Lookin into making a New System

Hey everyone. Havent been on in a long ass time. Well anyway, I want to build a new system. I currently have Pioneer 3-Way 4x6 in the front, Pioneer 3-Way 6x9 in the back, a Kicker SoloBaric S12L7 Sub and an Audiobahn "1600 Watt 2-Channel Amp". Now i know there are thousands of different combos out there but i was just curious in what your ideas of a "perfect system" would be. OH btw Money is not an issue.

it all depends on 2 factors, if you want SQL or SPL

HERE'S AN IDEA/DIRECTION FOR YOU, THIS IS THE SYSTEM I'M GETTING BUILT INTO MY '99ACCORD....
INITIALLY THEY QUOTED ME @ AROUND $16K, BUT RIGHT NOW WE'RE ON PACE TO HIT THE $20G MARK.....
BUT THAT'S MOSTLY CUZ DESIGN CHANGES TO THE PAINT, INTERIOR, EXTERIOR + SOME PERFORMANCE UPGRADES

ANYWAY HERE'S A QUICK RUNDOWN OF MY AUDIO
EIGHT SETS OF JL AUDIO XR653 3 WAY COMPONETS (2 SETS IN ALL 4 DOORS)

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/3548.jpg

POWERED BY 2 JL AUDIO 300/2 AMPS

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/7036.jpg

TWO JL AUDIO 8W7's IN THE REAR DECK

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/7739.jpg

POWERED BY TWO JL AUDIO 500/1 AMPS

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/6977.jpg



TWO 13W7's IN A BOX THAT'S SEE-THRU FROM THE TRUNK AND INTERIOR

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/5853.jpg

POWERED BY TWO 1000/1 AMPS


http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/3126.jpg

IM WAITING FOR THE LAST MINUTE TO SWAP OUT MY OLD FAITHFUL HU (PIONEER DEH7600) FOR THIS ONE.....

AVIC-Z1
In-Dash HDD Navigation and Multimedia AV Receiver with DVD

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/295632461AVIC-Z1%20regular.jpg



I'VE BEEN GETTING IT DONE IN STAGES, RIGHT NOW IT'S GETTING A BODYKIT, PAINT, AND SOME OF THE INTERIOR WORK DONE, (SEATS AND DASH)
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT IT IS AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION....

i'm sorry but there is NO NEED to have that many speakers in a car

i'm sorry but there is NO NEED to have that many speakers in a car

Hey, they wanted an idea, so I gave 'em one....
But anyway, Are you serious, or is it sarcastic humor...
Is this a problem that I really need to fix.

You know I can justify one of the eight monitors I'm having installed. because I usually drive alone,
the Nav-system will earn it's keep by helping me to find my way on the road going to all of those shows I'm planning to attend.

Maybe we should talk to Bentley about how much birdseye maple a car really need,
or any sports car maker about how much horsepower a car really needs....
or maybe you and I should talk to the highway patrol about how much top speed a car really needs.

HaHaHa - http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

I compete in car stereo events, trust me - if you show up with 8 sets of speakers, you will get blown away BADLY

I've never competed in any kind of events yet, (SQ, SPL, or Show), but with the ideas we're putting together, and the kind of cash I'm throwing at this project,
I'm sure to get the kind of attention I'm looking for, (major crews, media and maybe even some corporate).
I sized up a lot of competition before I got started and decided to get involved when I realized 90% of the independent entries are just fans with a starter kit.
While the other 10% are the same usual suspects that always win some category in every show they enter.
My intentions are clear, It's obvious who I'm shootin for, so I'm not above feeling any advice along the lines of landing major looks from the big dogs.
If you know what's really good, holla back.

With your "system" you just might as well sign your car over to JL. What is the need of 2 component sets for each door? Well, unless you have a tiny wee problem and you like to make up for it by saying "I have 8 JL component sets in my car and I spent over 20,000 on it. And it's an Accord." I don't know alot about car audio but I do know tuning. Hopefully you did some kind of motor swap. Or did they design you a "one off" CAI (cold air intake) that probably is an AEM piece sanded and painted to match your car. If there is one thing I can't stand it's people who pay for other people to work on their car. It's horrible. Yeah you'll get magazine featurettes and everything but when they ask you how much time you spent on your car will you be able to say too many long nights alone in the garage or will you say my crew did it for me...

AVIC-Z1
In-Dash HDD Navigation and Multimedia AV Receiver with DVD

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/295632461AVIC-Z1%20regular.jpg


That looks pretty sweet. Who makes the navigation software for the GPS? it looks different from anything i've seen. I've heard that tele atlas usually makes the best maps for those things.

I'm kinda sorta tryin not to go tick-for-tack with the sidetalkers, (they're in every forum).

Chevy4Life asked a question, and I answered.

This is one of the forums I used to post to, but Uncle Sam.....
In the past four years I've done two tours in the middle east, I've been to about 8 different tech schools
and a six month training cycle (read: 16+ hour days at work).

My family are the ones that really suffered by my abscense. I don't know the next time I'll leave or when/if I'll come back.

The last thing I'm going to do now that I'm finally home is spend countless hours in the garage.
I can be with my family at Disneyland, or the beach, or in front of the TV watching nickelodeon with the kids.

Don't get me wrong customizing is one of my greatest passions, but I'm more passionate about my family.

So if you're more passoniate about your family why not spend 20,000 on a vacation with them. A person asked a question and you gave he/she what any representative at JL would have gave he/she. If he/she is asking a question he/she was wanting to get into audio and by telling he/she that what you have is costing this much won't that discourage them? Would you have honestly gotten into customizing if you would have known all of the costs. Probably not. Give realistic suggestions that's all.

Everyone also seemed to miss the other part of chevy4life's post that asks what everyone's idea of the "perfect" system would be with money not being an issue. For navy_ic that is his idea of a perfect system would be, as for me I'm an spl guy and my perfect system would be as follows... big 3 upgrade, high output alt, optima redtop battery to replace original under hood, 6 kicker solo x 18" subs with dual 1 ohm voice coils, 12 Hifonics xx goliath amps (1 for each voice coil), 12 additional optima redtop batteries (1 for each amp) isolated from vehicle wiring, custom enclosure for subs, all windows shaved except for front 2 doors and windshield (which will be replaced with plexiglass).

I cant beleive hes putting almost 20k into his stereo. I guess my idea of a good system is a set of 3 way components up front and maybe a 10" sub. Nothing fancy:) But I would love to make some nice fiberglass for it, if I ever get my technique improved.

Sup guys. I was talking to a buddy of mine and he really likes Pioneers Premier Lineup. From Speakers (Not Components. Apparently Pioneer Premier has no component sets) to Subs to Amps to CD Players. Now the question is this...Is it really worth buying speakers opposed to buying component sets?
I also like the look of the Phoenix Gold Titanium Lineup. Is Phoenix Gold any good? Any help would be appreciated.

If you want good sound, components are the way to go. I am a bit biased towards CDT audio. You cant go wrong with a set of their components. I have the Classic 6.5's and they easily out perform any store-bought brand. I think there is an FAQ that lists some 'Highly Recommended' brands. You can't really go wrong with any of them.

I am using the CDT HD-52's in the kicks and a 8W3 sub in each door. I just put a set of image tweets in the dash. It sounds really good, just needs some more tuning. The rest of the sytem is an EQ, a CD player and a 4 channel amp w/xover. A VERY simple system.

We used to have a (derogoratory) term for guys like NAVY IC .... we called them blank check competitors. Sadly enough, they would win (buy) an IASCA comp solely based on the install - but the DIY'ers would most often beat them handily in the SQ portion. Even the judges had to laugh at them behind their backs. This is why I compete in MECA - only my SQ is judged - so if you beat me, I will congratulate on a great sounding car,

I was looking at CDT. To much money. I mean money isnt the problem but i just cant justify spening that much money on my audio. Im spending about 3G's if not more. I decided on a Diamond Audio Sub (TDX12D4) its a 3000 Watt sub with 1500 Watt RMS (so it claims. Which is more than enough for me anyways.) I wanted to get a Diamond Audio 1200.1 Amp. I was also thinking of Phoenix Gold Ti5Elite Componets in the Front and OZ Audio Components in the Rear with a JL Audio 300-4 Amp. And i already ordered a Pioneer AVIC-D2 Head Unit (If you guys think i should get something else for a head unit PLEASE say so. I can always bring it back) What do u guys think? Any tips/hints/advice would be greatly appreciated.

CDT is pretty much a bargain for what you get. It seems youre more into SPL though with all the wattage youre throwing at the substage. Good luck.

the thing that sticks out to me most is the PG components.. dont get me wrong theyre not that bad.. but i think when youre lookign into spending a few grand, you will be better off spending a good amount on your front speakers. cdt isnt bad, you would be surprised how cheap some of their stuff can be found for if you know where to look too

but more importantly, check out morel, focal, rainbow, and even others liek boston, jl, some mb quart, diamond, adire, ascendant, re the list goes on.

im too lazy to look up the head unit since i dont know pioneers by model number really..

all this stuff really depends on how much you care abotu sound quality though. if its a BIG concern, your list may need to change actually quite a bit from where its at now.

I was looking at CDT. To much money. I mean money isn't the problem but i just cant justify spening that much money on my audio. I'm spending about 3G's if not more. I decided on a Diamond Audio Sub (TDX12D4) its a 3000 Watt sub with 1500 Watt RMS (so it claims. Which is more than enough for me anyways.) I wanted to get a Diamond Audio 1200.1 Amp. I was also thinking of Phoenix Gold Ti5Elite Componets in the Front and OZ Audio Components in the Rear with a JL Audio 300-4 Amp. And i already ordered a Pioneer AVIC-D2 Head Unit (If you guys think i should get something else for a head unit PLEASE say so. I can always bring it back) What do u guys think? Any tips/hints/advice would be greatly appreciated.


One of the reasons I'm waiting for the last minute to swap out my HU for the AVIC is because the ChEng back on the yacht got one. I was tweaking his system for him and realized, audio wise, my 7800 has more features.
The Nav side is all that especially with the real time XM nav-traffic, I work on the second largest base in the world, so you can imagine what rush hour is like. But it's still going to be a long kiss goodnight for my old faithful.





Hey JUNKTITLEGOLF,
Next year I'm taking my family of five to meet their grandparents.
With plane tickets at 5G's each, I can only hope that "vacation" will come in under $20K.
The rewards of working and saving longer than most of you been born

I was looking at CDT. The cheapest I found any of their componet sets for was $289.00 http://www.cdtaudio.com/classic2000MidDriv.htm . Anyways is I know that isnt their best one but is it better than the Phoenix Gold Ti5Elite? If it is I will buy the CDT because they are close in Price ($249 vs $289) Also should I use CDT for all my components, both Front and Rear? As for the Sub is their something else you guys would recommend over the Diamond? I like alot of bass (Obviously, you dont get a 3000 Watt Sub if you dont like bass LOL) Again any advice is appreciated. I know this might get annoying but im new to the whole high end part of Audio ( Meaning Component Sets and High End subs and amps ETC, ETC.) Thanks for your patience.

NAVY IC... I'm glad you enjoy car audio enough to spend 20 g's on it. That's flippin awesome. I'm not happy to hear that you're planning on using that car to beat other people who can't AFFORD to compete with you. If you like it so much, why don't you just get a magazine article to blow up the installers' spots, and then leave the real competitors alone?

There is always some way to justify a win, but where is the integrity? Maybe you could consider just being a team manager/ representative and actually place all the credit on the installers... I don't know what you plan on doing, and you don't even need to explain yourself to us, but consider that if you haven't already.

it's funny how one thing leads to another on these forums

NAVY IC... I'm glad you enjoy car audio enough to spend 20 g's on it. That's flippin awesome.
I'm not happy to hear that you're planning on using that car to beat other people who can't AFFORD to compete with you.
CAN'T AFFORD IT....I live in San Diego, where the average price of a small two bedroom home is a half mil.
I plan on being competitive with the guys that's winning everything in SoCal.

If you like it so much, why don't you just get a magazine article to blow up the installers' spots, and then leave the real competitors alone?
No matter what level you compete, there's competition at every level...

There is always some way to justify a win, but where is the integrity?
To win any category, I'll need to beat the top dogs, (current winners). There'll be no need to justify wins that I earn.


Maybe you could consider just being a team manager/ representative and actually place all the credit on the installers...
I don't know what you plan on doing, and you don't even need to explain yourself to us, but consider that if you haven't already.

I don't know what your talking about, (team manager/representative).
Do I need to start a new thread to find out, or is asking right here good enuff.
It sounds interesting, can anybody tell more more about it...

Why are you guys arguing? Let him do what he wants. For 2 reasons.
1. He can do whatever he feels. If he feels on using 20G's to build his system then let him. Hes worked hard for his money.
2. If wants to win competion's well then hell need to use that much money. And obviously PROFESSIONAL Installers would be able to do a better job than he might be able to do.
My point being leave the guy alone. I know im not a mod and will probably get reamed for this but i really dont care.

I know these guys are just kids, and I shouldn't be arguing with 'em, but I love to argue, and they keep feeding me.

NAVY IC im not going to agree or disagree with you because i wish i could drop a shit load of money on a project. While i wouldnt agree with JL everyone has there own thing. People looked at me like i was crazy when i started working on my blazer, i totaled everything up after the engine work, stereo, body work, iinterior and wheels and suspension i was looking at about 15k. So i forgot about it after i blew the rear now im working on a 90 accord with 2.3 turbo setup. But everyone has there own thing.

HERE'S AN IDEA/DIRECTION FOR YOU, THIS IS THE SYSTEM I'M GETTING BUILT INTO MY '99ACCORD....
INITIALLY THEY QUOTED ME @ AROUND $16K, BUT RIGHT NOW WE'RE ON PACE TO HIT THE $20G MARK.....
BUT THAT'S MOSTLY CUZ DESIGN CHANGES TO THE PAINT, INTERIOR, EXTERIOR + SOME PERFORMANCE UPGRADES

ANYWAY HERE'S A QUICK RUNDOWN OF MY AUDIO
EIGHT SETS OF JL AUDIO XR653 3 WAY COMPONETS (2 SETS IN ALL 4 DOORS)

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/3548.jpg

POWERED BY 2 JL AUDIO 300/2 AMPS

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/7036.jpg

TWO JL AUDIO 8W7's IN THE REAR DECK

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/7739.jpg

POWERED BY TWO JL AUDIO 500/1 AMPS

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/6977.jpg



TWO 13W7's IN A BOX THAT'S SEE-THRU FROM THE TRUNK AND INTERIOR

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/5853.jpg

POWERED BY TWO 1000/1 AMPS


http://mobile.jlaudio.com/images/3126.jpg

IM WAITING FOR THE LAST MINUTE TO SWAP OUT MY OLD FAITHFUL HU (PIONEER DEH7600) FOR THIS ONE.....

AVIC-Z1
In-Dash HDD Navigation and Multimedia AV Receiver with DVD

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pio/pe/images/portal/cit_3442/295632461AVIC-Z1%20regular.jpg



I'VE BEEN GETTING IT DONE IN STAGES, RIGHT NOW IT'S GETTING A BODYKIT, PAINT, AND SOME OF THE INTERIOR WORK DONE, (SEATS AND DASH)
IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT IT IS AN ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION....


You, sir, are a fucking idiot.

1.) TURN THE GOD DERN CAPS OFF!

2.) JL audio amps are inefficent, so with all that power you would need one hell of an electrical system.

3.) The w7 series has been outcalsses on somany different levels by so many different speakers in today's audio world. Get over JL audio as the top dog.

4.) SQ would be horrible. 1 you put w7 8's on the rear deck then w7 13's in the trunk? not a good idea. Plus that is way too much bass for thoes componets.

Each individual's perfect system is 100% on what they want and what car they are driving. On top of that there is no such thing as a pefect system. Trust me, ask any SQ or SPL compeditor or true audiophile.

I wasnt saying like perfect system as in perfect system. I was saying perfect system as in what is your idea of a perfect system.

You, sir, are a fucking idiot.

1.) TURN THE GOD DERN CAPS OFF!

2.) JL audio amps are inefficent, so with all that power you would need one hell of an electrical system.

3.) The w7 series has been outcalsses on somany different levels by so many different speakers in today's audio world. Get over JL audio as the top dog.

4.) SQ would be horrible. 1 you put w7 8's on the rear deck then w7 13's in the trunk? not a good idea. Plus that is way too much bass for thoes componets.

Each individual's perfect system is 100% on what they want and what car they are driving. On top of that there is no such thing as a pefect system. Trust me, ask any SQ or SPL compeditor or true audiophile.

see what I mean, they keep feeding me, (you sir are a f?cking idiot).
I gotta go right now, but the empire will strike back.

Feeding you? JL audio is for, like paul said, blank check compeditors/teeanagers.

Open your eyes to efficent and clean power.

Alpine (higher model head units)
Cadence
Eclipse
JL Audio
Elemental Designs
Helix
a/d/s
Adire Audio
Arc Audio
Brax
CDT
Diamond
DD
Focal
Image Dynamics
Kove (borderline good/highly recommended)
McIntosh
MMATS
Morel
OZ Audio
PPI (old stuff before they were directed)
RE Audio (resonant engineering)
US Amps
Zapco
Linear Power
Incriminator Audio
Ascendant Audio
Stereo Integrity
Sound Splinter
Audioque
Xtant
Tru Technology
TC Sounds
Rainbow


n00bx, read the n00bx threads.

Zed audio is missing from the list though.

Granted JL is on there, im not sauing it isnt good equiptment. Most people will tell you JL is straight up overpriced and inefficent for what you get. If i want a space heater ill go to tubes or class A amps.

thats the first time I saw the system you plan on putting in. Ouch. I really don't know what you're thinking. I guess you just want people to say, "WOW, he spent a lot of money."

as far as integrity in a win, I don't think you will have any. You sit on the couch while other people install your system, then you collect the trophies? Congrats.

Good job saving money and working hard to be able to afford that. (Honestly, I respect that). But as far as car shows go, you won't be getting much respect. If you don't care that's fine. But you're in a forum full of installers and enthusiasts who love to customize their cars by themselves. So coming in here and showing off the system you plan on paying somebody to install into your car was a bad idea in the first place. This isn't the "PAY OTHER PEOPLE TO INSTALL YOUR car audio" forum... Why are you surprised that we all don't give a shit what you plan on winning with your accord? If you had come in the door talking about how happy you're gonna be to drive this car every sunday, then we would all be showing love. But you're talking about taking out the big dogs. That's wack.

^^what he said x eleventy billion

Winning an SPL competition and having put your own sweat, blood, design, and thoughts into it > paying someone to do it for you... SQ is more of a time and tuning thing, but same difference.

OK GUYS SERIOUSLY!!!!!! Enough of the bashing. U guys wanna duke it out fine then by all means start a new thread. I started this thread to get some ideas of people "perfect system". Im also trying to learn what companies would be best for the system I AM BUILDING. Again im new to the high end audio thing. I'm happy with my Kicker Sub and Audiobahn Amp but i wanna get better sound / quality. That why i started this thread. So if u guys could please stop the bikering and throw out some of your ideas to help me out it would be great.

Sorry to stray from the argument here.

sorry to get back on topic.

If I could buy my perfect system right now it might look something like this:

each of the front doors:

-removed 5x7 from factory location
- 1 set of 3 way components which I would fiberglass into the door panel then vinyl wrap, not paint.
- the tweeters from the components would go in my A pillars.
-6x9's to replace the 5x7's.

Back doors: (not much)

-6x9's in in factory 5x7 location.

"B" pillars:

-one tweeter mounted either high or low, just so it's not right in your ear.

Rear deck:

- I AM going to fiberglass some speakers in. Maybe a 2 way component set
composed of a 6.5 in the rear deck, and the tweeter mounted into
either the rear deck as well, or maybe into the rear pillar. (2 sets duh)


Center console:

-I've already got a 2 inch speaker within the console, mounted in the A/C
vent. (you cant see it btw, it fires into the a/c shaft under the console
so you hear it from the vent) The 2 inch center channel speaker is great,
but if I had the time and money I might re-do the whole console to accomodate
a hidden 8" sub.

Other in-car goodies:

- visor monitors
- head rest monitors (with single load DVD)
- PS slim in place of glove box.

The Trunk:

- I think I would go with a 15" Brahma in place of spare tire.
- I would also fiberglass a whole lot of other shit in there.
- 15" screen in trunk lid.
- 2 pairs 3 way components in trunk lid.

As far as amps go, for powering all that... I dunno. I'm not gonna think about that right now. Just imagine that I would power them accordingly.

That's about it. I would do every single little tiny bit of sanding, cutting, vinyl wrapping, tuning, wire running, ALL BY MYSELF. Me saying this has nothing to do with the previous conversations. If I had a really good friend who I trusted I might let them help me connect speaker wires or something. That's the extent of help I could accept.

OK GUYS SERIOUSLY!!!!!! Enough of the bashing. U guys wanna duke it out fine then by all means start a new thread. I started this thread to get some ideas of people "perfect system". Im also trying to learn what companies would be best for the system I AM BUILDING. Again im new to the high end audio thing. I'm happy with my Kicker Sub and Audiobahn Amp but i wanna get better sound / quality. That why i started this thread. So if u guys could please stop the bikering and throw out some of your ideas to help me out it would be great.

Alpine (higher model head units)
Cadence
Eclipse
JL Audio
Elemental Designs
Helix
a/d/s
Adire Audio
Arc Audio
Brax
CDT
Diamond
DD
Focal
Image Dynamics
Kove (borderline good/highly recommended)
McIntosh
MMATS
Morel
OZ Audio
PPI (old stuff before they were directed)
RE Audio (resonant engineering)
US Amps
Zapco
Linear Power
Incriminator Audio
Ascendant Audio
Stereo Integrity
Sound Splinter
Audioque
Xtant
Tru Technology
TC Sounds
Rainbow


n00bx, read the n00bx threads.

Zed audio is missing from the list though.


:screwy:

Thanks for that fryman. Hmm lets see Ive said about 3 times already that im a noob with the high end stuff, so how would that list help? Granted its all the better stuff out there thats alot of different compaines i dont know about. If i knew which were better for certain things like which is the best for components or which makes the better sub or amp then i wouldnt need to ask any questions know would I? I looked at that list before starting this thread.

Thanks for that fryman. Hmm lets see Ive said about 3 times already that im a noob with the high end stuff, so how would that list help? Granted its all the better stuff out there thats alot of different compaines i dont know about. If i knew which were better for certain things like which is the best for components or which makes the better sub or amp then i wouldnt need to ask any questions know would I? I looked at that list before starting this thread.


I am proposing a better idea.

you tell us what you want to buy, eg. "I want to buy a set of components and I can afford 140$"

then we say, "okay go with this."


Instead of everybody trying to compile a list of every type of audio equipment (subs, amps, components etc.), best to worst, for your viewing pleasure. There is no "perfect system" so I don't understand what else you could be asking for.

Because now I feel dumb for making a list of things I would do to my car, since that wasn't what you wanted even though that's what you said.

Thanks for that fryman. Hmm lets see Ive said about 3 times already that im a noob with the high end stuff, so how would that list help? Granted its all the better stuff out there thats alot of different compaines i dont know about. If i knew which were better for certain things like which is the best for components or which makes the better sub or amp then i wouldnt need to ask any questions know would I? I looked at that list before starting this thread.

If you want to know what the company makes and in what price range, research it. That includes calling and e-mailing the company. a lot of thoes companies have grade A customer service over the phone and by e-mail.

if you are ready for a purchase and want some more confidence, start a thread asking for us to consult you on your purchase/ideas.

dont be afraid to ask what one company thinks about so and so's product. A good company owner will recognise anotehr companies quality even if they are in direct competition.

not meaning to sound harsh in previous posts :).

Alright, just because I said the empire will strike back, I'm going to speak my peace.

To RockwithaTbird and anybody else that can help...
I am interested in finding out more aspects of the show ckt, (No BS). I know this website actually has a car show forum, but it seems to be a little to all over the place. I'll start going there more often, but I'll take good advice from anywhere. I've been installing my own system's since my mom bought me my first car, (1986 Dodge Omni), that was back in 1990/91 I believe. I was rocking my own self installed systems back when all I needed to rock the spot was a couple 6x9's and a powered EQ/amp. Anybody who's real old school knows what I'm talking about. I remember when all I needed was one 8" kicker in a little ass box with a targa 2x100w max amp.That was the big dog set-up then. As a matter of fact, Raise your hand if you remember when the six inch bazooka tubes was killing all comers. I remember building this one box for a truck I had with 4 radio shack 15's...I was just starting to get money back then but hey, they ain't goin't charge me for what I can do myself...right. At one time or another I put in my cars...kraco, sparkomatic, some sh?t from sears, crunch, punch, thump, An 18" kicker in this full range box w/2-6's and 2-2's, and some sh?t called Dr. Crankenstein. I had 6" - 8" and 10" bazookas, I had power acoustic and Jensen subs. I had about 4 different bandpass boxes, and another kicker full range box with two 12's and some other smaller ones, (kicker used to really be into them full range boxes). This was just during my broke days, but I'll leave it at that, and I'll appreciate any info about the show ckts.

To Chevy4life
I don't know if that sign is for you, but if you are in the military then you would know what a premium quality time is for service members, especially in the navy. I've spent years priding myself on knowing enough about car audio that I can make any kind of garbage straight up knock. That was before all of this haze gray and underway, but as far as right now, let me tell you what......my idea of a perfect system is currently being installed into my accord.


Mobile In Car Entertainment is not hard...To me, it's not some kind of mystical magical science that can only be decoded on an online forum, but I will try an help if I can. Believe me installing a $2500 nav system in a car is not hard. I maintain a $2.5 million inertial navigation system complete with ring laser and gravity reference gyro's, that's hard to me. Installing 30 speakers in my car is not something I can't do, I'm responsible for keeping over 1000 speakers in over 700 spaces up and running 24/7/365 all powered by 3 1000 watt crown amps, to me that's hard. Video displays, cameras, fabricating, are you serious...!! This is what I do. I get paid a very generous salary to do what I'm paying those guys to do, but on a whole other level with about 300 other various pieces of (high/low tech) electrical and electronic systems......to me, that sh?t is hard.

To CBFryman
there are no amplifiers in the entire audio world that operate at 100% efficiency. normal range, not bad or excellent, but normal range for any amplifier whether it's an op-amp on a ckt card or a distribution amp on the cable TV system in your condo will fall between 50% (class A/B) to about 75% (class D). The main difference is in the accuracy and reproductive quality of the source material. There is no hoax that JL is trying to pull on an unsuspecting world. Let me put it to you in not-really-getting-it-terms, these guys set out to design a line of class D amps with the accuracy (sq) of a class A/B amp. Anyone who knows anything about this stuff will tell you in order to reach that goal the non-detrimental compromising factor will be efficiency. I'm not going to pretend I know your entire life story because of your preferences in car audio equipment or call you bad names because of the practicalities involved with you having or not having your dream system installed by a team of very talented professional. I'm not going to try and play you on this forum, (you've been doing it to yourself way better than I ever could). Re-read my post and you'll see I just talk what I know without any coat-tail riding or piggy-backing off of other more knowledgeable folks.

NavyIC, think about this. call up USamps or Zapco or Zed Audio or Incriminator Audio or Tru Tech and feed them the line of bullshit you just fed me.

50% efficency is pretty decent, FOR A REGULATED CLASS A/B!

For an amp designed strictly to reproduce frequincies below 300Hz with a class D circut 70-75% is good for a regulated amp, JL falls 25% short and charges over $1 per watt.

Maximum theoretical efficency for a class D amplifier is 90%. This has nothing to do with low harmonic distortion or dampening factor, it is a matter of the engineer knowing what they are doing and careing about efficency. When it takes 100a to make 500w of usable acoustic power, it's getting out of hand.

Dont even talk to me about distortion from the amplifier. People who have ran Alpine and Orion amps switch to USamps and go "i cant beleive what i was missing." Yet somehow my IS2080 amp manages over a 70% efficency in an unregualted A/B design circutry. it also has less than 0.01% THD and a signal to noise ratio of 101dB. And the IS series is USamps' lowest line. JL's lowest line has similar specs (save THD which JL rates at 12.5 and advertises that when most cars are on their higher rating which is at 14.5v which, though little difference will be noted, is <1%) and efficency. Difference? about $200.

Ive had friends who have ran JL, ive ran USamps, ive listened to tons of other installs which tons of other companies. Go to car shows and listen to other peoples systems...hardly anybody can afford first hand experence with all the amps, so listen to alot of systems with the companies which are listed above. If you still think JL is the best dollar per watt company around while retaining excelent sounq quality, im sory to say, but you are a moron.

Ok here goes
1. Front Components / 200 - 350 Possibly More if Needed
2. Rear Components / 200 - 350
3. Amps / 4 Channel 300 - 500
4. Amps / Mono or 2 Channel (Which is better?) 500 - 1200
5. Subs / 400 - 600 (Each)
6. Head Unit / 800 - 1600 (Nav/GPS) with Touch Screen

there thats what im looking to spend.
Im thinking of Diamond Audio Subs for sure and possibly there Mono or 2 Channel Amp to power the subs.
And i also wanted to know what ur guys thought of a perfect system was. So RickwithaTbird you shouldn't feel dumb. This thread was actually a little bit of both. And Fryman I have been researching and calling a couple companies BUT Im still not sure which is better. Maybe when i say being a noob to high end stuff is a little off maybe I should say Im a COMPLETE FUCKING MORON when it comes to the high end stuff :)

CB... you didn't have to go bashing like that.

JL makes good stuff. What they don't do is, they don't make you buy it. That's a choice. People have many reasons why they might make a choice, and they may have different reasons than you for purchasing an amp.

calling them a moron for that, makes you a moron. But I won't call you a moron. You seem well educated about car audio/mobile electronics as a whole. And I believe one day, all the common sense you have learned in car audio will slowly begin to relate to life as well. You'll take back all the name calling eventually.

Navy IC isn't hostile, but he defends what he wants. He wants what he wants and he has more life experience than you. You may have made some good points in your last post, but that will not change his mind. He's already learned the difference between necessities and wants. If he has the money to place "wants" over "necessities" then I don't think that makes him a moron. It just means he has different preferences, and more class than you for not lashing out. Then you bash him. I don't think immature is an offensive word, because we are all born immature. You my friend are immature. Hopefully you'll grow out of it.

I guess I'll be getting the opportunity very shortly, to hear what everyone else is running, I'm working on a deal with my installers.
They told me I would have to sign a contract, and my end will depend on how many shows I commit to per year.
They also told me the sponsorship deal will apply to all of my vehicles as long as I'm under contract.

what's really good...I don't really know how to come at these cats
whats the usual terms, and the protocol on multi installer deals, (different shops)...??
also, I'm thinking I could get equipment companies behind me if I really showcase their stuff.
which side of the house line up photo shoots, is it better if I get my own shots and then shop 'em like a demo...??
I'm going to talk to 'em some more tommorrow, but I wanted to ask all ya'll real quick...

CB... you didn't have to go bashing like that.

JL makes good stuff. What they don't do is, they don't make you buy it. That's a choice. People have many reasons why they might make a choice, and they may have different reasons than you for purchasing an amp.

calling them a moron for that, makes you a moron. But I won't call you a moron. You seem well educated about car audio/mobile electronics as a whole. And I believe one day, all the common sense you have learned in car audio will slowly begin to relate to life as well. You'll take back all the name calling eventually.

Navy IC isn't hostile, but he defends what he wants. He wants what he wants and he has more life experience than you. You may have made some good points in your last post, but that will not change his mind. He's already learned the difference between necessities and wants. If he has the money to place "wants" over "necessities" then I don't think that makes him a moron. It just means he has different preferences, and more class than you for not lashing out. Then you bash him. I don't think immature is an offensive word, because we are all born immature. You my friend are immature. Hopefully you'll grow out of it.

I didnt call him a moron. Look at USamps's records. Look at their reviews. Buy one and look at the shear quality of the amp as a whole, inside and out. This is no sweat shop soldered POS. Neither is JL. The difference is Efficency, which is the arguement. Both have wonderful SQ. Both cost a pretty penny. USamps is more efficent and cost less though. That is just one example. Life experence has nothing to do with audio knowledge. PM SR20 or Paul and ask them if they where given the choice between Cadence, USamps, Zed, Zapco, and JL all at the same price, what would the buy.

Depending on the application and what they are looking for will depend on which company and which product form that company they get. Getting more than 20% efficency from a Class A amp is a feat in and of itsself. Efficency is dependant upon the circutry used and the engineer who is designing it. JL's engineers are not unintellegent by any means, but they should have taken efficency into account alot more than they did. Taxing the electrical system over 50a to produce 500w fro ma calss D design after paying $500+ for the amp...not the best on the market.

If someone was looking at two cars, looks didnt matter, just performance and quality, both where in the same leauge running hand in hand but one was 40% more expensive and got 20% worse MPG one would be unintelegent to purchase the more expensive one.

From the way he talks he isnt an experenced installer, which is why he took it to the shop, JL is the best the shop offers and he has the money for it. If that is the case he should have stated it as so. I would hold nothing agianst him. But argueing for JL's sake agianst a superior amp...

I just think we're all on different paths with this convo. This forum creates too much hostility because there are way too many opinions about car audio. I'd like to hear more people's ideas about their ideal setup, with nobody else saying how shitty it is.

I guess I'll be getting the opportunity very shortly, to hear what everyone else is running, I'm working on a deal with my installers.
They told me I would have to sign a contract, and my end will depend on how many shows I commit to per year.
They also told me the sponsorship deal will apply to all of my vehicles as long as I'm under contract.

what's really good...I don't really know how to come at these cats
whats the usual terms, and the protocol on multi installer deals, (different shops)...??
also, I'm thinking I could get equipment companies behind me if I really showcase their stuff.
which side of the house line up photo shoots, is it better if I get my own shots and then shop 'em like a demo...??
I'm going to talk to 'em some more tommorrow, but I wanted to ask all ya'll real quick...



It sounds like you're just signing it over to them. In which case, they take the car, and they do whatever the hell they want. They take it on shows while you stay home. A year later or so, they bring you your car back and give you money.

that's one way these things work out. It doesn't sound like they are going to let you have much if any control over what happens with the car.