Some Car Audio Questions

[Ryknow]

hmmm.. I'm not to sure on how to install anything.. I'm not to good on audio, performace I can do though . I'll think I'll drop it by Ken's (local installation/dealer). They dont charge a whole lot and do a good job, my friend gets boat electronics and his car stuff done there.

Thanks again Miscue.

[AutoMaggot]

as long as it's not overpowering it.

False.

Overpowering drivers is actually a wonderful thing when it comes to dampening and sound quality. If you can hammer a subwoofer with more power than it needs, you can turn down both gains and non-fade preouts. It's another way of ensuring product longevity and reliability.

I run a single 12" Phoenix Gold Tantrum, single 4 ohm coil, with a bridged 500.2. I keep the gains at 1/4 turn and the preout on my Eclipse deck rarely goes above 8 (on a 16 scale). The end result: Everything stays nice and cool, and the woofer still sounds loud and clear.

Underpowering subwoofers is what causes them to blow. The voice coils strain to represent certain frequencies, and they eventually just pop since they're not getting the proper amount of juice.

Apart from that comment, I completely agree with Miscue's suggestions.

[Miscue]

Originally posted by AutoMaggot

Apart from that comment, I completely agree with Miscue's suggestions.

I didn't say that, someone else did.

That's precisely right, underpowering is what kills stuff. You can overpower it all day long, and turn it up to the edge of distortion. It's the distortion that eats up speakers... which underpowering will create.

Looks like you got some good stuff! I have two 175x2 ESX Quantums (Zed Audio) that I have reserved for my fronts... Single Crystal CMP 12" that I don't have a class-D amp for yet. Don't quite have the cash to finish it up right now.

Originally I had one of those amps set aside for an Alumapro Alchemy which is very efficient... but I won the Crystal in a contest... which is a way better sub. But, I need a crap load of power for it... about a grand of watts. I guess I'll keep that amp as a spare or something... it's just too good to sell.

[AutoMaggot]

I almost went with Crystal, but I was on a budget during the summer since I needed to save for sophomore year in college (paint money!).

I'm actually a certified installer for Cicuit City... ironic, considering I don't own a damn thing from our store. I opted for Phoenix, Eclipse and Boston, but left a 4 channel out of the plans in order to fit my budget.

[Miscue]

Originally posted by AutoMaggot
I almost went with Crystal, but I was on a budget during the summer since I needed to save for sophomore year in college (paint money!).

I'm actually a certified installer for Cicuit City... ironic, considering I don't own a damn thing from our store. I opted for Phoenix, Eclipse and Boston, but left a 4 channel out of the plans in order to fit my budget.

Yup... the problem with car audio is... the more you know about it... the more expensive it gets. Even after you get your stuff... you've still settled on it cuz the super expensive equipment just costs way too damn much. I need like... $7500 to not settle I think.

[AutoMaggot]

I know.

I want Focal and McIntosh :-(

[Miscue]

0.003% THD with totally flat response is sick huh. Those are exactly the fronts and amps I'd like to have... exactly. Well... Dynaudio or CDT Eurosports are on my list too.

I'd like to get one of these puppies:
<img src="http://www.caraudiomag.com/testreports/0112cae_pioneer03_zoom.jpg">
<img src="http://www.caraudiomag.com/testreports/0112cae_pioneer08_zoom.jpg">

165W3... ooooooh...

<img src="http://www.focal-america.com/products/largepics/165w3.jpg">

I need to win the lottery...

[cphilip]

All this for a 76 Pinto?

I used to also use 12Volt.com for a lot of info on wireing and stuff. Good site.

I was into Video though at that point was doing an install in the F350.

Oh and nothing wrong with Sony video stuff. Its realy nice Video components for mobile application. Pricey. There are a few better. But many worse.

I used a Blapunkt DVD to run it though. thats pretty good mid range stuff. Decent and cheap.

[Miscue]

Originally posted by cphilip
Oh and nothing wrong with Sony video stuff. Its realy nice Video components for mobile application. Pricey. There are a few better. But many worse.

Yup, it's just the sound reproduction stuff. Either they want way too much for something that has cheaper rivals from other companies... or it's just mediocre or crappy even... this includes amps, decks, and speakers.

I wish Sony would put in money for R&D to come up with great stuff... I like Sony. They just haven't delivered in car audio for some reason.

[cphilip]

Yea I think they spend all thier time in Video stuff for some reason. And then they think they can slap thier name on something and demand double dollar for it. Not working at all is it? heck even though their video is good stuff its maybe not worth the dollars they seem to think it is a lot of the time.