Total 21 year old noob, have $1200 for sound system, please help!

[go_go_thrash 10+ year member]

For primarily rock what about a pair of these: https://www.madisound.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=8999?

 

[subzero 5,000+ posts]

I would go with an oldschool pioneer deck like mine. DEH-P860mp...

Then I would run that I have.

SST6.9 for the rear speaks

RF60C comp set

Refference 4 chan amp

and two T5-10's in a sealed box on a TRX2000D

I listen to lots of rock. nothing like listening to slayer or chimera at 140dbs...

 

[i2ain2thunder 10+ year member]

The Decware WO32 - High Performance HORN Subwoofer with 2x10 sq subs=extreme accurate bass speed.

 

[The_Grimy_One 10+ year member]

If I am not mistaken, the only deck in the world that plays AAC Lossless is the Pioneer DEX99, which will basically take your entire budget. You will either have to convert them to AAC, or just run it off AUX, which is gonna sound the same, if not worse... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

As for the system, there is TOO MANY options to choose from. May want to go around and listen to a few set ups at local shops, (dont let them talk you into buying from them, though). I like the 2 10" DCON set up, I was gonna do the same a while back. I would go with a pre-made component set, since you are a newbie to all this, therefore you won't have to piece anything together. You can get a good quality component set for $200. As for amps, I always like to match mine if possible. You just need a good 2 channel, between 100-150 watts RMS per channel, and the DCONS will work on a mono block with 700 watts or so RMS. A deck is a whole diff animal... I personally used to like Pioneer, but their single dins **** now. Their double dins are descent. Single din honors go to Alpine, Eclipse, maybe Kenwood. I would go on eBay and buy an Alpine. I would get a box built for your subs, once you pick them out, many people on here will do it, you may be able to find someone in your area, or I know a guy that will make it and ship it to you for quite cheap.

Components - $200

2 channel amp - $150 or so

mono amp - $200 at most

Deck - $200

Subs - $200

Box - $100

Deck Kit w/harness- $30

2-amp Amp Kit - $40

TOTAL - $1120 (Of course you can get much better deals on a lot of this stuff, especially if you go used. Just wanted to give a break down of my answer, and most of those prices are what you would pay at most)

Hope that helps some.

 

[FtheNutHuggers]

look through all of the different manufacturers' mechless offerings for a head unit. you don't need that useless spinning crap in the middle of the head unit. maybe think about one that does not have any moving faceplate etc. all of those will work with an iPod, to the aftermarket manufacturers it's basically the only MP3 player on the face of the planet.

i'm a fan of both Hybrid Audio's Imagine series 6.5's mounted coaxially or the Hertz HCX165. i've installed and heard both many times in smaller sedans and coupes and i must admit that on headunit power and on amplifier power, the Hybrid's have taken the cake every time. that is a personal taste based on numerous comparisons between the two in sound deadened and gasketed doors/baffles as well as factory doors with gasketed and coupled door panel/grille extrusions. after a few weeks of playing both, the Hybrids just seem to stand out completely. but again, that's just personal taste. although, in my spare time (late at night) my taste is refined by listening to a pair of 4' tall rear loading horns using Fostex FE166eN drivers.

as far as an amplifier goes, on your budget, i'd recommend a refurbished JL XD500/3, it makes 60x2 for the mids and 300x1 for the sub at regular/medium battery voltage. it's a small amp that does exactly what you are asking for.

as for the subwoofer, i'd recommend more than anything above that you use pwkdesigns.com to assist you with the enclosure design, specifically for your vehicle, required response at the headrest, amplifier power and the sub i'd recommend: the Sundown Audio SA12. its parameters make for a very easily manipulated sub that can do basically anything you want it to. with 300w on it in a very highly-efficient enclosure and you'll have the super tight and accurate double kicks of your favorite 70's metal/rock bands along with the robust bass present in modern country music. Smooth Criminal will sound quite impressive through both the front speakers and the subwoofer.

good luck with your search.

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

Sadly I can't buy from Ebay, because manufacturer warrantys will not be honored if purchased from there. I am writing down everything you listed though to see if they are being sold on a different site.
I think the ida is best because it is made for ipod. The special thing about the Alpine is that it bypasses the iPod's DAC, so AlPine uses its internal DAC to improve the sound quality. The Kenwood cannot do this. I will be stuck having to use the iPod's internal DAC which isn't as good.

This whole setup is complicated. I have a 98 Civic EX. Would any head unit fit in my dash, or will I have to do something complicated??? Also will those subs fit where my sub is?

actually they will be, cadence is amazing with warranties and audiosavings is an authorized dealer

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

Audio Savings | CADENCE F700-1 1600 WATT CLASS AB MONO-BLOCK AMPLIFIER

Audio Savings | CADENCE F600-4 1400 WATT 4-CHANNEL CAR AMPLIFIER NEW

 

[hoosierxhoosier 10+ year member]

Do I have to buy a brand new battery and alternator too?

 

[go_go_thrash 10+ year member]

Do I have to buy a brand new battery and alternator too?

Depends on how much amperage you are going to be pulling, and the size of your stock alternator.

 

[hoosierxhoosier 10+ year member]

Well, if I have to, am I have a powerful setup, will this also effect gas mileage?

 

[nauc 10+ year member]

this...

WoofersEtc.com - CDA-117 - Alpine In-Dash CD-R/-RW/MP3/AAC/WMA/AM/FM Receiver with USB Connection

http://www.woofersetc.com/p-6201-ctx65cs-image-dynamics-65-component-speaker-system.aspx

bridge this.... WoofersEtc.com - MRP-F300 - Alpine V-Power Series 4-channel 300 Watt Amplifier

wire it in parallel to get a 2 ohm load... WoofersEtc.com - IDQ12V3.D4 - Image Dynamics 12" IDQ Version 3 Dual 4 Ohm Subwoofer

WoofersEtc.com - MRP-M500 - Alpine Mono 500W subwoofer amplifier

 

[mclerico83 5,000+ posts]

Well, if I have to, am I have a powerful setup, will this also effect gas mileage?

no, and i wouldnt open that can of worms if i was you, alternator going to cost 300 to 400 then 100 to 200 for a battery etc. keep it 1000 watts and under you will be fine3 and plenty loud

 

[T.I.K. 10+ year member]

If I was you, I'd take those rear speakers out, and stick a couple aero port flares in there. Then stick an IA Flatlyne in a sealed box, stick it on an AQ750. As far as front speakers, I couldn't tell you, I'm more into being loud.

 

[T.I.K. 10+ year member]

If I was you, I'd take those rear speakers out, and stick a couple aero port flares in there. Then stick an IA Flatlyne in a sealed box, stick it on an AQ750. As far as front speakers, I couldn't tell you, I'm more into being loud.

 

[Wingman0121 10+ year member]

My buddy spent $1200 on a JVC touchscreen headunit, two pairs of MB Quart speakers, expensive dash kit, steering wheel control interface, a 12" Kicker L7 in a box, a Cadence 500 watt amp, a K&N cold air intake kit and halo headlights.