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need some advice for noob

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Old 10-07-2008, 09:13 AM
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need some advice for noob

I'm new to car audio and don't know much. I would like get some new speakers and an amp to power a mtx sub I got from a friend. I already have an aftermarket head unit. Its a Clarion DZX575.

I would like some advice on what speakers I should get and amp. I'm not looking to spend much maybe $100-200 for speakers and $100-200 for an amp. This is all going in my 96 integra.
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Old 10-07-2008, 11:45 AM
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For $200 on speakers you might be able to pick up a decent set for the fronts and rear. Do you have any idea what the stock speaker sizes are for your car? Probably, 5.25's in the doors, and 6x9's in the rear. Time to find out... be back soon....
http://www.team-integra.net/sections/articles/showarticle.asp?ArticleID=248
Alright, apparently a '96 Integra has 6.5" round speakers in both the front doors and rear side panels. Does that make sense? If so, that's a great place to start as 6.5's are able to produce more bass than the usual 5.25's like I had stock in my Elantra.
Look for 6.5" component speakers for the front, and 2-ways for the back. I'll go looking...

MB Quart DSG 216
6-1/2" 120W 2-Way Component Speaker System

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=17716


Sony XS-GTX1620S
6-1/2" 260W 2-Way Component Speakers
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=19494]Sony XS-GTX1620S Component Speakers[/COLOR]
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Old 10-07-2008, 12:09 PM
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*Sorry for the double post. Hit Submit instead of Preview, by accident*

For $200 on speakers you might be able to pick up a decent set for the fronts and rear. Do you have any idea what the stock speaker sizes are for your car? Probably, 5.25's in the doors, and 6x9's in the rear. Time to find out... be back soon....
http://www.team-integra.net/sections/articles/showarticle.asp?ArticleID=248
Alright, apparently a '96 Integra has 6.5" round speakers in both the front doors and rear side panels. Does that make sense? If so, that's a great place to start as 6.5's are able to produce more bass than the usual 5.25's like I had stock in my Elantra.
Look for 6.5" component speakers for the front, and 2-ways for the back. I'll go looking...

MB Quart DSG 216
6-1/2" 120W 2-Way Component Speaker System

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=17716


Sony XS-GTX1620S
6-1/2" 260W 2-Way Component Speakers

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=19494


Pioneer Premier TS-A642P
6-1/2" 4-Way 280W Car Speakers

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=17680


Component speaker setups are those where the tweeter speaker is separate from the main speaker. This, generally, results in a much better sounding speaker configuration. However, they cost more to install because you need separate mounting locations for the tweeters, and the cross-over which only allows high frequencies to reach the tweeter.
You also want to take into consideration the frequency response of the speaker. The MBQ has a response as low as 40Hz, where the Sony has a response as low as 28Hz. Lower isn't necessarily better, but it can be if the speaker plays that low note with precision. Having speakers that are able to play a broader frequency range should make your system sound better. But you might give up volume for quality, which I think it a better route to go anyway.

I need to know the model number of the subwoofer, as much as you know, to properly suggest an amp that would work. You may also consider buying a Multi-channel amp to play the 4 speaker channels, and a separate mono amp to power the subwoofer. But this'll likely cost you more than your aiming to spend. I'm sure you could get away with running the 6.5" speakers off the head-unit power, but you're not getting the full potential from the speakers in that case.

Start saving.

Last edited by TragicMagic; 10-07-2008 at 12:11 PM.
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Old 10-07-2008, 02:16 PM
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Oh I didn't expect such a detailed response. Thank you sir. I have the money to spend on the system, but I like to only spend a certain amount on things. I would like to spend my money on other parts of my car. I think my whole budget for the system would be around $400-$600.

Which brand would you recommend for the rear speakers? I'm not sure of the size but I think some 6x9 speakers will fit there. I'm going to have to find out the model number of my sub when I get home.

Also would you suggest getting these all installed at an audio shop or should I be Ok doing these myself.
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Old 10-07-2008, 02:28 PM
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if I were you with that small a budget I would either buy used or off ebay. as for brands I can't give much help but thats a good way to make your money go further. especially if you can get them from the same place and combine shipping
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Old 10-07-2008, 03:51 PM
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I'm not really looking for the best system. I just want to enjoy my music while driving. More like the best bang for your buck system.
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Old 10-07-2008, 04:34 PM
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but you do get to a point where the stock system is just as good if not better then lower end aftermarket stuff...

Last edited by Epica-Go-Boom; 10-07-2008 at 04:36 PM.
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Old 10-07-2008, 10:45 PM
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Walmart. Ours, here in Brantford, carries Sony and another brand who's name eludes me at the moment. Sounds like a German name though. Check out your store in Brampton.
But like Epica stated, the lowest of the low end aftermarket equipment may not be worth your time and money. And Walmart probably isn't carrying upper level stuff...
Used equipment might be a good option. Same with E-bay. I have a hard time finding stuff from Canada though. And shipping 4 items from the USA will cost you 1/3 of your budget, approximately.

As for a do-it-yourself install... that's entirely up to you. Don't forget that you have to install a power wire for your amplifier. For your particular vehicle it might be easy to get it through the firewall. That Team Integra site I linked to in my original response is where I'd do a lot of research if I were you. That way you can get a grasp on what the entire install will entail... then you can decide on whether or not you can tackle it yourself. You'll be able to save some coin, and spend it towards better equipment.

Note: Keep in mind that most women prefer a nice sounding audio setup as opposed to being sucked back into the passenger seat. lol
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Old 10-08-2008, 01:00 AM
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Matryx, if you want a GOOD sounding system stay out of Walmart, Canadian tire, flea markets etc. Yes it is cheap, but you get what you pay for. I grabbed a set of JL audio components off ebay for $200 bnib. Picked up in Burlington. These are on Crutchfield for $350cdn. IMHO you do not need rear speakers at all unless you have people in your backseat alot. I was not sure at first but have had only fronts in my car now for 3 months and I do not miss the rear at all to be honest. Do not buy Sony anything, overpriced crap in MHO. Matryx shoot me a pm I am in Brampton as well and will be working on the system this Fri & Sat if you want to shoot by we can chat better than on here and you can listen to some decent 6.5" components. I would be willing to give you a hand on installing stuff when you get it. I'm a serious enthusiast and love to help out when I can.
Nick

Last edited by 420guy; 10-08-2008 at 01:05 AM.
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Old 10-08-2008, 10:54 AM
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Right now I would suggest simply getting an amplifier to run that MTX sub. That may be all you need to bring your system to a level you're happy with. Based on the information you've given us.
Epica, what if he were to replace his stock 6.5's (all four) with 2-ways? Even low end. These speakers could improve sound quality with the power the Clarion deck is putting out. And then use the new amp to run the MTX sub for the low frequency bass. Matryx, you're still going to be missing out on a lot of mid-range sound, as the new speakers won't be as efficient putting out those sounds without amplification. It'll sound kinda 'hollow', if you catch my meaning.

Click the link. And bookmark this page!


http://users.swing.be/hdepra/home/P22/E-sounds.html


Turn your PC speakers down a bit, and play each of these frequencies to hear what they sound like.
My computer sound system won't even generate a sound at 30Hz. If it is, I can't hear it. Anything over 15000Hz, and I get a weird distortion.
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