System Recommendations
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
System Recommendations
I have been reading around here for a bit and decided I would see what the knowledge base has to recommend.
I have a '99 C5 coupe. I don't want to do anything radical, I just want to upgrade from the bose with as little weight added as possible since I do HPDEs. I am just starting out and don't have anything.
I plan on replacing all bose speakers and hope to add one big amp or two small amps that I can remove for the track days. Id like to add a sub in a stealth box as well. I have a mid-level Pioneer Premier HU thats a year old I could use. It has pre-amp outputs, sub included. Or I could use the stock HU if its not needing to be upgraded.
Not looking to spend more then 7-800 dollars on the system as a whole. I'm not looking for a boomer. I am an audiophile so I'm more concerned with accurate recreation of the music rather then an attention getter.
Thanks to anyone that replies.
I have a '99 C5 coupe. I don't want to do anything radical, I just want to upgrade from the bose with as little weight added as possible since I do HPDEs. I am just starting out and don't have anything.
I plan on replacing all bose speakers and hope to add one big amp or two small amps that I can remove for the track days. Id like to add a sub in a stealth box as well. I have a mid-level Pioneer Premier HU thats a year old I could use. It has pre-amp outputs, sub included. Or I could use the stock HU if its not needing to be upgraded.
Not looking to spend more then 7-800 dollars on the system as a whole. I'm not looking for a boomer. I am an audiophile so I'm more concerned with accurate recreation of the music rather then an attention getter.
Thanks to anyone that replies.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
I'd go with a decent 6.5 comp set up front, a single Alpine PDX 4.150 amp (very small, and relatively light, speaker wire "plugs in" which is convenient) to power fronts and sub. NVTHIS sells a stealthbox with sub. I personally would recommend his box loaded with an image dynamics driver.
Should sound OK.
Though I'm surprised an audiophile wouldn't tell us what kind of sound he's looking for.
mho, Focal Access or Polyglass series for a relatively inexpensive good sound. Fairly bright, reasonable amount of detail.
Should sound OK.
Though I'm surprised an audiophile wouldn't tell us what kind of sound he's looking for.
mho, Focal Access or Polyglass series for a relatively inexpensive good sound. Fairly bright, reasonable amount of detail.
Last edited by Kale; Nov 13, 2007 at 05:02 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
You can change out the speakers, add an adapter to keep the stock radio, add an amp all for under $600.
NVTHIS does make a nice box. I have his stealth box.
NVTHIS does make a nice box. I have his stealth box.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,981
Likes: 36
From: Piedmont, SC Currently Own: 99 Nassau blue FRC. Previously Owned: 84,95,98 Indy Pace,01 Z06
Thanks Guys! I have a double Image Dynamics stealth box available for immediate delivery! Only $269.99 + shipping!! Carpeted in your choice of carpet.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: Killeen Texas
Well, I know stuff when it comes to home theatre but Im clueless when it comes to car audio besides the big name brands. I know that everybodys ears are different, so its hard to say that I like my music the way it would be heard in a studio. I guess I want it to be clear and crisp and I dont want the sub to overpower everything.
Just from searching around, it looks like the Focal 165 is a good start for the doors. As for the sub, I imagine that an 8 or 10 would be sufficient. I know bigger isnt always better, but would two 8s be overpowering? What size are those Image Dynamics?
Im maybe seeing one amp in the rear to power the sub and one amp in the front to power the fronts and rears. Too much to ask?
I know whats going to happen. Im going to keep upscaling and shopping until I get sick and end up with a system thats way beyond my needs, but thats part of the fun. Oh, and I probably wont be upgrading anytime soon. I usually spend my money and stick with what I got.
Just from searching around, it looks like the Focal 165 is a good start for the doors. As for the sub, I imagine that an 8 or 10 would be sufficient. I know bigger isnt always better, but would two 8s be overpowering? What size are those Image Dynamics?
Im maybe seeing one amp in the rear to power the sub and one amp in the front to power the fronts and rears. Too much to ask?
I know whats going to happen. Im going to keep upscaling and shopping until I get sick and end up with a system thats way beyond my needs, but thats part of the fun. Oh, and I probably wont be upgrading anytime soon. I usually spend my money and stick with what I got.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Rear speakers are bad in car audio. Remember, this is a stereo set up, not a 5.1 home theater set up.
if you MUST have rear speakers, use head unit power for those.
Those subs are 10s.
Always get a little extra sub and turn it down. Thats MUCH better than not having enough, and turning it up getting distortion.
I'm running a pair of 8s currently. The only reason I'm not running dual 10s is because I already own the 8s.
if you MUST have rear speakers, use head unit power for those.
Those subs are 10s.
Always get a little extra sub and turn it down. Thats MUCH better than not having enough, and turning it up getting distortion.
I'm running a pair of 8s currently. The only reason I'm not running dual 10s is because I already own the 8s.
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Pro
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 744
Likes: 0
From: WayTooCloseToNY Northeast PA
I'd STRONGLY advise not to use deck power for anything when you've got an outboard amplifier. The deck power will begin clipping long before the preamp signal, and it will complicate gain settings. It's a simple issue to parallel the rears on the same channels as the front speakers, but use padding resistors to bring the levels way down.