OK, so Durango boy was right....stereo stuff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Here is an amazing component set. They sound AWESOME.
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=3059
http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=3059
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
HEY DB, how does this sound?
I went to a custom audio shop I have used several times before and let the owner check it out. Here is what he wants to do:
1) 10" Pioneer Premier Sub(pancake style) in a custom box, just to sit on top of the storage compartments, then with a grill over it so the T-tops can rest on it slightly.
2) The a DB component set in some custom made kick panels, angling the speakers towards the driver/passenger. The kick panel will be a pass through type and wrapped in black vinyl to match everything else.
3) A DB amp behind the passenger seat, mounted to the bulk head, its 125w rms X 4 running at 14Volts. He said at 12.5-13.0 volts(like car off) its around 95w rms per channel Use 2 channels for the component sets, then bridge 2 channels for the sub giving it around a true 180-200 watts RMS.
4) Finally use my 4x6" dash speakers as mid-highs as a filler, running off the head unit but using the filter in the HU to cut the lows out. He said all in all, this would be a great combo for the car, nothing to win competitions but a decent street stereo that fits.
Right at $850 installed with tax....does that sound like a decent deal? The kick panels are about $300 of that but he says they are a necessity to get the right air space and pass through for the components.
I am not sure about "DB" stuff, is it any good?
TIA.
BTW I have the car scheduled for tuesday, he says its about 2-3 days worth of work.
I went to a custom audio shop I have used several times before and let the owner check it out. Here is what he wants to do:
1) 10" Pioneer Premier Sub(pancake style) in a custom box, just to sit on top of the storage compartments, then with a grill over it so the T-tops can rest on it slightly.
2) The a DB component set in some custom made kick panels, angling the speakers towards the driver/passenger. The kick panel will be a pass through type and wrapped in black vinyl to match everything else.
3) A DB amp behind the passenger seat, mounted to the bulk head, its 125w rms X 4 running at 14Volts. He said at 12.5-13.0 volts(like car off) its around 95w rms per channel Use 2 channels for the component sets, then bridge 2 channels for the sub giving it around a true 180-200 watts RMS.
4) Finally use my 4x6" dash speakers as mid-highs as a filler, running off the head unit but using the filter in the HU to cut the lows out. He said all in all, this would be a great combo for the car, nothing to win competitions but a decent street stereo that fits.
Right at $850 installed with tax....does that sound like a decent deal? The kick panels are about $300 of that but he says they are a necessity to get the right air space and pass through for the components.
I am not sure about "DB" stuff, is it any good?
TIA.
BTW I have the car scheduled for tuesday, he says its about 2-3 days worth of work.
That all looks good with one exception. Pancake subs have a VERY low Xmax value. That's total travel of the voice coil as it moves in and out. The Xmax is what makes good bass. A speaker with low Xmax won't produce a lot of bass. It'll be clear and punchy...but nothing that'll shake you.
Also, I am not familiar with the DB brand...what's that short for?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
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Not exactly, best way to describe it is it's in the ceiling of the storage compartment, the rear window storage capacity is not affected.
Last edited by shafrs3; Feb 18, 2007 at 09:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
That all looks good with one exception. Pancake subs have a VERY low Xmax value. That's total travel of the voice coil as it moves in and out. The Xmax is what makes good bass. A speaker with low Xmax won't produce a lot of bass. It'll be clear and punchy...but nothing that'll shake you.
Also, I am not familiar with the DB brand...what's that short for?
Also, I am not familiar with the DB brand...what's that short for?
So you think it would be better to NOT go with the pancake then?
They had another sub in there there I was going to ask about but he insisted on building the box. This one was a sony x-xplod in a small wedge type box. It had two metal poles going over the face of the sb to protect them. It seemd to me a truck type box. He had it for $159. The box looked to be about 8" thick or so at its deepest point.
The amp and component set were both DB. I saw the component set and it looked pretty good but... who knows..its probably just junk he gets really good pricing on.
Maybe I should just buy all of my own stuff and let him install it?? I know he will then RAPE me on labor.
I mainly listen to alternative rock and some popular rap and R&B. I am not going to need anything to hit TOO hard although I used to have a JL Audio 10 in a pro wedge box and it did sound pretty damn good.
I know I can get the stuff MUCH cheaper on ebay to maybe offset the cost of labor.
So I could get your component set you listed, and recommendations for an amp? Or should I just buy his amp?
Shafrs, how did you mount the amp to the ceiling? is it mounted on wood or somehow glued to the bottom of the body?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Hmm...that link didn't work and I couldn't find a site named similar. I tried a few versions.
I want to know more about this DB stuff. Find out what you can, maybe a better link. It may be a new company that has good products.
I want to know more about this DB stuff. Find out what you can, maybe a better link. It may be a new company that has good products.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I am really unsure of this sub thing now. I mean this guy is a new owner of this place that I used to use a lot. He seemed like he knew his $hit but was also all about the money..I could tell that.
I think I might feel more comfortable buying my own component set, a JL Audio 10"(which I am sold on) and maybe my own amp. His amp is $189 for 125x4 rms.
I don't want some no name $hit in here.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
www.dbdrive.net
I am really unsure of this sub thing now. I mean this guy is a new owner of this place that I used to use a lot. He seemed like he knew his $hit but was also all about the money..I could tell that.
I think I might feel more comfortable buying my own component set, a JL Audio 10"(which I am sold on) and maybe my own amp. His amp is $189 for 125x4 rms.
I don't want some no name $hit in here.
I am really unsure of this sub thing now. I mean this guy is a new owner of this place that I used to use a lot. He seemed like he knew his $hit but was also all about the money..I could tell that.
I think I might feel more comfortable buying my own component set, a JL Audio 10"(which I am sold on) and maybe my own amp. His amp is $189 for 125x4 rms.
I don't want some no name $hit in here.
The site is very shy about technical specs...but from what I can see it's good equipment. The stereo shop guy may be all about the money, but this is a fairly new product by a guy well known in the car audio world.
I would actually be excited to try some of his products if I had a project to work on.
That price you listed, which was a total for everything is not bad at all for custom work and the amount of equipment in the sale.
Without having better knowledge of the specs, and without knowing the installer...I would say it's a safe move to go ahead as he's layed out.
I would love to do this work for you but you're kind of far away.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
The site is very shy about technical specs...but from what I can see it's good equipment. The stereo shop guy may be all about the money, but this is a fairly new product by a guy well known in the car audio world.
I would actually be excited to try some of his products if I had a project to work on.
That price you listed, which was a total for everything is not bad at all for custom work and the amount of equipment in the sale.
Without having better knowledge of the specs, and without knowing the installer...I would say it's a safe move to go ahead as he's layed out.
I would love to do this work for you but you're kind of far away.
I would actually be excited to try some of his products if I had a project to work on.
That price you listed, which was a total for everything is not bad at all for custom work and the amount of equipment in the sale.
Without having better knowledge of the specs, and without knowing the installer...I would say it's a safe move to go ahead as he's layed out.
I would love to do this work for you but you're kind of far away.
I saw the amp he was talking about on db drive online but he never gave me part numbers on the stuff so.... I am sure it will be good enough for what I want. I mainly listen to rock anyway and just don't want distortion.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
What about the sub? should I tell him I don't want to use the pancake 10" in the shallow box and go for a regular wedge box for more bass?
I saw the amp he was talking about on db drive online but he never gave me part numbers on the stuff so.... I am sure it will be good enough for what I want. I mainly listen to rock anyway and just don't want distortion.
I saw the amp he was talking about on db drive online but he never gave me part numbers on the stuff so.... I am sure it will be good enough for what I want. I mainly listen to rock anyway and just don't want distortion.
I'm looking around right now for advice on the Pioneer pancake sub. I checked it out on the site but found little customer feedback that didn't look canned. Give me a bit of time and I'll see what I find.
Other than that, it looks like a good system. I did like the look of his amps. Like I said he layed out a pretty good system, and did it a lot like I would have done for a customer of mine with storage constraints.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
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From: League City Tx
He said the pancake barely requires any air space, so they can build a SMALL, flat type box and the t-tops can actually sit on it. To give you an idea of what I a trying to mimic, I really like how my Monsoon system in my trans am. Its a good hitting bass but it doesn't carry, it just kind of thumps. I can live with it for sure. Hopefully the components and the 10" sub in the vette will get at least close to that. I just need to be able to jam out to Korn and Lincoln park without distortion.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
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From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I'm planning on making small fiberglas boxes that will fit in that unused gap over the rear wheel wells for my rear component set. The sub box will be tiny and just set wherever there is room.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 6
From: New Port Richey FL
My 73 has the drilled kick panels as well. I had pioneers in the dash with my stock radio and they SUCKED. Distorted very quickly. (yes, I know about 4 ohm vs 10 ohm, ran them in series with another set of 4x6). Anyway, I yanked them and replaced with 4x6 sony explodes in the dash and 5.25 for the kick panels from walmart. They aren't going to win any awards, but I'm happy with the sound. Still sounds like an old car, and you don't see anything.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
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From: Columbia Missouri
Okay, I did some digging on the Pioneer sub. These subs are fine and can get pretty low, but you cant really expect it to get too low. Also, remember, the enclosure will also help decide on how well it sounds. Have them make a nice ported enclosure for the sub, and I'm sure they will meet your expectations.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
Okay, I did some digging on the Pioneer sub. These subs are fine and can get pretty low, but you cant really expect it to get too low. Also, remember, the enclosure will also help decide on how well it sounds. Have them make a nice ported enclosure for the sub, and I'm sure they will meet your expectations.
OK...THANKS for all your research bro.... I know you know your stuff! Yeah I think the smal sub in the small inclosure will fit in the rear better and leave me room for T-tops, rear window tray and some bag-a-chairs for the cruises...maybe even a cooler for my beer!
: DISCLAIMER :
Don't drink and cruise....
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
If you can, get lots of pics of their install. Maybe stop by every now and then or ask them to take pictures as they go. Tell them it's for advertising them to your forum friends in the area.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
By the way, I did some asking around and I found a few guys that have used the DB stuff, and one guy who had some of the older Platinum series. He said they were great quality speakers and they didn't distort at all even at high volumes.
Keep in mind this is all by someone who's very adept at tuning these kinds of systems so hopefully your stereo shop will be up to the task.
Keep in mind this is all by someone who's very adept at tuning these kinds of systems so hopefully your stereo shop will be up to the task.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
DB, I am supposed to drop the car off tuesday but I am gonna see if I can get it in tomorrow because the weather is supposed to get bad tues. I have to leave the car there a couple of days to do all the work. I doubt they will take pictures because the owner is probably a dick, but I will take pics of it all when I get it back. If it doesn't look good, I won't accept it. I think they will do ok though. This place is not like a mobile 1 or Car Toys, its a one store type business. They were doing some work on a C5 when I was there.
DB thanks for your research, I feel better about the purchase now. $850 is a lot of jack for me, especially considering the other $180 I had already spend in HU and speakers.
DB thanks for your research, I feel better about the purchase now. $850 is a lot of jack for me, especially considering the other $180 I had already spend in HU and speakers.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Back when I did some competing, I spent $2500 on the stereo system I installed in my Durango. I did the work myself, and bought all the gear. It's all since been replaced with more practical gear, but what you're paying is a good price for the system you'll get.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
DB,
well there has been a slight change in plan. I called the guy today to see if I could bring car in today as opposed to tuesday because of inclimate weather. He couldn't work with me nor did he seem to even care. I kind of got a bad feeling about him the first day I met him, he seems like he is all out for himself and making loot. SOOO with all that being said, I think I will wait and maybe go another route. I wanted a good sound but I wasn't all that crazy about having big speakers and tweets hanging out of my kick panels. Plus I REALLY did not need to spend another $800-900 on stereo stuff...I have some paint work I need to get done and I think the money would be better spent on that.
I am thinking maybe I will just get some 6x9s, stick em in a box, mount the amp on the box and wire it up myself. Run my 4x6s in the dash off of the HU but pull all of the bass out of them, maybe use the HPF in the HU on them. Let the amp drive the 6x9s. Then I can take them out whenever I want. I figure I could do all of this for around $300 or so. I really like the 6x9 box that corvette central sells for a C3 but its like $200 itself. I am gonna shop around at some sites and see what I can find.
well there has been a slight change in plan. I called the guy today to see if I could bring car in today as opposed to tuesday because of inclimate weather. He couldn't work with me nor did he seem to even care. I kind of got a bad feeling about him the first day I met him, he seems like he is all out for himself and making loot. SOOO with all that being said, I think I will wait and maybe go another route. I wanted a good sound but I wasn't all that crazy about having big speakers and tweets hanging out of my kick panels. Plus I REALLY did not need to spend another $800-900 on stereo stuff...I have some paint work I need to get done and I think the money would be better spent on that.
I am thinking maybe I will just get some 6x9s, stick em in a box, mount the amp on the box and wire it up myself. Run my 4x6s in the dash off of the HU but pull all of the bass out of them, maybe use the HPF in the HU on them. Let the amp drive the 6x9s. Then I can take them out whenever I want. I figure I could do all of this for around $300 or so. I really like the 6x9 box that corvette central sells for a C3 but its like $200 itself. I am gonna shop around at some sites and see what I can find.
Last edited by ajrothm; Feb 19, 2007 at 10:21 PM.