Best car setup?

[jazzyb]

Hi guys, I have an 3 door, MKV R32 and I am looking for a mint audio setup for the car inside. Budget is £3,000 (UK) and can slightly push it further, ideally would like to spend a little as possible and don't want to spent money that doesn't really need to be spent. Though if i need to spend that 3k or more to get that setup i am willing to do so. I am a complete newbie when it comes to audio setup, clarity, subs, amps and so on.

I am looking for something that is crisp and clear and just sound AMAZING as the artists intend it to be,

I listen to dance, hip hop, grime, rnb, dubstep and a bit of pop so ideally looking for a good setup for those types of music.

I know focal and rainbow are very good brands. My headunit is currently a kenwood DNX5230DAB

many thanks

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[TrillGates2k6]

first thing you wanna do is determine how many total WATTS you want the sytem to pump out (RMS WATTS) and then you need to start looking at upgrading your alternator and power/ground wiring in order to accommodate the WATTAGE that you want to achieve.

 

[8thGenSI 10+ year member]

I don't know what it's like in the UK but I would see if I can find people close to me that will let me demo their sq systems. I would find systems that I like then ask questions about how much power they are running, what brands, weather they are running passive or active, speaker placement and so on. I think if you are going for sound quality you need to listen to a few systems and get an idea of the kind of gear they are running. What I think sounds awesome you might think sounds horrible. When you are looking at top tier equipment you will find that more wattage will eat up your budget very quickly. You might be happy with 50 watts per side on your front stage, you might want 100 watts per side.

By the time you buy deadener, wire, amps, speakers, subwoofers, sound processor(if applicable), and all of the other little provisions you could end up spending $3k and not be satisfied.

Are you going to try and install yourself?

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

Sounds like you want an sq setup. Welcome to the rabbit hole.

With some research, you should be able to find sq drivers and amps that meet your budget and needs.

Determining the amps and drivers to use will be a hard decision, but research yields fruit.

Tuning capability is important. Since your newb, i would start out with a active unit, then later when you get experience, move up to a processor, although a decent head unit will get the job done. The pioneer 80prs or clarion cz702 would be what i would get fur head unit. They are fully active capable.

A good sq system doesn't take gobs of power.

Also, do you want a 2 way or 3 way front stage?

Researching equipment and tuning principals will lead you the right way.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

grab a jbl ms-8 sound processor some hertz hsk 165 components(unless you want a 3 way setup that would require some fiberglassing fabrication), 80 square feet of deadener, a good 4 channel amp and a subwoofer amp. Since i dont know the underground brands in the UK, i'll recommend alpine amps with audison voce 12 subwoofer in a custom enclosure. After wiring and installation, it should be under the 3k mark, should sound really nice with the correct amount of tuning and door treatment/preperation.

 

[jazzyb]

Many thanks for the responses, I believe that for my car, golf r32 mkv, I heard that it is recommended to go with three way setup at the front of the car instead of 2 way setup and that I shouldn't bother with the speakers in the back of the car as there is no point in doing so.

I will be getting someone who absolutely know what they are doing to do the complete install as I really wouldn't know where to start and to do what. I would love to go and test out some systems but I live in a really small village here in england which is very remote so options are limited.

I was thinking of getting the below setup

Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security - Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium - 3-way 17cm components

Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security - JL Audio JL HD900/5 - 5 Channel Amplifier

Apart from what I've posted above, what else would I need to buy in terms of setup as I still haven't got a clue because it seems some equipment you buy means you don't have buy another such as having one sub instead of having two

many thanks

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

Many thanks for the responses, I believe that for my car, golf r32 mkv, I heard that it is recommended to go with three way setup at the front of the car instead of 2 way setup and that I shouldn't bother with the speakers in the back of the car as there is no point in doing so.

With a two way front, that's a mid and tweet on each side. That means it's possible to use factory locations.

With a three way, that means midbass, midrange, tweet power side. This means you will need custom pods. It also means you will need to decide on speaker locations. Either custom kick panels, or custom a pillars. Will you use your door factory for location? If so will midbass or midrange go there? Or will you use panels and a pillars only? Lots of decisions on speaker placement.

I will be getting someone who absolutely know what they are doing to do the complete install as I really wouldn't know where to start and to do what. I would love to go and test out some systems but I live in a really small village here in england which is very remote so options are limited.

I think this is a great idea, since you don't know how to install.

But, you need to learn how to use equipment. Many installers don't know how to tune or set gains properly. Basically, let them install, but you need to be the expert when it cubes to using your equipment and tuning.

I was thinking of getting the below setup

Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security - Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium - 3-way 17cm components

Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security - JL Audio JL HD900/5 - 5 Channel Amplifier

I don't have experience with these sets. Im sure others do, and there are probably reviews online to see others experience. How did you choose this?

Remember, there is a ton of good drivers out there.

Apart from what I've posted above, what else would I need to buy in terms of setup as I still haven't got a clue because it seems some equipment you buy means you don't have buy another such as having one sub instead of having two

many thanks

Ok. You will need.

An aftermarket head unit. BUT, if you want to keep your factory radio, you can use a DSP.

I'd recommend for head unit the Pioneer deh 80prs or Clarion cz702. These are active capable. You need active capability to have your system sounds it's best.

For DSP, the 360.3 or MS8. 360.3 is fully adjustable, the ms8 is an auto tune based.

You will also need amps. Don't use y splitters. For atwo way front + sub you'll need 5 channels of amplification. 3 way front + sub, 7 channels. Add another sub, add another channel. Knowing how many channels you'll need will tell you what kind of amps to buy, 2, or 4 channel amps, etc

Keep the questions coming

 

[jazzyb]

many thanks for the response, jheeze this is alot of information to take in!

First of all, let's start off with the headunit, I have an kenwood DNX5230DAB which costs £1000 ($2000) wouldn't this be suitable enough?

At the front of the car (speakers) someone said which relates to my car an MK5:

MK5 is 3way in the front, so just a 2 way 6,5" compo will not do since the midbasses are positioned next to your arse

Meaning ideally, I would need a 3 way setup? I choose the Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium - 3-way 17cm components because they have good reviews online.

So setup so far:

Kenwood DNX5230DAB headunit (Aftermarket, meant to be one of the best on the market)

Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium 3-way 17cm components(Front of the car?)

JL Audio JL HD900/5 - 5 Channel Amplifier /or JL Audio JL XD800 8 Channel Class D Full Range Amplifier because I am going for a three way front, 5 channel not suitable with three way?

Processor? (Needed?)

I have a 5 channel amp here in the list, so will I also need a processor too? Same question for having an 8 channel amp, need 8 channel instead of 5 channel due to three way front?

With a three way front, ideally what inch subwoofer do i need?

Which channels, how much do i realistically need? I don't even though what this 1 channel, 2 channel, 3,4,5,6,7,8 channel thing is!!

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

many thanks for the response, jheeze this is alot of information to take in!
First of all, let's start off with the headunit, I have an kenwood DNX5230DAB which costs £1000 ($2000) wouldn't this be suitable enough?

This head unit looks like tuning capabilities are limited, and the big price c omes from features line navigation, etc. It looks like you'll need a different head unit, or integrate a dsp. In honesty, I'd go with a a dsp in this situation. To keep all the features your current unit has, but the dsp will give you tuning options.

At the front of the car (speakers) someone said which relates to my car an MK5:

Meaning ideally, I would need a 3 way setup? I choose the Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium - 3-way 17cm components because they have good reviews online.

If your car is already a 3 way front, then you could simply replace all the factory speakers, this would mean little to no modifications.

So setup so far:

Kenwood DNX5230DAB headunit (Aftermarket, meant to be one of the best on the market)

Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium 3-way 17cm components(Front of the car?)

JL Audio JL HD900/5 - 5 Channel Amplifier /or JL Audio JL XD800 8 Channel Class D Full Range Amplifier because I am going for a three way front, 5 channel not suitable with three way?

The five channel alone won't suffice.

Like i said, you need at least 7 or 8 amplified channels, depending on how many subs your run 1 or 2

Processor? (Needed?)

Definitely

I have a 5 channel amp here in the list, so will I also need a processor too? Same question for having an 8 channel amp, need 8 channel instead of 5 channel due to three way front?

You need 8 amplified channels

With a three way front, ideally what inch subwoofer do i need?

Any size works. Output determines how many and what size.

Which channels, how much do i realistically need? I don't even though what this 1 channel, 2 channel, 3,4,5,6,7,8 channel thing is!!

 

Channels.

A channel is a cable in which the audio signal travels.

RCA pre outs are channels. Your head unit has 6. 2 front, 2 rear, 2 sub. One fur left and right.

 

Amplifier inputs and outputs are channels. You feed the head unit output channels (rca pre outs), into the amplifier inputs, and finally the amplifier outputs to speakers.

 

You need 7 independent channels, meaning all seven dspeakers need a direct line of input.

So consider.

Your head unit only has six outputs. At most basic, you would have to split one channel inn order to feed all seven speakers. The problem with this is that, whatever adjustments (tuning) you do to that channel that it split, will be applied to each speaker connected to that channel, which creates a problem.

Each speaker needs is own independent adjustment, especially in the eq/time alignment region.

 

A processor solves this problem. It can take a single set of inputs, 1 left, 1 right, and divide the signal between each speaker while still retaining the capability of tuning each speaker independently.

 

Once the signal had been divided and tuned within the processor, you feed the output channels (7) into 7 amplifier input channels, then run the 7 amplifier output channels to each speaker.

 

The processor handles the signal processing, the amplifiers just amplify the final signals.

 

How that isn't too confusing.

Excuse grammatical errors my phone is difficult

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[jazzyb]

First of all many thanks for you help again and for your patience.

First of all, I know it sound daft and all of it can be avoided by going down the dsp situaiton but I think I will keep the headunit and follow what you've said:

You need 7 independent channels, meaning all seven dspeakers need a direct line of input.So consider.

Your head unit only has six outputs. At most basic, you would have to split one channel inn order to feed all seven speakers. The problem with this is that, whatever adjustments (tuning) you do to that channel that it split, will be applied to each speaker connected to that channel, which creates a problem.

Each speaker needs is own independent adjustment, especially in the eq/time alignment region.

A processor solves this problem. It can take a single set of inputs, 1 left, 1 right, and divide the signal between each speaker while still retaining the capability of tuning each speaker independently.

Once the signal had been divided and tuned within the processor, you feed the output channels (7) into 7 amplifier input channels, then run the 7 amplifier output channels to each speaker.

as daft as it sounds, i know.

So setup:

Kenwood DNX5230DAB headunit

Processor: Audison Bit One - Signal Interface Processor Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security

Amp: JL Audio JL XD800 8 Channel Class D Full Range Amplifier Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security

3 way components: Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium 3-way 17cm components Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security

JL Audio W3 8 JL AUDIO CP108LG-W3v3 Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security

Should i replace the tweeters or are they not needed to be replaced?

This head unit looks like tuning capabilities are limited, and the big price c omes from features line navigation, etc. It looks like you'll need a different head unit, or integrate a dsp. In honesty, I'd go with a a dsp in this situation. To keep all the features your current unit has, but the dsp will give you tuning options.

If your car is already a 3 way front, then you could simply replace all the factory speakers, this would mean little to no modifications.

The five channel alone won't suffice.

Like i said, you need at least 7 or 8 amplified channels, depending on how many subs your run 1 or 2

Definitely

You need 8 amplified channels

Any size works. Output determines how many and what size.

Channels.

A channel is a cable in which the audio signal travels.

RCA pre outs are channels. Your head unit has 6. 2 front, 2 rear, 2 sub. One fur left and right.

Amplifier inputs and outputs are channels. You feed the head unit output channels (rca pre outs), into the amplifier inputs, and finally the amplifier outputs to speakers.

You need 7 independent channels, meaning all seven dspeakers need a direct line of input.

So consider.

Your head unit only has six outputs. At most basic, you would have to split one channel inn order to feed all seven speakers. The problem with this is that, whatever adjustments (tuning) you do to that channel that it split, will be applied to each speaker connected to that channel, which creates a problem.

Each speaker needs is own independent adjustment, especially in the eq/time alignment region.

A processor solves this problem. It can take a single set of inputs, 1 left, 1 right, and divide the signal between each speaker while still retaining the capability of tuning each speaker independently.

Once the signal had been divided and tuned within the processor, you feed the output channels (7) into 7 amplifier input channels, then run the 7 amplifier output channels to each speaker.

The processor handles the signal processing, the amplifiers just amplify the final signals.

How that isn't too confusing.

Excuse grammatical errors my phone is difficult

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

The audison is a good choice.

Why would you replace the tweets?

The amp is nice. But. It's only 75x8@4 ohms.

Fur one, midbass drivers usually like 100+ watts at minimum for higher volume levels.

Subs also want more than 75 watts. In order to get more power from the amp to sub, you'd have to bridge 2 channels. Now you fall short of the 8 channels you'll need.

I suggest using the 5 channel to run the sub and midbass. Fun the midbass on channel 1-2, bridge 3-4 fur the sub, then get another 4 channel to run the midrange and tweets.

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

I also can't vouch fur the jl sub, I've never used it. I'm considering the alpine type r myself. Dayton has a few sq subs. I nee to brush up on my sq subs, haven't studied subs much lately

 

[vibe]

**** with that kind of a budget for sq i would grab a helix mcintosh arc audio or zed 4 channel. maybe some dynaudios and a nice sq woofer.

 

[jazzyb]

The audison is a good choice.
Why would you replace the tweets?

The amp is nice. But. It's only 75x8@4 ohms.

Fur one, midbass drivers usually like 100+ watts at minimum for higher volume levels.

Subs also want more than 75 watts. In order to get more power from the amp to sub, you'd have to bridge 2 channels. Now you fall short of the 8 channels you'll need.

I suggest using the 5 channel to run the sub and midbass. Fun the midbass on channel 1-2, bridge 3-4 fur the sub, then get another 4 channel to run the midrange and tweets.

Cool, i'm cool with the current sub level, i know i can get much higher but it will do. Tweeters, thought it would be advisable to replace. Do I actually need a processor? Something said I don't need one on another forum, so confused.

Also, everything has come up to £2280 so I need to use the rest 700 pounds for deadening and installer, nice if had some lose change too!

My setup now:

Kenwood DNX5230DAB headunit

Processor: Audison Bit One - Signal Interface Processor Car Audio Equipment

Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5D - Car Audio Equipment | Buy online at Car Audio Security

3 way components: Rainbow CS 365 Profi Vanadium 3-way 17cm

JL Audio W3 8 JL AUDIO CP108LG-W3v3

Do I need to get another amp with the above setup now.

many thanks!!!!

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

Yea, another amp. Use the Rockford fur midbass and subs, then another small 4 channel.