700 at sonic electronix website. i think thats reasonable

 

or, same website, 2 re sex12d4 subs 600 watts a piece sold with a matching re amp for $524