Audio experts: which amp would you recommend for this 12"?

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

Hello all, I have a few questions for you about getting more bass in my M3.



First off, I apologize for my lack of audio knowledge/terms.



I have the HK system which is nice, but its nothing compared to the 2 12"s i had before (obviously). I currently have a 12" predator? sub in a small truck box. I'm not even sure what if that is the make or the model, but I heard it in my friends car and it is decent (plenty of travel or whatever its called, distance the speaker moves). He also gave me an old amp/crossover (Lanzar) but they are really old and ugly, so I plan on buying at least a new amp.



I'm looking for best bang (or thump) for the buck. I dont wanna spend hundreds and hundreds, so please dont suggest a 1000watt amp



I also want to retain the stock headunit/cd changer, what is required to hook up an amp to this? A friend mentioned buying a LOC (Line out converter i believe). Is this the best option, and how much is it?



Also, if there is a good website you guys can point me to that shows ste-by-step how to install an amp and tools/materials required that would be great.



Thanks in advance :beer:

[m3f_M-avant_0baeb1c2f5]

I am currently running a JLAudio 250/1 hooked up to the stock head unit in my A4. the amp sounds great, has a lot of power and is pretty transient. it accepts speaker - level inputs (which eliminates a need for an RCA-patch cord) and signal sensing turn-on/off. you can check it out here: www.jlaudio.com HTH

[m3f_vjmdmd]

1. get an amp with line level conversion built-in. You can tap into the factory wiring at the amp outputs. this eliminates running RCA's.

2. you can tap into the remote turn on from the factory amp input

3. cheap amps work okay for just bass, especially if you have a active crossover. check on ebay, or even factory reconditioned if you're looking to save.

4. make sure the install is tight!! - I've had my equipment fly around when I'm on the right-sided pedal.

-all the wiring diagrams can be found on the unofficial bmw page.



good luck



99M3

Dinan S1 pkg.

[m3f_97BLKM3COU_0f375e15e2]

MTX makes decent amps for the price. There are a ton of great amps out there, it all depends on what you want to spend. Something like this would work nicely, but is a lot of power. It could also power 2 speakers if you upgrade in the future, or a better 12 if you ever get one:



http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18797&item=3093249 986&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW



Also, to turn it on, you will have to run power wires from the battery and a ground back to the battery (battery is in trunk so this is easy). Finally, you have to tap into the outputs from your head unit into the amp in the rear of the car, along with the power turn on wire. Here are the schematics for that and look at the Amplifier connector. Keep us updated.



http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/stereo/e36-pinouts-a.gif

[m3f_Wicked_M3]

thanks for all the informative replies. yes, i would like to go as inexpensive as possible, and dont need or necessarily want ground shaking bass, just enough for that deep clean sound.



currently if i turn up the bass too much on the HK system, certain frequencies sound "wooden" so to speak. i also want to be able to turn down the bass on the component speakers and just have it go through the 12" because the front lower door speakers tend to rattle and sound bad with bass coming through them, which ive read happens to others too.



97blk: i may go with an MTX, but Im not even sure if this sub can handle 800 watts heheh. plus i'd like to find an amp for under or around $100 if possible, maybe 300 watts or so? is there a decent amp around in this range w/ a built-in crossover? im looking for the most basic (yet nice looking) unless i mount the amp on the underside of the trunk i guess) that will power an average 12.



anyone know where i can find specs on this sub? all it says is "predator" in the center, and its a 12.