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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. DSP Importance: 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. Front Components: 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. Rear Coaxials: 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. Subwoofer Choices: 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. Amplifier: 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. Budget: 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:
- Stick with the Kicker KEY amps if you want convenience, added features, and don't mind slightly less power. They should work well with the Infinity speakers and either sub.
- Consider skipping the rear coaxials unless you have a specific use for them. Instead, you can allocate those funds towards a higher-quality front stage or sub.
- Evaluate the sound tuning capabilities 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.
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!
dragon.breath
10+ year member
Senior VIP Member
Have you looked into how much 12v power that you have available? I know that some electric cars only have about 200w of power available at 12v due to limitations of the 12v power supply that is running off the high voltage ev battery.
- Thread Starter
- #4
It's a normal 12v battery, and I've seen systems with much higher wattage installed in other Ariyas. Should be ok, but thanks for brining that up. Would have been awful if it wouldn't support the wattage.
I would say that your selections are nice equipment, by and large, but unless you are bound to purchase from Crutchfield, better options exist.
Given the vehicle, I'd look for very efficient models.
Example:
Start with a simple DSP (that will take high-level OEM speaker leads) so you can make up the difference in cost by negating the need for speakers with crossovers.
This is out of stock everywhere because it's an excellent performer and the cost is very reasonable.
$155.00
www.eastcaraudio.net
Front 6.5" component Speakers: 2 or 4 ohm depending on the amp (see below)
$150.00 (2 ohm version):
Tweeters: $62.00 to $100.00
Good $62.00 pair:
hepaking.com
Better $100 pair
- OR -
Best $100.00
stevens.audio
Also best if you can actually find them in stock anywhere: $86.00
www.madisoundspeakerstore.com
Rear fill. This is not necessary but nice if you like to have the ability to play for a full or partially occupied car. Since you will have the ability to EQ them with the DSP, I'd focus on full range and efficiency; a 2-way is not needed. Set the DSP response for 80 to 3k as the goal.
This will allow you to enjoy the rear fill without drawing the front stage too far back $43.00 shipped
To keep the budget aligned without compromising the sound quality or output, go with a prefab-loaded sub from CT Sounds.
Single 12 (W/first time buyer 11% discount) $196.00
www.ctsounds.com
And preferably if you have the room - dual 10" $285.00
www.ctsounds.com
And absolutely if you have the room and the budget: $339.00
www.ctsounds.com
Amplification.
This will largely depend on which subwoofer you select (as in duals or single). That said, this unit is by far the best value out there currently, and you can dictate the output using the gain controls on both the amp and the DSP. It's such a good deal, not going to bother with other options.
Since all the subs I've listed can be rewired to 4 ohms, this amp will output close to 2000 watts at 4 ohms, runs cooler at 4 ohms, has its highest efficiency and damping factor (woofer control) ability at 4 ohms, just a great way to get the most out of the setup and keep things running cool and effecient. Soundigital EVO 6 3000.1 (2-ohm version)
$170.00
Amplifier for the front 2-way components and the rear fill: 1 amp for all; using 2-ohm fronts gives you 200x2 for the front midbass and 100 x 4 at 4 ohms for the rear fill and the tweeters. $260.00
I don't see a lot of extras that will also be needed, such as deadening/installation materials and wiring; labor is a whole notha thing.
Sound treatments are a must and essential (even in a quiet EV):
Can't beat this. $40.00 for 36 sq ft - and they offer a first-time discount of 10% so get two!
1 for $36.00, two for $72.00
www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com
You can figure at least another $150.00 to $300.00 for wiring, cables, etc.
Given the vehicle, I'd look for very efficient models.
Example:
Start with a simple DSP (that will take high-level OEM speaker leads) so you can make up the difference in cost by negating the need for speakers with crossovers.
This is out of stock everywhere because it's an excellent performer and the cost is very reasonable.
$155.00
Down4Sound XPS610 DSP | 6-In/10-Out
Down4Sound XPS610 DSP | 6-In/10-Out Take full command of your car audio system with the Down4Sound XPS610 DSP Processor. Designed for enthusiasts who want power and flexibility, the XPS610 gives you 6 switchable RCA/High-Level inputs and 10 RCA outputs, letting you build and fine-tune the system...
www.eastcaraudio.net
Front 6.5" component Speakers: 2 or 4 ohm depending on the amp (see below)
$150.00 (2 ohm version):
Tweeters: $62.00 to $100.00
Good $62.00 pair:
SB14ST-C000-4 - SB acoustics | HEPA King
FeaturesVery compact designExcellent piston diameter to OD ratioLarge surround for smooth dispersionThreaded rear center hole for easy mountingLong insulated lead wires for versatile integration SpecsNominal Impedance 4 ΩDC resistance, Re 3.0 ΩVoice coil inductance, Le 0.04 mHEffective piston...
Better $100 pair
- OR -
Best $100.00
SA1 25mm Tweeter (pair)
SPECIAL $99 PER PAIR The SA1 is our component tweeter for use in uncompromising audio systems. They have a bright and airy top end, with excellent dynamics and detail. This is achieved with no forwardness or listening fatigue even at high levels. Recommended with amplifiers between 25 and 150...
stevens.audio
Also best if you can actually find them in stock anywhere: $86.00
SEAS Prestige 27TFFNC/G (H1396) 1" Textile Dome Tweeter
SEAS Prestige 27TFFNC/G (H1396) 1" Textile Dome Tweeter. High-quality tweeter in stock. Crossover and system matching advice available. Contact Madisound.
www.madisoundspeakerstore.com
Rear fill. This is not necessary but nice if you like to have the ability to play for a full or partially occupied car. Since you will have the ability to EQ them with the DSP, I'd focus on full range and efficiency; a 2-way is not needed. Set the DSP response for 80 to 3k as the goal.
This will allow you to enjoy the rear fill without drawing the front stage too far back $43.00 shipped
Amazon.com: Dayton Audio GF180-4 6-1/2" Glass Fiber Cone Woofer 4 Ohm : Electronics
Buy Dayton Audio GF180-4 6-1/2" Glass Fiber Cone Woofer 4 Ohm: Component Subwoofers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
To keep the budget aligned without compromising the sound quality or output, go with a prefab-loaded sub from CT Sounds.
Single 12 (W/first time buyer 11% discount) $196.00
TROPO-1X12D2 // Single 12” 1300W Loaded Ported Car Subwoofer Box
The CT Sounds TROPO-1X12D2 is a loaded single 12” ported car subwoofer box that comes with our TROPO-12-D2 1300-watt max power 12-inch car subwoofer pre-installed and pre-wired internally to a 1-ohm final impedance.
www.ctsounds.com
And preferably if you have the room - dual 10" $285.00
TROPO-2X10D4 // Dual 10” 2600W Loaded Ported Car Subwoofer Box
The CT Sounds TROPO-2X10D4 is a loaded dual 10” ported car subwoofer box that comes with two of our TROPO-10-D4 1300-watt max power 10-inch car subwoofers pre-installed and pre-wired internally to a 1-ohm final impedance.
www.ctsounds.com
And absolutely if you have the room and the budget: $339.00
TROPO-2X12D4 // Dual 12” 2600W Loaded Ported Car Subwoofer Box
The CT Sounds TROPO-2X12D4 is a loaded dual 12” ported car subwoofer box that comes with two of our TROPO-12-D4 1300-watt max power 12-inch car subwoofers pre-installed and pre-wired internally to a 1-ohm final impedance.
www.ctsounds.com
Amplification.
This will largely depend on which subwoofer you select (as in duals or single). That said, this unit is by far the best value out there currently, and you can dictate the output using the gain controls on both the amp and the DSP. It's such a good deal, not going to bother with other options.
Since all the subs I've listed can be rewired to 4 ohms, this amp will output close to 2000 watts at 4 ohms, runs cooler at 4 ohms, has its highest efficiency and damping factor (woofer control) ability at 4 ohms, just a great way to get the most out of the setup and keep things running cool and effecient. Soundigital EVO 6 3000.1 (2-ohm version)
$170.00
Amazon.com: SounDigital 3000.1 Evo 6-1 Channel 2 Ohms Amplifier Module - Class D - 3000w Rms Power Car Car Motorcycle Pickup Truck SUV 3.000 Wrms Sd3000.1 Sd3000.1-2 Evo6 : Electronics
Buy SounDigital 3000.1 Evo 6-1 Channel 2 Ohms Amplifier Module - Class D - 3000w Rms Power Car Car Motorcycle Pickup Truck SUV 3.000 Wrms Sd3000.1 Sd3000.1-2 Evo6: Amplifiers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
Amplifier for the front 2-way components and the rear fill: 1 amp for all; using 2-ohm fronts gives you 200x2 for the front midbass and 100 x 4 at 4 ohms for the rear fill and the tweeters. $260.00
I don't see a lot of extras that will also be needed, such as deadening/installation materials and wiring; labor is a whole notha thing.
Sound treatments are a must and essential (even in a quiet EV):
Amazon.com: Maasechs 20 Pcs Foam Speaker Ring Kit 1” Thick Self Adhesive Speaker Ring Baffle Include 12 Acoustic Foam Strips 8 Wave Reflection Pads Fits 1" to 6" x 9", Waterproof Improves Sound Reduces Vibration : Automotive
Buy Maasechs 20 Pcs Foam Speaker Ring Kit 1” Thick Self Adhesive Speaker Ring Baffle Include 12 Acoustic Foam Strips 8 Wave Reflection Pads Fits 1" to 6" x 9", Waterproof Improves Sound Reduces Vibration: Insulation - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
Can't beat this. $40.00 for 36 sq ft - and they offer a first-time discount of 10% so get two!
1 for $36.00, two for $72.00
Butyl Sound Deadener - 9 Pack
SAVE 50–75% on surplus Butyl Sound Deadeners | Heavy-duty sound and vibration dampening mats ideal for vehicles, workshops, and home studios | Located: IA
www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com
You can figure at least another $150.00 to $300.00 for wiring, cables, etc.
Old_Slapper
CarAudio.com VIP
To answer your question no, you don't need a DSP. Will you want one? Yes, you will want one if you're keeping the factory radio. An SQ build is a personal taste. It all depends on what you believe sounds good. Some people will be happy with a deck install, where others will need a $5000 system to be happy.
Factory radios come tuned to have a specific sound coming from the factory speakers. Change the speakers, and you change the sound. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's bad. A DSP will allow you to tune each speaker to what you like. The equipment you chose, I believe you will be satisfied with them.
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