System advice please for a novice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
System advice ...It's finished!!! Lots of pics.
I'm starting to put together a plan for the new system I'm going to be putting in my 95 coupe. I have a Blaupunkt key west HU on the way and am going to pick up a mounting plate from vrumvrum tomorrow.
For front speakers I'm leaning towards INFINITY reference 5012i 5.25" 2 ways, or 5010cs 5.25 components.
But what to do for the back? First of all, I want clean sound, more than thumping bass, and I'm wanting to spend around $600-700. I do want to install an amp. A guy at Crutchfield suggested rather than 8 inch subs in the stock rear locations (and fabricating custom enclosures), buy some 6x9's that will drop right in and use the amp's crossover to send them just the lows.
Is this sound advice???
He suggested an Alpine MRP F450 amp (70wx4).
Will this be a nice system without shaking the neighbor's windows?
Thanks for any advice!
For front speakers I'm leaning towards INFINITY reference 5012i 5.25" 2 ways, or 5010cs 5.25 components.
But what to do for the back? First of all, I want clean sound, more than thumping bass, and I'm wanting to spend around $600-700. I do want to install an amp. A guy at Crutchfield suggested rather than 8 inch subs in the stock rear locations (and fabricating custom enclosures), buy some 6x9's that will drop right in and use the amp's crossover to send them just the lows.
Is this sound advice???
He suggested an Alpine MRP F450 amp (70wx4).
Will this be a nice system without shaking the neighbor's windows?
Thanks for any advice!
Last edited by RJ1AZ; Sep 12, 2006 at 04:13 PM. Reason: System is done! Lots of pics.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
Originally Posted by bogus
Not to be a dick, but have you scanned the C4 Audio FAQ? If not, do that, then we will talk...
worried that rj1az will be insulted like that other guy?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
Originally Posted by scott_fx
hahahaha
worried that rj1az will be insulted like that other guy?
worried that rj1az will be insulted like that other guy?
I don't want a single 10" sub, as you recommend cause like I said, I don't need it to "blow you right outta there" and I don't want to give up the storage bin. I've also contacted ninetyfivevette to inquire about his 8" sub install. And I was considering copying his setup. It would require some fabrication, which I'm able to do. Then, the Crutchfield guy suggests using the 6x9's in the back, giving them just the low frequencies, using them as a woofer only. I don't see why it wouldn't work and they would drop right in.
So, back to my question....Is that a viable alternative, or would it sound like crap? If it's a stupid question, then enlighten me!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
OH NO it wasn't an insult. a few weeks ago he simply wrote 'i bet it's in the c5 faq' and the guy took that as bogus being rude.
bogus is the man!
bogus is the man!
Originally Posted by RJ1AZ
I'm going to assume that it wasn't an insult...I know you answer alot of posts, bogus, and if you can help, great. So, to answer your question, yeah, I've read the FAQ. Printed them out, re-read them etc...
I don't want a single 10" sub, as you recommend cause like I said, I don't need it to "blow you right outta there" and I don't want to give up the storage bin. I've also contacted ninetyfivevette to inquire about his 8" sub install. And I was considering copying his setup. It would require some fabrication, which I'm able to do. Then, the Crutchfield guy suggests using the 6x9's in the back, giving them just the low frequencies, using them as a woofer only. I don't see why it wouldn't work and they would drop right in.
So, back to my question....Is that a viable alternative, or would it sound like crap? If it's a stupid question, then enlighten me!
I don't want a single 10" sub, as you recommend cause like I said, I don't need it to "blow you right outta there" and I don't want to give up the storage bin. I've also contacted ninetyfivevette to inquire about his 8" sub install. And I was considering copying his setup. It would require some fabrication, which I'm able to do. Then, the Crutchfield guy suggests using the 6x9's in the back, giving them just the low frequencies, using them as a woofer only. I don't see why it wouldn't work and they would drop right in.
So, back to my question....Is that a viable alternative, or would it sound like crap? If it's a stupid question, then enlighten me!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Here is my opinion the 6x9 is designed to play music an 8" is designed for lows, while what the guy is saying will work in theory its gonna sound like garbage, if you are looking to avoid fabrication check out edesignaudio.com they make a nice 6.5 sub which would prly drop in eaiser then an 8
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Wharton Texas
If you want to try 6x9's it sure would be easy. There are dedicated 6x9 woofers out there, without the tweeters, that are made for low frequency response. I know kicker used to make one... but that doesn't help much.
Parts Express has one for pretty cheap. It's an 8 ohm, bu it won't take much power to drive it so that isn't a real concern. It might be worth a try, especially if you can seal up around the stock mounting location to use the body as a quasi-box.
It won't sound as good as an 8 most likely, but like you said... it would drop right in.
Parts Express has one for pretty cheap. It's an 8 ohm, bu it won't take much power to drive it so that isn't a real concern. It might be worth a try, especially if you can seal up around the stock mounting location to use the body as a quasi-box.
It won't sound as good as an 8 most likely, but like you said... it would drop right in.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,394
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From: Bay Area CA
6x9's were cool in the late 70's and 80's. They came about because they fit on the back shelf of cars in the era .. provided some bass that the front 3.5" dash mounted speakers could not, and overall sounded decent.
The shape of a 6x9 speaker is not very efficient and when trying to reproduce low bass notes not very linear (read distortion). They are used today when factory systems lack a dedicated subwoofer and fill the space provided (rear shelf, rear doors).
If you are trying to save space and maintain a mainly factory look, look into the Ele designs eu700 6.5" sub/mid woofer. If you get creative you may even be able to fit a small glassed in enclosure in the factory location and get pretty solid performance from them. IMO stay away from the 6x9.
Fej
The shape of a 6x9 speaker is not very efficient and when trying to reproduce low bass notes not very linear (read distortion). They are used today when factory systems lack a dedicated subwoofer and fill the space provided (rear shelf, rear doors).
If you are trying to save space and maintain a mainly factory look, look into the Ele designs eu700 6.5" sub/mid woofer. If you get creative you may even be able to fit a small glassed in enclosure in the factory location and get pretty solid performance from them. IMO stay away from the 6x9.
Fej
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
Originally Posted by pentavolvo
Here is my opinion the 6x9 is designed to play music an 8" is designed for lows, while what the guy is saying will work in theory its gonna sound like garbage, if you are looking to avoid fabrication check out edesignaudio.com they make a nice 6.5 sub which would prly drop in eaiser then an 8
Next question. If I've got the two 5.25" components up front and they're 75w rms each, and then two subs in the back at approx. 100w each, what kind of amp do I need? Do I use a 4 ch. amp, using 1 channel for each speaker? Or is it better to bridge the channels going to the subs and wire them in parallel?
Sorry if this sounds basic. I haven't installed a stereo since 6x9's were cool.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 685
Likes: 2
From: Decatur IL
There are a lot of knowledgable people here....we will give you advice and opinions galore. 
If the subs are 100w RMS ratings, then I think you could certainly find a 4x 75w or 4x 100w amp. I'd take a look at the Elemental Design NINe.4 amp. Pentavolvo swears they make more power than they advertise.
It looks like the ED site says that NINe.4 will do 4x 65w at 4 ohm or 4x 100w at 2 ohm. Depending on if you could get the subs in 2 ohm versions (or dual 4 ohm voicecoils), that amp might be perfect.
The components are most likely 4 ohm loads, hence they would get 65w each. If you could get 2 ohm subs, they would get 100w each. That would be a great setup.
If the subs are 100w RMS ratings, then I think you could certainly find a 4x 75w or 4x 100w amp. I'd take a look at the Elemental Design NINe.4 amp. Pentavolvo swears they make more power than they advertise.
It looks like the ED site says that NINe.4 will do 4x 65w at 4 ohm or 4x 100w at 2 ohm. Depending on if you could get the subs in 2 ohm versions (or dual 4 ohm voicecoils), that amp might be perfect.
The components are most likely 4 ohm loads, hence they would get 65w each. If you could get 2 ohm subs, they would get 100w each. That would be a great setup.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 411
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From: Murfreesboro, TN. "I'm like a kid in a candy store everytime I see a Corvette!!"
Originally Posted by pentavolvo
Here is my opinion the 6x9 is designed to play music an 8" is designed for lows, while what the guy is saying will work in theory its gonna sound like garbage, if you are looking to avoid fabrication check out edesignaudio.com they make a nice 6.5 sub which would prly drop in eaiser then an 8
I am currently in the works now developing a way to add subs to C4 vettes in the rear areas that sound good, and are sealed well too... keep an eye on the site and here on the forums for more details...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by RJ1AZ
I'm going to assume that it wasn't an insult...I know you answer alot of posts, bogus, and if you can help, great. So, to answer your question, yeah, I've read the FAQ. Printed them out, re-read them etc...
I don't want a single 10" sub, as you recommend cause like I said, I don't need it to "blow you right outta there" and I don't want to give up the storage bin. I've also contacted ninetyfivevette to inquire about his 8" sub install. And I was considering copying his setup. It would require some fabrication, which I'm able to do. Then, the Crutchfield guy suggests using the 6x9's in the back, giving them just the low frequencies, using them as a woofer only. I don't see why it wouldn't work and they would drop right in.
So, back to my question....Is that a viable alternative, or would it sound like crap? If it's a stupid question, then enlighten me!
I don't want a single 10" sub, as you recommend cause like I said, I don't need it to "blow you right outta there" and I don't want to give up the storage bin. I've also contacted ninetyfivevette to inquire about his 8" sub install. And I was considering copying his setup. It would require some fabrication, which I'm able to do. Then, the Crutchfield guy suggests using the 6x9's in the back, giving them just the low frequencies, using them as a woofer only. I don't see why it wouldn't work and they would drop right in.
So, back to my question....Is that a viable alternative, or would it sound like crap? If it's a stupid question, then enlighten me!
I would aim for the 8s. I think those will provide the perfect bass response you want.
To appreciate music, you have to listen to the entire spectrum of sound, and 6x9s just won't cut it.
They will be rather muddy, and lack clarity.
I wish you could hear my system, and you would see what my goal is.
You best bet is to go to some stereo shops, ask about similar systems, track down some forum members in your area who have done this already and get some comparitive and empirical data.
It doesn't even need to be in a C4, a C5 with like equipment will tell you volumes about where you are going.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by scott_fx
OH NO it wasn't an insult. a few weeks ago he simply wrote 'i bet it's in the c5 faq' and the guy took that as bogus being rude.
bogus is the man!
bogus is the man!
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro, TN. "I'm like a kid in a candy store everytime I see a Corvette!!"
Originally Posted by bogus
don't worry... there will be many more... it's amazing how pissed off some folks get when they don't get what they want, for free, served up on a silver ****ing platter.
that is just too funny... some people are really like that.... sad....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 136
From: PHOENIX, AZ Yes, it's true. You are a good woman. Then again, you may be the Antichrist.
The ball is rollin'...no stoppin' now
Originally Posted by Duramax Dave
If the subs are 100w RMS ratings, then I think you could certainly find a 4x 75w or 4x 100w amp.
The head unit should be here tomorrow and the infinity reference 6.5" components should be close behind. I'm still deciding on the subs, but it'll probably be two 8" JL's or Kickers. Now keep me on track here, guys. As I understand it, running 2 channels to the fronts and 2 to the rear, I'm going to want either 1) a pair of 2ohm single voice coil, approx. 100w rms subs, or 2) a pair of 4ohm DVC 100w rms subs wired in parallel to produce a 2ohm load. So, 4 channels...4ohm load on each front channel, 2 ohm load on each rear channel. Does this sound right?
Is there any problem with mixing the 4ohm and 2ohm loads? Should I try to keep the same 4ohm load on each channel?
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
yes, you don't want to mix loads. Most amps will balk at that.
To be honest, that's not enough amp... but that's beside the point. Get the JL Audio 8W3v2 sub. It's perfect for the rear enclosures.
To be honest, that's not enough amp... but that's beside the point. Get the JL Audio 8W3v2 sub. It's perfect for the rear enclosures.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 12,597
Likes: 237
From: Bartlett Illinois
I have a pair of Kickers I have been meanign to sell on eBay. they have about 4 months total play time..
I will selly u the pair for a great price if that is what you choose too.
they are CompVR8 with Dual 4ohm Voice Coils
Where are you planning on installing the tweeter with the infinity's you bought??
Just curious
I will selly u the pair for a great price if that is what you choose too.
they are CompVR8 with Dual 4ohm Voice Coils
Where are you planning on installing the tweeter with the infinity's you bought??
Just curious
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Crutchfield is going to look at the easiest installation option. The 6x9 of course would be it and they also sell them. They're trying to avoid getting an installation question that's not a direct drop in.
The enclosure is going to be the deciding factor in how a speaker sounds. Using the 8 inch shouldn't be a problem and if you got creative and ported it to a lower frequency, you could get a nice smooth roll of and it would be able to play a variety of styles of music well.
The enclosure is going to be the deciding factor in how a speaker sounds. Using the 8 inch shouldn't be a problem and if you got creative and ported it to a lower frequency, you could get a nice smooth roll of and it would be able to play a variety of styles of music well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
The rear speaker enclosure will support an 8" with zero problems. The space is just enough for many 8" subs. Add some dynomat to pad the inner fenders and some polyfill, all is good.
I hate 6x9s.
I hate 6x9s.