Kinda new here ...

[Robert Wollenberg]

I was browsing old favorites and came across this site. Looks interesting. :) How has everybody been? You know me ... come and go like the wind. I'll try to do some catching up in the days to come. I'll also post a separate thread to catch you all up on me for those who are interested. :) So down to business ...
I've got a customer interested in a SPL system. Bill ... where you at? :)
The vehicle is a 2004 Tahoe. He's willing to give up pretty much all of the back of the truck. Roughly 25 cubic feet or so. He's willing to spend some money, but he's a broke Air Force guy, so I'm not trying to put him out of house and home. I've never been much of an SPL guy myself, so I wanted to reach out to those who have more experience in that arena than myself. So the project is ... design and build a crazy sub system that's doesn't sound like poop when listening to music. :) Power probably won't exceed 1,500 watts or so. I may be able to convince him to buy a high output alternator and some extra batteries at some point, but right now if I had to guess I'd say probably not. So I'm working with a stock alternator, at least for the time being.
A few general questions ...
SPL fellas/ladies ... what are some of your first considerations when designing a system?
What qualities make up a solid driver for a setup like this? And of course ... box design. Come on Bill ... Don't let me down here ...
My main line of gear is Phoenix Gold, but I've been browsing partsexpress.com checking out some stuff on clearance to try to cut some costs. (I still need to make a profit too.) I also have a few distributors I work with so I can get quite a few other brands of subs also.
ok, that should be enough to get the ball rolling. I'm sure I'll take some beating up for disappearing once again. I know, I'm an asshole. Sorry guys.

[Bwcad1]

Wall or Box?

[Robert Wollenberg]

Wall or Box?

I'm pretty sure I can convince him to go with a wall. I was thinking a couple 15"s? maybe even 4? big ass wall, ported ... as sealed off from the back of the truck as possible? Or is that overkill?

[Bwcad1]

What kind of budget are you looking at. The new designs are small boxes with lots of power. Power = Expensive. i need a general idea on budget to go much further.

[Robert Wollenberg]

His budget is in the 3 to 4k range. Maybe more if it's justified. I've been trying to research online and I was getting the feeling of smaller boxes with tons of power. To try to take advantage of his space I was thinking more subs with enough power to take advantage of the factory alternator and not have to upgrade the electrical system. But I'm certainly open to your suggestions. This is your realm, not mine.

[Bwcad1]

If you dont want to touch the alternator your gonna need a small bank of batteries and he will need to put a charger on them once in a while. No way around the electrical system for a build like this. Its crucial for the survival of the equipment and the vehicle.