Help with New System?

[Apoc 10+ year member]

I am trying to decide which of these two haed units to get, either the Kenwood Excelon KDC-X879 Head Unit, or the Pioneer Premier DEH-P960MP (I save $70 by going with Kenwood, is the pioneer worth the extra $70?) and I need to know what else I should get for my complete setup. I know eventually I am going to want 3 12"s for subs but I dont have enough money to start off with them so I can settle for one right now. I have no clue what kind of speakers to get but I listen to mostly rock, some hip hop, and heavy bass music. I want to have speakers that dont get drowned out by the subs and still sound good when listening to classic rock. To power the 3 subs and the speakers, I am guessing I will need a pretty hefty Amplifier as well.

The price of my starting system isnt really a big issue, I just need value. I dont want to spend more on something if its not going to sound too much better. For my starting system, I want to have 1 sub, a nice set of speakers, and an amp that will eventually hold the 3 subs. If you guys can help me out that would be great. I am going to be purchasing these items within the next few weeks so quick helpful advice would be great. Thanks for all the help and do you think it is best to stay with the sam brand for all my components or does it matter?

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[Scarenius 10+ year member]

The head unit... that's a doozy. Got stats for each? I'd recommend whichever puts out a higher voltage. Hip-Hop isn't exactly known for it's recording quality, so SQ out of the HU isn't an *extreme* issue. I personally believe Pioneer > Kenwood, and if they charge more, it's for a reason.

The subs? Power Acoustik MOFOs.

The Amp? Good luck. I'd recommend wiring the 3 subs parallel to 1 ohm and using a nice 1800 watt class D amp. That should power ANYTHING you give it.

Just remember, you get what you pay for, and overpaying is very easy. Stay away from Sony and Audiobahn. Do some research, because you'll get millions of different recommendations.

 

[Apoc 10+ year member]

The Pioneer, from what I have read puts out 6.5v over the 4v of kenwood and I can customize the videos on the display. Pioneer is multi-color over the kenwood single color. I think I am going to end up purchasing the Pioneer tonight. The car is going to be an older Ford Taurus, early 90's and I want to be able to put my head unit in and one sub in first. What is the biggest value sub that is out right now, I dont want to have to spend too much for a good clean sound, but I dont want a low quality sub that will blow when I make it "BUMP". If I am just going to run a nice set of speakers and 1-2 subs, what type of amp should I get? Also, can I buy a box now that can hold 2 subs and put just one in until I get the money for the 2nd without it sounding too bad? Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Scarenius 10+ year member]

Ahh! An old ' 90s Taurus, same car as mine!

... You poor bastard ....

Don't expect much, the way the Taurus is designed, you'll do a lot of work before it pounds. My setup is one you can't hear at 50 feet. Plus the trunk rattling... arrgh!

In that case, check EBAY for a class D amp, maybe 1200 - 1800 watts around $150-$200. I really wish I had. You can get one that retails for 3 times that if you're lucky.

The subs, well, for a nice sound on a budget, try Pyle 12s for $40 apiece. Remember a good sub can pound harder than 3 or even 4 bad ones. If you still are hellbent on 3, go for 10s, since boxes that hold 3 tens are far more common than ones that hold 3 12s.

Also, check out http://www.ubid.com for more ebay style bidding. I still don't recommend Sony, but hey, if you can get 10s, and an amp for under $100, go for it!

Hope this helps. Try not to buy anything you'll have to sell later, it's just losing money in the name of progress.

 

[Apoc 10+ year member]

Can anyone second that? I want more than one persons opinion on this if its possible.

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

Adire Audio Shiva 12"

$125 and it pounds like a mother

www.adireaudio.com

car speakers, shiva

 

[Acidburn 5,000+ posts]

personally, i think Pioneer HUs are just better than Kenwood's....

 

[Apoc 10+ year member]

Anyone else agree with supa C?

I think that I should focus on the amp for right now, I will start my system with only one sub for a while but I want to move up to 3 so it will need to be able to hangle them for later. Do you guys think it is better to go with 3 quality 10's or 3 sub $200 12's? or even 2 quality 12's? I want my system to be able to hit hard without fear of blowing anything out.

Also, what type of speakers should I got with and how many....that is the part that confuses me the most. There are mids to buy, tweater, oval speakers, round, etc. All of that confuses me and that is why I am asking for your guys' help. I really appreciate all the help so far

PS I bought the Pioneer HU!!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/coolflash.gif.4f9740e1268764cfe452b9259e375e3b.gif

 

[supa_c 5,000+ posts]

Many people reccomend the Shiva //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif 2 Shivas ported will pound qouite nicely with little power.

I can get you a really good deal on CDT speakers. www.cdtaudio.com

PM if you are intrested.

CDT is also reccomended //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Apoc 10+ year member]

ok, I have a HU (Pioneer Premier DEH-P960MP) I have a nice set of speakers comming, I am getting 2 shivas and now I need to figure out a nice amp to power my system. Help!