Components: The way to go!

NorthQuad · Post by **NorthQuad** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 8:44 am

Well, after reading until my eyes bled I've decided to go with components to replace my front factory door speakers in the 2005 Explorer XLT. I'm looking for crisp, clear, loud sounds. And components (I've now recently learned) are exactly built for this purpose. Until researching about them my assumption was that they looked like complicated, expensive speakers meant more for competition level audio (if there is such a thing) than the average guy loud system. I assumed wrong.

I haven't listen to a large selection of audio brands, mainly the big brands, Kicker, Pioneer, Alpine, etc. Out of the brands I've listened to, my ears enjoy the Alpine sound best. I read on the G.B.& U. List that Alpine is a trustworthy product. So, I think I'll go with the 6.5's, as long as they'll fit properly. What do you all think of these components?

Alpine SPX-17REF

http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/product ... =SPX-17REF

Also, I was wondering about your view on these XTC baffles.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/ ... es&tp=2809

I'll need an amp to power the components as well. I have a 2 channel Kicker amp that puts out 210 RMS but I'm not sure about the ohm rating or if the amp will even work. So I'll buy another amp and if the Kicker works, great. I'll use it and have a back-up or install more speakers. If the amp doesn't work than no time wasted. So ideas on an amp would be greatly appreciated. Dynamat sounds like a must as well, so I'll plaster some of that on the doors. Damn, I can't remember a bunch of the questions I planned on asking you all. Hopefully they come to me.

Thanks guys.

JeremyC · Post by **JeremyC** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 10:27 am

I wouldn't do the baffles, unless your mid is designed to be ran in a small sealed enclosure.

You best bet is going to be dampening the door, and putting some adhesive backed foam in behind the speaker You can even get small round pads that fit directly behind the mid, or just do what I did, and foam the entire outside panel of the door.

NorthQuad · Post by **NorthQuad** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:09 am

Gotchya, I'll skip the baffles.

I will definitely dampen the doors. If I had the cash I'd dampen the entire vehicle. I'll keep dreaming though. Mabey a big pile of money will fall out of the sky.

Thanks man.

cargodz · Post by **cargodz** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:48 am

What model Kicker amp is it?

NorthQuad · Post by **NorthQuad** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 11:53 am

As soon as I think I know all I need to know I read something new.

So I'm reading about amps and come across a bunch with built in crossovers. Does this mean that I can just buy mids/subs (6-8") along with seperate tweeters and run them off a 4 channel amp alone with out the lows distorting the tweets and the highs making it into the mids? Or are the crossovers that come with the components much more efficient?

I hope I'm making enough sence for you to understand my questions.

NorthQuad · Post by **NorthQuad** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:06 pm

cargodz wrote:What model Kicker amp is it?

Kicker Impulse IX702

2ch car amplifier stereo or bridged mono output
Tri-way capable (Tri-Way Crossover required)
frequency response 20-20,000 Hz
70 watts x 2 at 4 ohms
210 watts x 1 in bridged mode
105 watts x 2 at 2 ohms
speaker-level inputs
MOSFET power supply
0-18 dB bass boost centered at 40 Hz
0-12 dB treble boost centered at 18,000 Hz
18 dB/octave crossover switchable at 70 or 110 Hz
11-1/16"W x 2-1/2"H x 9-1/2"D

I had plans for it a long time ago but never did follow through. It's never really been used, it just road around in my truck without being hooked up. Still looks mint. Not a smudge on it.

cheapaudio · Post by **cheapaudio** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:11 pm

im runnin 2 sets of those same alpine components im my durango..

cheapaudio · Post by **cheapaudio** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:13 pm

if your wanting clear and clean thats the way to go.. but they dont get loud enuff for my taste,, but then again i havent heard anything loud enough for me yet.. but then again that amp would do them speakers nicely,, my amp seems to over power them just a lil..

NorthQuad · Post by **NorthQuad** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:30 pm

cheapaudio wrote:im runnin 2 sets of those same alpine components im my durango.

Are they kickass?

cheapaudio wrote:if your wanting clear and clean thats the way to go.. but they dont get loud enuff for my taste,, but then again i havent heard anything loud enough for me yet.. but then again that amp would do them speakers nicely,, my amp seems to over power them just a lil..

I definitely want clear and clean. Haha, but I want loud at the same time.

If you could go buy any components right this minute, which set(s) would quench your component craving?

cheapaudio · Post by **cheapaudio** » Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:39 pm

well,, some time soon,, mabye not too soon, but im gonna be upgrading to the pro series alpines.. only cuz i like alpine.. so i couldnt really tell ya what to get. plus i dont have alot of experience with any others..