Some SQL system questions

[keeph8n]

I've been looking to build a system for my truck that will not only function extremely well, but look just as good while doing it. When I was younger I enjoyed tons of bass and couldn't have cared less about a front stage. I've grown older and I now enjoy the finer things in audio, hence the reason for the SQL build. The truck itself is a 2011 Silverado Crew Cab.

HU: Pioneer Clarion NX702

Front Door: Focal Performance P165V33

Rear Door: None

Sound Stage Amp: Focal FPP 4100

Sub Setup: 1 JL 12W6v3 or 1 Focal P33 V2

Sub Amp: Zapco Z-1KD or Focal FPP 1000

Electrical: Factory 160amp Alt w/ 2 Group 65 Batteries

Every door will be deadened and sealed, along with the floor and headliner. I will run the speakers in the factory locations in the doors and tweeters in the factory locations as well. If I am unhappy with this I will change to a custom fiberglass door panel setup.

The sub will be enclosed in a sealed enclosure built into a custom center console to hold my Accuair controller, ipad, cup holders, and storage.

Does this sound like a good SQL setup on a somewhat decent budget? I don't mind paying more if I have to, but would like to keep it at $3500 or less for everything(HU, speakers/sub, amps, deadener etc etc).

Click to read more...

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

properly installed it can certainly sound good. i don't see much point in rear speakers in a truck. i much prefer using the funds to focus on the front more - maybe upgrade the front speakers to a 3-way comp set and bi-amp them with the 4 channel.

 

[logan963 10+ year member]

I would say go for a head unit that can run 3 way active, or a processor if you want to go in depth in tuning to your liking. Keep_hope_alive is correct, you should spring for a 3 way component set it will make a difference if done right

 

[keeph8n]

I know rear fill is usually a big no no in a crew cab truck or 4 door car, but I want to make sure my passengers can enjoy the same sound quality that I am, hence I figured the rear fill.

I do not have a problem going with an active 3 way setup up front, although I have absolutely no idea how to set that up vs a regular set of components.

If I would go with an active setup up front, what double din head unit would you recommend?

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Your rear seat passengers will have no trouble hearing the front speakers. While I think I understand the basis of "SQL", the system you proposed is not terribly bass heavy and it should sound very well balanced when you adjust the sub level. Systems get labeled as SQL when they employ a loud subwoofer setup and the speakers have been upgraded. That's really all it takes, according to forum think.

If you want a double DIN and to run the speakers active it makes the most sense to add an 8-channel processor. The only 3-way active double DIN head unit I'm aware of is the Clarion NX702. There may be other options, but the main thing is to have a bandpass crossover for the midrange speakers. It's not enough to just have adjustable high pass or low pass filters on each channel.

Doing the crossovers with a separate processor gives you a lot more control, and it really opens up your options for head units. The JBL MS-8 is one of the best selling processors, and it's one of few options for automatically tuning the equalizer and time delays. Audison is a good brand if you have local dealer support. Rockford Fosgate has the 360.3, Mosconi has the 4to6 and the 6to8, Arc has the PS8, and the list goes on. If you don't know how to tune I strongly recommend you make a decision based on what your local tuning expert is comfortable using.

 

[keeph8n]

I went ahead and updated my list. It made more sense for me to buy the headunit already with the features needed than to buy a head unit plus a processor. I haven't bought it yet, but the clarion looks to be the one I will go with.

I also changed out for the Focal Performance 3 way setup. These will go into a custom set of door panels that my interior guy will build.

I'm considering changing over to just running 1 amp. The JL XD1000/5v2 seems to have me covered. 100w x 4 @ 4ohm + 500w @ 2ohm

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

One thing to consider is if your 3-way speakers are all close together on the door panels you may be happy using the passive crossovers. Then you can either bridge the XD1000/5v2 for more power on the speakers or use rear speakers and run them at 100W x 4. You can't run a 3-way speaker set and a subwoofer off a 3-way active head unit unless two pairs of speakers are combined with passive crossovers. You might be ok wiring just the mids and tweeters on the Focal crossovers, but I don't know if they're designed to work well that way with no load on the woofer terminals.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

^that's a good point. I recommend having the crossover located back by the amp(s) which means running 3 pairs of speaker wire to each door. that way you have flexibility with wiring options for the component. ideally, you would have separate channels for the woofer and mid/tweet combo. midbass woofers usually demand more power for sufficient output to blend with the substage while mid/tweet are more efficient and need less power. crossovers can let you attenuate, but that's wasted power.

given the locations and aiming, the passives can be just fine to use for all 3. best is to experiment once everything is installed. build-in flexibility with wiring and connections, when possible.

a single multi-channel amp can work great and simplify the system and sometimes save money compared to two amps. if that allows you get a 3-way, go for it.

I agree that rear passengers will hear the front speakers just fine. besides, having one coax next to your hip or head isn't enjoyable for anyone.

 

[keeph8n]

Well I would have the woofer and mid range in the front doors and the tweeters up in the pillars(factory location).

So do I need to stick with 2 amps or can I run an active setup off of 1 amp along with my 1 sub?