SQ system in the works, suggestions?
08-04-2003, 07:26 PM
#1
500 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 756
Hello,
Well, I've started to piece together what I like to call system 4 [img]smile.gif[/img] My fourth install. I've stripped down just about everything I had from my previous installs, and am starting from scratch.
I own a 2000 Acura 1.6EL (black/black leather), and am into good quality sound. I've been very inspired by Wade's EL. I love the install he has done, and want to setup something around the same caliber. Im in the process of selling some of my old equipment and purchasing some new stuff as well. Ebay has been a great friend to me so far giving me some pretty good deals on some nice equipment.
Lets start with the source unit. I previously had an alpine 7894 which was a nice HU, but opted to go for something with a better DAC. I rarely used the deck to play MP3s or anything, and am not too concerned with all the little tweaking features it had. Things like 12 different kinds of bass bost and sound enhancement are not that important to me. I've pretty much made my mind up on the new Namakichi CD-400. It seems like a cosmetically simple deck that should blend in with my dash beautifully, looks a lot like the stock deck actually. 24bit DACs, and beautiful digital reproduction from what I've heard.
I have some 20ft monster cable interconnects from a previous install that I will be replacing. I'm looking to get some high quality twisted pair, balanced interconnects. I dont have to have the greatest things on earth, but does anyone have any suggestions? I dont mind paying a little extra for quality, but I dont want to spend $400 on RCAs either. I was considering monster cale XLN series cables, seem to be pretty good quality, balanced, twisted pair, good quality ends etc. Any suggestions?
I am still looking into getting a good EQ, I'm thinking a trunk mounted one. I've always been a huge fan of audiocontrol products. I've seen a lot of installs that used dual EQTs. I think that might be a good route to take, or a single EQX. Any suggestions? I would like something with built in adjustable crossovers if possible
I just got my amp last week which I am very pleased with. I got an Xtant 603x (the pre-MTX xtant style). Beautiful sounding amp. Puts out about 150x2 to the front channels, and 300x1 to the sub channel @ 2ohms. It has an 8db attenuation module in it to activate the passive rear channels. Built in noise gate, 24/12db crossovers built in (90Hz hi/lo). It has a built in variable speed fan as well. Can be adjusted with SIPs, but I cant find them anywhere. Plus lots of module ports for expanded capabilities. Even with the equipment I have in my car right now, it sounds surprisingly quite good.
My sub bass is currently provided by a single JL Audio 10W3v2 sub in a 0.8cu ft sealed enclosure. Its a Dual 2ohm sub, so I am not pulling optimum power from my amp. The strange thing is that the Xtant amp seems to put out more power than my PPI that is supposed to be 50 watts more powerful @ 4 ohms and the xtant does not even have any sort of bass boost. I like the sub, it hits very low notes for a 10, and keeps up with a pretty quick beat too. I was considering getting an Image Dynamics IDQ 10, dual 4ohm to take advantage of my amp's sub channel, or perhaps an IDQ 12. Another option would be to get another JL 10 like mine. a single 10" should be sufficient though, and I dont want to have a large enclosure in the trunk. Any suggestions?
My front stage is where I am most troubled. Right now, I'm running a pair of Image Dynamics CTX6 2-way coax speakers. They are beautiful sounding speakers for coaxials. They actually sound better than a lot of component sets I've heard, but they have to go. I am considering using them for rear fill @8db attenuation, but ideally I would like to have no rear fill at all. I've seen many component sets that I am interested in, but could use some advice. Some of the sets I have been considering include Focal polykevlar, CDT (not sure of the line), Image Dynamics Chameleons, or MB Quart. Out of them all so far, The Image components I'm leaning towards the most. $350 US in most stores, which is a reasonable price, and the sound quality is supposed to be very good. smooth response and a great midbass. I am going to be going with kick panel enclosures. They have qlogic ones that fit my car, but I'd rather get some custom ones done, I may try my hand in kick panel making myself. Has anyone had any experience with these speakers? Im still open to any other suggestions, as I'm still researching. Also, has anyone used the polykevlars? From everything I've heard, I should stick with 6.5" drivers if at all possible to get better midbass response, think thats good advice?
I'm going to be replacing my battery soon, I'm looking at the optima red top, (yellow top wont fit in my car). I have some good quality 4awg wire running from the battery to the trunk which I think should be sufficient for the amp and any EQs I setup there.
Well, I know that was a long post, thanks to anyone who got through it [img]smile.gif[/img]
I appreciate any advice you have for me. I hope to enter my car in some comps next summer if I have the system up to snuff by then.
Thanks,
Mike
Well, I've started to piece together what I like to call system 4 [img]smile.gif[/img] My fourth install. I've stripped down just about everything I had from my previous installs, and am starting from scratch.
I own a 2000 Acura 1.6EL (black/black leather), and am into good quality sound. I've been very inspired by Wade's EL. I love the install he has done, and want to setup something around the same caliber. Im in the process of selling some of my old equipment and purchasing some new stuff as well. Ebay has been a great friend to me so far giving me some pretty good deals on some nice equipment.
Lets start with the source unit. I previously had an alpine 7894 which was a nice HU, but opted to go for something with a better DAC. I rarely used the deck to play MP3s or anything, and am not too concerned with all the little tweaking features it had. Things like 12 different kinds of bass bost and sound enhancement are not that important to me. I've pretty much made my mind up on the new Namakichi CD-400. It seems like a cosmetically simple deck that should blend in with my dash beautifully, looks a lot like the stock deck actually. 24bit DACs, and beautiful digital reproduction from what I've heard.
I have some 20ft monster cable interconnects from a previous install that I will be replacing. I'm looking to get some high quality twisted pair, balanced interconnects. I dont have to have the greatest things on earth, but does anyone have any suggestions? I dont mind paying a little extra for quality, but I dont want to spend $400 on RCAs either. I was considering monster cale XLN series cables, seem to be pretty good quality, balanced, twisted pair, good quality ends etc. Any suggestions?
I am still looking into getting a good EQ, I'm thinking a trunk mounted one. I've always been a huge fan of audiocontrol products. I've seen a lot of installs that used dual EQTs. I think that might be a good route to take, or a single EQX. Any suggestions? I would like something with built in adjustable crossovers if possible
I just got my amp last week which I am very pleased with. I got an Xtant 603x (the pre-MTX xtant style). Beautiful sounding amp. Puts out about 150x2 to the front channels, and 300x1 to the sub channel @ 2ohms. It has an 8db attenuation module in it to activate the passive rear channels. Built in noise gate, 24/12db crossovers built in (90Hz hi/lo). It has a built in variable speed fan as well. Can be adjusted with SIPs, but I cant find them anywhere. Plus lots of module ports for expanded capabilities. Even with the equipment I have in my car right now, it sounds surprisingly quite good.
My sub bass is currently provided by a single JL Audio 10W3v2 sub in a 0.8cu ft sealed enclosure. Its a Dual 2ohm sub, so I am not pulling optimum power from my amp. The strange thing is that the Xtant amp seems to put out more power than my PPI that is supposed to be 50 watts more powerful @ 4 ohms and the xtant does not even have any sort of bass boost. I like the sub, it hits very low notes for a 10, and keeps up with a pretty quick beat too. I was considering getting an Image Dynamics IDQ 10, dual 4ohm to take advantage of my amp's sub channel, or perhaps an IDQ 12. Another option would be to get another JL 10 like mine. a single 10" should be sufficient though, and I dont want to have a large enclosure in the trunk. Any suggestions?
My front stage is where I am most troubled. Right now, I'm running a pair of Image Dynamics CTX6 2-way coax speakers. They are beautiful sounding speakers for coaxials. They actually sound better than a lot of component sets I've heard, but they have to go. I am considering using them for rear fill @8db attenuation, but ideally I would like to have no rear fill at all. I've seen many component sets that I am interested in, but could use some advice. Some of the sets I have been considering include Focal polykevlar, CDT (not sure of the line), Image Dynamics Chameleons, or MB Quart. Out of them all so far, The Image components I'm leaning towards the most. $350 US in most stores, which is a reasonable price, and the sound quality is supposed to be very good. smooth response and a great midbass. I am going to be going with kick panel enclosures. They have qlogic ones that fit my car, but I'd rather get some custom ones done, I may try my hand in kick panel making myself. Has anyone had any experience with these speakers? Im still open to any other suggestions, as I'm still researching. Also, has anyone used the polykevlars? From everything I've heard, I should stick with 6.5" drivers if at all possible to get better midbass response, think thats good advice?
I'm going to be replacing my battery soon, I'm looking at the optima red top, (yellow top wont fit in my car). I have some good quality 4awg wire running from the battery to the trunk which I think should be sufficient for the amp and any EQs I setup there.
Well, I know that was a long post, thanks to anyone who got through it [img]smile.gif[/img]
I appreciate any advice you have for me. I hope to enter my car in some comps next summer if I have the system up to snuff by then.
Thanks,
Mike
08-04-2003, 08:09 PM
#2
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 62
A buddy is selling his pk's... very nice condition and hardly used. hit him with an email..
caraudiowh0re@hotmail.com
hope that might have helped a bit.
caraudiowh0re@hotmail.com
hope that might have helped a bit.
08-04-2003, 08:26 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well it seems as though you are on the right track, that is definitely some nice gear you have in mind. The ID Chamelion speakers are very nice indeed, good choice. I personaly just picked up an ID10 V.3 and love it, it's a great little woofer for the price. The IDQ is supposed to have a little better SQ due to a stonger motor, but wont play quite as deep as the ID V.3's because it has a little less throw.
One suggestion I would make is to check out the new DQX from Audiocontrol, basicaly the same idea as the EQX, but it's digital and has better flexibility. It's a very nice piece. Check it out here:
http://www.audiocontrol.com/MobileAu...gital/DQX.html
Just find a good shop to install the gear and you'll be set!
One suggestion I would make is to check out the new DQX from Audiocontrol, basicaly the same idea as the EQX, but it's digital and has better flexibility. It's a very nice piece. Check it out here:
http://www.audiocontrol.com/MobileAu...gital/DQX.html
Just find a good shop to install the gear and you'll be set!
08-04-2003, 09:16 PM
#4
500 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 756
wow, that is one amazing EQ, where can I buy one? I'm Very impressed. 30 band, 24bit dacs, 24db/oct 3 way crossovers, 5 volt out.
I've made up my mind on an EQ [img]smile.gif[/img] thanks. Please let me know if you know where to buy one.
I've made up my mind on an EQ [img]smile.gif[/img] thanks. Please let me know if you know where to buy one.
08-05-2003, 12:22 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
looks like it's shipping ................msrp= 599 USD (about 900 cad)
http://www.audiocontrol.com/CompanyI...roduction.html
http://www.audiocontrol.com/CompanyI...roduction.html
08-05-2003, 05:58 AM
#6
500 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 756
yikes, pretty steep, but should be good. I'm sure a huge amount of tweaking can be done with that bad boy [img]smile.gif[/img] I think I'll keep an eye out for it on the net, maybe I can get a good deal on it. I've got high quality 24db/oct crossovers in my amp already, which I can utilize, but I need to find more Xtant SIPs to adjust the frequency. That being said, I could go for the DQT which is about $100US cheaper than the DQX. Its pretty cool having a digital crossover as well, but I think it'll be more affordable. Hmm, have to keep that in mind.
08-05-2003, 01:11 PM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,220
You mean this item?
http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...43_95_full.jpg
[img]smile.gif[/img]
Full MSRP is around 1100.00 for the DQX.
Sense you dont really need a external xover, A EQL would also be a excellent choice.. Much cheaper.. Just fewer bands. But for most systems its enough.
[ August 05, 2003, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: chev2 ]
http://images.cardomain.com/member_i...43_95_full.jpg
[img]smile.gif[/img]
Full MSRP is around 1100.00 for the DQX.
Sense you dont really need a external xover, A EQL would also be a excellent choice.. Much cheaper.. Just fewer bands. But for most systems its enough.
[ August 05, 2003, 02:16 PM: Message edited by: chev2 ]
08-05-2003, 01:41 PM
#9
--SPECIAL ED--
Join Date: Dec 1969
Posts: 0
Nice toy chev!
lemonlime: I appreciate the comments about my EL
[img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
If you're interested, I still have some pieces of it that could be for sale... modified deck, kick panels and components.
The rest is gone
PM if interested
lemonlime: I appreciate the comments about my EL
[img]graemlins/beer.gif[/img]
If you're interested, I still have some pieces of it that could be for sale... modified deck, kick panels and components.
The rest is gone
PM if interested
