Please recommend a system for my car

[foomanji]

Hi all,

I have a budget of up to $1500 to put a nice sound system in my 1993 Corolla. I want excellent sound quality and also I don't want to ever have to turn the volume down because my speakers can't handle it; but I have no desire to blow my ear drums out or to be in any of those "who can produce the most dBs" competitions (nothing against it -- just not my goal). As far as power goes, I can buy a 200A alternator to replace my 70A stock alternator if that's recommended.

I'm an engineer, I have a decent understanding of electronics, and I've been reading up on car audio for a few weeks, so I already understand the essentials:

1. Head unit: Get a head unit with 3 pairs of 4V line-level (front, rear, subs)

2. High and mid range: Get component speakers with tweeters and mid-range/woofers in the 5.25"-6.5" range. Power the speakers with a 4-channel amp.

3. Low range: Get a 10", 12", or 15" subwoofer, build the appropriate enclosure for it (pelase recommend sealed v. ported with your subwoofer recommendation), and power it with a mono amp. (Or power the entire system with a 5-channel amp.)

4. Powering the system. Please recommend a high-quality power distributor and capacitor for a 200A alternator. (I've also heard of using a motorcycle battery instead of a capacitor.)

I already have a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X589, which has the 3 pairs of 4V line-level outputs, so I am happy with the head unit for now. What I am looking for here are specific make/model recommendations for the high and mid range component pairs, make/model recommendations for the single sub (is there any reason to get two?), and make/model recommendations for the amp(s) -- either a 4-channel w/a mono or a 5-channel.

By the way, I'm willing to cut away the existing speaker slots and fabricate as appropriate for the front door panels (stock is 4") and the rear deck (stock is 5.25") to make room for the ideal mid/woofer sizes, presumably 6.5".

Thanks very much!

-Steve

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[foomanji]

ttt

 

[Rattlebrain 10+ year member]

Welcome to the Forum.

Sub- 12" Soundsplinter. ported and tuned around 32-35

Amps- check into the memphis Belle http://www.memphiscaraudio.com

As for as the other speakers, I'll let someone else recomend.

Good Luck

*edit* Loose the cap and do the "big three" you can do a search here on that one.

 

[Ne1 10+ year member]

Honestly? Go to a few stereo stores in your area, ask what they can fit in your car, listen to some of there products. Granted, there stands a good chance many of them will try to sell you "their" products, but at least then you can get an idea of what *CAN* be done to your vehicle, and roughly what type of costs may be incurred (stock replacement speakers are easy enough for the beggining dyi'r, stuffing in something bigger might be better left to the pro's). Plus you can get an idea af the type of sound you want, and the differences in power levels. 1500's a good budget, and I definetly think you can get a sweet system for that. Shop around, listen, and ask questions, then come back here and ask more questions! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/naughty.gif.94359f346c0f1259df8038d60b41863e.gif

 

[foomanji]

ttt

 

[OlogyAudio 10+ year member]

Hi all,
I have a budget of up to $1500 to put a nice sound system in my 1993 Corolla. I want excellent sound quality and also I don't want to ever have to turn the volume down because my speakers can't handle it; but I have no desire to blow my ear drums out or to be in any of those "who can produce the most dBs" competitions (nothing against it -- just not my goal). As far as power goes, I can buy a 200A alternator to replace my 70A stock alternator if that's recommended.

I'm an engineer, I have a decent understanding of electronics, and I've been reading up on car audio for a few weeks, so I already understand the essentials:

1. Head unit: Get a head unit with 3 pairs of 4V line-level (front, rear, subs)

2. High and mid range: Get component speakers with tweeters and mid-range/woofers in the 5.25"-6.5" range. Power the speakers with a 4-channel amp.

3. Low range: Get a 10", 12", or 15" subwoofer, build the appropriate enclosure for it (pelase recommend sealed v. ported with your subwoofer recommendation), and power it with a mono amp. (Or power the entire system with a 5-channel amp.)

4. Powering the system. Please recommend a high-quality power distributor and capacitor for a 200A alternator. (I've also heard of using a motorcycle battery instead of a capacitor.)

I already have a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X589, which has the 3 pairs of 4V line-level outputs, so I am happy with the head unit for now. What I am looking for here are specific make/model recommendations for the high and mid range component pairs, make/model recommendations for the single sub (is there any reason to get two?), and make/model recommendations for the amp(s) -- either a 4-channel w/a mono or a 5-channel.

By the way, I'm willing to cut away the existing speaker slots and fabricate as appropriate for the front door panels (stock is 4") and the rear deck (stock is 5.25") to make room for the ideal mid/woofer sizes, presumably 6.5".

Thanks very much!

-Steve

Do you have AIM? If ya do just send me an IM -- OlogyAudio and I'll help walk ya through what is likely best for ya- - thn ya can come back to the forums and ask everyone else what they think of the setup for your needs //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[r1dermon 10+ year member]

5 1/4 coax out back, or comps, but its only for rear fill...i'd get as best a set of comps up front as you can afford with your budget. boston acoustics has awesome quality comps out there, infinity kappa perfects are nice, shop around and see what you like best...focal definately has some of the better comps out there too...for SQ with the sub, i'd go with a sealed enclosure, and a single 12, since you dont want to bump too hard. i'd go with two amps, 1 4 channel, or even just a 2 channel for your fronts, your rears can run off the deck, you wont hear em anyway, again, they're just rear fill, for the unfortunate souls who have to ride in the back seat. go with a mono amp for your sub and you'll be set. a cap will help with dimming lights, but if you get a HO alternator, and a yellowtop battery and wire everything with 4gauge, you'll never see dimming lights anyway. also, im guessing you're planning on installing this all yourself? because that would take a huge chunk of your budget if not. just remember the saying, keep it simple stupid, and you'll be all set, and have a nice system to boot.