Hello, I'm Brian from central Ohio..
I recently purchased a 2006 Mazda 3 Hatchback.
I need suggestions on what to do with my current equipment in my new vehicle.
Equipment:
Sound Processor: Alpine PXA-H700
Amplifiers:
- PPI PCX4125 (4 x 125 @ 4ohm)
- PPI PCX2200 (2 x 200 @ 4ohm)
- PPI PCX440 (4 x 40 @ 4ohm)
Midranges: B&C 8NDL51
Horns: ID CD2 Minibody
Subs: 2x 15" Ascendant Audio Avalanches DVC2
I have fiberglass experience
I can build sub boxes
Previous Install:
In my previous install (1997 Camry) I had the midranges in sort-of big kickpanels powered by the PCX4125, but the midrange was really ****** at 400 and 800 hz. Basically these frequencies would distort heavily at moderate volume or higher unless attenuated. I do not know if this is attributed to the midrange or the box, could be either. At this point I am highly considering getting new midranges. I do not want to install midranges to the door.
The horns were on the PCX440. They have been fine but overall very difficult to EQ as I do not have an RTA. I'm kind of considering getting a traditional tweeter but it's not something that I see likely. This will be one of those things where I install and see how it sounds first.
The subs were on the PCX2200. They were in 4.5 cubic feet, sealed, forward-facing in the front of the trunk, with MDF cut so that the baffle of the box was sealed into the cabin of the vehicle (basically a mini-wall). Overall the sound was good but not loud enough. I'm trying to decide if I should port them or just get more power to them. They will need 4.5 cubes sealed or 8-9 cubes ported and tuned low (~25-28 hz).
I haven't had a head unit in a while, either. I just run an audio signal directly to the sound processor. Normally I feed it with a Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) which was mounted to my dashboard but I think until I can fab something up for the Mazda dash I will be feeding it with an iPod thru the headphone jack.
Anyway, what I'm looking for by posting is:
- General comments
- Horns: Keep them? Buy new drivers? Buy new bodies? Ditch them and get tweeters?
- Midranges: Keep them and build new kicks? Ditch them and get new speakers/kicks? What do you think made the B&C's so **** at 400/800 hz?
- Subs: Keeping them. Sealed or ported? Other comments on amp/power/enclosure type.
In return for your help, I will begin a project worklog on the day I buy my car. Which should be tomorrow.
Pic of UMPC on dash (old car):
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/1277/dsc00917uf4.jpg
