Hi all, New user with some advice wanted!
03-01-2004, 12:58 AM
#1
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 40
Hi guys!
I just joined the board after doing some searches for Caraudio boards. Nice to see a Canadian Board thats well moderated!
Anyhow, I just moved from Alberta (Cgy) to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan to start a new career with Cp Rail.
On to the business, I would like some advice. I am a bit of a home mid range audiophile (Paradigm Studio Speakers, Yamaha receiver, etc.) but I would like to outfit my car with a system.
Here is my criteria. SQ, factory locations (limiting, but I DONT want attention). The car is a 1998 Dodge Neon 4 door. It's in good shape and well taken care of. Stock stereo in there right now. I dont want any fancy kickpanels or anythign that looks aftermarket, I have just heard WAY to many stories of guys having their vehicles broken into.
Im not sure if I want or care if the rear speakers are in the mix or not. I would like some 6.5" components, and a 10" sub that doesnt require a lot of space, pref small sealed box? Mid Range deck, that has MP3 capabilities. As for an amp, i'd love somethign that has both regular outputs as well as a sub channel, I dont want a multiple amp scenario too much!
I dont follow the scene too much, so Im not sure what brands are quality nowadays. I notice lots of companies like Adire Audio, that are small but seem to get quite favourable reviews.
I want quality, without being absurd, and have set a budget of roughly 2k Cdn (not afraid to purchase some items off Ebay to keep it within budget). I have issues going into stores nowadays without knowing much about things, thats why Id like to go in with some knowledge of what is good and what others recommend at what price points. I have visited a few shops and their sticker prices are shockingly high, and I dont feel like haggling over stuff I dont know much about!
So thats about it, basically a mid range audiophile system if that can be done for under 2k. Just a full range system that isnt overly fancy or ornate, but solid is sound and design. I most likely would install the deck/amp/speakers myself. Although I would likely have the box professionally done. Im certainly not a wood worker!
Thanks for any help and I look forward to hearing from some of you knowledgeable forumites!
I just joined the board after doing some searches for Caraudio boards. Nice to see a Canadian Board thats well moderated!
Anyhow, I just moved from Alberta (Cgy) to Moose Jaw Saskatchewan to start a new career with Cp Rail.
On to the business, I would like some advice. I am a bit of a home mid range audiophile (Paradigm Studio Speakers, Yamaha receiver, etc.) but I would like to outfit my car with a system.
Here is my criteria. SQ, factory locations (limiting, but I DONT want attention). The car is a 1998 Dodge Neon 4 door. It's in good shape and well taken care of. Stock stereo in there right now. I dont want any fancy kickpanels or anythign that looks aftermarket, I have just heard WAY to many stories of guys having their vehicles broken into.
Im not sure if I want or care if the rear speakers are in the mix or not. I would like some 6.5" components, and a 10" sub that doesnt require a lot of space, pref small sealed box? Mid Range deck, that has MP3 capabilities. As for an amp, i'd love somethign that has both regular outputs as well as a sub channel, I dont want a multiple amp scenario too much!
I dont follow the scene too much, so Im not sure what brands are quality nowadays. I notice lots of companies like Adire Audio, that are small but seem to get quite favourable reviews.
I want quality, without being absurd, and have set a budget of roughly 2k Cdn (not afraid to purchase some items off Ebay to keep it within budget). I have issues going into stores nowadays without knowing much about things, thats why Id like to go in with some knowledge of what is good and what others recommend at what price points. I have visited a few shops and their sticker prices are shockingly high, and I dont feel like haggling over stuff I dont know much about!
So thats about it, basically a mid range audiophile system if that can be done for under 2k. Just a full range system that isnt overly fancy or ornate, but solid is sound and design. I most likely would install the deck/amp/speakers myself. Although I would likely have the box professionally done. Im certainly not a wood worker!
Thanks for any help and I look forward to hearing from some of you knowledgeable forumites!
03-01-2004, 08:52 AM
#3
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 756
Welcome to the board!
There is lots of gear out there that may suit your needs. Do you have any brand preferences? Focal and Image dynamics offer some great lines of speakers that may suit your needs. Check out the Xtant 403a or 603x for an amplifier, many companies are liquidating their older xtant models, so you may find something for a great price. As for head units, Alpine, Eclipse, Clarion and Nakamichi offer some awesome SQ decks. Many of their models are not too flashy, as you mentioned you were interesting in a stealthy system. Other quality brands you may wish to consider include Diamond Audio, Dynaudio, Boston Acoustics, Zapco, Focal and Adire..
Good luck! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
There is lots of gear out there that may suit your needs. Do you have any brand preferences? Focal and Image dynamics offer some great lines of speakers that may suit your needs. Check out the Xtant 403a or 603x for an amplifier, many companies are liquidating their older xtant models, so you may find something for a great price. As for head units, Alpine, Eclipse, Clarion and Nakamichi offer some awesome SQ decks. Many of their models are not too flashy, as you mentioned you were interesting in a stealthy system. Other quality brands you may wish to consider include Diamond Audio, Dynaudio, Boston Acoustics, Zapco, Focal and Adire..
Good luck! [img]graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]
03-01-2004, 12:09 PM
#4
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,078
Welcome to the board.
Keep in mind every person on here will give you a unique idea for your setup.
The best way to figure out which brand names you want is to listen to some assorted products. Try doing a "tour" of your local car audio shops to audition some brands, styles, etc of products, and see what your ears like.
For that budget, you have a myriad of options.
As previously stated, Focal, Image Dynamics, etc are awesome products, but you can find some stuff a lot cheaper, that you may be quite pleased with.
Dont be afraid of stuff like ROckford Fosgate and MTX, its quality stuff, that kind of loses some 'lustre' because it is sold in Future Shop and Best Buy.
For example, I absolutely LOVE my JVC deck (sh909), but a lot of people on here hate them, so to each his/her own.
Try checking out Genuine Canadian Audio's website for an idea of some of the lesser-known but high-quality products like CDT and Elemental Designs, and some reasonable price points.
All in all, it is going to be a decision that you'll hear every day, so make sure you are happy with the way it sounds, regardless of whether you have 'high end' stuff or not.
I'd go listen to some stuff, and if you like it, dont be shy to run your findings by the folks on here. People are pretty good with price checks /quality checks, etc on this board.
Also, I am sure you can find a few people from around your 'hood to help you out. Everybody here is pretty frendly, and usually more than willing to help out a 'newbie'
Cheers
[img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
Keep in mind every person on here will give you a unique idea for your setup.
The best way to figure out which brand names you want is to listen to some assorted products. Try doing a "tour" of your local car audio shops to audition some brands, styles, etc of products, and see what your ears like.
For that budget, you have a myriad of options.
As previously stated, Focal, Image Dynamics, etc are awesome products, but you can find some stuff a lot cheaper, that you may be quite pleased with.
Dont be afraid of stuff like ROckford Fosgate and MTX, its quality stuff, that kind of loses some 'lustre' because it is sold in Future Shop and Best Buy.
For example, I absolutely LOVE my JVC deck (sh909), but a lot of people on here hate them, so to each his/her own.
Try checking out Genuine Canadian Audio's website for an idea of some of the lesser-known but high-quality products like CDT and Elemental Designs, and some reasonable price points.
All in all, it is going to be a decision that you'll hear every day, so make sure you are happy with the way it sounds, regardless of whether you have 'high end' stuff or not.
I'd go listen to some stuff, and if you like it, dont be shy to run your findings by the folks on here. People are pretty good with price checks /quality checks, etc on this board.
Also, I am sure you can find a few people from around your 'hood to help you out. Everybody here is pretty frendly, and usually more than willing to help out a 'newbie'
Cheers
[img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
03-01-2004, 03:44 PM
#5
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 40
Thanks for the links manic, some interesting stuff there!
Focal sounds like the gear I want for my front stage, they make some killer home speakers that seem to use similar drivers (utopia series).
That 15" sub may be too much though (ive seen that same model in stores for a LOT! more) I was thinking more along the lines of a high pwoered 10" in a small sealed box powered by a class D amp.
Are there any manufacturers out there who make a 3 channel amp that has a Class D channel that is adequately powered?
Focal sounds like the gear I want for my front stage, they make some killer home speakers that seem to use similar drivers (utopia series).
That 15" sub may be too much though (ive seen that same model in stores for a LOT! more) I was thinking more along the lines of a high pwoered 10" in a small sealed box powered by a class D amp.
Are there any manufacturers out there who make a 3 channel amp that has a Class D channel that is adequately powered?
03-02-2004, 04:39 AM
#6
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,078
3 channel is not common.
You can find a four channel that can be bridged on two of the channels, and then the other two run to your front stage (assuming thats the goal).
In effect then you would have three channels.
I have focal's, they are great, but definitely listen to them before you order off the net, as some people dont like their 'sharpness', etc.
Image Dynamics chameleon component sets are VERY nice...but again, pricey.
That Phoenix Gold Ti seems to have garnered mixed reviews on this board, some dig it, some dont. Again, definitely go listen to some before you fork over the cash. I'd say check out some Eclipse woofers, since they would fit into your budget. Also, Image dynamics IDQ woofers are great as well (if you want to match brand name).
Like Manic said, class A/B vs. Class D for a typical application doesnt make a huge difference. AB actually is considered to sound more 'warm', depending on who you ask. Generally AB is thought of as more SQ-oriented, while Class D is for SPL/Bass-oriented applications. I have noticed mixed reviews for those newer soundstreams, although obviously, it depends on who you talk to. I would, again, say go out and try to listen to as much gear as you can, until you find something you are set on.
You can find a four channel that can be bridged on two of the channels, and then the other two run to your front stage (assuming thats the goal).
In effect then you would have three channels.
I have focal's, they are great, but definitely listen to them before you order off the net, as some people dont like their 'sharpness', etc.
Image Dynamics chameleon component sets are VERY nice...but again, pricey.
That Phoenix Gold Ti seems to have garnered mixed reviews on this board, some dig it, some dont. Again, definitely go listen to some before you fork over the cash. I'd say check out some Eclipse woofers, since they would fit into your budget. Also, Image dynamics IDQ woofers are great as well (if you want to match brand name).
Like Manic said, class A/B vs. Class D for a typical application doesnt make a huge difference. AB actually is considered to sound more 'warm', depending on who you ask. Generally AB is thought of as more SQ-oriented, while Class D is for SPL/Bass-oriented applications. I have noticed mixed reviews for those newer soundstreams, although obviously, it depends on who you talk to. I would, again, say go out and try to listen to as much gear as you can, until you find something you are set on.
03-02-2004, 06:51 AM
#7
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,649
Buying off Ebay is not a big issue. However, if you run into problems where are you going to go??? I'd suggest finding a good dealer in your area and working with them so you get some support and a proper waranttee for the gear you just invested in. There's lots of people here I think from out your way that can suggest good places to deal with.
Here's the system that I'd suggest. Go with a good pair of front end components and then go with a pair of free-air 10" subs mounted to the underside of the rear deck. No enclosure necessary. Someone will have to comment on if 10" fit off the rear deck on this car, but if it can be done, go that way. You get to keep your trunk space. Build a baffle and fire the subs up through the existing holes in the deck. No need to cut. But you will need to sound deaden the rear deck with something like Brown Bread...... which can be found here on this site.
Clarion 835MP for the deck, although not current meaning you should be able to find a good price on one.
Four channel amp............ there's lot of them out there to choose from so look around. Bridge two channels for the sub and the other two channels for the front components.
In my mind, waste of money to do rear components or speakers.
Kick panels if done right are hard to see. IF you want, go with a set of 5.25" components in kicks and it will make a BIG difference in sound. I suggest if you can be convinced to do that, it's the better way. Also easier to run wire to and not have to touch the factory system speaker wiring.
Here's the system that I'd suggest. Go with a good pair of front end components and then go with a pair of free-air 10" subs mounted to the underside of the rear deck. No enclosure necessary. Someone will have to comment on if 10" fit off the rear deck on this car, but if it can be done, go that way. You get to keep your trunk space. Build a baffle and fire the subs up through the existing holes in the deck. No need to cut. But you will need to sound deaden the rear deck with something like Brown Bread...... which can be found here on this site.
Clarion 835MP for the deck, although not current meaning you should be able to find a good price on one.
Four channel amp............ there's lot of them out there to choose from so look around. Bridge two channels for the sub and the other two channels for the front components.
In my mind, waste of money to do rear components or speakers.
Kick panels if done right are hard to see. IF you want, go with a set of 5.25" components in kicks and it will make a BIG difference in sound. I suggest if you can be convinced to do that, it's the better way. Also easier to run wire to and not have to touch the factory system speaker wiring.
03-02-2004, 09:04 AM
#8
Originally posted by Jeff_23_m:
Are there any manufacturers out there who make a 3 channel amp that has a Class D channel that is adequately powered?
Are there any manufacturers out there who make a 3 channel amp that has a Class D channel that is adequately powered?
[ March 02, 2004, 10:05 AM: Message edited by: JeepBeats ]
03-02-2004, 04:15 PM
#9
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 40
That Kicker looks right up my alley!
I can honestly say I have NEVER heard an IB setup for subs before. How does that affect transients and the lower end. I have little concern for SPL, Im all for SQ. However, the idea of an IB setup sounds good in keeping my hockey bag in the back and having SPACE!
The Focal polykev K2's are currently lookin to be the front end, I wonder if that plug on the woofer would interfere with a stock mounting location.
The Kicker might be perfect for what I need as well, I DONT want to tax my electrical system to much. In fact I was STRONGLY considering just a 3 way setup with a tweet, mid, and 8 inch. I recall hearing that a well pwoered 3 way setup can sound pretty powerful itself!
Would 2 8 inch subs in a discreet box possibly be a better choice then 1 ten? Im thinking 2 eights in a really thin long box or an IB config?!?
I can honestly say I have NEVER heard an IB setup for subs before. How does that affect transients and the lower end. I have little concern for SPL, Im all for SQ. However, the idea of an IB setup sounds good in keeping my hockey bag in the back and having SPACE!
The Focal polykev K2's are currently lookin to be the front end, I wonder if that plug on the woofer would interfere with a stock mounting location.
The Kicker might be perfect for what I need as well, I DONT want to tax my electrical system to much. In fact I was STRONGLY considering just a 3 way setup with a tweet, mid, and 8 inch. I recall hearing that a well pwoered 3 way setup can sound pretty powerful itself!
Would 2 8 inch subs in a discreet box possibly be a better choice then 1 ten? Im thinking 2 eights in a really thin long box or an IB config?!?
