Is MTX a decent brand?

[destineal]

I recently bought a MTX Terminator 10" sub, but I don't know much about who makes the decent to great stuff. I damaged the sub installing it in the box(Used an electric screwdriver and it came off the screw and poked a hole in the surround(pissed)), but I did what I could and it sounds ok to me(no audiophile here) Definitely better than the POS Matrix wtf ever no name brand 8" I have. I'm curious what are some good options as far as brands go?

 

[haveahotcarl]

MTX Terminator is so-so, it is actually their "budget" sub line. For MTX subs, anything above the 4500 series (above T45xx, TR45xx, and TS45xx) are pretty good subs. As for other brands, it is probably easier to say who to stay away from... Avoid at all costs: Sony, Kenwood, and any "entry-level" sub from any company.

It more depends on what type of sound you are looking for and how much you want to spend. Basically, if the guy selling you the sub wouldn't put it in his car, don't buy it.

 

[christiansMSP]

I had a kenwood ten inch and it was awesome.

 

[03metalspicy]

u can never go wrong with MTX subs or amp ive been using them for years but as for the speakers...stick with the stock kenwoods theyre perfectly fine but if u have to replace them go ALPINE Type-R

 

[mhanson107]

Any of alpines or MTX's higher end stuff is great, but some of the best subs I have ever heard, aside from getting into focals or boston acoustics, are exiles. That being said, a sub needs to me matched up to its proper volume and power requirements.

 

[chuyler1]

Avoid flea-market brands like Audiobahn, Kenford, Legacy, Phase Linear, Pyle, Pyramid, Rockwood, Crunch, BOSS, and Sound Storm. Some of these brands may sound familiar, but most are knockoff names or has-been companies.

Popular brands like Alpine, Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio, Kicker, Infinity, JBL, Pioneer, and MTX are safe brands that you really can't go wrong with.

There are other high-end brands I could recommend but given your non-audiophile status I'd rather not get into them.

Most importantly though, is to match the amp and subwoofer/speaker. If a sub is only rated for 100 watts, you risk damaging it with a 500 watt amp. If a sub is rated for 1000 watts and you only send it 250 watts, you are wasting your money. The best combination is a subwoofer that has close to the same RMS rating as the amp.

 

[mhanson107]

^^^ exactly.

 

[Knox Joe]

I agree with chuyler, but want to add that MTX has fell off lately. Back in the nineties, when I was installing car audio, MTX was the s***. We won many audio competitions with all MTX gear. They're newer stuff doesn't seperate them from the competition so much. I'm guessing they probably sold out.

 

[chuyler1]

Yes, I wouldn't say MTX is on par with Alpine and Rockford Fosgate these days, but I would still pick them over other brands. They definitely aren't at the top of the game like they were in the 90's.

To tell you the truth, I basically point people that don't have a clue about car audio to Crutchfield.com. They have great customer service and stand by the products they sell. Call them up and they will create a package for you over the phone that works with your budget.