System advice, trying to do it right.

Pasyngr · Post by **Pasyngr** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 5:34 pm

This is a great site, I've been looking for something like this. Trying to get honest info that is not tottaly biased has been a pain. I am close to having what I need for my system, but I would apreciate some advice on a couple of things. I will be putting this system into a 99 Chevy Silverado 1500 ext. cab. Currently I have a Alpine head unit, Boston speakers all around (FS60's-doors, 746 plates-rear panels, and one pro 10.5LF sub) I have an Eclipse PA4212 that I plan on using for the sub. The questions I have are these, for powering my mids and tweets I have gotten it dowm to 2 choices its between the JL450/4 and the MB 4200. I have also been toying with te idea of changing everthing to MB because the more research I have done the more I have heard that they are top of the line. I have gotten a quote from a guy for the MB 4200 and the marine head unit for $775. I really want to do this right this time, I want power but SQ is the priority. I dont want to be jonsing for more a couple of weeks later after I am done. I know this is a long post but I have hit a wall and would like unbiased input. thanx for taking the time to read all this. Brad

JeremyC · Post by **JeremyC** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:04 pm

I will be honest with ya. I am kinda partial to eclipse and JL, so I like your choices there. I ran a boston pro 12 and pro series components for about 3 years, so I think you will like those too.

No for the things I see that you might want to change.

First off drop the plates, and maybe think about upgrading the SL60s. I am sure they SLs sound good, but if you really want a SQ system you might consider upgrading.

As for the MB, I am not a big fan of their stuff. I have never really liked the sound of there components. They just seem to dang harsh to me. Granted install has alot to do with it, but thats just my experiance with them.

If you do decide to upgrade your components look into Focal, Seas lotus, DynAudio, Maybe even a Boston Pro or Z series set. The main thing is to take your time and listen to as many in your price rang as you can.

Oh yeah, with SQ, good equipment only goes so far. The install does all the rest. So keep that in mind, and take your time.

Jonathan · Post by **Jonathan** » Wed Feb 01, 2006 6:28 pm

I feel the bigger question you need to ask yourself when choosing equipment is how you intend to implement them. You may like "x" speaker better than "y", but that really doesn't amount to a hill of beans if you can't implement them correctly. Remember that install ALWAYS matters more than speakers do, and because of this you should choose speakers that accomodate your intended installation. Speakers like MB Quart, DLS, Dynaudio, Focal, while great speakers, are similar to one another in the fact that they need extensive attention to installation, tuning, and likely active processing to bring their best out. Speakers like the SEAS Lotus Reference comps, Boston Zs, and Polk Audio SRs are better sets out of the box off the passive x-overs for more typical installations, but of course they are also capable of more with attention paid to install, tuning, and processing as mentioned above. All are very good and rival each other if implemented correctly, you just need to keep in mind what will work for your truck.

As far as the amps, JL amps are better than the Quarts overall. My opinion of course, but seeing both of them I have been more impressed with JL.

Pasyngr · Post by **Pasyngr** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 4:57 pm

Thanx for the input, I am open to any possible changes, I just want to do it right, but I only have enough knowledge to be dangerous, I have done quite a few basic install's and have general knowledge about equip. stats, so the simpler the better. The only equipment I am really commited to is my pro 10, (I have heard that this sub can do no wrong) otherwis anything and everything else can be sold & replaced. My budget will depend on what I get for all my other audio equip. that I have accumulated, if I dont change anything and am only going to get a 4 ch amp and replace my headunit (my Alpine is about 4 years old and the face wont come off anymore) I am figuring between $700-1000. I do have some flexability with my budget, I have cut corners too many times in the past and regreted it. I have gotten quotes for the JL 450/4 at around $750 at the area audio store but on e-bay I have seen them go for around $375 on up. what factors should I consider? thanx again for the help and any other suggestions would be great.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:42 pm

my foremost suggestion is to take your time. don't get in a rush to do anything with a system you want to do right.
do the research, get as much input as you can, and be confident in what you do end up deciding.
If you have an hesitation or concerns, consider they are for a good reason and hold off until you are sure about those decisions.

I know that isn't telling you what to choose or change, but it's a bit of wisdom gained from experience.

As one of my favorite authors once wrote, Wisdom is knowledge gained from a lot of bad decisions.
-mark twain

Pasyngr · Post by **Pasyngr** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 12:38 am

Thanx Kiki, I'm just trying to avoid thoes bad decisions, I've made enough already. I know I came off like I want some one to do it for me but that is really not the case, just want to be pointed in the right direction. This has already been a very long process, I've been without a stereo in my truck for about 4 months now, after discovering the hack job that was done to it at audio expresss I realized the only way to avoid that problem again is to do it myself. While I am enjoying parts of this procces, this aspect of design and construction is not a passion for me only the tool that feeds my passion for music, so if you could direct me to the "How to easily build a killers system for dummies." I would greatly appreciate it. Oh and if anybody knows of a good trustworthy audio dealer in the Stockton/ Sacremento Calif. area I would appreciate the heads up, thanx again. I know this will all be worth it in the long run.

JeremyC · Post by **JeremyC** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 4:51 am

Pasyngr wrote:, so if you could direct me to the "How to easily build a killers system for dummies." I would greatly appreciate it.

Well we ran out of the "for dummies version" but the FAQ section and Review section will get you close. Actually we put alot of time into both sections. So give them a good read, and let us know if you have any questions.

Post by **GlassWolf** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:58 am

and http://www.the12volt.com has a books section that's priceless for good reference books on car audio nd security, as well as basic electronics.

MobileAudio219 · Post by **MobileAudio219** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:14 am

I agree with everyone above, take your time and do it right.

Like Jonathan said, you can use all quality equiment, but in the end the installation will determine if you have a "quality system".... Go ahead, write that down.

Like anothers have said many times before, its all in the install.

Pasyngr · Post by **Pasyngr** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 9:49 am

Thanx everybody I will get on it, one last thing, I want to at least start running cable today. Given the general paramiters of what I am looking at, what guage wire should I run? My plan was to run 4 Gage into a dist. block then 8 from there, also do you think I will need to set up for a capasitor? I know to separate power from RCA's is there anything else I should consider? I recently bought and salvaged 2 car audio display rooms so I have options from 0 to 18 guage all monster cable as well as 2 ch to 6 ch IMXLN RCA's and spkr wire. My truck is gutted so I have a blank slate to work with. thanx again, I'm off to FAQ to continue my education. =)