Help me build front stage

[stay_high 10+ year member]

So im trying to build a front stage . I have a $700 budget this includes just speakers and an amp I already have a HU. Im wondering how i should spend the money tho. Like should I maybe use 300-350 for a comp set and 300 for a amp then use the remaining $50 or so on sound deadnening the doors?? Or should I not sound deaden and get an even better comp set or amp? I want good sq but also decent spl because i want to keep up with my 15 inch sub on 1500 rms.

Here are some of the amps im looking at. Im really leaning toward the alphasonik as i have heard it puts out good clean power. but if im not gona notice a difference between that and the cheaper mb quart amp then ill just get the cheap one. so try to save me money if possible haha.

Onlinecarstereo.com - Car Audio - Video Blog - Alphasonik PMA Series High Current Car Audio Amplifiers

MB Quart RA1000.4 4 Channel Amplifiers at Onlinecarstereo.com

WoofersEtc.com - JX360/4 - JL Audio 4-Channel 360 Watts Class AB JX Series Full Range Car Amplifier

and i was looking at these comp. I dont care too much about the midbass im mainly want good loud (not harsh) highs and midrange. I also want a set that can take some power (like 150rms or higher).

DLS UP6i (dlsup6i) 6-1/2" 2-way Component System Ultimate UP 6i

Click to read more...

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

What vehicle do you have? I'll give you some suggestions on what to do with your budget. I'm not going to just throw out recommendations for stuff I sell, because you won't learn anything from that.

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

What vehicle do you have? I'll give you some suggestions on what to do with your budget. I'm not going to just throw out recommendations for stuff I sell, because you won't learn anything from that.

Ya im not sure what vehicle this will be going in... Either a ford explorer or a nissan xterra. The amp in speakers in my sig are no longer being used.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

The Xterra has 6x9s and the Explorer has 6x8s. 6x9s opens your choices to include 6x9 components, which you absolutely should take advantage of. The extra air they will displace over most 6.5s is what you want to keep up with loud subs. If you get the Explorer you're on the fence for going with 6.5s or 6x8s. Many 6x8 component sets are rated for less than 100W RMS, so I would not be comfortable recommending them for a loud system.

When you have a vehicle we can revisit your amplifier options. You can spend less money and get adequate, very reliable and clean power.

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

The Xterra has 6x9s and the Explorer has 6x8s. 6x9s opens your choices to include 6x9 components, which you absolutely should take advantage of. The extra air they will displace over most 6.5s is what you want to keep up with loud subs. If you get the Explorer you're on the fence for going with 6.5s or 6x8s. Many 6x8 component sets are rated for less than 100W RMS, so I would not be comfortable recommending them for a loud system.
When you have a vehicle we can revisit your amplifier options. You can spend less money and get adequate, very reliable and clean power.

I was always under the impression that round speakers sound better than oval ones? and the xterra is my first choice.

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

The Xterra has 6x9s and the Explorer has 6x8s. 6x9s opens your choices to include 6x9 components, which you absolutely should take advantage of. The extra air they will displace over most 6.5s is what you want to keep up with loud subs. If you get the Explorer you're on the fence for going with 6.5s or 6x8s. Many 6x8 component sets are rated for less than 100W RMS, so I would not be comfortable recommending them for a loud system.
When you have a vehicle we can revisit your amplifier options. You can spend less money and get adequate, very reliable and clean power.

there also doesnt seem to be many choice for 6x9 component system =/ THeres like some kicker ones (not a fan) for $150 and some cdt ones for 250 then the rest are like $500. WOuldnt i be better off just making 6.5 adapters and using normal 6.5 components?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Oval speakers used to be a poor choice, but speakers are made with better quality cones today. There is no trade-off in quality except for potentially less bass, and nobody wants less bass. CDT 6x9 components start at $200, but you can get a 3-way set that will give you better midrange. Don't be turned off by the 3-way part, because these are very simple to install. If you want something that is loud and clear, and not the same as everyone else, this is it.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

dont underestimate the value of a good baffle and properly deadened/treated doors They can make cheap speakers sound good or good speakers sound weak if not done right.

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

Oval speakers used to be a poor choice, but speakers are made with better quality cones today. There is no trade-off in quality except for potentially less bass, and nobody wants less bass. CDT 6x9 components start at $200, but you can get a 3-way set that will give you better midrange. Don't be turned off by the 3-way part, because these are very simple to install. If you want something that is loud and clear, and not the same as everyone else, this is it.

Idk i think im just gona make adapters for 6.5s. I mean thats what everybody suggested i do with my other car that had 6x8s plus theres tons more choices if i do that

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

dont underestimate the value of a good baffle and properly deadened/treated doors They can make cheap speakers sound good or good speakers sound weak if not done right.

So then deadening should def be a priority over using that extra $50-$80 buck on a better amp/speakers?

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

it can cut into the budget of the amp, keep your budget with the speakers.

 

[stay_high 10+ year member]

it can cut into the budget of the amp, keep your budget with the speakers.

Ok. so ill deaden doors and get a amp in the $250-$300 dollar range. and should i be looking at 6.5 components? Or going active crossover? PRobably takes a bigger budget to go active properly right?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Idk i think im just gona make adapters for 6.5s. I mean thats what everybody suggested i do with my other car that had 6x8s plus theres tons more choices if i do that

A lot of people recommend Audiopipe, too. Decide on the adapters because of speaker options, not because of the oval vs round speaker myth.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Ok. so ill deaden doors and get a amp in the $250-$300 dollar range. and should i be looking at 6.5 components? Or going active crossover? PRobably takes a bigger budget to go active properly right?

Going active is a big trend right now. It carries a lot of baggage with it, as it's a lot more involved than just setting crossovers. A good set of passive crossovers will do you just fine.