Starting from scratch for new daily driver

[Smaple]

So I am going to start on a new DD that also packs a nice, mainly SQ stereo punch and am stuck on the amp setup. The car will most likely be a Fiat 500 Abarth and will not have a ton of room for gear. Since it is Italian, I decided that I'll just go with Mosconi amps to keep a theme going. I picked up a Zero 3 yesterday and am torn between just getting two more of those and keeping it simple in look, or getting a Zero 1 for sub duty and a Class A for the highs, or a just a pair of Zero 3's for the front stage. It will only be a two way front stage to keep the install as stealth as possible.

Let's pretend that a few hundred bucks isn't an issue, what would you recommend? Any personal experience with these products?

Another option is to recycle some of the current gear, but that would leave me with a hodge podge of mix and match brands, which is not as visually appealing install wise.

TLDR;

Use all Mosconi amps for a uniform look or mix and match Helix and Mosconi and not gaf about it.

If I ever did decide to enter a competition, would this even be a factor?

Click to read more...

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

I know Stephen Mantz does some designs for Mosconi and last time I talked with him he had a few there. Not cheap but supposedly well built and I know he doesn't give away his cutting edge designs so you probably mostly get what you pay for there.

Really as you say your only issue is aesthetics, and I'm guessing money isn't an issue. At that budget ANYTHING you buy will perform great, be reliable, and hold resale value, Do not hesitate to go full range class D.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

You need to consider the electrical. I doubt the 500 has the alternator to power those amps.

It doesn't matter in competition. Install is judged on the install. Sound is judged on the sound.

Wiring is way more important then matching brands.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

Fiat is absolute garbage for quality now.

 

[Smaple]

You need to consider the electrical. I doubt the 500 has the alternator to power those amps.It doesn't matter in competition. Install is judged on the install. Sound is judged on the sound.

Wiring is way more important then matching brands.

That is something that is under consideration. No skimping on wiring with two runs of 0/1. I believe that it has a wimpy 140 amp alternator, or that one is available. I drive maybe ten miles a day on average and don't crank the stereo 98% of the time, so I don't really think I would have too many issues after a big three and battery upgrade. Correct me if I'm misguided on that please.

Fiat is absolute garbage for quality now.

And at the current price point for a lightly used one, they are about the same cost as a brake job on a 911 Turbo S. Would you care to elaborate on what your ownership experience is with Fiat?

I realize that I'm intending on polishing a turd and it will always be brown, but it's not about practicality, it's a fun to drive, easy to park car used to run up and get groceries whilst not worrying about door dings and whatnot.

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

And at the current price point for a lightly used one, they are about the same cost as a brake job on a 911 Turbo S. Would you care to elaborate on what your ownership experience is with Fiat?

I realize that I'm intending on polishing a turd and it will always be brown, but it's not about practicality, it's a fun to drive, easy to park car used to run up and get groceries whilst not worrying about door dings and whatnot.

I don't and won't own a Fiat 500 Abarth. There are other small cars with a reputation for a fun driving experience that don't have a terrible reputation, such as a Miata. I agree that you wouldn't worry much about door dings, but would you be concerned about the interior falling apart?

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I don't and won't own a Fiat 500 Abarth. There are other small cars with a reputation for a fun driving experience that don't have a terrible reputation, such as a Miata. I agree that you wouldn't worry much about door dings, but would you be concerned about the interior falling apart?

Or the fiat 124 aka Miata

 

[Smaple]

I don't and won't own a Fiat 500 Abarth. There are other small cars with a reputation for a fun driving experience that don't have a terrible reputation, such as a Miata. I agree that you wouldn't worry much about door dings, but would you be concerned about the interior falling apart?

Now that's a better response, thank you. Yes I am somewhat concerned about the interior falling apart and this is the first time I have heard that to be a problem. There are tons of them in the city I live and any time I speak with the owners, they have nothing but great things to say. It seems that I need to mull this over and do more research other than a test drive or two.