I have a MY2007 if that matters.
Budget = 1000 USD

1. Stealth look. Everything hidden
2. No spare tire required
3. Tools can be relocated
4. weight is a concern
5. Everything must connector-ized for quick removal for SCCA auto salmon
6. Types of music: Jazz, 90s hip hop, alternative

Head unit = Alpine iDA-X305
Speakers = ?
Sub = ?
Sub box = darksidesubs... not sure which one to choose
Amplifier = ? (I know i want only 1 amp, so 4 channel with the 2nd channel bridged for amp)

The install and work is not a concern to me at all. But I just have no idea where to start for selecting parts, and I don't know much about car audio. All I know is that the original stereo is horrible.

Thanks,
Jason

 

This is what I had in mind...

Alpine IDA-305
Alpine PDX-4.150
Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1
JL Audio 10W6V2
http://www.darksidesubs.com/ sub box.

 

I'd say::

IDA-305
JL HD 600/4 (Better SQ, buy one used to even the price difference)
Hybrid Audio technology Imagine 6.5"
Sub seems fine.

 

http://www.6ave.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=...bberALPPDX4.150

6th ave has got the alpine sub for 347 USD. Seems like a good price to me.

There seem to be a lot of talk about Sundown Audio amplifers. I have zero experience with car audio and don't know what brands or models are good. I just came up with the build list based on a lot of internet forum readings from various places.

I know the Class D amps are not known for perfect sound reproduction, but the S2000 is rather noisy of a car.

I just want to get the best equipment for around 1000 bucks with myself doing the install.

 

Class D amps have made a lot of headway into SQ. The Alpine is a good amp. The JL HD series is top notch. There are few better. It pricey but pure goodness in every area.

ARC and Rainbow are two other amps that have lots of good press for their amps. You can get them in the 350 range. Doubt you will be disappointed in any - especially the Rainbow iPaul.

Don't forget to factor the dash control adapter, wiring and some sound deadening into your budget.

 

s2k4trouble,

So I should research the following?

ArcAudio XXD 4080 <--- good price $329 direct from ArcAudio.
rainbow iPaul 4.300

I'm thinking the rainbow is not a class D based on its dimensions? 415 x 60 x 250 mm. Comparing with 235 x 178 x 50 mm for ArcAudio.

How much power do I need for 6.5" components and a 10" sub? The Alpine PDX-4.150 and JL Audio HD600/4 appear to be more powerful on paper than the other suggestions of: ArcAudio XXD 4080, rainbow ipaul 4.300, and the Sundown SAX-100.4D...

Thanks for all the help.

 

Do all amplifiers use active crossovers?

 

The iPaul is an A/B amp. You can get them from woofersetc.com. They're not an authorized dealer but provide a 1 yr warranty. I would check diyma.com to find an authorized dealer.

Components usually need 75-100 watts. Subs are 200W upwards. The JL 10W6V2 sub you're interested in looks like it needs around 225W - 300W. The iPaul and Arc will run this set-up. You may not get everything out of the sub but that's the compromise that has to be made if only wanting 1 amp.

Your components can run active or passive set up with an amp. If you're comfortable tuning the amp, then active will provide better SQ. Sundown is a great amp to run active systems. It's also A/B and the best part of the amp is it's internal cross-over. I'm running my JL HD in passive. I think the JL HD is a great overall amp but would agree the internal cross-overs are better on the Rainbow or Sundown.

If you're planning on applying sound deadener, check out elemental designs for eDead. Quality stuff for great prices. While you're there, you may check out their subs. Several on the board have them and recommend. They offer package sales and carry DLS components.

Good luck with the research, purchase and install. I nearly drove my wife crazy with the this stuff! lol

 

So if I use a passive cross over arrangement I have to set the freq on the amplifer? I'm very interested in the ARC 4080 because it seems to get good reviews. Is small, and the price is good.

What if I use the Alpine IDX-305 built in active cross over? Will it be better than using the crossover that is built into the Arc amp?

Lastly, is there any other sub woofer you guys can recommend? The only reason why I selected JL Audio 10W6V2 was because way way back in the day I had a friend that was really into car audio competitions and swore by the JL Audio W6 line. Now he has moved back Shanghai, got a banker job, walks to work, and doesn't even own a car anymore, so he isn't current anymore on what is good.

s2k4trouble: what is your setup?

 

I think the DarkSide sub boxes are a bit overpriced. Here are 2 stealthy looking boxes that are cheaper and excellent quality.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAP...RK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT