New member, replacing Bose with a "budget" SQ setup...need suggestions

[TroubledWine]

First post here, folks. I have a 04 Pathfinder LE Platinum Edition with the factory Bose system...6 disc/casette in-dash, components w/ a-pillar mounted tweeters, w/ the amp in the back and I'm beyond ready to get rid of the no highs, no lows, no mids, all distortion crap that company puts out.

I'm not the most knowledgeable about car audio specifics aside from stuff I've read on here after searching the past couple of weeks before I decided to post.

To start this off, I'll be running a iPod Classic 160gb and it currently has about 125gb of ONLY 320kbps mp3s on it. I may start going back through my collection and reconverting stuff to FLAC at a later date and purchasing a USB portable HD since it will basically x4 my file sizes.

To be perfectly clear, I listen to 99% metal. From Kiss, Metallica, Slayer, Lamb of God, Every Time I Die, Clutch, Machine Head, etc. Not at all looking for the loudest or deepest thump, but a balanced setup.

1. If I'm replacing everything(head unit, components, coaxs, and amp), should I plan on re-wiring everything from the front back or will I be able to "plug-and-play"(I use that term loosely) everything off the factory wiring? Since it's Bose and I've heard horror stories replacing stuff, I had to ask LOL

2. HU-wise, I really like the Pioneer DEH-80PRS, but just not sure I want to drop $350ish on a HU. Don't really care about Bluetooth or Pandora, just want easy navigation of iPod folders with some SQ. Maybe a DEH8300UB or something similar?

3. Speaker-wise, I've been looking at CDT CL-62s for the front. Rear door coaxs, probably CL-6EXs.

4. Amp-wise, no idea whatsoever, I know zero-zip-nadda about amplifiers unless I'm plugging a guitar into it, so suggestions please.

As you can probably tell, pretty much everything is up for suggestions/debate. Maybe spend the money on the 80PRS and go with some lower-priced speakers? Not sure what's more important in the chain, so this is where you guys come in.

Thanks a lot for all suggestions/comments/opinions in advance.

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[dirtyunclerandy 10+ year member]

Your head unit and component choices are solid. CDT makes very nice equipment. As for the amp, this will be budget dependent.

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

cdt is a sold choice for mids and highs, the pr80 is a really sick unit. Its expensive but ide say well worth the money once you learn you use all its neat features.

For an amp, if you looking to stay under 200 ide say mb quarts onxy100.4 or lanzar opti 100x4. If you have the money to go for better quality ide look into the sundown 100.4 and the aq 120.4 or as they changed there name SQs 120.4

AQ 120.4

Or go used and look for a nice eclipse amp

 

[splwj47 10+ year member]

i wouldnt worry about the rear take them money for the rears and spend it on the front componets or put it towards ur amp. cdt is a awesome choice for speakers, you could also look into hybrid audio, boston acoustics, hertz, rainbow, ect.

 

[dcollister440 10+ year member]

I have some focal front stage that knock my socks off. there is an Italian website that has them for pretty inexpensive as well and other brands.

I have no rear fill, I figured it would probably just muddy the sound up a little. IF you power your front stage well enough you will have no need for anything else....maybe look into that Rainbow 3-way SLC lineup, or the focal K2P 3 way set up, then get a nice substage, 2 10"w6's sealed.

the sundown 100.4 would be amazing...perfect amp for any of these, and really you can purchase many of these items used in great condition on site like this one, CACO, and other sites. thats what I do....but you don't have to if you don't want to...haha I'll get that site for you right now Tech&Sound System - Shop Online : Home page

you can go with rear fill, but if you power your front stage properly, there will be no need....oh and deaden the fvck outta your vehicle....helps immensely

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

Upgrading MP3 to Flac is impossible. You wont magically refill the areas that were compressed to create the MP3 when up converting.

Secondly for any SQ time alignment is a must.

Third I would steer away from CDT's lower end stuff. They are only good if you buy their best. Look towards Image Dynamics, HAT, or do it yourself with raw drivers.

As far as an amp goes you can pick that after you pick your speakers.

 

[TroubledWine]

Upgrading MP3 to Flac is impossible. You wont magically refill the areas that were compressed to create the MP3 when up converting.

I didn't say anything about upconverting exisiting mp3s as that'd be pointless and SQ would be worse than the original mp3. I was talking about reconverting CDs to FLAC instead of mp3.

So what would you reccommend for components for 200ish new?

I'll be watchin for deals in the classifieds as well, I really wish I coulda jumped on those CDT HDs someone had for 275 the other day. Tryin to get funds for everything before I start purchasing so I can do everything at once since ill be replacing Bose crap, though.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

There's no audible difference going from 320 kbps MP3s to FLAC. You're only going to be wasting your time.

The CL-62 components will sound excellent for the money. I ran the CL-62Pro set for over a year and they really do a nice job on metal. You'll need a subwoofer to really get the most out of that kind of music because they always have bass processing for crazy energy down low. Lamb of God is just one of those bands that uses bass drops that components will never reproduce well.

The CL-6EX coaxials are on special now, as are the CL-62's. I might be able to do a price break if you order both sets from me. I'm also doing a special on the Precision Power Black Ice amps, which are excellent budget SQ amps. Class AB full range, optional balanced inputs, great quality overall. For you I would go with BK800.4 for 130W x 4 at 4 Ohms.

I can also get you Pioneer head units as well as a dash kit and wire harness. The 8400BH is a nice choice that's a lot cheaper than the 80PRS. With the Bose system you will need to run new speaker wires as you'll be bypassing the amplifier.

 

[TroubledWine]

It's not that I don't want a sub, trust me I do. But while I'm still living at an apartment I don't want any excuse for someone to bust out my glass to get to it. After I get all this other stuff done I may look into a custom box for the back that goes in the plastic compartment where the stock Bose amp is.

Head unit wise, what is the difference between the 7400HD and the 8400BH besides ~$30 price difference? Would it make more sense going with the 80PRS and CL62s or a 7400/8400 and some HD-6s? Would be *roughly* the same price.

 

[Shinju 10+ year member]

Upgrading MP3 to Flac is impossible. You wont magically refill the areas that were compressed to create the MP3 when up converting.
Secondly for any SQ time alignment is a must.

Third I would steer away from CDT's lower end stuff. They are only good if you buy their best. Look towards Image Dynamics, HAT, or do it yourself with raw drivers.

As far as an amp goes you can pick that after you pick your speakers.

This is not true, I know plenty of IASCA competitors PRO, PRO-AM and Experts who do not use T.Corr and they do just fine. Time Aligment is nice but it is not a must for SQ.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

This is not true, I know plenty of IASCA competitors PRO, PRO-AM and Experts who do not use T.Corr and they do just fine. Time Aligment is nice but it is not a must for SQ.

Unless you drive a single seat car where the seat is centered it is a must. Especially in the OP's case where he has a budget and most likely doesnt want to spend hundreds of hours playing with positioning.

OP for components Id look at the new Image Dynamics CTX65CS.

 

[Shinju 10+ year member]

Unless you drive a single seat car where the seat is centered it is a must. Especially in the OP's case where he has a budget and most likely doesnt want to spend hundreds of hours playing with positioning.
OP for components Id look at the new Image Dynamics CTX65CS.

Negitive ghostrider, these are 2 seater cars and daily drivers, well a couple of them are not anyway but could be.

 

[Flex68 10+ year member]

3. Speaker-wise, I've been looking at CDT CL-62s for the front. Rear door coaxs, probably CL-6EXs.

The CL-62 components will sound excellent for the money. I ran the CL-62Pro set for over a year and they really do a nice job on metal.

I recognize that the OP stated he was looking for a "budget SQ setup," but aren't the CL's the low end for CDT comps?

Good to know that you were pleased while running your set, but I would think that he might be better going with some of the more well-known stuff, even if it means going with used vs/ new. Just can't see how the CL's would compare all that well SQ-wise with other brands already mentioned, like many from Focal, Boston Acoustics, Hertz, Rainbow, etc.

(I have a brand new CL Pro62 set with upstage tweets that I bought for my upcoming install, but changed my mind after having several remarks made about them comparing poorly to other similarly-priced options....and I was desiring good SQ....) //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

 

[TheUnderFighter 10+ year member]

I don't have much to add here, but I thought I'd get this in. After extensive research, it's pretty unanimous that your iPod classic 160gb hdd is the best way to go to have your full music collection with digital usb signal quality. To use a portable HDD, you'd need a 2ndary power source, because the typical USB port on an HU doesn't provide enough current. ALSO, the indexing processor on any HU is not capable enough to make a large collection on a HDD feasible, this is mostly only good for small thumb drives. The iPod is the best way to go, cus it takes control of all the indexing, and the headunit is basically just a remote control.

Secondly, @Kangaroux has a Pathfinder and may be able to lend some install advice.

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

Negitive ghostrider, these are 2 seater cars and daily drivers, well a couple of them are not anyway but could be.

Guess you also missed the part where I said hundreds of hours to get right. I bet those SQ competition vehicles just tossed in a set of components like the OP is going to do and won. And since when does budget SQ equally competition winning SQ vehicle? Oh wait your argument holds no water. Your comparing apples to cinder blocks.