For the Audio Guys: Help Me Plan My System

[Remo]

I posted this on some car audio forums, but I figured I'd ask you guys for suggestions too...

"As the title states, please help me plan my system in my daily driver. Please help me put something together that will keep me happy for as long as I own my vehicle. I’m not an audiophile by any measure, but I can certainly easily distinguish between stock, low-end, and mid/high end systems. I’ve never really heard a ‘high-end’ system. I haven’t heard too many systems, but I’ve been doing a lot of research for the last eight months and I have lots of experience building/tuning my last system. Anyway, I want to do this right and never have to change it again. Feel free to ask any questions that will help you help me and I will answer them as best I can.

Vehicle: 2000 Ford Expedition XLT 5.4L w/stock electrical system
Stock Audio System: ‘Premium’ Audio System – 6 CD Changer, 4 6x8’s in doors

Budget: $1,300 max (Head Unit, Speakers, Subs, Box, Amps, Sound Deadening, Wiring, Misc). I want to buy only new equipment and buy online. I will be doing the install on my own so do not facto in installation costs.

Music: I want to be able to enjoy any kind of music with this system. I need to it be well balanced and versatile. If that’s not possible, I listen to hip-hop/rap most of the time I’m in my truck. The rest of the time I listen to techno/electronica and rock (all kinds-classic to hardcore).

Power Limits: I’m looking to run 600 to1000 watts rms for the entire system (300-500 for speakers at 4 ohm, 300-500 for the subwoofer at 2 ohm minimum) since I’d rather not upgrade the alternator, battery, install a capacitor, and/or do ‘the big three.’

Subwoofers and Enclosure: I want to do a stealth install, so for the subwoofer box I have about 0.5 to 1.0 cubic feet to work with (I don’t have exact measurements yet). I prefer to run a sealed, stuffed box. I believe I will have around 6 inches of mounting depth maximum. I have not yet made the box, but I can most likely fit only one 10”. I’m aiming for maximum sql on 300 to 500 watts rms and under $200. I’ve been looking at the FI SSD, some RE’s, some ID’s, JL W3’s…completely open to suggestions. I’m looking for the best sound/build quality and the best output/performance at this price point.

Amplifier(s): I would prefer to run a five channel amp, since it will most likely be the most cost effective and take up less space than two separate amps, but I’ll consider 4 channels and monoblocks, too. I plan to keep the amp(s) hidden, so the smaller, the better. Budget for speaker/sub amp(s) is $300. I’ve been looking at Cadence, MTX, Kicker, JL, JBL…open to suggestions. I want the best for this price.

Speakers: For speakers, I’m pretty undecided. I’m going with either 6x8’s or 6.5’s. I’m undecided on coaxials or components, but this will probably be determined by available mounting depth, which is pretty limiting it seems. I’ve been looking at the Phoenix Gold RSD’s, Pioneer Rev’s, Cadence, CDT…once again, completely open to suggestions. Please tell me what I should look into. I really want strong midbass and clear, detailed highs/midrange. I prefer softer tweeters rather than harsher, harder tweeters. I will be running two pairs of speakers, so don’t suggest only front speakers or using minimal rear fill. The truck is very big inside (8 passenger capacity) and I care more about filling it with music than having a proper ‘front stage.’ I prefer the feeling of a dance club rather than a concert hall. I like to be surrounded by music, particularly when I listen to hip-hop or techno. Budget is around $200 for two pairs. I’m looking for the best I can afford in this range.

Deadening: I will be deadening all four doors (inner and outer) and possibly the rear hatch. I don’t want my music (particularly the highs) heard outside my vehicle. I don’t plan on deadening the floors, firewall, roof, etc. I’m not sure how many sq ft I will need (haven’t measured yet), so suggestions would be great. I’m not sure what brand I will use yet. I haven’t researched this much yet. Open to suggestions. I’m figuring around $250 max for this. Again, I want the best bang for the buck in this price range.

Head Unit: This is currently of the least importance as I already have a good Panasonic unit. If I replace it, it needs to play mp3, wma, aac, fm/am. Detachable faceplate and aux/ipod inputs are preferred. I don’t need navigation or dvd capabilities. I want a low key, stock looking unit with green illumination if possible. Preferably under $200. I’ve been looking at Pioneer, Panasonic, Alpine…Open to suggestions.

Okay, I think that sums it up. Please help me! I really appreciate everyone reading all of this and taking the time to help me and share their opinions/experiences. Please ask relevant questions if necessary and I will answer them ASAP. Thanks a lot guys!!!"

 

[bloodzero]

The JL or MTX stealth boxes work VERY well. Especially if you buy the powered ones. So the subwoofer would have its on amp already in the stealth box removing the use of extra room. And on top of that, it fits right into the back right side where the "net" area is. And you can always just buy the box by itself and throw any combo of amp/sub you want as long as it fits.

From my experiences, a 2 channel amp or a 4 channel bridged amp to power just the front speakers because the rear speakers have very little effect on what you personally hear.

If you want components, you have to install it all yourself. On my 99 expedition, there is no spot for the tweaters and all that.


You gave quite a bit of info on what you are looking for which is great. But before you can choose an amp, need to know what speakers and what woofer you are going to get.

Wiring is about 160 bucks for both amps just for the wiring kit.

This is just a quick post as I'm a little occupied. But sometime early next week I'll take a closer look and try to find you some good items that will give you a lot of bang for your buck.

 

[Tech]

Remo,

I do stereo installs. I think I spent a total of $800 if that on my stereo and equipment. It is very easy to wire your self if you want to save some coin. I have taken my 2003 Expedition's dash apart numerous times for various things (CB install, Radio install, and the latest, sub woofer install). If you want some pointers to do it your self and install it, it's not very difficult. My buddy and I knocked out my truck in about 3 hours, from start to finish. That included running wire, cleaning everything up, and making it sound as good as it does.

You can always come to H&H Customs - "We Guarantee Nothing"

LOL

 

[Remo]

Thanks for the responses so far guys! I appreciate it!

Bloodzero--I've been looking into those premade boxes/set ups, but I figured they were overpriced and I could do better fabricating my own and picking my own components. Have you actually heard them? Still definitely going with rear speakers, like I said originally. I haven't take the door panels off yet, so I don't know what I am working with for depth. I probably won't be buying 'wiring kits' but buying the wire and fuses separate because it has always come out cheaper that way for me--my original estimate was high, but includes materials for the sub box and speaker adapters and stuff like that. Again, thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

Tech-Thanks for offering pointers, I might take that offer up in May when I finally get started on the project (I'm currently abroad). I've taken the dash apart several times and I've installed subs and amps several times, so I'm confident with that. I just haven't touched the doors yet. Anyway, thanks for the offer and your opinions. I will be doing all the work myself. I appreciate your help!

Okay guys, still looking for more advice! Keep up the good work.

Bump to the top!

 

[bloodzero]

Yeah, I've heard one. Not enough punch as I'd like. But I have 1000 watts of pure bass in my Expo. Soon to be 2000 once I get a job lol.

The side stealth box is perfect because it fits right into the interior of the truck. So there is no loss of room from the stock look.

And you can buy the box by itself and fit another sub of better quality to the box. The shallow mount Rockford Fosgate Punch series do wonders.

 

[Remo]

Yeah, I figured the output wouldn't be all that impressive--of course better than stock, but still not to what I'm looking for.

What I want is a set up better than what I currently have. I need a single 10" running on 200-600 watts rms in an under 1 cubic ft box to sound better and be louder than 2 12" bottom-of-the-line Visonik subs running on 150 watts rms each in 1.25 cubic ft boxes each. I think its very possible, but maybe I'm naive...

Anyway, I have always been leary about those packages because the amp/sub are always overpriced and the box itself is usally plastic--which I'm pretty sure doesn't perform as well as a solid 3/4 mdf box. But we'll see...Anyway, my idea is to build my own box (if possible) to be like the stealthbox and fit in the same spot. I'll keep my eye on the MTX Thunderforms, JL Stealthbox, and the Q-Logic boxes.

Still looking for more opinions, anyway. Thanks again, Bloodzero.