$1500 to spend on audio system... Feedback?
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$1500 to spend on audio system... Feedback?
I made the decision to overhaul the stock stereo system in my 04 S... new head unit, front components, subwoofer, dedicated amps, sound deadening insulation; all in one fell swoop installation...
the FAQs and "searches" have been very valuable for someone new to the aftermarket stereo world like myself, but would appreciate some personalized feedback/comments on what i've decided on so far...
Headunit: Alpine 9856
Fronts: 6.5" Alpine Type R components
Sub: 10" Alpine Type R sub (1042) with sealed driver side enclosure from william laurent's darksidesubs.com
Amplifiers: Alpine of some type, but not sure which...
Insulation: Dynamat in doors and trunk
Any general comments about the Alpine speaker setup I'm looking to buy? Are type S's a consideration (value-wise)? I know little about type X's...
What about amps? I'd like a dedicated one for the fronts and one for the sub... keeping it within the Alpine family, any favorites? Or should I opt for a large, single multichannel? No plans on adding S-pods at this time but how should that possibility affect amp choices?
The place from which i'll be purchasing this equipment has been pushing the MTX line of amps they have... any comments on those?
As noted, I'd like to keep my budget at or around $1500 (will bump a bit higher if that's what it takes)... Thanks much for any input and advice on things that I've likely overlooked...
the FAQs and "searches" have been very valuable for someone new to the aftermarket stereo world like myself, but would appreciate some personalized feedback/comments on what i've decided on so far...
Headunit: Alpine 9856
Fronts: 6.5" Alpine Type R components
Sub: 10" Alpine Type R sub (1042) with sealed driver side enclosure from william laurent's darksidesubs.com
Amplifiers: Alpine of some type, but not sure which...
Insulation: Dynamat in doors and trunk
Any general comments about the Alpine speaker setup I'm looking to buy? Are type S's a consideration (value-wise)? I know little about type X's...
What about amps? I'd like a dedicated one for the fronts and one for the sub... keeping it within the Alpine family, any favorites? Or should I opt for a large, single multichannel? No plans on adding S-pods at this time but how should that possibility affect amp choices?
The place from which i'll be purchasing this equipment has been pushing the MTX line of amps they have... any comments on those?
As noted, I'd like to keep my budget at or around $1500 (will bump a bit higher if that's what it takes)... Thanks much for any input and advice on things that I've likely overlooked...
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Congratulations on taking the "next step."
Speaking as a guy who's asked all the questions you are and is still working on mine, you've got to go listen to stuff. There's no best system. Only best for you.
My only observation, and I'm a novice, is you seem to be a bit married to the Alpine name. There's nothing wrong with that, especially as the head is universally loved. However, I'd urge you to stretch yourself to consider other options.
My decision tree started with a head, and I considered the add on's I wanted. Satellite Radion, Aux In, MP3 Ability, and I'm still grey on iPod Integration. Then issues regarding performance, quality, price, and value were added in.
The next step was a Modifry DCI. A top quality piece of kit to control the head unit. Don't bother trying to find a better option. There isn't one.
I listened to a ton of speakers, and know what I want. I'm still saving for them. My personal thought is speakers sort themselves out. You can hear the difference, and then it's your call to determine if you want to spend the difference. There are no rules. At the same time, I'd urge you to listen to Focal, MBQuartz, Alpine, Boston Acoustics, Polk Audio, and Infinity. These are the most common brands S2000 people select on this board. That's not to say people don't love their Eclipse, Diamond Audio or other speakers. I'm sure some decisions are due to convenience [like Crutchfield or Best Buy availability] and some are due to exhaustive research. Be sure to bring music you listen to and know well for the comparisons. My decision was to bag a sub for the beginning and invest in better speakers for stock locations. I'll give up bass, but i'll have more trunk. In an important factour for a Costco shopper! I know some audiophiles are screaming I'm missing 7 - 60 Hz of sound. It works for me, and I'm prepared to have expandibility if I do miss it.
The amp decision to me is the least stressful. Just have an idea of what power you need to drive, the quality spec/wise you demand, and the options [e.g. sub] you want to hook up. This board is an EXCELLENT place for feedback once you have the other items set. I'll probably choose an amp that the installer provides. I'm not going to be buying much equipment from him, so I want to share some love for a good installation.
The higher end you go, the more you also need to consider better wires, too.
I'm not having a go at your inital choice of set-up by suggesting you research some more. You have a decent budget which affords you a lot of options. Who knows: you may want to spend less or spend more. Take some time to enjoy the process. It's another excuse to drive the car to check everything out. About the only absolute [apart from Modifry's DCI] is there's going to be better and cheaper equipment years after you make your purchase!
Speaking as a guy who's asked all the questions you are and is still working on mine, you've got to go listen to stuff. There's no best system. Only best for you.
My only observation, and I'm a novice, is you seem to be a bit married to the Alpine name. There's nothing wrong with that, especially as the head is universally loved. However, I'd urge you to stretch yourself to consider other options.
My decision tree started with a head, and I considered the add on's I wanted. Satellite Radion, Aux In, MP3 Ability, and I'm still grey on iPod Integration. Then issues regarding performance, quality, price, and value were added in.
The next step was a Modifry DCI. A top quality piece of kit to control the head unit. Don't bother trying to find a better option. There isn't one.
I listened to a ton of speakers, and know what I want. I'm still saving for them. My personal thought is speakers sort themselves out. You can hear the difference, and then it's your call to determine if you want to spend the difference. There are no rules. At the same time, I'd urge you to listen to Focal, MBQuartz, Alpine, Boston Acoustics, Polk Audio, and Infinity. These are the most common brands S2000 people select on this board. That's not to say people don't love their Eclipse, Diamond Audio or other speakers. I'm sure some decisions are due to convenience [like Crutchfield or Best Buy availability] and some are due to exhaustive research. Be sure to bring music you listen to and know well for the comparisons. My decision was to bag a sub for the beginning and invest in better speakers for stock locations. I'll give up bass, but i'll have more trunk. In an important factour for a Costco shopper! I know some audiophiles are screaming I'm missing 7 - 60 Hz of sound. It works for me, and I'm prepared to have expandibility if I do miss it.
The amp decision to me is the least stressful. Just have an idea of what power you need to drive, the quality spec/wise you demand, and the options [e.g. sub] you want to hook up. This board is an EXCELLENT place for feedback once you have the other items set. I'll probably choose an amp that the installer provides. I'm not going to be buying much equipment from him, so I want to share some love for a good installation.
The higher end you go, the more you also need to consider better wires, too.
I'm not having a go at your inital choice of set-up by suggesting you research some more. You have a decent budget which affords you a lot of options. Who knows: you may want to spend less or spend more. Take some time to enjoy the process. It's another excuse to drive the car to check everything out. About the only absolute [apart from Modifry's DCI] is there's going to be better and cheaper equipment years after you make your purchase!
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appreciate the wisdom... your points are well taken... the system in a prior car i owned ('93 VW Corrado SLC) was a compilation of different components (Alpine HU, Sony amps, Boston Acoustics components, Kicker sub), so i'm definitely willing to mix and match...
the vendor (who will also be doing the install) carries Alpine, MTX, Infinity, JVC, Pioneer, Polk and Sony... of those, I seemed to like the Alpine speakers (Type R) best but was just curious as to what other's felt about the acoustics of that particular line once they got it in the car and on the road...
thanks for the input on the DCI; i'll need to look into that... does a specific one match up with the 9856?
btw, what speakers are you saving up for? (again, just curious...)
the vendor (who will also be doing the install) carries Alpine, MTX, Infinity, JVC, Pioneer, Polk and Sony... of those, I seemed to like the Alpine speakers (Type R) best but was just curious as to what other's felt about the acoustics of that particular line once they got it in the car and on the road...
thanks for the input on the DCI; i'll need to look into that... does a specific one match up with the 9856?
btw, what speakers are you saving up for? (again, just curious...)
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The Modifry DCI is available in the market section. The DCI will work with your head. I regret I don't know the specifics if you can use the "wired" vs. the "non-wired" version.
The speakers I'm set on are Focal K2Ps. It took me 4 months to get to a dealer [on vacation] to hear them, but it was worth the effort. In a soundproof room, they were easy noticable as the best things on offer.
The question I struggle with is will I notice the difference at 75 mph on the freeway topdown passing the 18 wheeler? Literally a $300-$400 question. I'm resigned to the semi-obsessed point that if I settle I'll feel like a let myself down.
I'm also a VW convert. I keep my GLX for winter driving.
The speakers I'm set on are Focal K2Ps. It took me 4 months to get to a dealer [on vacation] to hear them, but it was worth the effort. In a soundproof room, they were easy noticable as the best things on offer.
The question I struggle with is will I notice the difference at 75 mph on the freeway topdown passing the 18 wheeler? Literally a $300-$400 question. I'm resigned to the semi-obsessed point that if I settle I'll feel like a let myself down.
I'm also a VW convert. I keep my GLX for winter driving.
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From: San Francisco
Some tips from someone who's installed two systems around the $1500 mark.
- make sure you budget for connections - RCA's, speaker, amps, fuses, etc. It could easily be 10% of your budget.
- I loved my mb quart components. Focals and Diamond Audio speakers are really nice, but $$$.
- I still think JL Audio makes the best subs. I'd get their stealth box for sure.
- Dynamat the entire inside of the car, in addition to the doors and trunk. I think that if you're going to spend money on a stereo, your car should be quiet enough to hear it. The S2000 is loud as hell.
- Are you installing this yourself, especially the dynamat? If not, that's another 15% or so out of your budget.
- make sure you budget for connections - RCA's, speaker, amps, fuses, etc. It could easily be 10% of your budget.
- I loved my mb quart components. Focals and Diamond Audio speakers are really nice, but $$$.
- I still think JL Audio makes the best subs. I'd get their stealth box for sure.
- Dynamat the entire inside of the car, in addition to the doors and trunk. I think that if you're going to spend money on a stereo, your car should be quiet enough to hear it. The S2000 is loud as hell.
- Are you installing this yourself, especially the dynamat? If not, that's another 15% or so out of your budget.
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Originally Posted by chuhsi,Mar 4 2006, 04:21 PM
I loved my mb quart components. Focals and Diamond Audio speakers are really nice, but $$$.
Dynamat the entire inside of the car, in addition to the doors and trunk. I think that if you're going to spend money on a stereo, your car should be quiet enough to hear it. The S2000 is loud as hell.
Are you installing this yourself, especially the dynamat? If not, that's another 15% or so out of your budget.
Thanks for the tips
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From: Albuquerque, NM
I am in the process of installing a setup almost identical to yours. I am installing:
Alpine 9856
Alpine MRV-F345
Dynamat doors and trunk
Boston Acoustics SL60 components
WLaurent V.2 box with Audiobahn AW100 10"
The Alpine amp is putting out 75w to each front and 300w to the sub, bridged rear channel. If you want to stay in the alpine family but want more power, the MRV-F545 puts out 125w x 2 to the fronts and 500w x 1 to the sub, or 125w x 4. I think that should make you happy. Unfortunately I have not finished my install so I cannot tell you how it all sounds yet. The components haven't arrived, but I got a good deal on them so i'm not complaining too much.
EDIT : I listened to the Alpine type S components in a store, where they had the Bostons also. The Alpines sounded like crap compared to the bostons, or most others for that matter. Just my 0.02. I'm sure the type R or type X Alpines sound much better... but the Type S =
Alpine 9856
Alpine MRV-F345
Dynamat doors and trunk
Boston Acoustics SL60 components
WLaurent V.2 box with Audiobahn AW100 10"
The Alpine amp is putting out 75w to each front and 300w to the sub, bridged rear channel. If you want to stay in the alpine family but want more power, the MRV-F545 puts out 125w x 2 to the fronts and 500w x 1 to the sub, or 125w x 4. I think that should make you happy. Unfortunately I have not finished my install so I cannot tell you how it all sounds yet. The components haven't arrived, but I got a good deal on them so i'm not complaining too much.
EDIT : I listened to the Alpine type S components in a store, where they had the Bostons also. The Alpines sounded like crap compared to the bostons, or most others for that matter. Just my 0.02. I'm sure the type R or type X Alpines sound much better... but the Type S =
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I don't remember which MB Quart set I had since this was 5 years ago. It was the 2nd from the top. Their lower end stuff sucks compared to the competition.
I'm sure people will bash me for this, but the only thing I'd buy from Alpine is a head unit. No speakers. No amps. Just personal preference.
And yes, installing dynamat in the vehicle's interior means ripping out the seats and carpeting. It's not hard, just time-consuming. Doors and truck will be fine, as that's much better than none at all. I wonder how much someone would charge to install dynamat.
As for speakers, you HAVE to listen to them before you buy them to see what you like. The alternative is to find something on sale that's of decent quality and go with it...and never listen to other speakers. If you don't know what you're missing, you'll like what you have..seriously.
One last tip - if you're going to have this all professionally installed, find an installer you like and get all your electronics from that store (assuming it has decent electronics and prices). If anything ever goes wrong, the store will take care of your entire system's warranty.
Good luck!
I'm sure people will bash me for this, but the only thing I'd buy from Alpine is a head unit. No speakers. No amps. Just personal preference.
And yes, installing dynamat in the vehicle's interior means ripping out the seats and carpeting. It's not hard, just time-consuming. Doors and truck will be fine, as that's much better than none at all. I wonder how much someone would charge to install dynamat.
As for speakers, you HAVE to listen to them before you buy them to see what you like. The alternative is to find something on sale that's of decent quality and go with it...and never listen to other speakers. If you don't know what you're missing, you'll like what you have..seriously.
One last tip - if you're going to have this all professionally installed, find an installer you like and get all your electronics from that store (assuming it has decent electronics and prices). If anything ever goes wrong, the store will take care of your entire system's warranty.
Good luck!
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thanks, Will, for the specs on the V12 amps... it sounds like a good multichannel (instead of dedicated) will get the job done... if i ever decide to add rears behind the seats, would the 545 be able to handle all five speakers, or by definition is it limited to four channels/speakers? (dumb question? 
)
Chuhsi, your points are well taken... i will revisit the store where i plan on having the install done and listen to my options again... i'll bring my own CD this time... and yes, my goal is to purchase all components/electronics from the same vendor...
overall, i'm trying to keep my perspective on this project... after listening to quality components in a "sound room", it's easy to lose sight of the obvious obstacles to audiophile quality enjoyment in a two-seat convertible sports car...
my goal is musical enjoyment with top up or down, which, given the comparison point of the starting stock system shouldn't be that difficult to achieve... i think emphasizing the sound-deadening (dynamat) facet of this install will leave me more satisfied with what i choose in the end... i've downloaded some pics from this site of thorough dynamat application to the interior and will provide them as a guide to the installer...
will keep all posted on progress, and Will, would love to hear feedback once you have your sytem up and running
)Chuhsi, your points are well taken... i will revisit the store where i plan on having the install done and listen to my options again... i'll bring my own CD this time... and yes, my goal is to purchase all components/electronics from the same vendor...
overall, i'm trying to keep my perspective on this project... after listening to quality components in a "sound room", it's easy to lose sight of the obvious obstacles to audiophile quality enjoyment in a two-seat convertible sports car...
my goal is musical enjoyment with top up or down, which, given the comparison point of the starting stock system shouldn't be that difficult to achieve... i think emphasizing the sound-deadening (dynamat) facet of this install will leave me more satisfied with what i choose in the end... i've downloaded some pics from this site of thorough dynamat application to the interior and will provide them as a guide to the installer...
will keep all posted on progress, and Will, would love to hear feedback once you have your sytem up and running
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From: Albuquerque, NM
[QUOTE=zeusallmighty,Mar 5 2006, 08:51 AM] if i ever decide to add rears behind the seats, would the 545 be able to handle all five speakers, or by definition is it limited to four channels/speakers? (dumb question?
