GTR stereo setup

[Kras]

As much as I love the sound of the RB I'd really like to be able to listen to some tunes occasionally. The car came with a JDM dual DIN deck which I removed immediately - I also removed all the speakers which are pioneer(old looking) dunno how good they are as I never used them.

ANYWAYS I don't really want a loud and expensive system, I really wanna keep it light weight and make the sub and/or amp easily removable for when I take it to the track or whatever.

I'm thinking maybe something like:

-unknown dash receiver (suggest some please!)
-6.5" components in the front w/tweeters on A pillar or door area?
-10" sub for trunk
-4 way amp (how much wattage do I need) running to the front speakers and bridged into the sub as well.

It's a toss up if I wanna run 6.5 speakers in the rear as well because I don't know if I'd need to run another amp for those?

I don't know very much about this shit which is probably pretty obvious by now so I'll appreciate any advise.

[Rapier46]

Gonna have to bolt that shot down real good! Nate gas a bad problem with his stereo stuff jumping around lol

[Allan74]

I am a stereo guy first and formost and I am going to find my Skyline life a little difficult.....lol...as I will be running a pretty basic setup.

I will tell you what I am doing, as some of the stuff I have left over from a previous system and some I will buy again.

- Front & Rear 6.5" 2-Ways.....NO Cutting up the interior in my car unfortunately.
- CD Player (no video, single din only....I already have one, Kenwood Excelon).
- 5 Channel AMP w/Built-in X-overs both Hi and Lo.
- Single subwoofer (I have a 10" Kicker square sub already that I will use).
............nice and simple, but will sound decent.

As far as advise goes, I can't really offer much.......
- Buy a Pro Series, or Top Line Deck (Premier, Excelon etc. I hate cheap decks and they don't stand up well to stiff/bouncy suspension).
- Don't cut up your interior, mount GOOD 2-ways and call it a day.
- Try find a nice 5 channel AMP to power everything (I own a Kicker zx700.5 and love it).
- If you run a sub, make sure your spoiler is on rubber mounts. Don't be a rattling douche driving down the street,......lol

I was an installer for quite a few years in my early days and made a living doing it. I have also spent countlss thousands on Home and Car Audio - I like Music.
I don't buy cheap shit......so I can't really tell you to 'find the cheapest deal' or I would be a douche, as I would never use some of that stuff.

I can hopefully answer most of your questions, just not about new stuff/part#'s/model#'s, as I don't keep up or keep track lately.

I have had systems ranging in power from 100W Competition system to over 1500W.....lol
...and every single one was a waste of money in the end - AN ENJOYED WASTE OF MONEY ;)

[Kras]

I am a stereo guy first and formost and I am going to find my Skyline life a little difficult.....lol...as I will be running a pretty basic setup.

I will tell you what I am doing, as some of the stuff I have left over from a previous system and some I will buy again.

- Front & Rear 6.5" 2-Ways.....NO Cutting up the interior in my car unfortunately.
- CD Player (no video, single din only....I already have one, Kenwood Excelon).
- 5 Channel AMP w/Built-in X-overs both Hi and Lo.
- Single subwoofer (I have a 10" Kicker square sub already that I will use).
............nice and simple, but will sound decent.

As far as advise goes, I can't really offer much.......
- Buy a Pro Series, or Top Line Deck (Premier, Excelon etc. I hate cheap decks and they don't stand up well to stiff/bouncy suspension).
- Don't cut up your interior, mount GOOD 2-ways and call it a day.
- Try find a nice 5 channel AMP to power everything (I own a Kicker zx700.5 and love it).
- If you run a sub, make sure your spoiler is on rubber mounts. Don't be a rattling douche driving down the street,......lol

I was an installer for quite a few years in my early days and made a living doing it. I have also spent countlss thousands on Home and Car Audio - I like Music.
I don't buy cheap shit......so I can't really tell you to 'find the cheapest deal' or I would be a douche, as I would never use some of that stuff.

I can hopefully answer most of your questions, just not about new stuff/part#'s/model#'s, as I don't keep up or keep track lately.

I have had systems ranging in power from 100W Competition system to over 1500W.....lol
...and every single one was a waste of money in the end - AN ENJOYED WASTE OF MONEY ;)

When you say 2 way speakers do you mean component or ?

When it comes to the actual CD player I don't really know what to look for... I want one with ipod/mp3 input, or usb would be sweet as well, but besides those I know nothing.

Subs seem pretty straightforward.. just stick to a decent brand.

The amp part is another confusing area for me:

- 5 way means all 4 speakers get a channel and then one for the sub
- how do I know how many watts I need in an amp? do I just add up the RMS from all the speakers or the peak watts? I remember hearing that it's better to overpower your speakers a little.

- what the fuck are high/low crossovers

I'm such a stereo newb

[natetheguy]

us calgary folk should get together for a beer and stereo talk 8-)

[Allan74]

2-Way, meaning a single speaker with built-in/on tweeter type of setup.....

Here's a good starting point....SET A BUDGET FOR EACH PIECE ;)

Make a list of stuff you need, then put a price-tag on each, then a total....and see what we have to work with.

Allan

[Allan74]

us calgary folk should get together for a beer and stereo talk 8-)

I don't drink. I abuse prescription medication ;)

[natetheguy]

well what ever your poison is i think we should have a late winter calgary meet.

[DrMango]

2 way speakers are mids and high all in one typically.
As far as decks, if you plan to run and amp/sub then a high volt pre out is a good thing to have. Its all just down to the user and how comfortable he is with setting up the crossovers etc. If you are experienced then get a deck that gives you as much control as possible. If you get a good brand name like eclipse or pioneer premier or clarion then you dont have to worry about much else.

Subs are generally good with either SQ or SPL or mediocre at both. I find that deciding on what you want in the end will eliminate a lot of options.

Amps. Yes 5 channel is 4 speakers and a sub or 2 and a sub if you bridge channels but I doubt that you would in your application.
Check the RMS on the speakers you choose and you wont need to exceed that per channel RMS of the amp. Underpowering subs specifiacally is a bad thing.
Typical decks will not even come close to putting out the rated power listed on the box. Most of the time not even half in real world conditions

Im not the most experienced stereo guy so Allan can take the lead on this one. Ive just learned some stuff along the way

Used to run a SPL setup in my S10. Single 10" sub @2500 watts. Destroyed my truck but it was fun :p

Kyle

[Allan74]

Used to run a SPL setup in my S10. Single 10" sub @2500 watts. Destroyed my truck but it was fun :p
That's awesome ;)
I used to run SQ with a single 10 in my old V8-swapped S10 back in the day....lol

What an almost-impossible vehicle for SQ....especially a single cab.

[DrMango]

Yeah bad dynamics in a very square interior. I had the extended cab with a 5 cubic foot snail shell box from powered4sound. Lots of contraversy about if they are as good as they claim but my Brahma sure sounded good

Kyle

[Shadao]

finally something i know something about :D

im an audiophile

ive spent thousands on systems and all with rather good results... from placing 1st in canada back in the day to hitting 140.2db in my neon with underpowered subs...

basically the best thing to do is set a price point and build from there...

the components are a great idea for some good frontal music, and if you want some, just not alot of bass why not go with some good 6x9's... you may not have that solid vibration from a sub but you can still experience the bass... a basic 4way amp and your set for sound...

if you desire more bass than that, then go with a single 12in sub rather than a 10in... and simply add in a dedicated sub amp...

5way amps are always under powered and rather large as well...

my current set-up is pretty snazzy
2x10in Ultimate Sound KW1000 series subs (800w rms each @ 3ohms)
JBL BPX 1100.1 sub amp (by crown)
alpine type s components
alpine type r 6x9's
JBL BPX300.4
alpine head unit with time correction

i hit 140.2db with this set-up in a sedan, sounds crystal clear and i am half deaf because of it... this is in my current DD neon

in the GTR ive got pioneer premier components and 6x9's powered by some pheonix gold amp... it came with the car and gives the bit of tunes that is sometimes needed when driving, but usually turbo's spooling and engine rumbling is enough music for my ears :D

[Allan74]

5way amps are always under powered and rather large as well...
Always ?.......lol

My 5chan makes 75W RMS x 4 @ 4ohms & 460W RMS x 1 @ 2ohms powering a single DVC 10 along with front and rear stage ....and it seems like enough power for a basic system and then some.....and it's not that large.

My turn....

Is a time alignment processor really that important when you are running an entry level front stage along with a mismatched 'SPL oriented' rear stage ? .........lol

[Kras]

wow you guys are awesome thanks for the responses!

Budget wise I am expecting to spend around $1000 and I will be installing this stuff myself obviously. If I can keep it cheaper than that great - like I said I just want a basic setup.

P.S I'd be down for a calgary meet up, my line is not really operational right now though

[DrMango]

JBL amps are very good amps. I used to run a 1200.1 on my Adire audio brahma before the 2500d orion
Also ran 600.1 x 2 on some older infinity kappa perfects and they were quite good for sq in my jeep

Kyle

[Shadao]

Always ?.......lol

My 5chan makes 75W RMS x 4 @ 4ohms & 460W RMS x 1 @ 2ohms powering a single DVC 10 along with front and rear stage ....and it seems like enough power for a basic system and then some.....and it's not that large.

My turn....

Is a time alignment processor really that important when you are running an entry level front stage along with a mismatched 'SPL oriented' rear stage ? .........lol

5chans tend to power your tweets and mids just fine, but the power comin off of it for a sub, a mere 460wrms@2ohms really isnt that much sure its more than enough for most entry lvl subs, but IMO those cheap subs sound like junk...

also most subs ive found in a brief scan operate at 4ohms... the other reason for having sperate amps is if something happens... you are not stuck with no power to your speakers...

as for time correction on my HU i dont even use it.. lol... i have used it before and noticed a very slight difference in SQ but its really only the driver that gets this bonus...

the only reason i have mismatched front and rears is because i got them for free :D gotta love SPL/SQ comps that give stuff away :D i have thought about upgrading for a while now to have a better rounded system, but i dont want to do it in my current DD and i wont do it to my GTR(adds to much weight)id like to get myself an AWD hatchback to replace my neon as i would get more db from my set-up

[DrMango]

find a cheap JDM CRX and scrap the neon. Will likely see a bump in DB with just a change in cars wouldnt you?

Kyle

[Allan74]

5chans tend to power your tweets and mids just fine, but the power comin off of it for a sub, a mere 460wrms@2ohms really isnt that much sure its more than enough for most entry lvl subs, but IMO those cheap subs sound like junk...

also most subs ive found in a brief scan operate at 4ohms... the other reason for having sperate amps is if something happens... you are not stuck with no power to your speakers...
But we ARE talking about an entry level system.....lol

[DrMango]

entry level subs are for 16 year olds who dont care how it sounds, they just want thump
They are likely to blow in the first season too. Buy atleast a alpine sub and possibly a low end JL. I think JL is over rated but atleast they wont blow

Kyle

[Allan74]

So my L5 is a piece of shit ? It's Entry Level. That amplifier I have and that sub were made for each other.

[dah_hunter]

Im a sucker for High end stuff.. I used to work do installs as a shop when i was in high school..

I normaly Rock JL Subs and Amps (JL is overpriced but you can get a good deal if you look hard enough)
12W7
13W7
10W7

1000/1
500/1
450/4

For Mids i love Focal stuff.. so nice 2 ways and your good

Decks I only use Pioneer Premier, or Eclipse.

I havent built a system in awhile. but i will be soon, in one of my project Skylines

Focal Mids
10w7
500/1
300/4

not sure what deck yet..

[Allan74]

Before my blood pressure gets out of control, I think we better DEFINE what we all consider Entry Level.

What is Entry Level to me ?

I take a Pro Series or Premium Line, then buy the 'Entry Model'.

I own an 'Entry Level' Kicker Solobaric Subwoofer, 'Entry Level' Focal and 'Entry Level' Hertz componetns. I always buy the 'Entry Level' Pioneer Premier or Kenwood Excelon Decks for an 'Entry Level' System.

I have not built a DECENT system in quite a few years now.....and have gotten by using my version of 'Entry Level' equipment.

I am not talking Boss Audio, US Amps, or Canadian Tire-grade Sony and Blaupunkt components and electronics here......and $99 Dual Subwoofer Bandpass loaded boxes from Walmart.

..and I ALWAYS use American Made High Current Power, ALWAYS.

[dah_hunter]

For me I buy the highest quality line i can find for the lowest price.. thats my entry level..

$1500 is my budget for car stereos.. anymore more is not longer entry level.

[DrMango]

So my L5 is a piece of shit ? It's Entry Level. That amplifier I have and that sub were made for each other.

Where did I say piece of shit and 8/10 the entry level subs/amps do crater pretty quickly. Im talking pyle, pyramid, and even low end rockford, MTX and those flavours do almost always blow up quickly.

Kyle

[DrMango]

Before my blood pressure gets out of control, I think we better DEFINE what we all consider Entry Level.

What is Entry Level to me ?

I take a Pro Series or Premium Line, then buy the 'Entry Model'.

I own an 'Entry Level' Kicker Solobaric Subwoofer, 'Entry Level' Focal and 'Entry Level' Hertz componetns. I always buy the 'Entry Level' Pioneer Premier or Kenwood Excelon Decks for an 'Entry Level' System.

I have not built a DECENT system in quite a few years now.....and have gotten by using my version of 'Entry Level' equipment.

I am not talking Boss Audio, US Amps, or Canadian Tire-grade Sony and Blaupunkt components and electronics here......and $99 Dual Subwoofer Bandpass loaded boxes from Walmart.

..and I ALWAYS use American Made High Current Power, ALWAYS.

I agree. Ive always bought the high end decks. Eclipse has been my mainstay since Alpine stopped making $1000+ higher end head units. I used to always run Alpines better stuff and then they discontinued everything over ~$5-600. Then switched to Eclipse and had a lot of good luck with those. I bought the CD8454 when it was $1299 a number of years ago, but they have come a long way since. Top notch head units but at the time I heard they werent making anything special as far as loudspeakers. But like I said, that was a few years back..
Focal speakers are top notch

Kyle

[Allan74]

......8/10 the entry level subs/amps do crater pretty quickly. Im talking pyle, pyramid, and even low end rockford, MTX and those flavours do almost always blow up quickly.
I don't think that's a very fair comment either. Stuff blows up because it's got an idiot behind the controls 9/10 times as well. I am not saying you have to understand Ohm's Law to enjoy your system......but it sure as shit helps.

How many kids have you heard systems by, as you cringe at the sound of their sub flutterring away and bottoming and popping......while they think it's deadly BASS !....lol ? ?

Installation/Configuration has just as much to do with the longevity/performance of a system as some of the components chosen....you know that.

[DrMango]

I don't think that's a very fair comment either. Stuff blows up because it's got an idiot behind the controls 9/10 times as well. I am not saying you have to understand Ohm's Law to enjoy your system......but it sure as shit helps.

How many kids have you heard systems by, as you cringe at the sound of their sub flutterring away and bottoming and popping......while they think it's deadly BASS !....lol ? ?

Installation/Configuration has just as much to do with the longevity/performance of a system as some of the components chosen....you know that.

I do agree but Ive watched a lot of subs crater in my store that I used to work in and thats with perfect conditions. It boiled down to quality in a lot of cases.
As far as peoples setups, you are bang on. I had my 4800watt brahma setup in my friends tahoe and it sounded very clean when I installed it. But he would keep tweeking the amp to his liking. Every time I got in his truck, it was clearly clipping and I would get mad and change it back. His idea of tuning was to make out all the gains

Kyle

[Allan74]

Well, back to the question at hand. For a $1000 Budget ?

Speakers, $300 - Alpine Type S are the best sounding entry level co-ax's, I think. Solid mid and tweeter not to bright.
Deck, $300 - The cheapest NAMEBRAND deck you can get with MINIMUM 4V+ Pre Amp Out.
Amp, $400 - 75W RMS x 4, something 'US' made will be cost effective and powerful.
Sub - No budget for one......you will be fine without one if this is just a 'cruisn tunes' system with atleast 6.5" Co-Ax's all around.
------------------------------------------
$1,000 Budget.

Easy, peasy....only partially japaneesy.... ;)

[Allan74]

Here:

Pioneer Premier, 4V PreAmp - $230
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=11&productId=4359

Alpine Type S 6.5" Co-Ax x 2 sets - $240 Total ($120/set)
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=35&productId=2936

Alpine V-Power, 100W x 4 - $550
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=49&productId=4367

$1020 + Tax - That's a start ....and close to your budget for half decent stuff.


The cheapest Alpine deck with 4V PreAmp out is $340 ($110 more than the Pioneer)
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=11&productId=2332

The Pioneer is a little more cost effective, but some people are suckers for EVERYTHING MATCHING ;)

Alternatively... as well, Pioneer Premier 6.5" Co-Ax's are the same price as the Alpines above ($120/set)
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=44&productId=4887

[Allan74]

Add a Subwoofer:

Alpine V-Power 300W x 1 @ 4ohms, 500W x 1 @ 2ohms - $300
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=54&productId=3202

Alpine Type S 12" Dual Voice Coil Dual 4 ohm (to load the amp down to 2ohms) - $100
http://www2.visions.ca/Catalogue/Category/Details.aspx?categoryId=30&productId=1117

+++Box, Wiring, Installation materials etc.....

Both amplifiers have corresponding built-in Crossovers as well (highpass for the 4 chan and low pass for the monoblock).

For a complete system, you could do alot worse than the Alpine stuff above ;) ...but this is just an example.

[Shadao]

find a cheap JDM CRX and scrap the neon. Will likely see a bump in DB with just a change in cars wouldnt you?

Kyle

did the CRX ever come AWD? otherwise i would have already gotten one... its 1 of 3 hondas id ever own... but none of the hondas id ever own came awd so its a moot point

the neon has treated me fairly well and i have thrashed the shite out of it... so the next ride i get has to be as forgiving

[dah_hunter]

I rock the USA Used Car Audio forms for sweet Deals..

you can get some crazy good stuff off there..

13W7 JL Ver 3 Shipped to my US address $350.. cant go wrong..

1000/1 JL Amp $250 Shipped.. How could i not buy..

[Kras]

Thanks for all the examples Allan.

Would it be a good idea to buy stuff on ebay or no? It seems like a lot of this stuff is way cheaper on there.

I found your amp for ~300 plus shipping I think it was.

I really would like to run a sub I think, atleast a 10" as I think that would be better for the type of music I listen to lol

[dah_hunter]

eBay it up.. thats the second most commen place i buy stuff..

also check out..

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/

[Kras]

thanks for the link dah_hunter that forum is decent.

I'm wondering if putting speakers in the rear is really "necessary" so to speak. I never have people in the back seat.

Would 2 6.5" 2 ways up front with a 10" sub in the trunk sound like crap?

Would I miss the rear speakers?

[DrMango]

did the CRX ever come AWD? otherwise i would have already gotten one... its 1 of 3 hondas id ever own... but none of the hondas id ever own came awd so its a moot point

the neon has treated me fairly well and i have thrashed the shite out of it... so the next ride i get has to be as forgiving

Never available AWD. They are good dynamics for SPL, thats the only reason I recommend them. Also fox body mustangs I hear are good too

Kyle

[Allan74]

Yah, for sure. Ebay all the way. I just hate reccommending it to people, then having the 'MOB' get on my case...lol

You should know me well enough now to know that I choose Ebay 1st for most things ;)

That Kicker 5 channel is a decent deal and is decent power. For $300 , it's a steal.
American Kicker prices are half of Canadian retail, or less sometimes. That AMP sold for $1100 CAD at Visions 2 or so years ago when released.

[Shadao]

Never available AWD. They are good dynamics for SPL, thats the only reason I recommend them. Also fox body mustangs I hear are good too

Kyle

the crx is so good for audiop dynamics that it was almost banned and sometimes is from certain comps because of the unfair advantage it has...

fox body rustangs, i had one of those as my first car, and the first audio comp i went into i won and was 1st in canada for a lil while...

like i said i want an awd hatch... i live in the kootenays and we get snow, well not this year, but last year omfg... ive narrowed it down to either a celica gt4 or a pulsar gtir...

ebay can be your friend... ive bought numerous things off of ebay, and not once have i ever had a problem, granted i mostly buy items that are not electronic, but of my friends who have the only person to ever have problems was in regards to the shipping company not the seller... just be wary and ask questions

[dah_hunter]

I buy everything off ebay.. never had an big issues..

Car parts, Electronics, Clothes, Razors.. Soap..

I just dont use it for food.. LoL..