Your Opinion

[okcomputer]

I just started work on my first real car audio project and I wanted some thoughts and ideas from other people. So far i've used sound deadening products from second skin audio throughout my vehicle [2004 toyota 4runner] and i'm about to start installing equipment soon, but i haven't made up my mind on what equipment.

I want a double DIN navigation head unit, but i've heard mixed reviews about the models from pioneer and alpine, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

My plan for speakers include two pairs of Focal 165k2p's amped by a Zapco C2K-4.0X 4 Ch 600 Watt Amplifier. I'm at a loss for subs and sub amplifier, but i was considering a 12" focal with another zapco. Any suggestions are welcome.

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[1991Brougham 10+ year member]

HU tech is in a big state of flux and as new things come along, more goes into the pile of features. You have two choices:

1-Go cheap with proven and lesser tech levels

2-Step up and break ground by going cutting edge

What's the way you like to do things? Do you have the 1080p 60" plasma with BluRay, a top-notch gaming computer, an iPhone as well as a grab bag of other tech toys? Then go with Option 2. If you aren't an Option 2 kind of guy already, then go with Option 1. You can always upgrade the HU as the years go by when a new tech becomes proven mainstream tech.

The same thing goes for modules. What is "moduled" today at extra cost will be included right in the HU tomorrow. I've seen this before when in the Sixties you had an outboard stereo processor for FM radios as a GM accessory. In a short time it was figured out how to include the multiplex processing right in the radio and all in-dash factory radios with FM had FM stereo. 8-track decks were originally outboard units through the early 70's and wound up being integrated into the radio. Heck, they even did it with CB's...LOL! History will repeat itself.

What you do pour your moolah into is the foundation of your system, the amps and speakers. No matter what mode you use as a source, you still have to hear it...LOL! Amps and speakers are old school tech and have been around for decades. You just decide how loud you want to listen to your sound and how much fidelity you want, then let that select the level you will be playing the game at. I'm happy at 60W RMS x4. Your mileage may vary!

Rick

 

[okcomputer]

Thanks for your thoughts, i think i'm going to take that into heavy consideration and go with a less advanced Head unit and focus on my amps and speakers. I'm not going for a home theater system in my car with gaming consoles and such, just the navigation because i always get lost. Any recommendations for some nice high end subs?

 

[1991Brougham 10+ year member]

Go to the subs forum and read up. You'll discover the different makes and what they emphasize (SQ-sound quality or SPL-sound pressure level). There's a lot of informed opinion and a great deal of personal experience to check out.

Rick