Remo
Full Access Members
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!!!"
"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!!!"