Audio Questions

[MidnightRun]

Hey Everyone,

I am looking at buying some audio products from a friend of mine, but I am pretty clueless when it comes to car audio, so I thought I would ask around to get some feedback. I basically want to build a system that sounds nice and does not break the bank. I am not looking to win audio competitons, but I don't want crappy sound quality either.

Here's what I am looking at buying... it's all used, but apparently well taken care of as he competes in numerous audio competitions.

*Kicker 10L7
He has 2 of them. I really only need one, but might buy both anyway.

*Rockford Fosgate Power 350.S
I am basically concerned with power here. Is it too weak of an amp for the subs? components?

*Diamond Audio M561 6.5'' Component Set
What kind of quality am I looking at here compared to MB Quarts? Do I need to power these with an amp as well?

*MB Quart Q-Series 6.5'' Component Set
I have heard great things about MB Quart. Basically trying to decide between these and the Diamond Audio set.

*Diamond Audio M3 6x9 2-Way Speakers
Just some other speakers he has for sale that I was considering purchasing.

So what do you all think? Can I piece together a nice system from the above? Should I look at other products in certain areas? What would be fair prices for these products? I am still searching for a head unit, but I am probably going to pick up a nice Alpine unit.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Like I said, I am a newbie as far as audio goes, so I need the help!

 

[Attack Eagle]

First off anyone who competes in audio generally uses their equiment to its utmost and occasionally over its design limits.

if it is mildly used, ie shows only not daily driven... then get the quarts the m series from diamond are ok but they sound about like they cost... not cheap and not expensive, not crap but not great either.

if you want the best get focal... even their 200 componennt sets sound betterthan most other sets costing 2-3 times as much.

one l7 is more than enough, but what impedance are the voice coils?

that more than any other factor will determine what amp they need or if you should buy them... consider two comp VRs for the same $... lots warmer and more accurate. l7s are for playing hard and dirty, like a jeep.

I don't know the specs on fosgates but my shop dropped them a few years back... their quality went to pot and their power ratings went way down...

Can't have that when you are using 100-150 w components and need a 4 channel that will run them all day accurtately and with out bridging or otherwise messing with them....

I have again become a fan of JBL. but get the good stuff not the local chain store stuff
GTO amps are great, tons of power good looks for roughly 2-300 less than an equvilent amp from RF PG kicker or pioneer.

GTO and higher components are very smooth also but I prefer the focals... best speakers out there.

 

[Chuckster]

It really comes down to whether or not you trust this friend. Is the price fair?(compare on ebay to other used equipment) Have you heard the system?

Those are nice brands. If you're as new to audio as you say, you'll be thrilled with the setup. If you decide one day you're not happy, you could always sell them yourself.

 

[SoilentGreen98]

Dude, if you weren't aware, both MB Quart and Diamond Audio is the shit to say the least!

First off anyone who competes in audio generally uses their equiment to its utmost and occasionally over its design limits.

very true on that

 

[dont need 8]

MB Quarts will need power, especially depending on the series. The Reference and the Premium series for 6.5 components list 50-60 watts as the bare minimum for RMS and they are not very sensitive. With that said they are awesome and have great crossovers.

 

[pinknuggit]

I would definately say that the Q series mb quart components sound Awesome, and not "better than cheap, but not expensive".

It's all about what you like. You will love both the diamond and the quart components. You can't go wrong with what you listed, except the rockford amp.

If i was in your shoes, i would buy the Q series quarts from your friend. Then, i would find somewhere to buy an old rockford punch 600a4 4 chan amp. You can use the front channels for the quarts. Then, i'd find a lower power 10" sub to run off of the back channels of the rockford. I used to have a 600a4, and it benchtested at 804 watts which is plenty enough to power a whole system.