Car stereo opinions

[Miscue]

Originally posted by FalconGuy016
So an amp will actually improve the quality of the sound, not just the level of volume? Is all the quality improvement because of the equalizer (is that what SQ means?) of is there some other component of the amp to improve the sound?

Absolutely. Most people don't realize that the amp is not just for making it louder... although that can be one purpose. I personally have no interest in SPL, but rather SQ... but I still have about a grand in my amps. There are even different classes of amps, for different purposes. Like, a class A amp is good for SQ... suited for your fronts and such. A class D amp is suited for subwoofers.

Good amps provide good, clean power to your speakers. Superior SQ is apparant even at low listening levels. All I can say is that the difference can be drastic.

You can have $1000 speakers that sound no better than stock, if you don't power them correctly. You can have $100 speakers that sound way better than stock with a good amp. I'm not talking about volume levels either. (Although of course an amp lets you turn it up higher w/o distortion)

[FalconGuy016]

Originally posted by Miscue


Absolutely. Most people don't realize that the amp is not just for making it louder... although that can be one purpose. I personally have no interest in SPL, but rather SQ... but I still have about a grand in my amps. Good amps provide good, clean power to your speakers. Superior SQ is apparant even at low listening levels. All I can say is that the difference can be drastic.

You can have $1000 speakers that sound no better than stock, if you don't power them correctly. You can have $100 speakers that sound way better than stock with a good amp. I'm not talking about volume levels either. (Although of course an amp lets you turn it up higher w/o distortion)

Hum. Whats a good amp then ?
Edit: And one more thing, can you mix brands of front and rear speakers?

Would a good setup be
2 component front speakers
2 good back speakers
1 good amp
1 Alpine deck

If thats good, now I just gotta find the ones to buy

[Miscue]

Oops, I just noticed that I didn't answer your original question. SQ and SPL are audio terms. SQ = Sound Quality and SPL = Sound Pressure Level... basically dBs. At competitions, they have SQ and SPL competitions separately.

The function of an equalizer is to fine tune a system... and it's not to be used as a crutch to handle flaws in a system. Ideally, you should not have to use one at all. You can also use it to tune it to your listening tastes... but you don't really need one for daily driving... and the one built into the deck (like that Clarion ) is plenty good enough. I use mine for the time being because I haven't decked out my system yet, stuff is in boxes.

What's a good amp... That's dependant upon what you want your system to do for you, and how much money you want to dump into it. What is your current amp?

[FalconGuy016]

Originally posted by Miscue
Oops, I just noticed that I didn't answer your original question. SQ and SPL are audio terms. SQ = Sound Quality and SPL = Sound Pressure Level... basically dBs. At competitions, they have SQ and SPL competitions separately.

The function of an equalizer is to fine tune a system... and it's not to be used as a crutch to handle flaws in a system. Ideally, you should not have to use one at all. You can also use it to tune it to your listening tastes... but you don't really need one for daily driving... and the one built into the deck (like that Clarion ) is plenty good enough. I use mine for the time being because I haven't decked out my system yet, stuff is in boxes.

What's a good amp... That's dependant upon what you want your system to do for you, and how much money you want to dump into it. What is your current amp?

Its old and crappy, so im buying a new one What would you reccomend? Also, what would you reccomend on front component speakers besides the CDT's/

Maybe around $300 for an amp? I dont know, I dont know of amp prices vs value
Im turning this into a long term project now, so hit me with some of the better ones

[Miscue]

Originally posted by FalconGuy016


Hum. Whats a good amp then ?
Edit: And one more thing, can you mix brands of front and rear speakers?

Would a good setup be
2 component front speakers
2 good back speakers
1 good amp
1 Alpine deck

If thats good, now I just gotta find the ones to buy

Sure, you can mix brands... you don't really turn rear fills up a whole lot anyway like I said.

Well, giving specific recommendations gets into the realms of subjectivity. I'll recommend a few things, but realize that I'm not necessarily wrong or right and there are other brands and models out there which would do you fine as well.

This is a great amp for the price:

http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/USAUSX2050

You don't need more power than that, unless you're getting some fronts with special power requirements.

You can run your rear fills off your deck. If your stocks aren't total crap, they might actually work out ok... try them out first before you replace them. You can pick up 2-ways for like $50 or something from local store and be set... like Alpine or Kenwood or something, whatever.

The components I suggested I think are a great bargain for $150. They're supposed to be $300. CDT makes really good stuff. However, if you're looking for thumping mid-bass... and don't have a sub... you might want to go with something else or seal up those CDTs really good (which you should do anyway). Otherwise, CDT makes really good sounding speakers.

Are you doing this yourself? You'll need wiring/power kits... don't forget.

[Miscue]

Originally posted by FalconGuy016


Its old and crappy, so im buying a new one What would you reccomend? Also, what would you reccomend on front component speakers besides the CDT's/

Well... what do you want this system to do?

Besides CDTs... have a price range? I mentioned those because $150 is cheap... and IMO better than say... Boston Acoustics or something else you'd get from the store. Polk is a pretty good bang-for-the-buck store brand. I really have a hard time recommending the typical store stuff if you're gonna spend $300+.

A lot of the brands I recommend are brands most people have never heard of... so...

[Miscue]

BTW, why don't you want a sub? Without one you lose the lower frequencies, especially after you crossover your fronts. A sub doesn't necessarily mean BOOM BOOM BOOM... Only if you want it to. I personally think it's a great addition if you're looking for really nice sound. Don't equate a sub to loud... equate it with proper representation of the music... getting the whole frequency spectrum. Think bass cellos...

[FalconGuy016]

Originally posted by Miscue
BTW, why don't you want a sub? Without one you lose the lower frequencies, especially after you crossover your fronts. A sub doesn't necessarily mean BOOM BOOM BOOM... Only if you want it to. I personally think it's a great addition if you're looking for really nice sound. Don't equate a sub to loud... equate it with proper representation of the music... getting the whole frequency spectrum. Think bass cellos...

Oh I know... Ill buy one later then I just need to get started. That amp is really cheap! I'm going to buy it! lol

If I couldnt get those CDT's, would you reccomend polk?
I plan on sealing them up well

[Miscue]

Polk is fine. Polks have pretty good SQ for the price, but do not have stellar mid-bass. I'd cringe if you got those instead of the CDT's though. I'm also assuming you're not talking about the MOMOs.

Well, if you're gonna get a sub... you may want to get a multi-channel amp, or plan on getting a second amp... although that really complicates things and I would not recommend it for your situation.

You might want to look into something like the XTant 403A:

http://www.sounddomain.com/shoplist~b~Xtant~t~Multi-Channel+Amps

That's a pretty good deal for an XTant, which are usually pretty expensive. You could also do a multi-channel model of the US Acoustics Amp I showed you. But... XTant is starting to get into the 'good' stuff.

[FalconGuy016]

Originally posted by Miscue
Polk is fine. Polks have pretty good SQ for the price, but do not have stellar mid-bass. I'd cringe if you got those instead of the CDT's though.

Well, if you're gonna get a sub... you may want to get a multi-channel amp, or plan on getting a second amp... although that really complicates things and I would not recommend it for your situation.

You might want to look into something like the XTant 403A:

http://www.sounddomain.com/shoplist~b~Xtant~t~Multi-Channel+Amps

That's a pretty good deal for an XTant, which are usually pretty expensive. You could also do a multi-channel model of the US Acoustics Amp I showed you.

Well, I hope that CDT deal lasts out a couple of days. This all depends on whether or not I get this certain car or not (which depends on inspection and such). But if I do its the first place im going

FOR THE TIME BEING, is it possible to run the CDT's and two rear speakers off the alpine deck?

[Miscue]

Originally posted by FalconGuy016


Well, I hope that CDT deal lasts out a couple of days. This all depends on whether or not I get this certain car or not (which depends on inspection and such). But if I do its the first place im going

FOR THE TIME BEING, is it possible to run the CDT's and two rear speakers off the alpine deck?

Absolutely. And when you put in your amp, you'll understand how important it is for SQ.

You're going to need to rewire everything pretty much once you put your amp in... so be forewarned... a lot of work ahead. You might want to start pricing wiring/power kits... I recommend Stinger or Phoenix Gold. Monster Cable is pricey and isn't any better. I think I dumped about $150 into my cabling alone... freakin expensive hobby car audio is.

Also... that tweeter needs to be mounted somewhere. Typically you have to put a hole in your door panel. Ideally, you want it to be near the driver (main speaker).

If you are REALLY ambitious and want to get serious with this... seal your car with Peal-n-Seal (way cheaper dynamat substitute). Sound dampening does wonders.

[FalconGuy016]

Thank you so very much Miscue
Edit: OH! I found the amp I had. Its a Kenwood KAC-8020, is that good for anything? its old but, it feels sturdy heh

[Miscue]

Originally posted by FalconGuy016
Thank you so very much Miscue
Edit: OH! I found the amp I had. Its a Kenwood KAC-8020, is that good for anything? its old but, it feels sturdy heh

No problem. I can't find any documentation on that amp... so who knows. My gut feeling says to get a new one. Get the XTant... you will like it.

Sounds like this is a do-it-yourself job right? Be careful, take your time, ask a lot of questions, make sure you're doing it right. There's a lot of things you can screw up. There's more to an install than just plugging things in. Also, plan on spending more than you planned. You'll get nickel and dimed on small stuff you didn't think about.

[Miscue]

If I could get whatever system right now... that's expensive but not OBSCENE... I'd pick:

http://www.caraudiomag.com/testreports/0112cae_pioneer/

Deck + Processor

Focal 165 K3's

http://www.audiovideoaccessories.net/en-us/dept_19.html

or Eurosports

http://www.mmxpress.com/cdtaudio/eurosport.html

BTW, if you're gonna dump a few hundred into speakers, might want to check out Focal.

Maybe some XTant amps... they have their new kinky audiophile D-Class amp. You can spend $2500+ on a one channel amp like McIntosh or something, but that's kinda nuts.

I dunno what I would do with a sub right now... some new stuff out that I'm unfamiliar with. But back in the day I'd go with a Crystal or a Brahma or something.

/me needs to win the lottery a few times.

[FalconGuy016]

Thanks a lot miscue, ill get started