Brand new car, brand new system, same old questions

[jmeister]

New to the forums and pretty much new to car audio beyond the basics so forgive me for the usual questions. I recently purchased a new sedan which I plan to keep for a while and finally willing to spend about $700 for a decent audio system. I've been trying to research as much as possible for what I want and can afford to do. I plan on keeping the factory head unit which I realize is less than ideal. I listen to a wide range of music, mainly live jam bands, and really just want nice clear sound with a little extra low that I can't get from the front stage. Here's what I've come up with so far.

Audio Control LC2i - will I need more processing than this from the factory headunit?

PPI P900.5 - From what I understand I can run full range channels at 4ohm & the sub channel at 2ohm? Or can I get away with the P900.4 with 2 channels for the front comps and bridge the other 2 channels for a sub? What wattage balance will be best for comps & a sub?

6.5" comps - so many choices here. Impressed with the Morel Maximos in my last car ran off axis. Anyone have experience with the SQ comps?

10" SQ HDS200 or Sundown E series in custom ported box. Should the box be tuned for the particular sub? I know my factory headunit doesn't output below 40Hz.

Fully open to comments/suggestions that will work in my price range. Thanks

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[joom 10+ year member]

You have a very good basic plan. 900.5 and 900.4 are good amps. I 'd personally go with the e10 . Component speakers are all subject to your personal taste. Install quality is your make it or break it point. What vehicle do you own? If the head unit can be changed out relatively easy I would seriously consider it as part of the install. Some people have luck with line output converters others do not.regardless of the direction you go good luck.

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

A good headunit would be the best first move to make to get a good sound. I guess the LC2i is a good substitute. What do you mean your factory head unit doesn't output below 40hz? If that's true, then no point of getting a sub!

That PPI 4 ch will work, last 2 channels should be enough for the sub.

I think the sundown E-10 would be a good fit for you since it's rated at 400 rms. Since you're going ported, it should be efficient enough to have some headroom. Would you be able to fit a 12 or 15" by any chance? It'll get you louder with less power.

Tuning a ported box is entirely up to you. I would suggest in the low 30s since that sounds the best. Depends on how low you wanna go. Typically lower tuning means flatter response which means you'll be able to play a wider range of music than say a 40hz box.

As for comps, it just depends on how much you wanna spend because it can range from $100-$1000 or even more.

The morel maximo should be good for it's price. Are you willing to spend $300 on a good set?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

A good headunit would be the best first move to make to get a good sound. I guess the LC2i is a good substitute. What do you mean your factory head unit doesn't output below 40hz? If that's true, then no point of getting a sub!
That PPI 4 ch will work, last 2 channels should be enough for the sub.

I think the sundown E-10 would be a good fit for you since it's rated at 400 rms. Since you're going ported, it should be efficient enough to have some headroom. Would you be able to fit a 12 or 15" by any chance? It'll get you louder with less power.

Tuning a ported box is entirely up to you. I would suggest in the low 30s since that sounds the best. Depends on how low you wanna go. Typically lower tuning means flatter response which means you'll be able to play a wider range of music than say a 40hz box.

As for comps, it just depends on how much you wanna spend because it can range from $100-$1000 or even more.

The morel maximo should be good for it's price. Are you willing to spend $300 on a good set?

The LC2 overrides the factory EQ. Thats why it cost more than a standard loc