Need opinion on sub/amp combo

[JBNole423]

Hey guys, first post. I just went and got priced at a pretty good customize store. I am looking to upgrade my whole factory system (2001 Gen1, JBL) incrementally, so not going all out. I told him I don't want to make the whole neighborhood go off, but put enough thump in for me. He recommended one Kicker CVR12 (12") for the sub and a KX400.1 mono-amp. I've read a little bit about the brand and understand its high quality. The price he quoted me was $583. Here is the breakdown:

12" Kicker - $109
Box - $60
Amp - $249
Install - $125
Wires - $40

My questions are: One, is this a good setup for my needs? I am relatively new to car audio and I've been trying to learn stuff online about the specs and electronic aspects of this stuff. I also plan on upgrading the rest of the stuff later, i.e. multi-channel amp, speakers, hu. Second, is this overpriced? I know its a quality place, don't get me wrong. I also don't have the luxury of "knowing somebody" to hook me up for free, and I don't feel like dealing with some kid at Best Buy or CC. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[nj99solara]

Welcome to the forum.....
In my opionion I think you will be happy with that sub and amp combo and I think you will get more than you'd expect out of it.
With that set up I think it will sound good with the stock radio and speakers for now and when you get your second amp and head unit you can just turn the gain up on the sub to get the right sound out of the whole system.
As far as prices they do seem a little high look around on the internet and locally and see if you can get them for a better price and see how much the store would charge you for the install (that's what I did).
Good Luck

[JBNole423]

thanks nj..did you get your tints done in jersey? i'm looking at getting mine done as well and was also wondering if they give you any trouble if you want your tint darker than what state law dictates. i'm from FL (currently in NY) and i want to go by FL law (28-15-15). NY laws are just outrageous to me. overall nice lara you have there

[nj99solara]

Yeah I got my tints done in Bloomfield,NJ. ($100)
The tint place will give you whatever you want no matter if it's legal or not (my 5% is illegal). You will just have to watch out for cops at least in N.J.
Thanks for the compliment...do you have any pics yet? How long have you had your 01?

[nj99solara]

Here's that same amp for $134.05 with 24 hour shipping...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Kicker-KX400-1-mono ... dZViewItem

And the sub for $75.90 including shipping....

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-05-KICKER-12-Co ... dZViewItem

I know a couple of people that have ordered from this seller and they have a good reputation on ebay.

And if you don't like ebay you can look around like I said locally or other internet sources.

[JBNole423]

I've had it since March. Have had to replace a rear bumper for $500 already. Well I mean I COULD order it online, but as my original post said I know only a little bit about car audio and could nowhere NEAR install the stuff myself. I also listed the price for the wires and install. So, could I just buy the parts and walk in and say "Can you install this for me?" My guess is they probably wouldn't be too happy with that. Anyone have any experiences doing that?

[nj99solara]

That's what I did!

[juicedsolara]

just make sure that if you do get that amp you get a sub that is dual 4ohm voice coil. If you don't you won't be getting the full potential out of that amp. Circuit city will install stuff not purchased by them for an extra 10 dollars. Which would be about 90 dollars for installation alone.

[juicedsolara]

just now looked at their install price, that is an anal raping. your local bb or cc will be almost 40 dollars less than that if you bought it from them.