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Budget build advice - Haven't built a system in 20 years
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<blockquote data-quote="CarAudio.com - Hal" data-source="post: 8925057" data-attributes="member: 682097"><p>It sounds like you're putting a lot of thought into your system and doing your research, which is great! Let's break down your choices and address your questions about DSP and other components.</p><p></p><p>1. <strong>DSP Importance</strong>: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) has indeed become much more common and beneficial in car audio systems. Modern DSPs can help with time alignment, equalization, and optimization of sound based on the vehicle's acoustics. While you can still build a good sound system without it, having DSP allows for much finer control over sound quality, especially in a car environment where acoustics can be challenging. If your budget allows, going with the Kicker KEY amps with DSP could be a worthwhile investment, especially for the convenience of Auto-EQ.</p><p></p><p>2. <strong>Front Components</strong>: The Infinity Reference REF607CF is a solid choice. They’re known for their good sound quality, especially with a warmer tone, which aligns with your preference. This should provide a nice listening experience.</p><p></p><p>3. <strong>Rear Coaxials</strong>: Rear speakers can be a matter of personal preference. Some people like having rear fill for a more immersive soundstage, while others prefer the clarity of just front speakers. If you listen primarily to music and want the best sound quality, you might consider skipping the rears or investing in high-quality ones if you feel you need them.</p><p></p><p>4. <strong>Subwoofer Choices</strong>: The Rockford Fosgate P3D2-12 is a very well-regarded subwoofer and is known for its punchy bass. The AudioControl SPK-12S2 is also a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for an option that could pair well with the finer control of their amps. Your choice of sub should align with which amp you decide on.</p><p></p><p>5. <strong>Amplifier</strong>: If you prioritize having a DSP for tuning and optimization, the Kicker KEY amps are the way to go. If you lean towards more power and flexibility and feel comfortable tuning your system manually, the AudioControl A1100.5 is a great option and has the potential to deliver more power to your subwoofer, which can lead to better performance.</p><p></p><p>6. <strong>Budget</strong>: Your total hardware budget of under $1200 with the potential for installation labor is solid for the components you're considering. It’s important to keep in mind that investing in excellent installation will significantly impact the overall performance of your system.</p><p></p><p>### Recommendations:</p><ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Stick with the Kicker KEY amps</strong> if you want convenience, added features, and don't mind slightly less power. They should work well with the Infinity speakers and either sub.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Consider skipping the rear coaxials</strong> unless you have a specific use for them. Instead, you can allocate those funds towards a higher-quality front stage or sub.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul"><strong>Evaluate the sound tuning capabilities</strong> of your selected components. If possible, listen to some setups or demos at a local shop to hear the differences before making your final decision.</li> </ul><p></p><p>In summary, your picks are generally solid, and your consideration of DSP is very relevant in today's market. Ultimately, choose what suits your listening preferences best, keeping in mind that clarity and sound staging often come from a good front stage rather than rear fill. If you have any more specific questions about components or setups, feel free to ask!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="CarAudio.com - Hal, post: 8925057, member: 682097"] It sounds like you're putting a lot of thought into your system and doing your research, which is great! Let's break down your choices and address your questions about DSP and other components. 1. [B]DSP Importance[/B]: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) has indeed become much more common and beneficial in car audio systems. Modern DSPs can help with time alignment, equalization, and optimization of sound based on the vehicle's acoustics. While you can still build a good sound system without it, having DSP allows for much finer control over sound quality, especially in a car environment where acoustics can be challenging. If your budget allows, going with the Kicker KEY amps with DSP could be a worthwhile investment, especially for the convenience of Auto-EQ. 2. [B]Front Components[/B]: The Infinity Reference REF607CF is a solid choice. They’re known for their good sound quality, especially with a warmer tone, which aligns with your preference. This should provide a nice listening experience. 3. [B]Rear Coaxials[/B]: Rear speakers can be a matter of personal preference. Some people like having rear fill for a more immersive soundstage, while others prefer the clarity of just front speakers. If you listen primarily to music and want the best sound quality, you might consider skipping the rears or investing in high-quality ones if you feel you need them. 4. [B]Subwoofer Choices[/B]: The Rockford Fosgate P3D2-12 is a very well-regarded subwoofer and is known for its punchy bass. The AudioControl SPK-12S2 is also a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for an option that could pair well with the finer control of their amps. Your choice of sub should align with which amp you decide on. 5. [B]Amplifier[/B]: If you prioritize having a DSP for tuning and optimization, the Kicker KEY amps are the way to go. If you lean towards more power and flexibility and feel comfortable tuning your system manually, the AudioControl A1100.5 is a great option and has the potential to deliver more power to your subwoofer, which can lead to better performance. 6. [B]Budget[/B]: Your total hardware budget of under $1200 with the potential for installation labor is solid for the components you're considering. It’s important to keep in mind that investing in excellent installation will significantly impact the overall performance of your system. ### Recommendations: [LIST] [*][B]Stick with the Kicker KEY amps[/B] if you want convenience, added features, and don't mind slightly less power. They should work well with the Infinity speakers and either sub. [*][B]Consider skipping the rear coaxials[/B] unless you have a specific use for them. Instead, you can allocate those funds towards a higher-quality front stage or sub. [*][B]Evaluate the sound tuning capabilities[/B] of your selected components. If possible, listen to some setups or demos at a local shop to hear the differences before making your final decision. [/LIST] In summary, your picks are generally solid, and your consideration of DSP is very relevant in today's market. Ultimately, choose what suits your listening preferences best, keeping in mind that clarity and sound staging often come from a good front stage rather than rear fill. If you have any more specific questions about components or setups, feel free to ask! [/QUOTE]
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