My Car Audio Setup

[tragdor]

I'm not wanting a ridiculously expensive setup. I just like to listen to a variety of music and want a system that will play it well.
Alright, so here's what I got so far:
Headunit (Installed)-
Amazon.com: Pioneer DEH-4200UB CD Receiver with OEL Display and USB iPod Control: Car Electronics

Rears (Installed)-
Amazon.com: Kicker 08KS6930 KS-Series 6-Inch x 9-Inch 152mm X 229mm 3-Way Speaker: Car Electronics

Doors (Ordered)-
https://www.woofersetc.com/p-6201-ctx65cs-image-dynamics-65-component-speaker-system.aspx

I was super torn between the Image Dynamics and a set of Focal 165A1's. I'd heard the A1's but the cheapest I could find them was $250, so my wallet made the decision for me. The Image Dynamics were also more than I wanted to spend but to get the sound I was after, I had to go to a much higher price range. I haven't decided on an amp for the 4 though. Something in the range of 75-100W/channel. If this setup doesn't have enough bass, I'll then go to a single 8" or 10" Sub for the lows. I like the JL Audio W3 lineup. What do you guys think?

 

[Tanro]

A single 10" in a quality box will give you more than enough base to enjoy your music. It won't be winning any DBL comps but it should sound excellent at low-mid volume range. The old addage goes here, less is more.

You should allways make sure to select an AMP that has enough channels to power the amount speakers you have, and enough power for your speakers Peak and RMS. If you have a 200 watt peak say, 70 watt RMS. Make sure the power of the amp matches or exceeds the power of the speaker. If you over tax an amp it can lead to premature failure, with a good amp you can usually set it up to send the correcnt amount of power to speakers, and not more, or you run the risk of blowing your speakers.

 

[tragdor]

Thanks for the advice man. I'm definitely a newb with stereo gear.

 

[Tanro]

I would go talk to someone that has been doing it for 20 years. The guy at my radio-shack helps me out with every vehicle to find just the right speakers etc to make the car sound great. Its a stereo center radio-shack that he owns and has been installing stereos for approaching 35 years. He knows his stuff. These are just things I have picked up from him.

 

[razrman8]

I am running a Sony X-Plod head unit with 2 MTX 10's and a Rockford Fosgate amp 250 continuous amps. I do have to say they hit probably harder than I need. But it with the built in EQ its nice to have it when you need it and not when you dont. But I agree with Tanro, a 10 in a decent box will be sufficient. Especially in a hatch. The common misconception of people now a days is that your sound system has to rattle your neighbors house windows while your a mile away. Me, myself, I like the quality of sound more.

 

[DSM_munky_man]

I am runnin a 10 inch pioneer champion series in a sealed Walmart box powered by a 1000 watt Sony amp from Walmart. Then get some same size door and rear speakers and run them off a 500-750 watt amp then an aftermarket deck of your choice. That is what I am runnin and it sounds good. Not too much bass I just have it here for more definitionnin my music.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Mine alpine 9886 sirius, focal seperates, jl 12w6v2, jl 500/10 jl 300/4. For now this thing sounds great, next project it will be really cleaned up and set up for sound offs at shows one day.

 

[Tanro]

My setup in the last GST will get installed sometime. 1 JL W3 10" in a custom made ported box. Polk Audio components in the doors/dash (base cones in doors, tweets in dash) and rockford fosgate 6x9s in the rear.

It sounds great. But you can really make any quality speaker setup sound good if you provide it the right amount of power. You also don't need anything over 500 watts in the trunk if you buy a brandname box, or have one built. Boxes make all the difference when it comes to base.

 

[tragdor]

Thanks for all the comparative setups. I had gone up to Custom Sounds (a national Audio sales and installation retailer I think), and talked with the guys up there. They also mentioned that the boxes used were important. I was looking at a simple sing 10 box that was just big enough for the sub's required cubic feet, and was 3/4in mdf. I had thought about making one but I'll probably spend the cash and buy it there.

 

[johneclipse]

i run a jensen 7" indash as a headunit
an Xcite 10" competition sub(800rms, 1600 max)
and a oldschool kicker 300 watt monoblock amp

i hit hard enough to rattle stores...a single good 10" sub is ALL you need...saying my amp is completely underpowered for the sub. With a window mounted DB meter i'm running a 120DB level

forgot to say...im running a JBL sealed box custom made for my subs dimensions

 

[jdodds]

Get those speakers on an amp and toss a minimal layer of sound deadener in there and you might end up not wanting a subwoofer. Ive got a decent amount of deadener in mine with some cheap and old pioneer speakers on an alpine 50 watt RMS x4 amp and no longer have much of a desire for any kind of subwoofer. The quality you get out of replacement speakers when theyre powered correctly is better than most would think.

 

[Tanro]

Your also using and oldschool monoblock.

My buick had an oldschool mono block amp that would push speakers 4-5 times what it was rated for. Something about the oldschool stuff... Paper cone subs > composite. Just not as durable.

 

[tragdor]

I'll definitely throw an amp to the speakers before buying a sub. I've been trying to decide where it would be mounted at. I wanted something clean and out of the way.

 

[Chuck981]

A single 10" in a quality box will give you more than enough base to enjoy your music. It won't be winning any DBL comps but it should sound excellent at low-mid volume range. The old addage goes here, less is more.

You should allways make sure to select an AMP that has enough channels to power the amount speakers you have, and enough power for your speakers Peak and RMS. If you have a 200 watt peak say, 70 watt RMS. Make sure the power of the amp matches or exceeds the power of the speaker. If you over tax an amp it can lead to premature failure, with a good amp you can usually set it up to send the correcnt amount of power to speakers, and not more, or you run the risk of blowing your speakers.

I agree. I want a JL10 W3 FOR MY CAR

 

[tragdor]

Does anyone have opinions on 4 channel amps? I've been looking around and trying to figure out which I might go with.

 

[Dr Funkenstein]

JL makes nice subs, but they are way over priced. If I were you I'd check out the Alpine Type-R and Image Dynamics IDQ subwoofers. For ~$150, they can't be beat. Whenever I do my sound system, I'm toying with the idea of components up front and 8" subs in the factory 6x9 locations.

 

[white92talontsi]

JL makes nice subs, but they are way over priced. If I were you I'd check out the Alpine Type-R and Image Dynamics IDQ subwoofers. For ~$150, they can't be beat. Whenever I do my sound system, I'm toying with the idea of components up front and 8" subs in the factory 6x9 locations.

Image dynamics one of the best subs on the market for amazing sound quality.

These days I'm rocking either sundown, DD or audioque.

I feed this puppy 2200rms daily

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Here's inside where babies are made

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And yes. I been rocking that same sub and amp since 08.



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[ncampos92562]

For the sound I think your looking for, a 10" sub with a maybe a 150 watt rms in the right size box on maybe a 500watt amp on a low setting will be prime.

I myself run an audiobahn 10" sub with a 300 watt RMS in a custom box that fits between the rear strut towers and under my strut bar. It's powered by an Audiofonix 1200watt 2 channel with the sub bridged and have the amp tuned for the settings I wanted which was mid range to low. I had a bass know that helps me fine tweek each song. This setup can be loud as hell bass wise only half way up. And that is hear me coming a few block away loud. And I run pioneer backs, doors, and tweeters. It sounds good but I really need a new deck. Mines dying.

 

[tragdor]

white92talontsi-that box is amazing! I wish I could hear how it sounds in person. I really hope I like the Image Dynamics components that I bought. I might be convinced to try out one of their subs. I'm sure I'm an easy person to please with car audio so I bet I'd like it.
Thanks Dr Funkenstein and ncampos for the suggestions. I want to do this one time. It really helps hearing about other guys setups and opinions. I know almost nothing about car audio. As with my car, I'm looking for the part that is the best value closest to what my needs are.

 

[white92talontsi]

Its an awesome box.
You will be happy with the image dynamics components I guarantee.
As far as the subs I had 2 IDQ12's and I also had a IDMax 12. They all had awesome sounds quality. And they reproduced the lower end of the frequency range(40hz and below) better than any other sub I have had.
And the idmax is so easy to rebuild. Literally takes maybe 10 minutes.

You will be pleased. Just remember that you can have the best speaker in the world and if you build a shitty enclosure its gonna sound like shit.

If you go with ID give them a call. Some of the coolest guys to talk to and are very helpful.

When I accidentally clipped my IDMAX 12 I called and they sent me out a replacement cone. They actually called me throughout the process making sure that I got the replacement and everything was good. Top notch customer service.

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[tragdor]

Would I be able to achieve a good sound out of a sealed box? I'd like to conserve space if possible. If not, I'll have to start thinking about what type of box is best for the particular sub I'd be after.

 

[white92talontsi]

That's the beauty of the ID subs. They prefer a sealed box. If you can swing the cash I would really recommend the IDMax 12. In a sealed box it will drop extremely low while staying linear. And in a sealed box the right cubic ft the transient response is phenomenal.
You do have to keep in mind though. There made for sound quality. I don't know how much bass you're after but don't expect big boomy bass from ID subs. They will get loud no doubt but the main focus is sound quality. JL can't compete!

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[tragdor]

I'm not going for big bass. Something that is accurate and very responsive. I listen to all kinds of music and it needs to be versatile. Nothing that will win a competition or anything, but more like a clear concert or something.
Man that speaker is pricey. I need to find a store locally that I could hear it's performance when compared to others. I do like the fact that it's made in the USA.
Also, do you have any advice on a 4 channel Amp that would be a good fit for the ID comps and the Kicker 6x9's? I'm not sure of the difference in amps in costs and everything. Like what are you paying for as you go up in cost?

 

[white92talontsi]

Then I'd suggest ID. your budget will dictate if you want the Q or the Max. Sure you would like either.

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[tragdor]

Here are the Amps that I am considering for my components and 6x9's. Both sets of speakers are 100 watts RMS, so I'm looking for something close to that at 4 ohms. Anyone have any feedback on the brands?

Amazon.com: Hifonics HFi100.4 HFi Series A/B Stereo Amplifier 4 x 100 @ 4 OHMS, 4 x 200 @ 2 OHMS, 2 x 400 @ 4 OHMS: Car Electronics
Amazon.com: Kicker 08ZX3504 4X90-Watt 4-Channel Amplifier: Electronics
Amazon.com: Rockford Fosgate Prime R300-4 300 Watt Multi Channel Amplifier: Car Electronics
Amazon.com: Pioneer GM-D9500F Class-FD 4-Channel Bridgeable Amplifier: Car Electronics