(Also posted under HEADUNITS - wanted to make sure this made it into the right hands)
Hey guys, I need your expert knowledge - specific to the Eclipse 8053 (and other models with the Pro-mode option)...
My current car audio setup (please excuse my goofs on terminology - am somewhat of a novice with just enough knowledge to be dangerous)
- Tuner: Eclipse CD8053 (8V - with built-in Cross-over control/no amplification)
- Front Speakers: MB Quart 1" Q-series Tweeters/5.25 Q-Series MidBass in the front doors (8 years old)
- Rear Speakers: MB Quart 5.25 Coaxials (8 years old)
- Subs: JL Audio 10 inch (2)
- Speaker Amp: A/D/S P640 (6 x 40 watts) - with high pass + bandpass + low-pass crossover controls
- Sub Amp: A/D/S P1400 (1 x 400 wattts) - with cross-over controls
Previously I had the Eclipse CD5303 tuner (for 7-8 years) and LOVED it (and the corresponding set-up). I finally decided to join the IPOD craze; needed a deck with aux input; so decided to go with the Eclipse CD8053.
Problems:
1) I had a local stereo shop install it and it sounds "terrible". They were unfamilar with the Eclipse 8053 and unfamilar with the A/D/S flexibility. I wanted them to install the 8053 in pro-mode, but they weren't familar with this configuration. I realize the "terrible" statement all has to do with the right install and right tuning/settings (since this a GREAT deck).
2) My MB Quart 25.01 Q Tweeters are "tired" (8 years old) and need replacing
3) Would like to run the CD8053 in Pro-mode, but current setup won't necessarily work (since the 8053 front-"outs" go to the tweets and mids; rear-outs to the rear coaxials; and sub-out to the subwoofer). My understanding is that the front-outs need to go to the tweeters; rear-outs to the mids(potentially both front mids and rear-mids/co-axs); and sub-outs to the subwoofer. Since the front-outs are configured for both the tweets and the front-mids, I can't independently control the high pass and band-pass (since the rear-outs are needed for the rear co-axs). (Pheww, hope that made sense)
Goal: To go completely active - in that the Eclipse CD8053 controls all crossover points for the front tweets; front mids (bandpass); rear speakers; and rear sub. I also want to continue using the subwoofer fade control on the tuner. I realize the A/D/S amps offer tons of flexibility - but would like to have all this configured within the Eclipse deck (fully active through tuner - no external crossovers or amplifier crossovers).
Questions:
1) I definitely need to replace the 1" tweeters (and midbass)- Should I go with the MB Quart QSD216's or the PCE216's (with the expectation to sell the included x-over)?
2) What should I go with in the back (5.25 midbass or 5.25 co-ax)?
- If I go with tweeters/mid in the front and co-ax in the rear, how would I wire this out of the 8053 in order to control the pro-mode settings? Would I have the 8053 front outs go to the tweeters and then the mids and rear co-axials as rear-outs configured in band-pass mode - via the 8053?
- If I go with tweeters/mid in the front and mids in the rear, how would I wire this out of the 8053 in order to control the pro-mode settings?
3) Related to #2, how should I wire up the Eclipse 8053 with the speakers - in order to work in PRO-MODE?
4) Based on the 8053 Pro-mode speaker set-up; what cross-over settings would you recommend for 1) front tweets 2) mids 3) subwoofer? What slope settings for those three?
5) Any other pro-mode advice or recommendations (or better yet, any existing write-ups).
I'm gonna take all advice/recommendations; buy the necessary speakers; and then take it to a reputable installer here in Seattle - where we can configure pro-mode/etc (do it the right way).
Sorry for the long-winded post - but I definitely appreciate any advice/suggestions/comments you could provide. Feel free to let me know if other approaches would make more sense. Thanks guys!
