Had been out of the loop and need help with proper audio system

[IronMaiden]

Hi folks,

I used to be into car audio big time back in the 90s so what I know is probably outdated.

I just recently bought a used 2010 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI as my daily driver. Love the car but the audio system needs to go.

There is no front stage, the music is all over the place. When I fade a bit to the front I lose what little bass the system has. Some songs sound ok but many cause the right door panel to vibrate.

There is no center speaker and vocals are just everywhere but not up-front.

The bass kicks a little bit when at right frequency but lower bass gets lost.

Here is what I would like to do:

- I’m fine with the OEM head unit (RCD-510) which provides CD, SD card, Bluetooth etc.

- Install a center speaker.

- Upgrade the speaker in the front door panels.

- Disable the speaker in the rear doors (nobody is sitting there and the existing speaker are irritating).

- Build a custom sub box for the spare tire well, don't want to compromise the trunk space at all.

- Install 1 amp for the sup and 1 amp for the center (fronts stay on OEM radio) or if necessary only 1 amp for the sub, center and front combined.

Here is what sound I'm looking for:

- I don't want / need anything that is extremely loud. My hearing is already damaged.

- A very defined and clear font stage.

- I want crisps sounds, a little bit mid bass kicking from the door speaker.

- Well defined and clear "feel good" bass from the sub, no chatter, no droning

Budget can be anywhere from $600- $1000 not including labor (I'll do everything), small parts, wires, fuses, box material. So far we are talking:

- 3 way front door speaker

- center speaker

- small amp for center

- sub

- amp for sub

What do you guys suggest?

What about a SA-8 in an enclosed, small and calculated box for starters? What would be a "good" and affordable amp for 1 x SA-8?

Am I missing something?

Thanks.

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[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Cdt makes some good components but the Es or hd lines are what you wanna look at. Amp the doors not the center the sa sub is fine. But it's mounting depth is I think 7"+ so you might wanna check that out. Any amp 1000 watts rms will be fine b2 ampere sundown. American bass are a few

 

[IronMaiden]

Cdt makes some good components but the Es or hd lines are what you wanna look at. Amp the doors not the center the sa sub is fine. But it's mounting depth is I think 7"+ so you might wanna check that out. Any amp 1000 watts rms will be fine b2 ampere sundown. American bass are a few

Good info, thanks!

Had been on American Bass and CDT and didn't see any center speaker. Are they a thing of the past?

What amp would you get for a configuration of:

- 3 way front door set from CDT 200 W RMS

- 1 x SA-8 sub in the spare tire well (by the way if I take the tire out it will fit easily hightwise)

2 separate amps or just one? What type of amp (s) / ohm? Not sure there is any room up-front or under seat but plenty in trunk which has it separate tray on top of the entire trunk area.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Good info, thanks!
Had been on American Bass and CDT and didn't see any center speaker. Are they a thing of the past?

What amp would you get for a configuration of:

- 3 way front door set from CDT 200 W RMS

- 1 x SA-8 sub in the spare tire well (by the way if I take the tire out it will fit easily hightwise)

2 separate amps or just one? What type of amp (s) / ohm? Not sure there is any room up-front or under seat but plenty in trunk which has it separate tray on top of the entire trunk area.

I'd get an amp fir the speakers and one for the amp. Possibly an ampere or b2. Cdt does make a center channel speaker as well. You can pm me if you like for links for everything