Doing new install of aftermarket audio setup - going to bite the bullet all at once and would love everyone's feedback - my budget is $1000 and here's where I am so far -

-Clarion DXZ735MP headunit (220 crutchfield)
-Clarion DC 625 changer (will this fit in the glove box?) (145 crutchfield)
-Infinity Reference 6000cs 6.5" component system for front with tweeters mounted on pillars (145 sounddomain)
-Sony Xplod 5.25" for rear running off headunit (only because I have these in like new condition - they will go either in panel or in headrest if I can fashion something like the s-pod or bite the bullet and buy them though that will put me over budget)
-Crunch Noxx P80.4 multi-ch amp - running front spkrs and sub (130 sounddomain)
-Polk Audio GNX104 10" sub (80 sounddomain)
-Lucid Auto tool tray sub box (100 lucid)
-Lucid DCI controller for dash controls (95 lucid)

That puts me at 915, so with wiring, maybe some dynamat for the trunk and other parts I'll probably come in a little over budget - any thoughts, suggestions, or comments greatly appreciated - also, if anyone can answer the following ?s

1) what is the difference between the Lucid DCI and the PAC SWI-X? Preference?

2) I'm buying the speakers without hearing going on recommendations, price and reputation and the fact that sounddomain offers money back guarantee - are there any others I have to consider or at that price range (200 retail) are they all about the same.

3) I will most likely ultimately change out the Sony speakers and am considering going to a 5.25" component set with woofer in the panel and tweeter mounted up near the shoulder - is this a workable alternative to s-pods (not that I have anything against them, nor do I doubt they are worth the $$ - I just don't want to spend it)

4) first time with an amp and sub - I'm not looking for thumpin bass more just clean bass when I've got it really loud with the top down doing 95 - will this setup accomplish that?

TIA for your help - great forum!!!


Adam

 

lawman,

Nice setup...The only thing I suggest is don't order from crutchfield.com, they are overpriced. What i did was use crutch field to do the research then I actually ordered everything from www.onlinecarstereo.comwww.onlinecarstereo.com Alot of the time they save you alot of money. Plus they give free shipping on nearly everything.

Observe:

-Clarion DXZ735MP headunit (220 crutchfield)
210+free shipping onlinecarstereo

-Clarion DC 625 changer (will this fit in the glove box?) (145 crutchfield) 170 crutchfield<---their website said a different price than what you had)
170+free shipping onlinecarstereo

-Infinity Reference 6000cs 6.5" component system for front with tweeters mounted on pillars (145 sounddomain)
140+free shipping----nice choice of speakers, i love infinity!!!

-Sony Xplod 5.25" for rear running off headunit (only because I have these in like new condition - they will go either in panel or in headrest if I can fashion something like the s-pod or bite the bullet and buy them though that will put me over budget)
70+freeshipping onlinecarstereo if you decide to buy them

-Crunch Noxx P80.4 multi-ch amp - running front spkrs and sub (130 sounddomain)
120+free shipping onlinecarstereo

-Polk Audio GNX104 10" sub (80 sounddomain)
70 onlinecarstereo

-Lucid Auto tool tray sub box (100 lucid)
no change

-Lucid DCI controller for dash controls (95 lucid)
no change

Total savings = $35 plus the savings for shipping

To answer your questions:

1. I don't think Lucid sells the PAC SWI-X anymore, the multiradio DCI took it's place

2. Well all I can say is If you don't like infinitys, theres something wrong

3. not sure

4. It should sound perfect for those higher speed drives with the top down.

 

A little helpful advice assuming you havent ordered your stuff yet....

1. Scratch the rears and get better fronts. If you are going Infinity, go with Kappa Perfect's 6.5's Amazing speakers (229 at ikesound.com)

2. Get a MUCH better amp for the front....since you would be doing only 2 speakers, a 2 channel amp is good.

3. Get your wiring from knukoncepz.com Great wiring, and CHEAP!!!
Dont be cheap on wiring, because you CAN tell the difference between the good and the bad. For speakers and RCA's get the good stuff.


4. To save money and add convenience, get an mp3/wma HU (alpines are great) and scratch the cd changer. You can fit more songs on a single cd that you can in an entire changer (including a 12 disc) Give this one some serious thought.


Otherwise good choice. By the way, sony speakers, generally are crap....by crap I mean sound OK, and break easily (cone pops off the frame, fries, etc.)

Hope that helps....

 

Oh.....and what mjudson said....crutchfield is good, but VERY overpriced....

go with......

www.onlinecarstereo.com
www.ikesound.com
www.thezeb.com
www.etronics.com

 

i would even say go w/ SoundDomain for everything and pricematch them off of the other sites... you'll get the 105% price matching and get better service w/ factory authorized sales.

DCI and PAC differences...

the DCI is made by modifry and is a hard wired solution vs the PAC which 'learns' your remote's codes and then plays them back...

the DCI is a chipped solution, custom made by modifry that adds features and functions to the dash controls.

both systems use a IR transmitter to send info to the head unit, but the PAC has a reputation for having a delay between keypress and activation.

do a search on the PAC and you'll find a LOT of old posts that talk about it... and do a search for modifry's post on the DCI -- he gives a lot of info about what it does as well...

in all honesty -- do the DCI. it's a more effective and flexible solution.

and that amp you've chosen -- i don't think it will do much for your sub...

 

Thanks for your help everyone!! A couple of replies - haven't placed the order yet so still subject to change and your input --

-As for Crutchfield, yes I'm aware that their prices are usually higher than everyone else's, but on this particular headunit the sale price of 220 is the same price as thezeb.com (who were morons on the phone) and the combo with the changer nets a $25 discount for a competitive combo price - plus orders over 199 free shipping. Sounddomain does not have the clarion products, which were chosen over pioneer for their 2 year manuf warranty over pioneer's 1 yr.
Will go and pricematch those speakers and sub though.


-Is the kappa series infinity speaker worth an extra $80?

-what amp would be better for that sub and the front speakers? what's wrong with the Crunch? SOunddomain recommended that and a Boss for the same price - crunch had a little more power so that's why I chose it.

-definitely will go with Lucid DCI

-wiring question - if the speaker lead coming out of the wiring harness is only say 18g (or whatever thin gauge it is) why is a larger gauge needed for the run to the speaker? I know that it is, I just don't know/understand why.

-sub - any links out there to proper wiring of a 4 channel amp to sub and front speakers? first time and it is really the only part of the install I'm nervous about.

Thanks again - have a great thanksgiving everyone -- adam

 

i agree with NFR... dump the rear and spend the money on front components and amp.

 

Infinity Kappa Perfects are WELL worth the extra 80 bucks (they retail for 559)

They are of better quality, construction, not to mention sound....

As for the amp....get either a 5 channel Alpine or JL. And do not get rear speakers yet. If you really want them later on, get them....for now, get the best components and amp you can afford.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by NFRs2000NYC
Infinity Kappa Perfects are WELL worth the extra 80 bucks (they retail for 559)

They are of better quality, construction, not to mention sound....

As for the amp....get either a 5 channel Alpine or JL.