How to decide?

[caseyboy43]

So I have been reading countless posts about every conceivable piece of equipment out there. There are a myriad of different manufactures for each. Not all are available to demo / hear prior to purchase. What are the characteristics in a spec sheet to look for that would suggest one set over another. I thought I had narrowed my choices down but the more I read the more indecisive I become.

I am waiting for some money to free up in the next few months, so I am in no hurry but here is my situation:

I want a quality system - not super limited budget level and not competition level.

I want 2-way or 3-way component for front stage powered by a multi-channel amplifier. No rear fill speakers (just disconnect them from rear doors). I want a ported 12" sub in a custom box to fit under the rear seat of my '13 Silverado Crew Cab (as I need to keep functionality) powered by a mono amplifier.

Prior to stumbling upon this site, I considered JL to be quality components. I know that their is disdain for the mass-marketed stuff but it is easy to demo and considering the other readily-available manufactures it is better than most IMO.

For my components I have now considered PHD, Hertz, Morel, and JBL. I have looked at the $300 sets and the $1,500 sets and most in between.

For the amplifiers, I have considered Zed, Zuki, Audison. I am sure I am leaving out some, but I want something new. No way to truly protect myself from buying something that may have been abused.

For the subs I have no real idea - as this is going to be determined by the mounting depth and cubic space in the enclosure. I feel a 12" will work. I think I may only get between 5.5" - 6" of mounting space. My goal would be the best of both worlds - good, solid thumb as well as crisp musical reproduction.

With that all said, I understand the components will only be as good as the install and I am researching that as well, I am not opposed to spending money on quality components. But I also believe that just because it is expensive doesn't mean its is always better.

I want depth and clarity with the front stage but also ability to get loud, clean efficient power from the amps and good, solid thumb as well as crisp musical reproduction from the subs.

I would be willing to spend up to $1200 for speakers, $1300 for amps, and $1000 for sub-woofer and enclosure.

I know sound is subjective. My only point of reference is JL speakers and I felt the ZR's reproduced well but I never heard them get loud.

What are some solid, available choices for these needs. I would prefer to go new so I can maintain some level of warranty if needed.

This is not a hobby, it's a sickness. Once you get the bug it's insatiable! Look forward to the suggestions.

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[calebkhill 10+ year member]

Man. You got the itch. Hope your ready for this rabbit hole called car audio.

PHD is really blowing up here in the US

PHD, can't go wrong, FB and up I'd suggest.

CDT hd and up, and HAT can't go wrong.

Hertz, Morel and Focal great speakers, though some say only choose from the higher lines.

Amps... PHD amps are out now..

Really there are a ton of great amps out there, New and used.

But look at your specs..

sn atleast 90db in my opinion, although this varies...

thd 0.01% or lower

100 watts per channel on mids/highs

Also, if you are running active, make sure your amps or head unit is active capable with flexible crossover settings.....

Keep researching and asking questions, you gotta take one bite at a time.

 

[caseyboy43]

Thanks for the input. I know that there is tremendous brand loyalty as well as hatred for others. Like Apple/PC, Coke/Pepsi. Then factor in that some feel that because they spend top dollar that it has to be better.

I believe you get what you pay for and that usually applies in the bottom feeders. But I do believe that there are some hi-end pieces of equipment for mid-range prices that have somewhat minimal differences. I'm willing to spend to get quality but still want the best bang for my buck. I expect to have equipment last for a long time and I never abuse my stuff. I let the system stretch its legs from time to time.

So I am looking for those pieces that fit those descriptions. Well built, quality sound, and good value.

 

[thevic24 5,000+ posts]

Would you be willing to go used...with old school gear?

There are some really fine pieces from back when that will give you great, REAL power and SQ that can be had

for really good prices.

 

[caseyboy43]

My biggest problem is the unknown when it comes to used. Some people abuse their stuff and there is no way to protect myself. Then you could have stuff rebuilt or even some components swapped out. I would have no idea what to look for.

With new, while it costs a bit more I at least have the peace of mind of some kind of warranty - even if its just 1 year. I know that some older gear was better built but that is going to be a sacrifice.

I would hope that there is still good quality pieces for the money I am suggesting spending.

 

[conor_thompson 10+ year member]

Still fairly new to the game too so not really gonna give advice other than to stay on this site. there's so many differrnt brands ie sundown, incriminator, dc, etc. im sure if you stay here you'll get exactly what you want for a system

 

[calebkhill 10+ year member]

There is alot to choose from.

Depends on what you want, your goals, and budget.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

What exact options does your Silverado have for the sound system? Does it have separate woofers, mids and tweeters or just a 2-way woofer and tweeter for the front? Bose? Navigation? I can help you design a 3-way speaker system that you can run with 2, 4, or 6 amplifier channels. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. I can come in under your budget as well.

 

[caseyboy43]

My truck has the Bose premium sound which equates to a tweeter in the A-pillar and a mid woofer in door panel. I believe it is ampified but not well. No navigation.

I had some mid level JL components in my last truck and want something different, although I considered the JL Stealthbox for simplicity. The negative for me was its a sealed unit but it does have two (2) 10's.

Based on some reviews I was thinking about the Hertz Mille's.

The installer im interviewing is a Hertz / Phoenix Gold / Rockfor dealer.

As for my budget, what im willing to spend doesn't mean that's what I want to spend. Still looking for that perfect baance between quaity and value.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

May I ask what shop is this Hertz, PG, and RF dealer?

I suspect you could be happy with speakers from any of those companies. Hertz/Audison tends to be more expensive, but I've learned they put a lot of hands on care into their products. The Mille speakers are computer designed and performance was verified with a Klippel Distortion Analyzer. Each one of their Bit processors is tested by hand before it's shipped, and I believe their amplifiers are assembled by hand. However, I believe Rockford also develops speakers with a Klippel analyzer, and PG is no slouch either.

 

[Milk Mayne 10+ year member]

Something I haven't heard you mention that you definitely need to put aside for is some quality sound damping material for your doors. Even the best speakers in the world can sound like crap if you don't deaden those doors.

 

[caseyboy43]

The place is called NVS Audio in Linden, NJ. I had to ask since the information wasn't listen on their site. I have sent some spec on expectations and a quote and I'm waiting now. Depending on what they come back with wil determine if I go to visit, see their shop, review current biilds and see the type of work they have done in the past. I've never used them so I don't have any loyalty there. It was my first contact.

 

[caseyboy43]

Sinve I was having a shop do the install, it would be something I discuss with them and review if it is itemized in their installation quote.

 

[basswiigee]

with a budget of 3500.00 for a 1 12 setup, i'm sure your truck will sound fantastic.... the hard part is deciding what you want... then when you get what you want leaving it alone... i tend to change whole set ups every couple of months... Good luck and your on the right path....

 

[caseyboy43]

Thanks for the vote of confidence. My goal is to get that premium sound. I would be content once I had it set up. I'm not the kind chasing the next best thing. If I like what I have I run with it until I have a problem or something stops working the way it's supposed to.

I think what gets lost in my thread is that even though I am prepared to spend $3500, I would rather spend $2500.

I am looking for the equipment that is excellent quality and sound but more cost effective than the premium models within each brand.

Its easy to buy all the best equipment and all things equal with the install - have a fantastic system. I looking for that diamond in the rough, so to say.

Like spending $500 on the Zuki multi channel amp versus Audison AV Quattro for $1300. But let's not lose sight of the prize. I'm building a daily driver that I will enjoy not a competition grade SQ /SPL system.