Help choosing components, or putting together a DIY set?

[Chromavita]

So I am just taking the first steps on upgrading the system in my car. I started with some relatively cheap Polk coaxials in the rear, then an Alpine-9884 and my next step is to replace the front speakers. I'm really going more for SQ than SQL, but I want to be able to hear them when I eventually get a sub. They will be run off the head unit until I can get an amp for them.

My question is what should I do about front components. First I decided I was going to get some components from CDT, Then I came here, and I hear nothing but rave reviews over these PG RSDs. I also have heard some people saying that the best thing to do is to put together a component set myself. My budget is around $200-250 for the pair. If I found a really good deal I might go higher, but not more than $300. I listen to a really broad variety of music, and I like a balanced sound. Tight punchy bass, smooth clean highs, that sort of thing.

What would be the best plan for my front speakers? Buy the RSD's, buy another component set, or piece together my own? Could someone recommend some good midbass drivers and tweeters that would make for a nice set?

Any help is greatly appreciated //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Click to read more...

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

If you plan on running active (raw drivers) you will need the processing. The 9884 does not offer this. So, you could get an external crossover or amplifier(s) that are capable of processing. Usually when sound quality is mentioned, rear fill is not. Just a thought. Also, I wouldn't run the front stage off of the head unit... wait until you get an amplifier.

I think you should first decide if you want to run passive or active. Then go from there. Hopefully some other will jump in and feed you some more information as far as drivers and what not. I do see madisound being recommended a lot.

Also, what kind of car is this?

 

[Chromavita]

What sort of active processing are you talking about? The only item that I'm familiar with being active/passive is the crossover. What else comes with the decision to go active? I bought a 9883, but took it back to get the 9884, but I haven't bought the 9884 yet. Do any alpine head units support active systems? And can anyone give me a basic outline of how an active system is run? Just what path the signal takes from the HU to the speakers.

I know running the speakers off the headunit isn't the best option, but would there be any harm to just running them that way temporarily? I think for my budget, an active system might be overkill (assuming it is more expensive.) I think a passive system might just be easier and cheaper, but if I'm wrong, tell me.

Also, I'm loving the UCF avatar! I live pretty close to there, and I go to Valencia. I manage to catch a couple games this season. Go Knights!

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

What sort of active processing are you talking about? The only item that I'm familiar with being active/passive is the crossover. What else comes with the decision to go active? I bought a 9883, but took it back to get the 9884, but I haven't bought the 9884 yet. Do any alpine head units support active systems? And can anyone give me a basic outline of how an active system is run? Just what path the signal takes from the HU to the speakers.
I know running the speakers off the headunit isn't the best option, but would there be any harm to just running them that way temporarily? I think for my budget, an active system might be overkill (assuming it is more expensive.) I think a passive system might just be easier and cheaper, but if I'm wrong, tell me.

First of all, here is a great breakdown of passive vs. active. For the average person, a passive component system usually does the trick; It's just plug 'n play. An active system obviously will require more attention to fine tuning your stereo. Cost, well, it can vary. Some component sets can cost more than an active setup and vice versa. I would be willing to bet you can get a better front stage through an active path compared to passive as far as costs are concerned (keep in mind it will require more work). If you haven't purchased a head unit yet and are considering going active, I would suggest going with the Alpine 9887. It is capable of 3-way active processing and can be had for under 300 bucks. As far as drivers are concerned you may want to check that link in my previous post or wait for others who have more experience to jump in. It sounds like a decent passive system may be all you need, but I do encourage you to do as much research as you can before you decide.

Also, I'm loving the UCF avatar! I live pretty close to there, and I go to Valencia. I manage to catch a couple games this season. Go Knights!

Yea, we did pretty well this year. Too bad we lost our bowl game and Kevin Smith didn't break Barry Sanders single season rushing record. Oh well, there is always next year.

 

[MrSwiss 10+ year member]

i have a custom built component set, see my sig. when i looked for matching parts, i really payed attention to the natural range of the components. im running passive right now, with bass blockers running to my tweets. luckily everything is blended togethor real nice. my only gripe are that the tweets get a bit harsh at very high volumes, but how many tweeters dont?

altho i have some cheap 6x9's in my rear ATM, i plan on buying a component set to balance out the system. everyone on the forum will tell you to do away with the rear speakers but that is a personal preference.

 

[Chromavita]

Thank you very much for all the help. I think i will just run a passive set up. It seems like that will work just fine. (it is after all, my first stystem.) If I were to peice together a custom component set, would I just have to pick out a midbass, passive crossover, and tweeters? How hard would it be to find all of those that work together and sound good? Can you buy passive crossovers as standalone units? plus, how hard would it be to find all components that handle around the same amount of power, and are about the same loudness at the same power level? If it is too difficult to figure all of that out, would it be alright to just go with a prematched component set? Those would already be paired nicely, and would blend well right?

And I'm glad to hear that Kevin Smith will be back next year!

 

[UCF52 10+ year member]

Thank you very much for all the help. I think i will just run a passive set up. It seems like that will work just fine. (it is after all, my first stystem.) If I were to peice together a custom component set, would I just have to pick out a midbass, passive crossover, and tweeters? How hard would it be to find all of those that work together and sound good? Can you buy passive crossovers as standalone units? plus, how hard would it be to find all components that handle around the same amount of power, and are about the same loudness at the same power level? If it is too difficult to figure all of that out, would it be alright to just go with a prematched component set? Those would already be paired nicely, and would blend well right?

I would just stick with an already pieced together passive set. With $200-250 you can definitely pick out a nice component set. Remember, speaker preference is all subjective, so I do encourage you to make sure and listen before you buy.

And I'm glad to hear that Kevin Smith will be back next year!

Me too. I just want to win one bowl game before I'm gone. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif