Before I blow my wad...

[AppleBonker 10+ year member]

I think I've finally figured out what I want to do with my stereo. Just want to double check that I'm not missing anything before I spend my money. First, I need to say that I'm much more concerned with sq than spl. Here is what I'm planning:

HU: Alpine IVA-D100 (already own with h701)

Speakers: Rainbow Germs (front) and possibly Rainbow SL 6x9s (rear), I tend to like a warmer tweet (too bright bugs me)

Speaker Amp: Alpine PDX 4.150

Sub: 12" Alpine Type X (sealed box 1 cubic foot - alread own)

Sub Amp: Alpine PDX 1.1000

Sound dampening throughout the car

I considered running active throughout, but I don't think I have the bank to do that as well as I would like at this point. I also want to keep the rear fill because I personally like it, as well as for surround sound with dvd's/multichannel audio. Big 3 will be done with 1/0 awg wiring as well as 1/0 running the system. I will also replace the alt because Honda's are kind of lacking in that area. Is there anything I'm missing or might sound better than what I have planned? Obviously my budget is roughly for what can be seen there. I'd rather not go too much more expensive, but if there is something that will sound significantly better I will take that into consideration.

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[j3bus2k3 5,000+ posts]

Looks real good. I'm not too familiar with the IVA-D100, why not step up to the D310? If you dont mind me asking, where are you getting all this from? Please PM and I'll see what I can do for you...

 

[matrxx dude 5,000+ posts]

maybe a extra batt.

 

[T3mpest 10+ year member]

I think I've finally figured out what I want to do with my stereo. Just want to double check that I'm not missing anything before I spend my money. First, I need to say that I'm much more concerned with sq than spl. Here is what I'm planning:
HU: Alpine IVA-D100 (already own with h701)

Speakers: Rainbow Germs (front) and possibly Rainbow SL 6x9s (rear), I tend to like a warmer tweet (too bright bugs me)

Speaker Amp: Alpine PDX 4.150

Sub: 12" Alpine Type X (sealed box 1 cubic foot - alread own)

Sub Amp: Alpine PDX 1.1000

Sound dampening throughout the car

I considered running active throughout, but I don't think I have the bank to do that as well as I would like at this point. I also want to keep the rear fill because I personally like it, as well as for surround sound with dvd's/multichannel audio. Big 3 will be done with 1/0 awg wiring as well as 1/0 running the system. I will also replace the alt because Honda's are kind of lacking in that area. Is there anything I'm missing or might sound better than what I have planned? Obviously my budget is roughly for what can be seen there. I'd rather not go too much more expensive, but if there is something that will sound significantly better I will take that into consideration.

I'd skip the germs. If you have a h701 you have WAYY to much processing power to go with components. If you actively power them, well you overpaid! Crossovers are expensive, speakers, not so much. You can buy raw drivers better than the germs for much cheaper, and you've already got the processing to handle it, why not? So I'll do your last sentence 1 better, sounds better, costs less!//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

As far as rear fill goes, do what makes you happy I guess. Just do me a favor, listen to your fronstage with no rears for a week, then turn them back on.

 

[AppleBonker 10+ year member]

The d100 was a newer model (I believe). And aside from having a slightly smaller screen 0.5" (again I think), it's pretty similar. At the time it fit the budget slightly better.

T3mpest - The problem with that is that I would need an additional amp (if I am going to keep the rear fill). That is where it becomes pricey. Otherwise, what would suggest for an active setup that would be comparable (in cost, or cheaper for that matter with the same/better sq)? And if I do end up going active I probably wont be able to afford the rear fill at the moment, so I will be forced to keep the sound stage up front until I have the funds to upgrade (if I choose to at that point)

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

Let me know how the pdx amp works. I really like it. Small size, good power, good looks. The only thing that turns me off is the pricetag

 

[AppleBonker 10+ year member]

Let me know how the pdx amp works. I really like it. Small size, good power, good looks. The only thing that turns me off is the pricetag

If that is what I end up doing I certainly will let you know how it works for me. I agree on the size. I'm trying to keep from having audio stuff visible all over my little Civic coupe. I usually try to keep the system fairly stock looking so random people in my car don't know what I actually have, at least until I pop the trunk.

 

[T3mpest 10+ year member]

The d100 was a newer model (I believe). And aside from having a slightly smaller screen 0.5" (again I think), it's pretty similar. At the time it fit the budget slightly better.
T3mpest - The problem with that is that I would need an additional amp (if I am going to keep the rear fill). That is where it becomes pricey. Otherwise, what would suggest for an active setup that would be comparable (in cost, or cheaper for that matter with the same/better sq)? And if I do end up going active I probably wont be able to afford the rear fill at the moment, so I will be forced to keep the sound stage up front until I have the funds to upgrade (if I choose to at that point)

Aww, your choosing rear fill over an active setup! Think about it this way, when you play your stereo, which speakers do you hear the most, which ones produce 95% of the sound? If your going to spend your money on audio, I'd at least maximize the speakers you hear the most first. I'd bet if you get a good active setup you'll find it's more than loud enough and when you do add the rears, you'll take them right back out. Not that I'm much of a betting man:naughty:

Anyway, I honestly don't know the exact price of the germs, just a ballpark, give me a budget and I can help you out.

 

[AppleBonker 10+ year member]

My budget for the front stage would be about $500. And it's not that I'm choosing rears over active fronts, I just know I can't do both right away. If that means holding off on the rears, then I certainly can do that. And then, if it's as good as you say, I may not even add the rear fill. Also, I've never run active before, so it'll probably take me ages to tune it to my liking, but that's half the fun.

 

[Ctminime 10+ year member]

rear fill is useless... if you have a substage that is any good rears do nothing

 

[Team Hammer 10+ year member]

You can still go active with rear fill. Just Buy a good Two Channel amp just for the Tweeters. You don't need 150w going to those anyways.

As for Rear fill. I tried 6x9's and never needed them. I replaced them with some Midbass MB Quarts PE's and it gives that Warm sound you like.

Anyways you can always add this stuff later, If the Front Stage don't do it for you.

 

[enzowho 10+ year member]

Before you jump on the active bandwagon, how much experience do you have tuning an audio setup? Selecting some DIY speakers and running active can you significantly better results then running passive. But...if you have minimal (or even a fair amount of) tuning experience then your system could very easily sound worse then running a pair of Germaniums with passive crossovers.

I just want to warn you before you take a couple hundred dollar plunge and regret the outcome. Yes, if you are good (or know somebody who is good) then I would go active. If not, buy the Germs, go listen to different SQ setups and concerts, read books/threads then after a while try the active route if you aren't satisfied.

 

[MBrock4u 10+ year member]

Looks real good! Should sound beautiful. As for the statement about rear fill doing nothing, that is simply not true. It depends on the type of application. It certainly may not be necessary, but to say it does nothing is rediculous. Go with what you feel you will like and don't worrrie about all of the rear fill hoowie.

 

[AppleBonker 10+ year member]

Before you jump on the active bandwagon, how much experience do you have tuning an audio setup? Selecting some DIY speakers and running active can you significantly better results then running passive. But...if you have minimal (or even a fair amount of) tuning experience then your system could very easily sound worse then running a pair of Germaniums with passive crossovers.
I just want to warn you before you take a couple hundred dollar plunge and regret the outcome. Yes, if you are good (or know somebody who is good) then I would go active. If not, buy the Germs, go listen to different SQ setups and concerts, read books/threads then after a while try the active route if you aren't satisfied.

Well, I stated I have no experience tuning an active car audio setup, but I think it would be a reasonable learning experience. My mobile audio setup has taken a backseat to my home audio setup where I have easily invested more time. Through that I've gained significant experience with fine tuning, although the crossovers on my paradigms are factory established. I'm fairly certain the initial output will be less than stellar, but I wont stop tuning it until it fits my needs. This is going in my daily driver which I spend a lot of time in (probably about 2-3 hr/day) so I will have plenty of time to listen for what I do/don't like.