Hey all--
I have been rethinking my stereo for my '78. I essentially have the design laid out, but I need some suggestions for different components. I am not going to be competing in any sound competition, but I like my music loud and clean. I don't need earth-shattering bass, but I like my music (rock mostly) to have some *****. Here's what I got so far:

Headunit:
Either Eclipse or Alpine, haven't decided, but I would like MP3 capability good preamp, and an auxiliary-in for an MP3 jukebox.

Speakers:
Looking at either dual 5 1/4" or dual 6 1/2" in-door components. Could go singles here as well, not sure yet. Suggestions for the speakers have been either Kicker Impulse line or Kenwood Excelon due to the fact that they are hard to blow.

Subs:
I haven't decided whether or not I want to add subs, what do you all think? A suspended, dual 8" box has been designed that would allow me to keep t-top storage. I have been looking at Eclipse's high end 8"ers.

Amp:
I have been looking at a Phoenix Gold Tantrum amp, a 4-channel unit. Two channels to drive each pair of components in the doors, and one to drive each sub.

Now, I have yet to make any actual purchases, so I welcome any suggestions on compnents and configuration. For the speakers, I also have plans drawn up for single components in each door. I am not sure I want to go with subs as I am not after that "gangsta" sound, but if they add more dynamics to the sound, I like 'em! The big thing is space; the smaller the components the better. I want to be able to essentailly tuck everything out of sight in the car. Any comments or suggestions as to setup or other brands I should be looking at? TIA,




[Modified by Last Ride, 1:29 PM 6/1/2003]

 

go with Alpine. Eclipse HU's require a seperate component if you want to play mp3's which will increase cost.


I'd skip both of those... Check out CDT Audio HD series.

Elemental 8A. You could put one in your storage compartment and still have full use of the back for tops or whatever.

good choice.

 

Metal Wulf--
Any suggestions on where to buy?

 

Well, Eclipse has a better pre-amp than alpine, but only their lower models have MP3 capability. Their lower models are still great. My next HU is going to be an Eclipse 8053

I would get teh CDT CL-61 with the "bad paint" from Zeb for $150... they are $300 speakers that soundbetter than most $300 speakers... so at $150... they are even more of a steal.
http://thezeb.com/caraudio/CDT_Audio_Components.html

For subs, in the 8 size, I would get a pair of Elemental 8A's and give them 300 watts or more each. http://www.edesignaudio.com

PG makes great amps, also consider ARC or JL or Zapco... or even cheaper but still nice, US Acoustics, Hifonics.

Subs dont make for a gangsta sound... Music simplyu cant be properly reproduced in an automotive environment without them.

 

that's a great price for those CDT's :yesnod:

are you going to do the install yourself?

 

I bought those CDTs on sale and they rock. Great sound. You won't find a better speaker new with a 3 year warranty for 149.99~SHIPPED TOO!! PS- The paint is freaking perfect. I can't see any blemishes in mine. Here is a pic



I've heard that the Elemental E8A is incredible for an 8" sub. It would be an excellent choice if your looking to go that route.:cool:


[Modified by DSTJ99, 4:04 PM 6/1/2003]

 

No, I am taking what I buy to a shop (apparently the best around here). They do some awesome custom work. Anyway, I probably could do it, but I don't have the time right now, and I honestly don't want to risk ruining my car! I am less worried about the wiring than I am the custom cuts that need to be made. How do the CL61's compare to the HD 62's? I agree, that $150 price looks awefully tempting, especially since the speakers will be covered anyway! Thanks for the input!

Bryan

 

I haven't heard them, but the HD's are better. If you can afford even more, buy the Eurosports on sale at the Zeb. I believe they are on sale for $400 and change. I didn't have the extra $300 so I stayed with the Classics. I believe there is a forum member on here that can get the HD's for a good price, close to $300 i think. I don't recall his name though. If you search for "CDT" you might come across the post.

 

since you're not doing the install, definatly get the CL's for $150, you'll need to save every penny you can for the install costs...

 

HD's have a stronger midbass presence, and can handle more power.. thats really the biggest difference.

 

The amp I am looking at now is the Tantrum T300.2 (according to one website, it is advertised at 75x2 plus a 300x1, but that doesn't make a lot of sense now that I look at it). The price difference of $150 doesn't bother me too much if the 62's are a decent amount better than the CL's. I am looking at the E8A for the sub, but I haven't seen any place I can buy one yet. Can anyone suggest at good amp (maybe two) that I could conseal somewhere on the car and get decent power to the CDT's and the E8A? Metal Wulf, I really like the idea of placing the sub into the storage compartment. Have any plans drwan up for something like that? Thanks a bunch all for your help. If there is not a huge difference in the CDT models, those CL's are mine!

By the way, I was also looking at the Sony CDX-MP80 as a potential head unit just because the ***** will give it a retro look. I know the Sony HU will not be on the same par as the Alpine or Eclipse, but will it serve my purposes? With the higher end amp, etc. does the headunit make that much difference? TIA,

Bryan

 

edesignaudio.com sells the e8a's.

That sony unit... well, its not going to be a reliable unit. It would be like putting a plastic camshaft in a custom lingenfelter engine.

Get an eclipse 8053... or 8443

no mp3, but its a kickass deck

 

:iagree: I've owned Eclipse decks and they are excellent

Your going to need a big amp to fuel all that. Kicker KX800.4 or KX600.4 would power what you need, but most four channel amps are going to be 4ohm mono for the sub and I don't think you can pick up a 4ohm E8a yet. If you get two, your problem is solved b/c you can wire them together for a 4ohm load. I was looking into it... Not too mention the two KX amps are 25" and 21" long...

Check out JL too.

JL 450/4 75x2 + 300x1
JL 500/5 100x2 + 25x2 + 250 for sub

You might have better luck using two amps. Your asking for a lot of power.


[Modified by DSTJ99, 7:12 PM 6/1/2003]

 

The mp3 playback I suppose could be secondary. I am planning on adding a Neo Jukebox to house my 300+ CDs. Would I have problems hooking the Neo to the Eclipse? I would really like to have an all-in-one headunit. Would the Eclipse be able to read the Neo like a CD-changer? Sorry for all the Q's. I am pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff, I just know what I like!

Bryan

 

search for topics created by "pyjamasam" he put his sub in the storage compartment. his posts include pics, so you can see how it looks.

for the sub, you can only get them through Elemental.
http://www.edesignaudio.com/ep/aseries.htm

 

GTSYellow had some posts outlining the set up of a concealed sub. Aside from being a child molestor, con artist, and liking metal coned subwoofers, he had a pretty good mind for stereo installs.

 

Okay, is there a single amp out there that will get me close to my power needs (around 100x2 and 300x1 for the sub)? The PG I mentioned looks good, but for some reason, the number don't look right. Where should I buy? Elemental is out of the subs for now, so looks like I will be waiting a while on it anyway. Thanks,

Bryan

 

That's cause you're reading the specs wrong... The 300x2 is a two channel amp, 75x2 or bridged 300x1.

 

Don't forget to pay attention to the ohm load the bridged channels can handle. Most 4-channel amps are only 4 ohm stable in bridged mode and you're compromisng the life of your amp by hooking up a two ohm sub like the E8A.

The JL slash series and xtant 603x amps can accomodate a 4ohm load up front and a 2 ohm load out back. Others like Kicker, US Acoustics, or Alpine have minimum bridged impedence at 4ohm mono. Not sure about PG.
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/KIC02KX6004 You can have them price match the amp from etronics.com for $247.xx. I just did.

 

is 2 amps an option? it would make it a lot easier to get the power/ohm load you need.