Critique my audio set-up

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Nov 18, 2008 | 03:11 PM

Gideon's_Test

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From: Holly, Michigan

Critique my audio set-up

I have most of the components for my C5 active crossover set-up. Just wanted to post what I've got planned and get some feedback on it.

(2) JL Audio 300/4 amps (75w x 4 @ 4 Ω)
(2) JL Audio 8W1v2-4 Subs (150w each) <---the only item I do not currently have
(2) Seas 27TFFNC/G tweeter (80w @ 4 Ω)
(2) Mach5 Audio MLI-65 (6.5”) (100w@ 4 Ω)
Pioneer DEH-P880PRS headunit

My plan is to run the two tweeters and the 6.5” off one amp, and bridge the other amp to drive the 8W1v2-4 (150w each) in a dual-chambered stealth box.

I’m hoping for a good soundstage, so do not plan on having any rear speakers. I’d like to mount the tweeters on the A pillar, but haven’t figured out exactly how I am going to do it.

Any flaws with this plan? I know that I’ll have to adjust the gains on the tweeters and the 6.5s to get a good balance. Will 75w per 6.5” be enough power to have decent volume?

Thanks
-Jason

Nov 19, 2008 | 08:33 AM

SublimeZ

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From: Austin, Why are they tolling roads that are already paid for, Texas

IMO., you're gonna need more power to your mids. ( I'm runnig 80 to tweets, 140 to mids and mine is low power compared to some)

Nov 19, 2008 | 10:12 AM

Kale

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From: Sacramento CA

You could probably stand to spend more on speakers and less on amps

I hear the Mach5 holds its own in the price range.... I have the Seas tweeters I've used on and off. While not particularly realistic, they sound great.

MHO, with all the low frequency road noise in a vette, I wouldn't go with subs under 10". A single 12, in my opinion, is the perfect vette sub.

Nov 19, 2008 | 11:04 AM

Gideon's_Test

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From: Holly, Michigan

Thanks for the comments, SublimeZ, Kale...

Based on what I already have:

I could bridge the one amp to two channels to power the 6.5", however that would be 150x2 @ 4 ohms, when the Mach5 is rated for 100w...I could then take the other amp and use two channels to power the tweets (75x2), and bridge the other two channels (150x1) to power a 12" single sub...

Alternatively, I could get a set of Seas CA18RNX 6.5's which are rated at 80w@8 ohms to replace the MLI65's...They would see 75w each...Would this be louder or better? I hate to go this route unless I had a compelling reason to do so ( I've already invested in the MLI65's)..

Last edited by Gideon's_Test; Nov 19, 2008 at 11:07 AM.

Nov 19, 2008 | 11:07 AM

Kale

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From: Sacramento CA

I think first you should find out if the mach5s do well on 75w. I'd expect they would be OK. 150w is pretty light for a sub.

Nov 19, 2008 | 11:10 AM

Gideon's_Test

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From: Holly, Michigan

Sounds good...I'll see what it sounds like with my original plan and go from there...

75x2 MLI-65
75x2 Seas tweeter
300x1 12" sub

Kale: any thoughts on transient response capability of a pair of 8's vs a single 12? I'm aiming more for SQ and clarity than volume...

Last edited by Gideon's_Test; Nov 19, 2008 at 11:16 AM.

Nov 19, 2008 | 11:21 AM

Kale

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From: Sacramento CA

I wouldn't worry about any 'sub speed' myths you may have read.

In any case, I just recently went from a pair of 8s, which I had convenient, to a single 12" setup. The 12 I'm using now is a Stereo Integrity MAG. It has a 5.5" mounting depth, and pretty efficient. It sounds really decent on about 350w in 1 cubic foot. It is also one of the best subs I've ever heard - from a sound quality perspective.

Here's the other thing about subs in vettes... If you tilt them up so they aim sort of back, even a little, it greatly enhances the way they sound. I've always found subs in the vette to be a bit muddy if aimed upward.

Nov 19, 2008 | 11:42 AM

Gideon's_Test

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From: Holly, Michigan

Thanks for the tips Kale...As far as the aiming, I'm using a home-made stealth box...Would you suggest an insert under the front of the box to point the sub toward the rear portion of the trunk? I'll experiment a bit, but your suggestions will give me a good starting point..