Getting System Together, Need Help
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,689
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, FL 33904
Getting System Together, Need Help
Ok, time to get rid of the crap bose. I already bought an Alpine 9815, and am unsure of the speakers and amp. I have NO idea what kind of speakers to get. I listen to mostly metal, and some hip hop, so maybe some of you out there can suggest something. I've read a lot of you guys like Focal, Dynaudio, and bostons. Only problem I have is, in my area, there aren't many shops to go to and listen to these speakers. Next is an amp. I was thinking a 500.1 JL or Pheonix Gold. Any suggestions?? I also plan to get a JL sub, a 10. What about wires, connections, dash kit, etc???? Please, someone point me in the right direction....
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (KDuniverse)
Jl makes great amps... get the 4 gauge wiring kit from Walmart.. speaker wire is speakerwire.
unfortunately , its hard to predict what people will like, as far as speakers go. I cant imagine anyone listening to MBQuartz and any songs iwth lots of high frequencies, but many many people enjoy the Quartz sound... Some people cant tell the difference between a $100 and $1000 speaker, either.
Terms used to describe speakers are hard to get across too...
"Warm" could mean "overly heavy under 500hz" to some, while how another person would describe warm is "not having a harsh tweeter so the mid blends with it better"
Unfortunately the only option is to listen. Remember, speakers sound more harsh and tinny in a vehicle than they do on a shelf (usually)
to accurately reccommend a set, Id suggest listening to as many as you can, and then tell us what you liked and didnt like... and we can suggest the less common brands that do that particular thing better.
unfortunately , its hard to predict what people will like, as far as speakers go. I cant imagine anyone listening to MBQuartz and any songs iwth lots of high frequencies, but many many people enjoy the Quartz sound... Some people cant tell the difference between a $100 and $1000 speaker, either.
Terms used to describe speakers are hard to get across too...
"Warm" could mean "overly heavy under 500hz" to some, while how another person would describe warm is "not having a harsh tweeter so the mid blends with it better"
Unfortunately the only option is to listen. Remember, speakers sound more harsh and tinny in a vehicle than they do on a shelf (usually)
to accurately reccommend a set, Id suggest listening to as many as you can, and then tell us what you liked and didnt like... and we can suggest the less common brands that do that particular thing better.
Racer
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Fishkill New York
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (KDuniverse)
I'm in the same situation as you. Am purchasing a 9815 as well and Focal ca130 for the front and ca165 for the rear.SAME ADVICE...listen to a good selection, it's all about personal taste. I'm having a hard time picking an amp. Am thinking about ZX6400 HiFonics but am trying to get some additional feedback in a thread here. Let me know how you make out.
BTW...best prices I've found are at onlinecarstereo.com. Finding a competant installer is tough if you don't do it yourself(like me). The only shop that I could find that I would be willing to turn my car over to will do it for $445.00.
Good Luck...ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!!!!
BTW...best prices I've found are at onlinecarstereo.com. Finding a competant installer is tough if you don't do it yourself(like me). The only shop that I could find that I would be willing to turn my car over to will do it for $445.00.
Good Luck...ENJOY THE RIDE!!!!!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (KDuniverse)
I just picked up a set of the CDT classics. I have them sitting in front of me waiting to go in.... They're not as good as HD's but I've consistently read they are an excellent speaker. Awesome deal for a brand new speaker with 3yr warranty. They are also the 2003 model with the upgraded crossovers.
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/specials_speakers.html
http://www.thezeb.com/caraudio/specials_speakers.html
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,689
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, FL 33904
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (DSTJ99)
Ok, I have some questions....1. Someone said I don't need rear speakers?? Why not? If I have to only buy fronts, that will save some money. Second, I'm scared about the install. I don't know what I need to do it. Dask kits, how much wires, connectors, etc. HELP!!
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 11,840
Likes: 0
From: Galloway NJ
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (KDuniverse)
1. because music is recorded in stereo(2 channels), not 4 channels... this can cause cancellations, staging and imaging problems. The only time you might want rear fill is if you have a 4 door car and want your passengers in the back to hear the music better. You have a 2 seater... Don't waste the money!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (Metal_Wulf)
:iagree: Right. Do you normally stand at a concert backwards?? Plus a subwoofer will remove that "no sound from the rear" feeling.
You will need:
1. A wire harness for your CD player
2. GM mini antenna adaptor
3. Mounting bracket to allow Din sized CD player in a Din 1.5 opening
4. Templates in order to mount the components. MDF or Hardboard. Just trace the Bose template after you take it out.
5. You will need a good bit of speaker wire. 30ft or so. Depends on where you mount your crossovers. If by the amp you will need more.
6. Sound dampening material (optional)
7. Subwoofer box
8. Amp kit consisting of power & Ground wire, remote turn on wire, fuse, and RCA cables for each amplified channel.
9. necessary tools.
The C5 is very easy to work on. Don't be intimidated by the long list of items required. :thumbs:
You will need:
1. A wire harness for your CD player
2. GM mini antenna adaptor
3. Mounting bracket to allow Din sized CD player in a Din 1.5 opening
4. Templates in order to mount the components. MDF or Hardboard. Just trace the Bose template after you take it out.
5. You will need a good bit of speaker wire. 30ft or so. Depends on where you mount your crossovers. If by the amp you will need more.
6. Sound dampening material (optional)
7. Subwoofer box
8. Amp kit consisting of power & Ground wire, remote turn on wire, fuse, and RCA cables for each amplified channel.
9. necessary tools.
The C5 is very easy to work on. Don't be intimidated by the long list of items required. :thumbs:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,689
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, FL 33904
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (DSTJ99)
Thanks!! Where can I get a wire harness for an Alpine 9815? Also, where can I get the antenna adaptor?
Also, would being able to fit the biggest I can up front benefit me from not having anything in the back?
[Modified by KDuniverse, 10:04 PM 5/5/2003]
Also, would being able to fit the biggest I can up front benefit me from not having anything in the back?
[Modified by KDuniverse, 10:04 PM 5/5/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (KDuniverse)
That depends on how much power you are sending to your sub and components. There are a lot of 4 channel amps that put out 75RMSx2 and 150-200 bridged. But... a lot subs need more than that. You would have to go with (2) two channel amps or a two channel and a mono amp. Pick your speakers- then match an amp to power them. The JL 450/4 puts out 75x2 and 300x1-but its pricey.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help (DSTJ99)
That depends on how much power you are sending to your sub and components. There are a lot of 4 channel amps that put out 75RMSx2 and 150-200 bridged. But... a lot subs need more than that. You would have to go with (2) two channel amps or a two channel and a mono amp. Pick your speakers- then match an amp to power them. The JL 450/4 puts out 75x2 and 300x1-but its pricey.
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 5,607
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
Re: Getting System Together, Need Help
I think it would make things much easier by coming up with a budget for your stereo system first. From there, you can choose what would fit your needs best given that price range. :)