C5 Setup..Feedback?
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C5 Setup..Feedback?
Ok, so after 2 weeks of owning my C5...I have come to the conclusion that the stock audio system has to go.... Here is what I am planning....It has been a while since I have done much with car audio, so I am a little out of the loop...any input is much desired....
Head Unit -> Panasonic CQ-DF783U (already have this)
Components for front -> ???open to suggestions Infiniti? Bostons? MB?
6.5"s in the rear -> I would like to match these to components in the front...I am not a huge fan of no rear speakers....
Amp-> I have an Alpine MRV-F450 that I would like to use to power the fronts/rears, but it does not have enough power to do the sub that I want....so the big question becomes....go with a good 5 channel amp as an 'all-in-one" or get another amp specifically for the sub....
Sub -> Kicker Solobaric S12L(5 or 7) dual 4 ohms -> I will go with the 7 if stand alone amp or 5 if I go with the 5-channel amp.... I just really like the look of the square sub...anyone out there using it
Any input is very much appreciated.
Head Unit -> Panasonic CQ-DF783U (already have this)
Components for front -> ???open to suggestions Infiniti? Bostons? MB?
6.5"s in the rear -> I would like to match these to components in the front...I am not a huge fan of no rear speakers....
Amp-> I have an Alpine MRV-F450 that I would like to use to power the fronts/rears, but it does not have enough power to do the sub that I want....so the big question becomes....go with a good 5 channel amp as an 'all-in-one" or get another amp specifically for the sub....
Sub -> Kicker Solobaric S12L(5 or 7) dual 4 ohms -> I will go with the 7 if stand alone amp or 5 if I go with the 5-channel amp.... I just really like the look of the square sub...anyone out there using it
Any input is very much appreciated.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
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From: Los Angeles Ca
i had my first chance to listen to a dyn audio component set this weekend and i have to say, it sounded truely amazing. i'd look into those as well as cdt, elemental designs, and focal's. I'm not a fan of MB's but if you like the way they sound the more power to you. I haven't heard Boston's in a while but they used to sound great.
for the amp, i'm a fan of matching amps (pet peeve of mine... even though i have a two amp brands in my car, the 'misfit' amp is not visible so it's not that big of a deal) I think you have a good plan as far as what sub to go with regarding your amp choice. I would look into trying to find a mono amp to match the mrv amp and use a dual amp setup.
for the amp, i'm a fan of matching amps (pet peeve of mine... even though i have a two amp brands in my car, the 'misfit' amp is not visible so it's not that big of a deal) I think you have a good plan as far as what sub to go with regarding your amp choice. I would look into trying to find a mono amp to match the mrv amp and use a dual amp setup.
Last edited by scott_fx; Sep 25, 2006 at 07:28 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bay Area CA
Budget? Self installed or shop installed? Space a concern in the car for you? Stealth style install or hey look at my system install? 
Music types that you like? Do you like to listen to it loud or LOUD? How much bass is enough bass, rock your car bass or rock your neighbors car bass?
The L5/7 will most likely need some sort of custom enclosure as they are a pretty deep sub and do not fit (that I know of) into one of the drop in style boxes available for the center console. It certainly can be made however and Audio Dave or Subthump.com might be able to help. As for the 5 channel amp if you want real bass (read 400+ watts) you will need a seperate sub amp or maybe the memphis belle 5 channel. I have about 275 watts to my 12" IDQ right now and it is nice and plays well for the power .. but the 600 watts I threw at it the other day via a stand alone amp really woke up the sub and added A LOT more bass. But I have no room for another amp heh
Also if there are any particular speakers that you like the sound of. Infinity and MB quarts usually are pretty bright (emphasis in the highs, some would call harsh). If that is what you like we can steer you the right way.
Fej
Music types that you like? Do you like to listen to it loud or LOUD? How much bass is enough bass, rock your car bass or rock your neighbors car bass?The L5/7 will most likely need some sort of custom enclosure as they are a pretty deep sub and do not fit (that I know of) into one of the drop in style boxes available for the center console. It certainly can be made however and Audio Dave or Subthump.com might be able to help. As for the 5 channel amp if you want real bass (read 400+ watts) you will need a seperate sub amp or maybe the memphis belle 5 channel. I have about 275 watts to my 12" IDQ right now and it is nice and plays well for the power .. but the 600 watts I threw at it the other day via a stand alone amp really woke up the sub and added A LOT more bass. But I have no room for another amp heh
Also if there are any particular speakers that you like the sound of. Infinity and MB quarts usually are pretty bright (emphasis in the highs, some would call harsh). If that is what you like we can steer you the right way.
Fej
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Thank you for your response.....I am leaning towards matching another amp and sticking with an L5 or L7.... Alpine MRD-M1005 for a L7 or Alpine MRD-M605 for a L5. I did talk with Audio Dave last week, and will likely have him build me a box if I decide not to do it myself...as I feel that I could modify the enclose FAQ design slightly with CAD to better match the center space in the car and get more volume. The box will be flush mounted....as for amp location, I am leaning towads building/carpeting an amp rack that would sit right behind the seats in the luggage area. I think this really only leaves me to decide on speakers....I mostly listen to hip-hop and some rock....I really want the components to be crisp...but not overbearing highs....suggestions???what are most people using....budget is somewhat of an issue, but I do not want to rule any options out at this point.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bay Area CA
K, how much bass bro? Solid bass or hear me coming from a mile away bass? When it comes to budget are we talking about $750? $1200? $2k?
Crisp and clean I like Focal. DLS Iridium 6.3 would be a nice 3 way IMO .. very solid in the midrange with great crossovers. A lot of people like Polk here as well. Infinity Perfect 6.1's are popular and great for the money (about half of a set of Focals, 1/3rd of a set of Focal Polykelvars). Elemental designs have a good reputation here and are less than the Perfects. I have not heard a set myself however. The JL upper line (z?) has some fans here as well.
IMO spend money on your front components as they are the most important for your sound quality. The bigger the driver for your front door (6.5" to 9" max) the lower you can play your front stage, which improves the stage and overall sound quality, which in turn allows your sub to play at a lower Low Pass point and generally improves your bass quality and accuracy.
Fej
Crisp and clean I like Focal. DLS Iridium 6.3 would be a nice 3 way IMO .. very solid in the midrange with great crossovers. A lot of people like Polk here as well. Infinity Perfect 6.1's are popular and great for the money (about half of a set of Focals, 1/3rd of a set of Focal Polykelvars). Elemental designs have a good reputation here and are less than the Perfects. I have not heard a set myself however. The JL upper line (z?) has some fans here as well.
IMO spend money on your front components as they are the most important for your sound quality. The bigger the driver for your front door (6.5" to 9" max) the lower you can play your front stage, which improves the stage and overall sound quality, which in turn allows your sub to play at a lower Low Pass point and generally improves your bass quality and accuracy.
Fej
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From: Murfreesboro, TN. "I'm like a kid in a candy store everytime I see a Corvette!!"
Here is an L7 box built for a 2000 Convertible... this should give you an idea of how the box will look... Hope this helps!! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bay Area CA
The 165 k2p's are a great set. I am a big fan and I love the sound of the polykevlar cone .. but again that is what suits MY ear and the sound in the midrange that I prefer. For example if you listened to a lot of classical/orchestra or consider yourself an audiophile that concerns themselves with "uncolored" sound from your speakers I would look into Dynaudio or Focal Utopia or Focal Be ($$$$). If you listened to a lot of jazz I would suggest the DLS line. Again this is all dependent upon your ear. You can make a $1000 driver sound like shyt with poor power and crossover points and you can make a $30 driver sound pretty damn solid with the quality power and good crossover points. It is ll relative.
I would be willing to bet that Scott heard the 360 set from Dyn but we'll see. My advice would be to bring some music that you LOVE and that you know VERY well ... audition it with as close to the same power and or amp (if possible) as you will be running in your car. Make sure subs are off and the set up is not running any sort of custom eq or other processor and crank it up and see what you like the sound of best.
Fej
I would be willing to bet that Scott heard the 360 set from Dyn but we'll see. My advice would be to bring some music that you LOVE and that you know VERY well ... audition it with as close to the same power and or amp (if possible) as you will be running in your car. Make sure subs are off and the set up is not running any sort of custom eq or other processor and crank it up and see what you like the sound of best.
Fej
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 439
From: Spring Texas
Any of these will make your car sound among the best
any sub/amp combo that I have here along with a sub box from Audio Dave will sound solid in your car...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1495334
Just PM England Green about the condition of the amp he got from me...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1495334
Just PM England Green about the condition of the amp he got from me...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,718
Likes: 20
From: Dyer IN
Cruise-In IX Veteran
Depending on your budget id check out CDT, Polk Momo or SRs, Elemental Designs EDI's.... idk somethin about the focals just didnt really impress me especially for what they cost but i know others love em
Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 685
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From: Kingston Wa
St. Jude Donor '07
I have the same amp and have been extremely pleased with it. Now, having said this, I may not be as discerning as you are, however, pushing a single JL 10W1 with appx 150watts gives me enough thump to keep me happy.
I placed in the doors a set of Blaupunkt ODc 660's that I bought from Crutchfield at a nice price thinking for the money, I'll give them a try. They sound very good to me. The highs are clean and the midbass is pretty darn good. Top it off with what I will call a budget 10in Sub that performs very very well, I am pleased with putting together a system for about 800 bucks. The majority of that 800 came in the form of the amp and sub box.
I did bridge the fronts giving them appx 80 watts at 12v ...
Whatever you decide I am sure you will love it. The Blose system was destined to go in a big way ...
I placed in the doors a set of Blaupunkt ODc 660's that I bought from Crutchfield at a nice price thinking for the money, I'll give them a try. They sound very good to me. The highs are clean and the midbass is pretty darn good. Top it off with what I will call a budget 10in Sub that performs very very well, I am pleased with putting together a system for about 800 bucks. The majority of that 800 came in the form of the amp and sub box.
I did bridge the fronts giving them appx 80 watts at 12v ...
Whatever you decide I am sure you will love it. The Blose system was destined to go in a big way ...