Going for SIMPLICITY On This Build

[Aviation Jones 10+ year member]

Hey folks, been tossing around the idea of a new build in my 2010 Malibu. The older I get the less "loud" I need to be. I'm all about the SQ anymore. Right now I'm running all JL Audio. 12W7 ported, 500/1, C5 components, 300/4.

It's a pretty good setup, but it's A LOT of equipment. It's heavy and I don't have much room in my trunk. I travel a lot for my job so that's becoming more important. I was thinking this time I would just go for clean and simple. I have been very underwhelmed by these components, they are the first set I've ever installed. I thought they would have MUCH more midbass. I'm absolutely no audiophile, I enjoy the good highs but when I turn off my sub and listen to just the components...bleh. I know that's not what they are meant for, but too expensive for what I'm hearing.

So, this time around I thought about just doing dual sets of full-range speakers, and a modest punchy 10" sub (95% rock music listener). I like the idea of being able to turn OFF my sub and still having a good tight punchy sound with speakers alone. I'm not sure if that's even possible, but I've heard factory stereo's that sound better than my components (IMO, of course).

So, basically just looking for suggestions on a few brands. I've been out of the loop for quite some time, and my last few builds I blindly purchased JL equipment. It's too pricey, and I know I can achieve great sound with other brands. The best subs I've ever had were the Adire Audio 12" Shiva's like 8 years ago. Soo punchy, loved it.

Anyway, was thinking of a 5 channel amp, full range speakers (6.5 / 6x9 locations in Malibu) and a tight little sealed 10" or something along those lines.

Any insight is appreesh.

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[Flex68 10+ year member]

Lots of JL haters up in this bish, and ur very correct that better is available for le$$, but have to say that I am pretty surprised to hear that you are that disappointed with the W7 and the C5s.... I mean, factory systems sounding better??

You done any deadening?

 

[jockhater2 10+ year member]

Brands like Morel and Dayton are a great place to start looking for better components/coaxials for le$$

And they both make woofers as well.

 

[CJL 10+ year member]

IMO,I would keep your current setup and focus on the installation. What is the specs on your ported box? Is your doors sealed/deadened? Maybe try a sealed box.

 

[Sleeklsc 5,000+ posts]

Your current setup is pretty simple imho. A good 5ch with 50-75rms @ 4ohms and a sub ch between 400-500rms would simplify everything even more. The options are endless brand wise. These are REALLY good sounding for being 2ways.

PIONEER TS-D1702R 6-3/4" 2-WAY 560W D-SERIES POWER CAR SPEAKERS BRAND NEW | eBay

Pioneer TS-D6902R 6x9" 2-Way Speakers 6" x 9" 720 Watts 12562881898 | eBay

 

[Aviation Jones 10+ year member]

My setup as a whole is better than factory. I just mean when I play nothing but the components, it's pretty underwhelming. Not what I imagined after hearing so many good things about component systems. I feel like my Bose Companion 3 computer speakers put them to serious shame. That may just be the difference in car/home acoustics though? Something else I should note, my 300/4 had to be sent out for repair. The forward/right channel went loopy, throwing off the impedance so perhaps a newly refurbished amp will help. I also question the way it was installed. I figured they would utilize all 4 channels to get the best power to the components, but they are only running 75W per side. This is where my "non-audiophile-ness" kicks in... I don't know how to change that.

The box is JL spec. I thought about going sealed for quite awhile, but I've had several people tell me that a W7 in a sealed box is a crime. I was recently at the local shop and a guy said I would lose something like 4x the output by going sealed.

I do have my doors deadened, and quite a bit in the trunk. It's staying pretty tight, but getting a few rattles here and there after ~50K miles of use. Idk, maybe I should just shut up and crank it up.

Good call on the Pioneer, this is not the first time I've heard good things about those!

 

[Flex68 10+ year member]

I was recently at the local shop and a guy said I would lose something like 4x the output by going sealed.

Tell him to show you the specs proving that, lol.

What is your ride?

 

[Aviation Jones 10+ year member]

I have a 2010 Chevy Malibu LT.

 

[2012ScionTC 10+ year member]

I'm running the JL 300/4 and 500/1 similar to your setup but am running Hertz Audio 3 way components up front, coax in rear, and a 10W6 in a custom ported enclosure tuned to 31 hertz. Full dynamat installation. I'm extremely happy with the setup... I tried a 10W7 but to me for SQ the 10W6 was better. Don't get me wrong, the 10W7 pounded the inside of my car but the 10W6 was just cleaner especially at high vol. Maybe try going with a different set of components. Sell the JL's and try something else, focal, hertz, rainbow or something, or try putting some mid bass 8" drivers in the doors if you can? Switch to a 10" sub and go with a lower tuned enclosure designed more for SQ than SPL. The JL specs for their enclosure seemed to be tuned higher. Trying a sealed enclosure is cheap enough to try as well.