Well this post was inevitable…

Overview:
I am trying to design a stereo system setup that is real nice.. I have reviewed some CF posts, PajamaSam, Armstrong, Metal_Wulf, Corelian Corvette, SlixVett, Steve Adkins, 82Zoom etc). Armstrong, 82Zoom and Steve Adkins have a clean look

I have also sketched some designs, bought some equipment and consulted with a friend who is well versed in sound (guitarist and sound tech. Also – there is a contact I got that is a sound system installer for 10 years who is going to assess my packet and offer advice next week.

I have decided to go DIN rather than stock radio. The mod piece is sold by 2 places I know of – one is metal and the other is plastic. I am most likely going with the Vette Specialties one (www.vettespecialties.com). The plastic one is American International (www.aius.net).

Requirements:
Good system – sound wise, look wise, detail and esthetics.
Must overcome extreme side exhaust - 93db idle and 104db at cruising speed.
I am scared to know what db is at WOT !!!!
Maintain ability to store rear glass, T-Tops and have some rear space
Must not cheese up the car.
Easily removable for auto crossing.

Current Status:
Considering design change on dash 4x6’s from 2 way to 3 way.
Will change design from dual 10” Sub Woofs to dual 8”
I am now considering whether to add kick panels and what size.

To accommodate the 10”, I had planned to remove the Glass storage shelf. Now, with 8” subs, the stock glass shelf will return. The amp was designed to be located at the top to save floor storage space and ultimately gain venting from the rear glass defroster fan.

Looking back, the design I have sketched is outdated, cumbersome and will drastically change. It will be reduced in size, possibly eliminating the 6x9’s and using the stock glass storage shelf, using smaller 8” woofs, and an MTX Amp that has smaller dimensions.

Now, also, I am considering kick panel speakers and depending on the advice from the guy in Killeen, I may go with an alternate configuration.


Initial Design
Panasonic CQ-DF602 200w AM/FM CD Player 50s by 4 ($350 L, $180 B, $180 O)
2 4x6 Top Dash 2 Way Infinity 6402cf ($80 L, $80 P, $40 O)
2 6x9 Rear Compartment 3 way Infinity 9603i ($150 L, $150 P, $60 O)
2 10” Sub Woofers – Infinity 1020w ($140 L, $70 P, $50 O)
1 Kicker KX-500.2 Amp ($499 L, $70 B, $50 O)

Possible Alternatives
Panasonic CQ-DF602 200w AM/FM CD Player 50s by 4 ($350 L, $180 B, $180 O)
2 4x6 Top Dash 3 Way w/Tweeter – Undecided ????
Eliminate 6x9’s or add 6” kick panel speakers – Undecided ????
2 8” Sub Woofers – MTX T6844A ($115 L, $-- P, $75 O)
1 MTX 564 Thunder Amp ($450 L, $-- B, $400 O)


Prices
3 Prices shown are List, What I Paid and new found price.
I bought the stuff from Frye’s in Houston. Their List prices were exaggerated – especially on the amp and tuner as they were even used display models. Since purchasing, I have found MUCH better deals for brand new, not refurbished stuff and am pi$$ed off with Frye’s for misrepresenting the retail price. I will return their stuff and buy from someone else.

Comments on my design and others:
Pajama Sams, emits Bass in up direction, only from one side and behind passenger seat – however, I understand it sounds good.
There is not just one best design –many factors, many preferences, and many good ideas.
The design where I slanted the 10” subs towards the floor is a concession due to height limitations.
2 woofs directed at each other could work.
Due to heat on the amp, I do not want to mount amp in rear jack storage compartment

Here are my initial thoughts that will be changed….

 

umm...where to start....

1. loose the 4x6's and 6x9's
2. Get a good set of 2 or 3 way components
3. If you want 8's I know just the ones for ya...
4. Loose the MTX :U

I'm sure I'll think of more later :D

 

Why lose the 4x6 and 6x9's - not round?

As for the MTX - have you heard negative input? Is it price?

Good to have the discussion...

 

4x6's suck at just about everything but high range, they just don't have the size to reproduce at high volumes. If you get a good set of comps, they'll get louder and sound a ton better than any 4x6's.

6x9's are only for use when you don't want a sub as they can do pretty well down low for their size. Since you want to run subs, the 6x9's are a waste.

Also we're talking about a small 2 seater, you don't need rear fill, it'll only mess up staging.

save the money/space/weight and use them for better stuff :thumbs:


MTX is in the same boat with Fosgate... Back in the day they were good, now they're just overpriced, and quality is so so. Some people love both brands, I for one will not touch either.


[EDIT] I just noticed you didn't mention anything about using sound dampening... You really should, yes it'll add some weight, but it'll really help out!


[Modified by Metal_Wulf, 3:49 PM 4/27/2003]

 

Thanks for the input - I just found your post of "Who's got the loudest system". I will review and see what ya''ll discus and assess....

 

Looks like you know your stuff Metal_Wulf, I know who to come to when I start planning my system. :)

I want to do something very similar. 2 10" subs, 2 6" mids maybe, etc, and have room for the TTops still.

 

I'm always happy to help where I can, post/IM/email, I can give you some ideas from mild to completely insane :D

 

Well I want a system that sounds great, but isn't "competition" stuff. I'm not looking to compete against anyone, I just want to have a good sounding system over top of my flowmaster mufflers. :) And I'm on a budget so it'd be nice if I could by it almost piece of by for the most part.

 

I went to Home Depot to get cutting tools for my center console bezel.

Before I follow up - I want to do some research and find out about comps.

 

check out the audio section and start reading the posts over there :cheers:

 

I did not realize we had one - will do! :crazy: :flag