need advice/help for audio upgrade

[vi3t89]

i don't know much about car audio, but im lookin to upgrade my stock speakers i have the none bose system in my car and i swaped the deck already with a kenwood ddx 812 , im looking for something that will sound very good any suggestions on a nice set up would be awesome ... budget i have would be about 2000$-2500$ maxx in canadian dollars

[AppleBonker]

Hmm... this could be fun. That is definitely a nice budget to work with. Few questions first:

What kind of music do you listen to?Installing yourself?Have any carpentry skills?Any problem buying used components?

I'll start looking up some stuff once I have those answers. I'm sure we'll be able to find something that will suit your needs.

[Viper5000]

Dont mean to jack the thread, but Applebonker, you should check out my thread about interest for a new dash kit you may be interested in......

http://forums.altimas.org/zero...al-ac

[vi3t89]

i listen to mostly rap and hip hop music but also any other kind of music

my friends going to be helping me with the install theirs really no audio install places where i live except bestbuy and futureshop lols and i dont trust them

i have some carpentry skills but not the greatest and i also have no problem buying used components

[vi3t89]

AppleBonker? any updates on what i should get?

[AppleBonker]

Wow, completely forgot about this thread. I'm terribly sorry. Been super busy lately, and got a bunch more going on tonight. I should be able to get some research in and give you a better response tomorrow. Sorry again...

[vi3t89]

haha , awesome thanks alot very much appreciated

[AppleBonker]

I promise I haven't forgotten about this, I started having issues with my stereo this weekend. Spending too much time diagnosing. I think I've got a bad ground or power somewhere, but it might require removing seats and carpet to locate. I will get you some suggestions this week...

[vi3t89]

hey, any news for me? im just mainly looking to upgrade to really good component speakers and 6x9's for the rear and want a really good amp no subs cuz i have to put my work shoes and backpack and laptop and all my textbooks in the back and it bounces around alot , please let me know before i blow all my money on something else lol

[AppleBonker]

Once again I must apologize. Work has gotten super crazy lately, so I've been spending a lot of my free time examining my options.

With that budget, and no subwoofer, you can get some of the best components out there. If you do not want to go the route of running an active setup (see the FAQ for an explanation of the difference between active and passive), you can get arguably top of the line passive components and amps. I can't give you the "best" setup, since it is subjective. I'll throw a few options out there there that you wont be disappointed in. I can't really speculate to price, since it really depends on the dealer. But if you go with any of these packages, it should certainly be under your budget.

Fronts:

Dynaudio Esotec System 242 here Rainbow Audio Germanium 265.25 here

Doc has been pushing Diamond Audio Hex comps for a while. I've yet to hear them, but if Doc can recommend them, I'm sure they are equally excellent. here

When purchased from an authorized dealer, I don't think any of these should run more than about $700 US (under $800 CAD)

Rears:

I don't much see a need for exceptional rears. Rear fill really isn't that important, so I wouldn't go all out back there and put in a nice component setup. I'd probably just throw in some coaxial 6x9's (I think the FAQ explains coaxial versus component). A lot of reputable companies don't even make 6x9's since rear fill isn't generally used in a high quality setup. I currently have some Rainbow 6x9s in my car that perform well when I have them running (which is rare).

Rainbow SL 6x9 here

Those shouldn't run more than about $200 CAD

Amps:

I've been pushing a lot of Sundown Audio stuff lately, and I guess I'll continue to do the same here. If I were spending, I'd look at the Sundown 100.4 or possibly the Alpine PDX-4.150. I'm currently running that Alpine for my fronts and I've got a Sundown amp on my sub. I've been hard on my stereos from time to time, and these amps hold up. I can't imagine either of these options will run more than $700 CAD from an authorized retailer.

At that point, all you will have to worry about is wiring and install. A good wiring kit wont run much more than maybe $150 CAD, and the install is relatively easy for a DIY. You will also need to run new speaker wire to the doors, which can be time consuming, but it is still relatively easy. Any more questions or concerns, let me know. Anyone else can feel free to chime in with suggestions as well. Hopefully this gets you started. The hard part might be finding an authorized dealer - you wont find high quality stuff at most big-box retailers.

[vi3t89]

awesome i will begin looking for these parts and let you know how everything goes thanks so much

[AppleBonker]

Now that I think about it, a better option might be to ditch the rears all together and run a single (or a pair of) 8" sub(s) infinite baffle. It might require some cutting to the rear sheet metal (which no one would ever see). This could get you some decent sounding bass without taking up trunk space. Just a thought...

[rtcpenguin]

I find that the sub is the most important upgrade in pretty much every car I do. Its especially important with rock & rap music like you mentioned.

I did a custom fiberglass enclosure thats pretty small, but it took a weekend to make (lots of drying time).

[iammai]

Hey rtcpenguin,

You should post your stereo pics in the show off your system thread. Nice job w/ the fiberglass enclosure.

[rjdmmfl1]

I find that the sub is the most important upgrade in pretty much every car I do. Its especially important with rock & rap music like you mentioned.

I did a custom fiberglass enclosure thats pretty small, but it took a weekend to make (lots of drying time).

idk, if you're talking increased sound level (SPL) then yeah, but if you're talking increased sound quality.. the sub is not the most important... by far, front stage tuning is! In a real SQ setup, the sub bass is NOT overwhelming, and blends the lower frequencies into the midbass... bottom line is, most people set up their systems incorrectly, but SQ standards that is....

but some folks just want stupid crazy bass... and I used to be that way when I was younger... but I've since learned the error of my ways, and now its SQ all the way!