Well, it sounds like you know what you want to do and you are looking at things realisticly. If you just want to upgrade your system for listening pleasure ask yourself these questions. Do I want to thump and have every body notice my bass shattering thunder, or do I want to listen to my newest country cd while plowing the fields. I know it sounds funny, but you dont want to find you havent met your needs when fininshed. If sound quality is what you are looking for (true sound quality) then one 10" sub will do. If you want to be noticed the numbers and size can vary, and I can point you in the right direction. I compete in sound quality in my vehicle but also compete in SPL (sound pressure levels) so I have a dual system (very expensive). Remember numbers of subs and amps doesnt necessarily mean more power or louder stereo. Do you want sound quality for strickly your listening pleasure or do you want the bass?
ExtremeF-150db

 

Listening pleasure is my first goal. However I would like to be able to thump when I want. I listen to every type of music from classical to metal and everything in between. I dont need or want the whole town hearing it all the time., but I wouldnt mind turning a few heads once in a while. I definately want quality over quantity. If I wanted quantity I would head down to wally world and stock up on cheap subs and amps. My budget of 1500 should be able to get me a certain level of quality.
Thank again....
West

 

I would go with one or two 10" woofer(s) and two amps. One four channel amp for you mids and highs and one amp for the sub(s). Get a good head unit, with a subwoofer pre-amp out is really nice for sub control. Eq's are great also if you already have one. Research the web for your info. Try to stay with the same brand and line for your entire system if possible to stay away from compatibility issues although there is a solution for everything. Don't get hung up on the top of the line products, but when looking at head units think about your upgrade plans for later if that is your intentions.
good luck...ExtremeF-150db

 

Mixing and matching brands is fine. There's no such thing as compatibility issues with audio gear, with regards to say, hooking up an Alpine HU to a PG amp to a set of Koda components. As I said in the "other" thread, $1500 is quite generous. You should have NO problem putting together a world class system. Elemental Designs is going to change their package deals on June 1. I would look there for a sub/sub amp combo. ED price, quality, quality control, and customer service just can't be beat. I can give specific advice, if needed...

 

When talking about compatibility issues, there are some things to look for if you are a novice. I was mearly talking about things like matching head units with Cd changers for example and things of that nature. If you have a panasonic head unit you cant just by any changer withour a din adapter. Would you not call that a compatiblity issue. Sure this problem can be overcome but you need to know what your looking for.

ExtremeF-150db

 

Hey Extreme...

You are right with regards to HU/CD changer. Some things, I figure, are so "obvious" that even a newbie knows. It just appeared you were coming from the "all your gear has to be from the same company" point of view, which I think is bogus and nonsensical. I guess, if you really wanted to get picky, a few other "compatibility" issues should be of note to the newbie:

1) make sure the sub amp you decide on can put out rated power at the resistance you wire your subs at. If you have a Dual 4 sub, and your looking at an amp that puts out "x" watts at 1 ohm or 4 ohms bridged/mono, you might be buying too little power.

2) make sure that CD changer you speak of is connected to the proprietary connection, not the antenna (RF changer). Many newbies are attracted to RF CD changers because they are cheaper (even though SQ is less desirable). To add to the confusion it doesn't matter what brand cd changer you get if it's RF based.

The HU/changer issue is the only real "compatibility" issue.

BTW, is the 150db in your name there because you have hit 150dB's? THAT is not very compatible with long term hearing ability

 

Thanks for being understanding. I think there are a lot of issues that people should research before obtaining audio equipment. I just want people to think and ask the right questions. I have been competing for a few years, and didnt like some of the attitudes and mis-information I was given when I started. So, I just want to be helpful. I am by no means the only one with an opinion out there, but I have no motives other than seeing others get what they want from car audio.
....and yes the 150db does mean my truck is one load mother, but it's trailered and not for everyday listening pleasure. I compete USACi sound quality, but when I need the SPL score it is available. I have had my truck in AUTO SOUND AND SECURITY and built a CRX this year that currently hold the SPL record for it's class (Owner Chad Stoulli).
The bottom line is this... I love car audio, and the more people out there enjoying it the better. I hate to see people get ripped off, lied too, or intimidated by the audio industry.

ExtremeF-150db

 

First let me thank you all for the help. What is the web addy for ED? What would be some other good online sources for equipment. I know crutchfield and ikesound, can yall give me some more places to shop. I was looking at the polks and rf's because i have heard some good things. This is a new world for me so any and all help is great


Thanks again

West

 

Here ya go............
Elemental design
Onlinecarstereo
CBR
Woofers ect.
The Zeb
Get your wires from here!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sound domain

Stay away from Ampman if you happen to come across there link in any searches. All i have been hearing about them is bad news.

 

Thanks Playboy, I have already checked out ED's site. Will check out the others too. Has anyone heard any thing about the new O series from ED? They say they will be ready to start shipping on June 1st. I have read good things on theirother lines and they seem to be in my range. Would one of their package deals be a good choice or should I select a different amp?

 

Their package deals are a downright steal! Avionixx makes great amps, and ED subs, well...


The store reccomendations by PrPlayboy are pretty much the only ones I would consider. Onlinecarstereo.com is great. I bought my Type R comps from them. I ordered on a Sunday, they shipped on Monday, and I received them on Tuesday. Great, quick service. They pack the hell out of your equipment, too. Little chance of damage in transit. I've used Crutchfield a few times, also. Their reputation is well deserved (both from a customer service standpoint, and unfortunately, a price standpoint). They definitely take care of you if you're stuck on anything. The rest of the names on the list I have no direct experience with, but I know of many who do.

Ampman audio has been jerking customers around of late. I don't know what's up with them. Too bad, though. They carry top of the line gear at reasonable prices.

One other place I'd like to suggest>>>Sound Foundations<<< I know the owner (he's a well respected member over at CAF) and he's a great guy. Very helpful and knowledgeable. There is a package deal here that offers Koda components and and a Brahma 12 for $695. You can get the Brahma 15 and Koda components as a package for $750. All you would need after that is a couple amps and a HU. Either package, along with a HU and amps, should easily come within your $1500 budget. The Koda's and Brahma are among the very best at ANY price point. The aforementioned site is an authorized Adire dealer, so you know your in good hands.

 

Just wanted to add Etronics.com just got a Infinity Kappa for my gf from there for 80 something with free shipping.

 

Yeah those package deals from ED are banggin! I got two of the O series on order. I will definatly comment on them. I started building my new box today so I should have it done in a week or two. I really like the specs on the Avionixx 4 channel amp. I am using my old RF Punch 200 for my fronts but thats cause I baught alot of stuff at once so $ was limited but I will upgrade to the Avionixx real soon......... She hasn't thrown me out yet so whats a few hundred more right?...

 

ok all, here's my next question(s)....
are Diamond Audio comp speakers good?
What about Kicker subwoofers? C12D for example
Found an Alpine CDA9811 for 275.00/with no ship, is this a decent HU?

I know yall will be glad when I finally get this figured out....

Thanks again,
West

 

Diamond Audio speakers = GOOD
Kicker subs. C series is entry level, not that impressive. If you stay with Kicker, go with the Comp VR's (sound real good and get real loud) or the L5/L7 (sound, at best, average...but get insanely loud).
Alpine HU = GOOD

Check Etronics for that HU. They usually have the best HU prices (forgot to mention them in previous post). My dad has used them a few times (non-car audio) and was very pleased.