WTR388

So I'm looking to piece together a system as the funds come up, I'm focused at the moment on wrapping up things from my LS swap and a bunch of little things, but I do need some better sound, the current speakers are starting to rattle, and I have typically have the T-tops out and my exhaust will be fairly loud.
Install is no issue, I have a DNX5160 in the truck and I've put speakers in to a few of my vehicles, but never have I done a "tuned" system.

Premise is adequately loud with quality over all out volume. I listen to classic rock, 80's rock etc.

I plan on a 10" in the rear in place of the spare tire (will be useless once I upgrade brakes) and upgrading the dash and sail speakers, I believe my head unit is capable enough... All I remember about it at the moment is that it is a JVC.

So here is where I need some assistance, is picking out my components. I'll spend about $400 on speakers, I have no issues spending a bit of money on a compact 4 channel amp for those, and as for the 10" and the amp, I would think $300 should be enough. I am considering component speakers for the sail panels.
My shopping will be done on crutchfield simply because of the free shipping (us Canadians never get free shipping).

So where do I start? I would like to have the rear speakers visible in the sail panel, but want to hide the dash speakers.

Bob88GTA

iTrader: (2)

Your already on the right track. Go to Crutchfield and plug in your info on "what fits my vehicle" and go from there. 4x6's for the fronts. Just watch the magnet clearance issue on the pass side. It interferes sometimes with the heater ducting. 6x9's comp's for the sails.
I have 2 10"s Subs in my well in the back. Drive the subs with an amp, I used a 4 channel 500W Amp for subs and 6x9' tri's, PLENTY of power. Then used a smaller amp to run the dash speakers. I went all Alpine; it's what I used for 30 years, to each his/her own though.

Good luck!

padak

iTrader: (10)

This is how I have done the "system" in every car I have owned, and will do in my Trans Am once ready.

Head unit is all about what you need personally, do you just wanna plug one in that is adequate, or do you mess with the settings and tune, etc? If so, get an Alpine or Pioneer if possible.

The ONLY speakers I run off the head unit are the tweeters (if applicable). As they require the least amount of power.

Front speakers (have used 4x6, 5.5, 6.5, etc.) I normally put on their own amp 200-300 watt amp can be had for around <$100. In past I have used Alpine Type R or Pioneer.

Back speakers (6x9's) I run on their own amp as well, 200-400 watt depending on speakers. I have used again, Alpine or Pioneer.

Subs - I hook the subs up to their own amp as well, according to power their need. I used 2 12"s, but you can use 2 10's or 1 10. If you don't listen to heavy bass music, you don't need the best or loudest pounding sub. If you really wanted you can go with something like Kicker, Pioneer, or Alpine Type S or E, no need for the Type R, as they are expensive even for a 10.

Wiring, there are many threads on upgrading the wiring from battery to amps, if you want to look into that as well.

padak

iTrader: (10)

Pioneer 4x6 on crutchfield.com $49.99 - Model: TS-G4645R

Pioneer 6x9 on crutchfield.com $99.00 - Model: TS-A6975R

Pioneer 10" sub crutchfield.com $99.00 Model: TS-W261S4

JVC 400 Watt amp for the subs $180 Model: KS-AX3201D

If you want, you can buy 2 of those amps, one for the 4x6 and 6x9 and 1 for sub.

Total = $610 and that's a good system for your music, IMO.

Someone else may be able to find something better, but I would run that. IMO those AMP's are a little pricey for the power outage, you may be able to find some cheaper even with shipping from another site.

Partspuller

If you dig around on car audio forums it'll be tough to find negative comments for Audiopipe amps or Sundown Audio subs. I have my own preferences on brands, but thought I'd just pass along what my research had turned up.

Barlow8869

iTrader: (1)

if you want your system to sound good ... imo you need to get a good crossover and a good capacitor ... for your 4x6 and 6x9 a small amp for each is good enough if you tune the crossover to what frequency they are rated for ... for me i only use fosgate amps for base (i ran my punch at .5 ohms) ... also if anyone is looking for good low cost subs, volfenhag subs hit super hard (i had 2 12" dual 2 ohm voice coils) ... also i only use sealed boxes, and when i had my 2 12s they would bounce a full 12oz can over 1" off the roof of my g-body with them in the trunk ... it was a pioneer box, btw

roadthrills

Sounds like another old-schooler like me! For best sound quality over the full volume range it simply cannot be done without some sort of passive crossover or equalization device. The full adjustability allows precise fine tuning of the frequency range to match the speakers. My best systems over the years always had at least a 3 way crossover and separate amps for each set of speakers. I'll be using an old school 8-way/ 16 channel crossover for my next build. Adjustability for tweets, highs and mids front AND rear, mid-bass, and sub.

Barlow8869

iTrader: (1)

roadthrills, i like the way you think ... an 8-way would be super sweet, and you are right, old school ... i just dont see how you would ever get the best sound you can without some sort of passive crossover ... unless you had a badass head unit that you could tune each set of speakers separate

Jonesyfxr

iTrader: (2)

If you want clear sound with a great sound stage and major depth, I'd install kick panel speakers with JL Audio components. I like either the C2 or c5 speakers. The crossovers have tweeter attenuation if you need it. I'd also install JL Audio 6x9's. I'm also a big fan of their amps. They are extremely clean and have tuneability built in with daisy changing capability and built in crossovers if needed.

I have installed two systems in two different newer Camaros. Both systems were wired off the factory radios. I used the factory locations and hid the tweeters behind the factory grills. Both systems have a wide soundstage with extreme depth. The tweeters are smooth, not harsh and the mids are powerful. I forget what subs were used, as I installed only one sub in a coup and a stealth box in a vert.

They both slam but yet are extremely clean up top. I personally feel JL is the way to go.

roadthrills

I should also note I've tried just about every different style of tweeter and I always come back to one with a silk dome. They don't ever seem too harsh or get that sssnake hissss with loud vocals.

Jonesyfxr

iTrader: (2)

You can soften a harsh tweeter by wiring it out of phase from the mids.

WTR388

Thanks for a layout scheme.
I can pick up these speakers for $80 CDN at futureshop right now: http://www.crutchfield.ca/Pioneer_TS...130ta6985r.htm So I'll pick them up tomorrow.

I'm still looking for a decent head unit on the cheaper end, I would use my current one but it has no 3.5mm input or USB input as it's an older model.
For filters, if a head unit allows you to do all that, can you use the built in one before the amps?

I think for amps, I'll do what bob88GTA suggested and run a 4 channel for the sub and 6x9s and a smaller amp hidden in the dash for the fronts.
How do I calculate the proper amp while combining the 6x9s and a single sub on a 4 channel? I typically don't see the resistance in the info for the speakers, or do I basically care about the wattage for the amp at that point?

WTR388

Ok, doing more looking, I think I'm coming up with more solutions.

I'm thinking of going with this as a 4 channel amp to run my speakers:
http://www.crutchfield.ca/ProductDet...ode=113KAM1804 It's a simple install, gives the speakers a boost, it's small enough I can probably hide it in the dash.
I'll use something like these for the front, making sure that amp isn't over powering them: http://www.crutchfield.ca/Kicker_40C.../2064cs464.htm

This as a sub: http://www.crutchfield.ca/Pioneer_TS...130tw260s4.htm
But not sure which to use as an amp, this one: http://www.crutchfield.ca/Sound_Ordn...p/777m1500.htm or this one: http://www.crutchfield.ca/JVC_KS_AX3...105ax3201d.htm. The second one will be easier to hide.

This should be a pretty decent set up I believe. Gotta remember I'm going for clarity/reproduction at a decent volume level, nothing crazy.

I listened to those 6x9s in the store today, they sounded pretty good, turned on their 10" single sub and I would be more than happy with the sound in the car.

I'm thinking I might make a rack for a sub and the amp that fits above the t-tops when stowed, on a hinge so I can put the tops in and out. Or just take the time for a clean install and hide the amp and put the sub in the spare tire space.

Still looking for a head unit with a rear USB input for my iPod so I can hide that.

WTR388

Considering this as my head unit. 3 RCA outputs at 4v, nice little features and a good price point

WTR388

Sorry, forgot the link for my head unit: http://www.carid.com/pioneer/single-...dehx7600s.html