Hello everyone,

Before we get into what I want to do, I want to list what I currently have:

The HU is: Pioneer DEH-P7700MP (2V preamp)
Subs: 2 x JBL GT100 (10" subs, SVC, 250W rms) powered by: 2 x JBL CS200.1 (230W rms @ 4ohms, 335W @ 2ohms)
Front: Infinity Reference 6012i (60W rms coaxial) powered by Hifonics Hawk (45Wx2 @ 4ohms)
Rear: Boston Acoustics S65 (35W rms coaxial) powered by the HU.
Deadening: Doors (2dr. Accord), trunk lid, trunk floor, backseat
Electrical: Big 3 upgraded
Extra: Zapco AG360 (50x4 @ 4ohms, 180x2 @ 4ohms bridged) waiting to be repaired.

Here is what I am looking for: midbass and loudness at the front

Infinity lacks midbass as expected (I bought this speakers on a great deal). It is much louder than the BA S65 which used to be at the front. But I still want it to be louder (the front is getting overpowered by the subs)

Should I go active with the setup I have and aim for SQ? Only changes to make is picking up a component set and adding a processor? I do not wish to replace the HU yet.

Here is my idea:

I could use one of the JBL CS200.1 to power a set of midbass (would need 2 ohms midbass drivers). I am (used to be) perfectly happy with the 2 JBL subs powered by a single JBL CS200.1 (338W rms @2ohms).

Then, I can get my Zapco repaired and pick up a good component set that I can go active with (50Wx4). Or even use a Hifonics to power a pair of tweeters (45Wx2) and Zapco to power a pair of mids (180Wx2 bridged). This should make the front really loud?

This would put me into a 3-way active system up front, correct?

I would still to keep my back speakers for my passengers, but that is not a problem as the HU can decently power the Infinity/BA coaxials.

This requires me to buy a processor that can run active crossover, correct?


If going active is not possible, or over my budget, or won't increase the volume at the front, should I simply upgrade my Infinity to a loud component set that can do at least 150W rms, and have it powered by a repaired Zapco that can do (180W x 2 bridged)?

I just pretty much want midbass and more volume at the front. BTW, I listen to mostly reggae, hip hop, r&b, and pop.

Thanks for your time, and sorry that its a long post

 

Actually, giving all those details right off the bat saves a lot of question-type replies to your post.....

Part one of your idea.....short answer is no. Running midbass up front in mono will do nasty things to your front stage imaging......

Part 2 is better, but if you get the right component set for your front end, that Zapco amp will do a great job at 180X2 in your doors. Going active up front will add to the cost, and you have all the extra work setting it up that may be of limited audible benefit depending of course on your ears.....

The other option is going to dedicated mid-bass drivers up front along with the component set. This also gets pricey, and may be something to keep in mind for your next system. You didn't mention what year the car is and how long you're planning on keeping it, but if you cut up the doors to put the extra pieces in either the system goes with the car when you sell it or the buyer has to get new door panels....

While you're doing all that for the front end, you could also consider selling both of the JBL sub amps and getting 1 that will do 500-700wrms@2ohms. With any luck you'll make enough to pay for the new one, and you will now have the Hifonics Hawk to drive the rears, which will help with the over all volume level. It will also tend to pull the front stage back a little, it really depends on your ears to decide if that's a good thing....

Interesting situation you're in.....looks like it's time to take a CD you are very familiar with out to a few stores and listen for that midbass. If the person demonstrating them can cross them over to get rid of the sub-bass, even better.....be sure to tell them you plan on using the Zapco to power them, so they show and let you listen to sets that will handle that much power.

A long answer to a long post.....

HTH

 

Hello again, sorry for a late reply.

It is a 2001 Accord coupe. The doors are pretty "long", but the speakers (which are 6.5") are pretty high at your knee height. Also, this car isn't going anywhere!

Well, I was suggesting to use the mono JBL CS200.1 to power a set of midbass speakers because CS200.1 has a LPF up to 300Hz. Wouldn't that be okay? or Do you need use a stereo amp for midbass as well?

I am not too worried about perfect imaging and staging to be honest. As long as I could hear the music coming from the front and low end bass going all over the car, I am happy with that "image".

I guess adding a new component set in the front would be alot simpler. Is there a suggestion for a loud set with midbass? Boston Acoustics Pro 60 comes to mind, but it is over $500 new. But this set is known for its loudness and midbass. Are there any other speakers that would perform the similar?

If I added a dedicated midbass at the front powered by an amp, wouldn't I need a processor to control the midbass signal? Or would I split up the signal at my Pioneer HU (Front preout)?

Thanks again.