$500 - How best to spend it?

[dsw1204]

I've got about $500 and want to invest in in my car audio system. But, I am not sure what's the best investment choice. Right now, I am considering purchasing a subwoofer or a DSP.

I know a little about DSP's and I know a little about subs...probably just enough to be dangerous.

If I opt for the DSP, I am leaning towards the Helix DSP. I would really love to acquire the Arc Audio PS8, but don't think I can get that to fit into the budget. I am pretty sure I can get the Helx DSP for under $500.

If I opt for the subwoofer, I am leaning towards a used Morel Primo 124 I can get used for about $100. But, if I lose out on the used one, I don't have any issues spending the $220 for a new one. I would still have to get a box and from what I've read, the box is more important than the actual driver. So, I guess I'd make sure I did well with the box.

How good is the Morel Primo 124? I like the idea of getting the Primo because I already have the Morel Tempo Ultra 602 speakers up front and am extremely impressed with their performance. I was also considering getting a Dayton Audio RSS265HF-4. I know it's only a 10" driver (as compared to the Morel 12" driver), but they are in the same price range, if the Morel is purchased new.

If I opt for the sub, I do want an SQ sub. I know the Morel is considered SQ. Is the Dayton sub considered SQ or SPL?

This is my system as it currently stands:

1991 Honda Accord EX

Eclipse CD8051 head unit

Morel Tempo Ultra 602 front stage

Eclipse 6x9 rear deck (don't know the model #) - will ditch these if I get a sub.

Arc Audio KS900.6 6-channel amplifier

Currently running passive. That'll probably change if I get the DSP.

So, what do you guys think? Will I see a higher improvement in SQ if I get a DSP or a sub?

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[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Sub will definitely give you more dramatic results. These days outboard DSP is becoming obsolete as the top end head units have all that built in. That said, Keep an eye out on the used market for a processor if you like playing around with that sort of thing. Typically early to mid December lots of deals on audio come around and you might scoop one up for a song.

I'm assuming you don't need a lot of sub output so pretty much any of those single 10 or 12 in a simple sealed box would probably do everything you're after. Sealed box is VERY forgiving if dimensions are off from "recommended" specs and I highly doubt you'd hear the difference between Dayton or a 1000$ snobophile brand

*Edit* then again aesthetically matching equipment is nice so if you lean towards OCD or plan to show it off the Morrel sub may be worth the extra bucks.

 

[dsw1204]

Okay, so your're telling me that I would be better off getting the sub instead of purchasing the DSP and going active. I will take your word on this. And, it sounds like you are recommending the Dayton RSS265HF-4 over the Morel Primo 124. Is it because of the price difference (after doing a little more checking, I see I can get the Dayton sub for only $135 at Parts Express which is about $90 less than a new Morel Primo 124). If it was your choice, would you get a different brand sub? Or, is the Dayton the best value for the money spent?

Any recommendations for an enclosure? I think I do want to have a seal box. I've never built one, so I will probably go to a local shop and have them build one . I assume they know how to build one correctly. Or, maybe, I shouldn't assume, LOL.