GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

OK audio experts. I've been out of the car audio scene too long and now I need some advice. I got tired of my factory stereo this weekend and replaced it with my trusty old Clarion. However, I lost a lot of bass output in the process and am now thinking about adding my Punch 75.2 and a sub as well (was thinking about it before the change too, but this just fueled that fire). My question is, what small subs would work well with this amp? I don't want anything too large, I'm thinking 10" at the most, but I want something that will handle what the 75 can throw at it. Well, there's the situation. Any advice would be appreciated very much.

Well, unless you bridge that amp, i'd actually have to say you might have a hard time finding a sub that'll work well at that low wattage. From a standpoint of working in a Circuit City roadshop, the best we'd have to offer on an amp like that might be an MTX RT10, or maybe the Sony P5. Granted, I don't know a lot about Rockford amps, but I would think the most RMS a 75x2 amp could put out when it's bridged is either 150x1 or 200x1. The danger you're looking at here is that with subs, if you try to turn them up and they're underpowered, you could blow the sub.. So that's something to look out for. The RT10s are rated at 200w RMS, which would be around what you'd be looking for. I think some of the Pioneer and Kenwood subs are rated about the same, as well.

Well, that's the info I needed. I had actually considered the P5, but wasn't sure if they were any good. I had the 75 connected to a Pioneer IMPP 12" a few years ago and it seemed to run it pretty well. I've still got the sub, but it's a little too much sound for my tastes now. What's your opinion of the Xplod?

Heh..just look at my signature. I have two.They're definitely punchy...and they work great on small amps. Mostly because they're extremely efficient (something like 92db signal-to-noise).The 12" is rated at 350 watts I believe... They aren't going to blow out any windows, but for regular music, and even some techno, they definitely fit the bill if you're looking to just add a little low end. Even a little more than that.

Heh, oops. That'll teach me to read a little closer.Well I think that's the choice I'll make then. One 10" should be more than enough thump for me (at least in my car. Home's another matter. ). Thanks for the advice!

I used to have a Punch 75 back in '91. I don't know about the newer ones, but those Punch 45s and 75s from the early 90s were actually quite powerful. Probably some of the most under-rated amps ever made. If it is one of the originals and still in good condition, then that amp should be able to power about any single sub.While most amps today seem to be rated by peak handling in the very best theoretical situations, those Punches were rated below actual RMS.

Hehe!! That's the one alright. I got it from a friend in '98 who had purchased it for about 4 years prior. It's a pretty snappy little amp.

While I'm not experienced with the P5's in specific, I would stear away from Sony amps/subs, as most of the ones 've seen have been dissapointing. IMO, Sony should stick with it's manufacturing of head units, which is something they do very well (I love my CDX-C810X head unit).If Jahn has them installed he would be better able to inform you of their performance. If it was me I'd at least try to find a Circuit City or audio shop where you can listen to the 10" P5 with around the same level of wattage to see for yourself.(If you ever want to upgrade your system, I'd be more than happy to help you out. I'm currently using 2 1200 watt Visonik amps to push 2 Orion 12" H2 subs and an 15" Orion H2 sub. ~.^)

Quote, originally posted by Fialchar »While I'm not experienced with the P5's in specific, I would stear away from Sony amps/subs, as most of the ones 've seen have been dissapointing. IMO, Sony should stick with it's manufacturing of head units, which is something they do very well (I love my CDX-C810X head unit).That, my friend, is one of the LAST decent Sony headunits. And the P5's are the only Sony speakers I would ever reccomend for the car. The amps, however, leave something to be desired, unless you can find one of the silver ones. Their current series of amps aren't that wonderful.Quote »If Jahn has them installed he would be better able to inform you of their performance. If it was me I'd at least try to find a Circuit City or audio shop where you can listen to the 10" P5 with around the same level of wattage to see for yourself.Mine are currently connected in parallel to a Lightning Audio B2.350.1 350 watt amplifier...so they're both seeing 350 watts. I had it up so loud yesterday, my rear view couldn't stay in place, and my pants were vibrating.Can't beat that JL 13" W7 though, had the same CD in my friend's car, and he had the asphault vibrating.

"I had it up so loud yesterday, my rear view couldn't stay in place"Sounds familiar, man