Potential set up, need some more opinions

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

I know you guys are getting sick of me, but Im getting closer to a decision on a set up as I learn more about this stuff //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

We checked out another shop and heres what they came up with after I listened to a few different set ups:

Eclipse Components for the front $350

Eclipse 4-channel Amp (bridge the rear 2 channels for the sub) $340

JL Audio 12" W3v2 $230

Sub enclosure - $50

4 AWG Amp kit - $100 (I told them I may want to add rear coaxes in the future and just add an amp for the sub)

RCA Cables $17

Alpine CDA-9856 $230

Installation: $150

Total: ~$1,550

Any ideas to try to get this down to the $1100 range?

Keep in mind Im not a total audiophile. I know I liked the sound of the Alpine Type-S 12" sub for 80$ less, but other than that Im not sure what to do. Thanks as usuall //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

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[johnecon2001 5,000+ posts]

don't get the eclipse components.. look into something from CDT or Alpine. Don't buy anthing from that shop, they're totally raping you on price.

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Pricing for what exactly? Looking online, the JL audio sub was MSRP as was the Alpine HU, altough I havnt checked Eclipse's site yet for the other prices.

For Alpine, there are the Type S and Type R. The Type R components (which I think I listened to in the shop) are $280, so $70 less which would help.

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

^^^ Have you heard the Eclipse components by chance? They are made by VIFA in Denmark and are a darn good set of components, a real real good set of components actually. Perhaps the shop is also showing him value on things that he is not mentioning, like how to install or throwing in install. To arbitrarily pronounce the shop as a **** shop is just wrong. Buying from a shop guarantees to the customer that all warranties are valid (provided they are a authorized dealer).

If I were in your shoes, I would go with the system as it stands (actually I would use an Eclipse head), but to hit your budget I would leave the sub out for now. You can always add the sub and a box at a later date instead of compromising the integrity of the rest of the system.

I would also shop the store that you got the quote from with another authorized dealer to see what kind of deal you are really getting.

 

[Chevyaudio 5,000+ posts]

Im currently running the Type R componets, They are decent

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Forbidden - I forget the model number, but I listened to a $350 set of Eclipse components at the store today.

That is exactly my thinking, as I am brand new to the audio world, I would like to be able to drive back to the shop if I have even a simple problem since I wouldnt know what I was doing, plus as you (and the shop was sure to mention) no warrantee if you buy online and have them install it. I like your idea of getting the install and then adding the sub later, I was just trying to think if I would lose money on having 2 different installs instead of one.. but I dont think so. There is another large audio shop where I started at, and I will definetly show them the quote and see if they can undercut it.

So I will listen to the Type Rs again and check out some other things that are cheaper and try to get a feel for the sound quality.

So would it be cheaper/smarter to get a 4 channel amp as planned and then add the sub to the 2 extra channels when I have the $$$, or go with a 2 channel amp for the components and then get a mono amp and sub later?

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

I would keep the 4 channel route for now. I would do this as it will allow you to contually upgrade your system without throwing something out or selling it at a loss. Add the sub of your choice at a later date. Use the amp to drive the front components and the sub at that time. Next up, buy a amp that will drive that sub properly and if you feel the need, to power a second identical sub down the road. Then yuo can use the 4 channel to drive front and rear speakers. Easy proper expansion of the system.

As a business owner, I know how to give value to my customers. As a installer of 20+ years now, I know the value in how to do things right. I also know when the BS flag is at the top of the pole. Again, the system youhave designed looks fine. It would be unprofessional of me to comment on what another business is selling their products to you for. That coupled with the fact that I am in Canada, well I don't know US dealer pricing.

Value in your investment is not all about the best price, it is about sound quality, performance, warranty, capabilities and the ability to go to someone and get the help you need when you need it. This is what a good shop can do. This forum and every one like it is full of kids looking for help, why are they turning here instead of going to a good shop? Because they chose easy street where the person selling them the items is not there to help them and they rely on someone perhaps like me to help them. I don't help everyone anymore as it really is doing the industry no good at the same time, but some people I do choose to help. It is all dependent on how they lay out their question originally.

Rob

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

Rob, I really appreciate the help and I have had the same thoughts as you about choosing a better/more professional/more reliable shop to buy from even if it may cost a little more (what we did with our car insurance company). Its just very confusing to start learning about car audio (I knew absolutely nothing a week ago, know I feel I atleast know the basics), but online help and shop help has made me more knowledgable. I guess all thats left is picking out a good pair of components. Thank you again for taking the time to help a kid!

 

[negativezeroz 5,000+ posts]

OTP: I want your car.

OnTP: Looks like a nice little setup going in. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

Old guys like myself that are still involved in car audio as a installer or business owner are super hard to find these days. Even more so in the US where stores pop up and disappear every day of the week. The more you learn, the more you can make a educated and informed buying decision instead of buying the "hot item" on a forum that every "kid" is raving about. As far as I go, I am on my last legs in car audio right now. I have a nice business here for the last 10 years but it is time for a change. I am a final applicant to Canada's national police force, the RCMP. So after 20 years of car audio, change might be a good thing for me. I'll still have my hand in car for many years to come, just not in the same ways that I do right now.

 

[Fosgate Forever 10+ year member]

for $350 you could probably pick yourself up some Type X comps

 

[Savstyle 10+ year member]

for $350 you could probably pick yourself up some Type X comps

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/word.gif.64b12e39f936af3b4fff38a1c0bd0244.gif

 

[SubaruFlamingo 10+ year member]

On Alpine's site they say new Type-Xs are over $400, so Im assuming you mean online or used, and I already said I'd like the 3 year warrantee you get when buying through the shop.

 

[Fosgate Forever 10+ year member]

no my local shop sell them for 350 with the warranty, that shop is raping you up the ***