Noob in need of advice

[OGGleep]

Hey all.

I just picked up a 2003 Expedition, and am looking to get rid of my current system and purchase a new one. Last time I went in knowing nothing and got a system. This time I want to do a little bit more homework. Problem is I don't know a thing about car audio....my last system was my first.

Current system:

Kenwood MP3 Deck - Don't know exactly which one. Flip, plays MP3's, cost roughly $300-$400.

Pheonix Gold Tantrum 400:4 Amp - Runs the 4 mids. When I first bought the car, I bought a minimal system. I was really unhappy with it, so went back and exchanged everything but this. I kept this to run the mids.

Kicker KX 1200.1 - Dealer picked this out

2 15' Square Solo-Baric - These are in a custom box, the box ran around $500.

Mids/Tweets - Been 3 years, I don't remember what these are. They weren't cheap.

The whole system if I remember right cost around $4000-$4500 with Labor around 3 years ago.

I don't know what happened, I just didn't like the sound after a while. I wanted a more clean sound. I became really unhappy with the situation.

Anyhow, I have an opportunity to upgrade.

Right now I have a budget of around $3,000. That is the range my wife would be happy with. My real limit is probably going to be closer to $4,000.

The most important thing for me, is the system and the bass sounds clean. The second is that it hits hard. I listen to Rap, but my wife listens to all kinds of things, so its important that it sounds good no matter what plays.

I could really use some input here, help designing a system to meet my needs. I don't have any experience with any of the different product lines, so I have nothing to draw upon to compare the different brands.

I was thinking of selling my system with the truck, and totally starting over. I have to get rid of my subs. I have a 3rd row seat, and taking that out every time I want to use it was too much. The box is way too big to move easily. That is the only condition, that the subs be 12" or less. Any help would be much appriciated.

PS - I kept getting a wierd error everytime I tried to submit. After refershing it a few times it didn't look like it posted. If there are duplicates, I apologize.

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[bri487 5,000+ posts]

alpine 9851 head unit 250

boston SL80 component plates X 2 200 x 2 = 400

zapco SP4 EQ (if you want to run one) 300

zapco ref 350.2 380

zapco ref 1100.1 770

treo tsx 12" x 2 215 x 2 = 430

subtotal = $2530.00

also, look into an alarm. i have had two prestige aps 996's and i love them. great alarm

let me know if you really want to step it up to that $4k...

big fan of treo, started using their stuff recently and i love it. and i have used just about all the mainstream brands.

that wont stress your electrical system too much. i wouldnt push your stock system that much farther though.

 

[stones 10+ year member]

Keep the amps, thats good old school stuff and will sound just as good as the new stuff.

An upgrade to the HU and speakers should make a nice difference though.

 

[bimma85 5,000+ posts]

Is it 3k plus some of what you have now, or is that stuff sold/being sold? Also are you installing or paying to have it installed? Will you buy online or only at retail stores? How much spaces do you have behind the back seat?

 

[Raven 10+ year member]

First things first, play around with your current system. Adjust gains, reset your HU so it doesn't increase bass or treble or have any "loud" features enabled, play with crossover points, all that jazz. You would be amazed at the night and day differences you can make just by tinkering with your install. It has taken me too long and too much money to realize that new equipment won't solve my problems, only put my existing problems on new equipment.

As for changing subs, check out the Adire Brahma, Incriminator Audio Death Penalty, RE XXX, etc. All the uber-woofers designed for around 1200 watts. I don't sugguest two 12s, but a single 12 or 15 in a large sealed enclosure. You'll save space and the SQ gained will help you ignore the SPL you'd lose. Let's face it, you will have your work ahead of you getter louder, if you wanted to.

 

[OGGleep]

Sorry I haven't been back since I posted. Had a major system crash and just got the time to get it back up.

I was planning on selling the old system with the car, and adding that to the $3,000. My wife gave me the $3,000 cap as her "Happy point". I could go out right now tho and spend $4,000 tops. With the sale of the old equipment I'll probably have a max budget of $4,500. I would be going into a shop, and paying for install, which means I'll probably be paying the highest possible.

I was kicking around the idea of keeping the amps, but that leads me to another question. The major dealer in my area Car toys, and their high end amps/subs are JL Audio. I asked the guy at the store, what I should do and he said replace the whole system. Now, he gets paid based on what he sells, so I didn't trust that which is why I went out in search of answers.

Would there be a huge difference in sound quality switching my amps out for JL audio amps? I am having a hard time fitting JL audio amps into the budget. My priority is a clean sounding system, so if it means replacing the amps I would try to figure it out. At the same time I want the system to hit.

What is the biggest factor for clean sounding bass? The HU, subs or amps? If SQ wouldn't be effected, I could keep the amps, and go to town on the subs, HU, and mids. I won't get as much for the system but thats ok.

Raven:

It never even occured to me to get 1 sub. I was leaning towards 2 10's because I have to be able to take it out when I need the 3rd row seat. Right now its a real pain to get the 2 15's out of the truck. Lets say for the sake of this disucssion that I keep the Kicker 1200.1 amp. Would 2 10's or 1 12 sound better?

I really appriciate the input, I know about as much as my wife does about this subject, and my wife knows jack sizzle about car audio. Again apologies for not getting back sooner. The CD player in the truck was broken and they removed the unit for repairs. So I'm riding around with 0 sounds and its killing me. Hopefully I can figure this out and start the ball rolling this week.

O and for reference, this is probably the shop I will be going to http://www.cartoys.com/. They are pricey but they are really proffesional and I want to do it right this time. I went to a less expensive shop last time and have had a lot of problems with them.

 

[theCybe 5,000+ posts]

Step one, take your time. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

Every one of us has thrown money after money looking for a good setup;

I've gotta agree with Stones on this one, and say start tinkering;

Read @ bcae1.com;

Also, there's no need to have a shop install your stuff - You've already got power leads run for your amps, and RCAs from the headunit; You can install it yourself - believe that.

Start reading; Your wife will be especially happy if you spend $400. Which is more realistic - I don't think your system needs a complete overhaul. Which part sounds bad? The bass? The mid-ranges? We'll hookya up.

 

[Starky 10+ year member]

CDT 07's

USAMPS MD 23

- Kick Panels

RE XXX Mids in Doors

15" Adire Brahma (or 2 15" AA Ava)

 

[stones 10+ year member]

"Would there be a huge difference in sound quality switching my amps out for JL audio amps?"

LOL!-No.

"What is the biggest factor for clean sounding bass?"

The subwoofer enclosure is the biggest factor, taking the time to get the best possible enclosure designed for your subs and musical tastes is pricless.

I would replace the old Kenwood HU with a new Kenwood Excelon HU and then get a new ported box tuned at a better frequency built for the old subs then retweak the EQ settings. It will sound like a brand new system and best of all you save big $$$.

There is alot of people who can design a new box for your old subs that will make them really come to life and match your musical preferences.