New budget system (help)
03-15-2009, 09:17 PM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
New budget system (help)
Just bought an '09 Lancer GTS, first thing planned is to replace the stock audio.
I'm not all too concerned with replacing the stock rear speakers, but the head unit, front speakers, and subwoofer(s) are a priority.
My budget's roughly $1,000 but I'm sure I can increase it if need be.
As far as the head unit or front speakers go, I haven't really looked at any options, so suggestions here are much appreciated.
For subwoofers, I've been considering Power Acoustik ****-15's (Two of them) in a ported enclosure. I've read a few reviews, they seem well-built, and the RMS wattage is respectable. The SQ is apparently crap, but I'm more concerned with loudness.
An amp to power them, again, I've not considered. I've installed a few systems in the past & know the necessities of what makes a decent system (I think), but as far as choosing parts, I'm clueless.
Any suggestions are welcome & appreciated.
I'm not all too concerned with replacing the stock rear speakers, but the head unit, front speakers, and subwoofer(s) are a priority.
My budget's roughly $1,000 but I'm sure I can increase it if need be.
As far as the head unit or front speakers go, I haven't really looked at any options, so suggestions here are much appreciated.
For subwoofers, I've been considering Power Acoustik ****-15's (Two of them) in a ported enclosure. I've read a few reviews, they seem well-built, and the RMS wattage is respectable. The SQ is apparently crap, but I'm more concerned with loudness.
An amp to power them, again, I've not considered. I've installed a few systems in the past & know the necessities of what makes a decent system (I think), but as far as choosing parts, I'm clueless.
Any suggestions are welcome & appreciated.
03-15-2009, 09:38 PM
#2
What is most important, do it right the first time. Subs, especially 15's might not be the best option for you. Why, the weight it adds to the car, do you have the space for the box, the amp to drive the subs properly, the ability of the tiny little alternator in your car to provide the power for the amp to do it's job and then of course, your budget.
Build the system up in stages if you must, a solid head unit and front speakers, then throw a 4 channel amp to it, half the amp on the front speakers, the other half on a single sub for now. Next add a second sub and the proper (for future considerations) sub amp. Use the 4 channel on the front and rear speakers. Then add rear speakers if you like. Finally if you really want more bass, upgrade from the good basic subs and basic but good box to better subs and a custom box. The only thing that you are throwing away as investment on is the basic subs and basic box, something that you will be able to sell to someone else and make some of the investment back.
Your budget is the limitation here. Personally, there is no way that I would use 15" subs in your little car when one solid 12" would be more than enough to cause permanent hearing damage. A good respectable set of 12's would be more than ample for most people and more than likely far more suitable to the vehicle and the space it has available.
Build the system up in stages if you must, a solid head unit and front speakers, then throw a 4 channel amp to it, half the amp on the front speakers, the other half on a single sub for now. Next add a second sub and the proper (for future considerations) sub amp. Use the 4 channel on the front and rear speakers. Then add rear speakers if you like. Finally if you really want more bass, upgrade from the good basic subs and basic but good box to better subs and a custom box. The only thing that you are throwing away as investment on is the basic subs and basic box, something that you will be able to sell to someone else and make some of the investment back.
Your budget is the limitation here. Personally, there is no way that I would use 15" subs in your little car when one solid 12" would be more than enough to cause permanent hearing damage. A good respectable set of 12's would be more than ample for most people and more than likely far more suitable to the vehicle and the space it has available.
03-16-2009, 12:29 AM
#3
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
I appreciate the quick response.
That does make a lot of sense. However, in order of priorities, I'd much prefer going with the subs before anything else. I'll simply run the factory speakers off the head unit until I pick up an amp.
I've got an old 180w rms 2-channel amp laying around that I may be able to put to use for the fronts. What do you think?
Additionally, would you mind providing some suggestions as to which components to be on the lookout for? I'll take your advice and go with one (or two) 12" in place of the 15"s. And, as I don't use the trunk, and don't plan to any time soon, I think a generic box will do fine for quite a while.
As far as the box is concerned, I was thinking of picking up a bandpass box, as, again, I prefer loudness over accuracy. However, I'm not set on it, as I'm not too familiar with car audio yet.
Regarding subwoofers, head units, and amplifiers, I'm still wide open for suggestions. My only necessity is loudness, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to play CDs (which is standard, these days).
That does make a lot of sense. However, in order of priorities, I'd much prefer going with the subs before anything else. I'll simply run the factory speakers off the head unit until I pick up an amp.
I've got an old 180w rms 2-channel amp laying around that I may be able to put to use for the fronts. What do you think?
Additionally, would you mind providing some suggestions as to which components to be on the lookout for? I'll take your advice and go with one (or two) 12" in place of the 15"s. And, as I don't use the trunk, and don't plan to any time soon, I think a generic box will do fine for quite a while.
As far as the box is concerned, I was thinking of picking up a bandpass box, as, again, I prefer loudness over accuracy. However, I'm not set on it, as I'm not too familiar with car audio yet.
Regarding subwoofers, head units, and amplifiers, I'm still wide open for suggestions. My only necessity is loudness, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to play CDs (which is standard, these days).
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