need some help on a system setup

[jinetix 10+ year member]

I just got a Lexus IS350 with the Mark Levinson sound system. It sounds great and all (best stock sound system I've ever heard) but it could be better. I currently have the DLS a6 amplifier powering 2 IDMAXD2V3 12" subwoofers.

I'm a newb when it comes to car audio so you guys are going to have to bear with me. I'm thinking about selling the equipment I have right now (the DLS amp and 2 subs.. or maybe keep the amp) and go with a single 12" sub setup so I can have some trunk space as the car is going to be my daily driver.

A friend of mine told me I can install 2 4-channel amps for the front and rear speakers, and a small 2-channel amp for the center speaker so I could keep the 7.1 surround. He recommended I get 3 Audison amps to power the stock Mark Levinson speakers and to just get an audio control interface so it'll work with the stock head unit.

Basically, I need some recommendations on a subwoofer to replace my 2 IDMAX subs and some amplifiers to power my front, rear, and center speakers. Any insights or ideas for a better setup would be great as well. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

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[FoxPro5 5,000+ posts]

The Audison or DLS amps will be difficult to beat in features, sound quality, build quality, and reliability. You are on the right track. If you have 7 speakers then you need 7 channels of amplification obviously. There are many ways to get this done with different amps in different combinations. Depends on the power desired, space constraints and your budget.

If you need the trunk space, just sell one of the Max's and throw the other in the smallest sealed enclosure you can get away with and call it a day. Why sell the great equipment you already own???

 

[jinetix 10+ year member]

That is what I was thinking but the DLS amp is a bit on the bulky side, I thought about getting a slightly smaller one for the rack since I'll have 4 amps total in the trunk. I just called the stereo shop and they said I should go with a bandpass with a port in the back with subs facing into the cabin, free-air. I'm not sure what that means but they said it'll direct all the bass into the car/rearseat cushion and it'll reduce rattling for the trunk that way.

I was thinking about selling the 2 IDMAX speakers to buy a single, more powerful subwoofer. Maybe I'll just sell one and install the other like you said.

The amplifier that my friend was recommending me was the Audison SRX 4 for the front and rears.. and the SRX 2 for the center speaker.

The quote I was given was $3950.. for 3 Audison Amps, LC8 & LC6 Audio Controls, and labor (baffle, amp rack, bandpass box, etc.). This setup is within my budget but I wanted some more opinions on this.

 

[FoxPro5 5,000+ posts]

Sounds good to me man. The price quote you listed is probably more than double the average set up of 99% of the members on this forum....so I doubt you will get many appropriate suggestions.

The nice thing about the Utimate DLS amps is that they can go end to end on an amp rack for a seemles install.

Not too familiar with Audison so i can't comment on the recommended amps. The S line is their entry line if i remember correctly though.

 

[Ko-B 10+ year member]

What! Why did get that piece of s*** car?! That has to be one of the worst cars ever made! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/thumbsdown.gif.d22f25895e9b40f2300c953691dacfa2.gif

Just kiddin'. I want one really bad. Congrats on a great car. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/2thumbs.gif.fdc3ba010dbb42b61704534b46d02fe4.gif