Need Amazing System. Have $5k Have No Clue. Help.

[RossMcCray]

Hey Guys --

I absolutely love audio, bass and music. I listen to music in everything that I do and also love high quality car audio systems. I still have my first car (which is a 2003 CLK 320) and I have the stock speaker system with 2x 12" JL-1 subwoofers in the trunk. A couple of my stereo speakers are blown out and one of my subwoofers are as well.

Pretty much, I need to start from ground zero. I have saved up around $5k (can spend less or more if justified) and I want to invest in a great system. I know pretty much absolutely nothing about systems and came to you guys for help. I don't know what are the best brands, I don't know all the things I need and I don't know the nuances.

Here are some things that you guys should know:

1) I live in Los Angeles

2) I listen to Rap, Hip-Hop, EDM, Trance, House and Dubstep

3) I love bass. I prefer bass over everything and want a system that slaps more than a "perfectly balanced" system. However, I don't want to be one of those guys who don't care about music ands spends $5k just on 18" subwoofers to do crazy hair tricks and can't hear the music. It definitely needs to be somewhere between the two, but for sure heavier on the bass side.

4) I prefer more of the "punchier" bass than than alternative. Rather than rattling, I prefer more of the "feel it quickly in your heart"...if that makes any sense at all.

5) As I mentioned, I still have the MBZ CLK 320 (2003), but I am looking to get a new car later this year. I would like to ideally take this system into my new car when I get it, please advise on anything I should be aware of.

6) I will not be installing this myself. I need someone recommended in Southern California.

I need suggestions on the whole system (car speakers, wires, subwoofers, amp, head unit, installation and whatever else I have no clue that I missing).

Really appreciate you guys!! Super amped to get this going //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

-Ross

Click to read more...

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

I have invested your budget in my system - very musical and sounds great.

Front speakers: around $1k

Front speaker amp + sub amp: around $1500

Sub(s): under $1k

HU: depends on what you actually want for features. some double-din Navi are $1500. you want time alignment somewhere in the mix (either in HU or external DSP)

Install worth of equipment and car: around $1k

you have a lot of options. what i run is what i prefer, at that budget you have your pick.

 

[tat2bass 10+ year member]

Where in southern Cali? I live in Riverside and might be able to help some.

But are yiu wanting to put this system in your MB and then pull it out and put it into your new car when you get it Within a year?

 

[massivespl]

HO alt- prly $500-700 pick excessive amperage or singer, dc, Mechman

Subs- sundown x with spl cone and surround for the sound ur looking for.$900

Two American bass ph4000 amps for the subs $400

A nice comp speaker set your choice- $200-400

Get a decent 4ch to run speakers $400

2 Juicebox 3100 or 2 Duracell 31d- $450

Wiring and terminals etc...

That's a decent start something along those lines

 

[garychoffmann 10+ year member]

Personally, if you are planning on a new car, I would go basic for now. Something you can leave in the car and later spend the money for your new car. A quality installation will have a lot of money tied up in proper treatment of the car. Something you can't take with you. I would do some basic $200 components and some rear speakers. Since I normally think ahead I would buy a quality used 5 channel like a memphis belle. Run that until it's time for the new car. I'd go ahead and buy my subs since you can throw the jl's back in and take those with you.

When it's time to sell the car you can sell the 5 channel and put a cheap one in. Leave your components and speakers and get a basic head unit you can leave in. That way you don't get ***** for the car not having a stereo in it. Get what you paid for the memphis belle and then put the money into your new car.

 

[C1500martin 10+ year member]

Where in LA you located? Got a few fellow bassheads on here that are local. Even got a box builder and installer thatll do a hell of a job CSCStang hit him up on here

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Considering the kind of money you want to spend and your goals, I think you ought to get a consultation and plan this out. John Tanaka of JT Audio & Accessories is in the LA area and I strongly urge you to contact him. Equipment can be transferred to a different vehicle, but it's going to cost you more labor and you will be out materials such as sound damping, wood and such that are consumables. John is the consummate 12V audio professional who will respect your time, goals and budget.

 

[RossMcCray]

Hey Guys --

I go between Irvine & Santa Monica, but don't mind driving really.

I am also open to a very reputable consultant who can help me through this process.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Do that. If not there is a good chance you will get hosed.

 

[CSCStang]

Hey Guys --
I go between Irvine & Santa Monica, but don't mind driving really.

I am also open to a very reputable consultant who can help me through this process.

I'm right here in Irvine (Lake Forest). Sent you a pm.

 

[Justin braaapp]

Hey Guys --
I go between Irvine & Santa Monica, but don't mind driving really.

I am also open to a very reputable consultant who can help me through this process.

I live in Manhattan beach if you ever need help. Pretty close to Santa Monica

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Don't hesitate to buy from CSCStang. He makes great boxes for a lot of people in Southern California and Orange County and even people from other states.

I agree with what people are saying here.. If you are going to move all your equipment to another car soon, then go as basic as possible. You will lose a lot of money just from labor alone. Subs, speakers, wires, and amp you can keep for the next car. Maybe even the headunit too but don't buy a h/o alternators or any sound deadening unless you are sure you gonna keep the car. Otherwise it's really a waste of money.

 

---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------

 

I live in Manhattan beach if you ever need help. Pretty close to Santa Monica

I thought you live in Torrance?

 

[Justin braaapp]

Don't hesitate to buy from CSCStang. He makes great boxes for a lot of people in Southern California and Orange County and even people from other states.
I agree with what people are saying here.. If you are going to move all your equipment to another car soon, then go as basic as possible. You will lose a lot of money just from labor alone. Subs, speakers, wires, and amp you can keep for the next car. Maybe even the headunit too but don't buy a h/o alternators or any sound deadening unless you are sure you gonna keep the car. Otherwise it's really a waste of money.

 

---------- Post added at 06:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------

 

I thought you live in Torrance?

Just moved to Manhattan beach with my lady about 3 weeks ago brotha

 

[blazian87 10+ year member]

Just moved to Manhattan beach with my lady about 3 weeks ago brotha

**** ballin'! lol I live in Torrance man.. I go up to Manhattan Beach pretty often actually.. I think I read somewhere that you're running a lot of power and a lot of cone area.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Hey Guys --

4) I prefer more of the "punchier" bass than than alternative. Rather than rattling, I prefer more of the "feel it quickly in your heart"...if that makes any sense at all.

6) I will not be installing this myself. I need someone recommended in Southern California.

I need suggestions on the whole system (car speakers, wires, subwoofers, amp, head unit, installation and whatever else I have no clue that I missing).

Really appreciate you guys!! Super amped to get this going //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

-Ross

you just need louder bass if you want that sledgehammer to the lungs feeling. Still man, i give you 3 weeks tops till you body gets used to it and it wont be as loud anymore. I can tell you'll fall deep down a dark path of bass addiction just like a lot of us.

CSCstang can design an enclosure to get the best outta your sub and does clean installs too, better than most shops out there and he honors his work.