Need advice on my sound system, Speakers, amps, subs Options

[shid]

Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade my sound system and have been running through a couple of things.

My main goal is to have a system I can hear on the freeway, going 90, with the top down without distortion. I don't need to win decibal drag contests.

I mostly listen to rock, techno and rave- with a few rap and R&B songs stuck in to make myself look like an idiot.

So, I was thinking to just amp the subs, and not amp the speakers? (I have a stock amp in there, but I don't know what kind of power that puts out).

My current headunit is an Alpine9803 with 50Wx4 and 2 preouts. I don't plan on changing it with my new speaker setup.

As for my new speaker setup, I was thinking that for the front components:

Polk Audio db6750 or
Alpine Type S SPS171A

For the back:

Polk db675 or
Infinity Kappa 652.5i

I'm learning towards the db6750 for the components, and the Infinity's for the rear.

Now, for the subs, these are going to go in the trunk (unless someone has a better place to put them besides the front doors). And I need to hear these with the top down- BUT, I also need my trunk space- so nothing too huge (or heavy, preferably).

What can you guys recommend for an amp? I'm not looking at anything too expensive, but I don't want it to crap out on me.

Amps?:

Sony XM-D500X ooorrrr.. I have no idea, I have no idea what I really need

Subs:

The space issue is making me consider tubes a lot more than sub boxes. I just don't think I have the room for a sub box- no way. I was also thinking 8 inch or 10 inch- I don't listen to rap a lot so there's no need for a 12- and the 10 or 8s provide better sound for rock and techno anyway right?

Maybe 2 Bazooka RS104DV (10 inch 250w per coil)

Whats the benefit of more power to a sub? louder? What would 2 subs get me vs one?

Please help

Oh yeah, and any ideas where to put the amp?

--Sean

[DmVinny]

For front and rear fill I would stick to something like MB Quart but for money reasons Polk is good enough... Not to crazy about the sound quality on Alpine's components/coaxials....

As for subs, go with something like JL audio, Rockford Fosgate, even a midline or top of the line audiobahn...

For amps I suggest powering both the fronts/rears and subs with seperate amps dont use the stock... go with Precision Power, Fosgate, or lower priced MTX, MMATS....

[Yobbe]

Personally I hate tubes/bazookas ... dont know why really, I am sure they can be ok...

I would go for the Infinity Kappas for the rear, those are real nice. Havent heard the Polks, so not going to comment. Focal has some really nice components if you have the money for them. (Nothing beats focal )

If you lack a place to put the amp, have you considered raising the floor and putting it underneeth? The celica trunk is pretty deep as it is, so i dont think you will loose that much usability...

If you want good bass response you could always go for 2x 8" or maybe stretch it to 10"... It doesnt have to take up too much space. All depends on what you are expecting to take with you... If you want to put a bike in the trunk, i guess it kinda rules out the 2x 10"

A small, sealed enclosure with a single driver would be good for a tiny install and still give you the flexibility of choosing woofer, amps etc.

[Drocay]

ya man tubes are horrible but I had a Infinity Bass link and it has amazing thumb and great quality. And it will fit great in your trunk without taking tomuch space.

[brianforster]

if you go through the stock amp, then your sound is gonna sound stock pretty much..

that will only send so much power regardless of what speakers or head unit your using

the first thing your gonna want to do is bypass that immediately..

This post has been edited by brianforster: Apr 2, 2004 - 5:38 PM

[shid]

if I go through the stock amp, the only thing that should be affected is the loudness- correct? My quality should still matter on my speakers- not the stock amp.. right?

[brianforster]

well the amp will only send like 15 watts to the speaker no matter how much power the head unit is sending and how much the speakers can receive

[jrg]

I have JL W-3's and they are awesome. My amps are Rockford Fosgate, and they seem to work well. Definitely don't use a stock amp. You're speakers won't be getting enough power, and they will distort at very low volumes. Polk is a good speaker for the front. If you don't like rap, then go with 8", and you might be able to put a sub box in the back without taking up too much room.

[FAQdaWorld]

Here's what I'll be running hopefully @ the start of summer....


2 Infinity Perfect 12" subs, Powered by a Rockford Fosgate 800a2, (400 watts rms x 2)

And 4, 6.5" Infinity Kappa Speakers. Powered by a (havent decided yet on what amp for this, i have a bolt which does like supposedly 75 watts rms, but i'm gonna be in the market for a new one shortly.

I'm hoping to run 1 cap, to each amp, I allready have one, so i just need one more i guess.

(My sistem is allready very nice, but this is gonna make it this much nicer. )


-Ryan

[CelicaDEATHdie]

First off, you guys like Rockford WAY too much....

For subs i'd go with a nice, sealed setup(to save space).

I'd go with 2 10's......I recommend the Elemental Designs O series. AMAZING subs for sealed apps. http://www.edesignaudio.com

For an amp, I'd go with a JBL 1200.1 if you can still find one. Maybe a Hifonics Brutus 1500d.

Those polks are ****ty

Why not get some nice componets up front and just some ****ty rear fill?

I recommend DEI Viper componets....awesome componets for the money.

I'd power them with a profile amp since you don't wanna spend TOO much...
http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/1184

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[celimanST]

If was you I would go with Alpine type- Rs all around for he money they have the best sound. Subs are mostly personal preference I like alpine thats I am going to be running 4 Type-Rs but I am also trying to get them to sponsor me though. As far as amps are concerned I like Interfire they seem to give you more bang for your buck.

When you decide what you want make sure you install your amp correctly. Make sure wire guages are correct for the power you are going to run.


William

[FAQdaWorld]

[celimanST]

Rockford and Kicker are both way over rated I would say stay away. Right now infinity is making really good stuff Crystal mobile sound is good too. If really want to go high end go with genesis, arc, and rainbow.

Rockford and kicker have there place as paper weights. Most people go with these brands because their names are well known this really isn't a good thing because even though they meet demand the are not meeting the quality of their past products.

Look around and do a little research there are several other companies that make products that will blow rockfords and kickers out of the water any day of the week, oh and did mention that they cost the same or are cheaper

happy hunting

William

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[celimanST]

I left out couple good ones MA audio is good and so is CDT, Polk, PPI, Power acoustic, and viper.

Just thought I would throw out some more names for ya.

William

[DmVinny]

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[Yobbe]

Dont go bashing MA Audio...

I have some MA Audio components that I am really satisfied with

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[Crzybakerdog]

one thing to take into account that most people dont realize is that unless you install it all correctly anything will sound like crap. My uncle told me about a time where someone put like 8 subs in the car and a bunch of tweeters and what not anyway to make a long story short the car sounded great when it was off but once the sound was on and the car was on it shounded like sh** because the guage wire was picking up everything from the engine so they could basically hear engine components through speakers. though he did recommend to get the wire you want and twist it so it acts as a shield and doesnt pick up as much interference. not sure if wire is sold twisted but it would definetly be worth your time to do it. just my .02

[celimanST]

[Yobbe]

lol ... Celicadeath! Wipe that smiley off your face this instant!

and yes! Wiring is uber important Never place power next to signal cables etc.

This post has been edited by Yobbe: Apr 4, 2004 - 5:09 AM

[DmVinny]

Usually you run power cables along the driver side, and signal cables on the passenger side... just a fyi..

And on unibody chassis the best ground would be the seatbelt bolt....

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[celimanST]

I will find out if it was spl or sq

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[celimanST]

I think you are right I call CS Sound Off the place where the car made a stop and I think they are cloed on Mondays.

My bad. but the polk momo line still does the job and they are still be better that rockfords. OFr some who isn't into comps they are great.

[CelicaDEATHdie]

[Yobbe]

The current leader of the termpro.com db Drag 2004 series, when rating using the certified SPL, actually uses a Pioneer headunit combined with woofers from Digital Designs and amps from Crossfire
From what I remember he averages over 170 dB every time ... (and thats pretty loud )
He is running 20 000 watt rms though ... from 20 amps to 5 woofers ...

The top guy in Street Max 1-2 is using Earthquake amps with Beyond Audio woofers and Earthquake components

[CelicaDEATHdie]

I think the record is around 177db......you won't see much movement in that number, since 180 is about the limit.

[DmVinny]

The world record is 175.5 dB using Fifteen Cerwin Vega Stroker 12's, in a 1974 VW Bus by Team Pure Sound...

A noted mention should always go out to Team Gates (Alma Gates) she has won numerous SPL events using Kicker subs.

[shid]

Of all the speakers you guys list, none of them are 6.75 in. Focal, DB Quartz, etc. What 6.75 Component speakers can you suggest- if you don't like Polk.

[Yobbe]

Focal owns, if you have the money

[DmVinny]

Polk;

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tT9wq1MtvjK/c...asp?i=107DB6750

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-tT9wq1MtvjK/c...a=0&cc=01&avf=N

MTX:

http://www.mobilcaraudio.com/catalog/item/363891/92236.htm

Alpine;

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cCzd3SFhjKi/c...a=0&cc=01&avf=N

Infinity;

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-cCzd3SFhjKi/c...a=0&cc=01&avf=N

[shid]

Yeah, I had already seen both polk, hadn't caught the MTX or the Alpine (but both have power ranges too low)

and will the 6.5 ?s fit??

and thank you very much for listing them

This post has been edited by shid: Apr 9, 2004 - 4:41 PM

[DmVinny]

6.5" will fit fine... if worst comes the worst make a trim plate... even 8's will fit with small small modifications.

[Makaveddie]

Not much fits stock area. Make a plate like my "How-To."

I have elemental designs e12o.44's and they are pretty much as good if not better than JL w6's.

I have a set of pioneer ts-c160r's in front, and they sound good...but I will probably switch them out for some Image Dynamics Chamelions.

In the rear, i have pioneer ts-d170r's (6.75 inch) and they fit right in.

For amps: I recommend Crossfire, Tsunami. I also had a phoenix gold that was pretty awesome, but they are really overpriced.

Conclusion:

a) get some image dynamics components if u have the money... also look at focal 165k's.
b) for subs: elemental designs, all the way. efficient, well priced.
c) for amps: whatever you want... just make sure it does its rated power and look for RMS, not MAX power.

Ed.

[Fintan]

If all you want is to be able to hear good quality sound at speed, try amplifing a pair of decent quality 6 x 9s on a custom rear shelf made out of plywood or similar as it will enhance the bass and mid range and use a 10 inch sub moulded to the side of the trunk and mount the amp to the underside of the shelf. this will leave you some usable space. check out my profile to see what i done, i drive a hatchback but it might give you some ideas.

Best o luck

[shid]

Convertible, I need to hear decent quality sound with the top down and speed

[celimanST]

component systems in the front and back would be best w/ one 10" sub

have fun

[Yobbe]

I agree with celimanST ... Gowith components front and back, and add a 10" to the trunk ... It will give you the thump and nice sound even with the top down ...

[DmVinny]

[Yobbe]

Uhm ... Just because you have components in the back doesnt mean you have to have more wattage there then in the front ?

[DmVinny]

No Yobbe you misunderstood... Let me clarify.

NO COMPONENTS IN THE BACK, the tweeter positioning will throw off the curve.

And when I meant the front wattage is to be higher I meant in general.

[Yobbe]

Oh well ... I just have a thing against coaxials i guess... I am sure they can be nice for rear fill ....

[celimanST]

[shid]

Uhh, where are you supposed to put the tweeters in the back?

[DmVinny]

DO NOT USE SEPERATES, having experience by helping to build 2 iasca winning vehicles in the past, it is A WELL KNOWN fact that coaxials create a far superior rear fill for staging than seperates, if you dont believe me do a search on the web... or goto www.carsound.com's forums and ask Richard Clark.


Coaxials are far superior for rear fill than seperates, seperates will almost DEFINATELY throw off your staging...

I think i repeated myself once again...

[mportobello]

What is the difference between coaxials and component speakers?

I thought component speakers had 2 drivers, usually a midrange and small tweeter.

As for coaxial, is this the type of cable you use to wire it?

[shid]

Yeah.. far as I know, Coaxial is a type of cabling used in TV.. also refered to as RF or F type.

[DmVinny]

Coaxial's in car audio refer to a driver with a tweeter in the center...

e.g;



That is a coaxial. MbQuart btw.