Blue_AP2

What should i keep and sell for a better sound quality system.

I would like to hold on to these a bit longer but if you recommend something else i may change it sooner than expected.

Kenwood KDC-MP738U Headunit
Alpine SPR-17S Components Speakers

These are the stuff i dont know if i should keep or sell to get something better.

JL Audio 500/1
JL Audio 12w3v2
Image Dynamic IDMaxV2 12"D2
Hifonics 4 ch amp 680watt

This is what i have and i want to make my system sound better. I am currently using the kenwood headunit, alpine components, hifonics amp and jl 12w3v2.

Thanks.

Neutered Sputniks

Keep the JL 500/1 and HiFonics 4ch


Pick up a Pioneer Premier D880-PRS or Eclipse CD7200mkII, some separates from Focal, Hertz, CDT, Rainbow, Seas, Dynaudio, etc and run an active x-over setup with that Hifonics (1ch per speaker).

For the sub, pick up a Stereo Integrity Mag v4. Perfect match to that JL 500/1 (exact setup I have, in fact). Sound quality will blow that IDMax out of the water (as well as SPL if that's what you're into). Pick up a fiberglass tool well enclosure from Darkside subs (WLAURENT here on the forums, he'll start making enclosures again in Jan) for it's 1 cu ft enclosure size - MDF enclosures can't get the volume needed for that Mag or IDMax b/c they can't fit the curves of the tool well.

Blue_AP2

Do you think its really necessary i change my Kenwood KDC-MP738U Headunit? I plan on changing the Alpine SPR-17S Components Speakers for something better later on. Also the Hifonics amp do you think they are any good? i was thinking of selling it and picking up a JL 300/2. LMK thanks for your response

Neutered Sputniks

If you really want to upgrade and use 1 chan/speaker, you'll need a 4-chan amp (300/2 is a 2-chan) and you'll need a HU that has active x-overs. Those HU's I listed (and their previous versions - i.e. Eclipse CD7100) are the only ones that do it besides Alpine (and I'm not a fan of Alpine sound, as are most people who hear my HU vs their Alpine).

Hifonics isn't bad. But it's not great either. If you really want to see an improvement, go with Audison LRx lineup. The LRx 4.5k would be about perfect.

Blue_AP2

i was planing on powering only my 2 front speakers with the amp. Do i still need a 4ch. amp? Reason why i want to switch ou the hifonics is because i want something with better quaility.

Neutered Sputniks

You really have 4 front speakers - 2 tweeters, 2 woofers. For the best sound quality, you'll have to power each independently - that's what we refer to as an active x-over. To do that, you'd have to upgrade the HU. Trust me, it's worth the $$$.

second2none

I'd actually keep the ID sub with the 500/1 jl amp. I agree on upgrading the headunit to either the eclipse or pioneer premier 880/800 unit. Honestly, if you get the system tuned properly. Going active is a big difference versus passive. Sound quality is pretty much night and day.

Neutered Sputniks

I suggested ditching the IDMax b/c it's so space consuming. I'd looked at putting one in my S when my IDQ 12 died...but, it's so deep and requires such a large enclosure that it'd kill any and all trunk space. And because they're designed and sold by an enthusiast in NC who owns his shop, they're only $250 shipped.

The SI Mag requires 1cu ft enclosure, has a mounting depth of 5.5", and is 500-1000WRMS capable. It's built with the XBL^2 technology, meaning that through nearly it's entire excursion range, the T/S specs change <5% (or something along those lines). The SQ is incredible.

If you're ever up in the NYC area, come give it a listen. You'll never be satisfied with a traditional overhung subwoofer again,

Blue_AP2

I know the ID Max is big but i have the box that fits it. I dont know if its enough air space in it but it seems alright when i had it in my car. I have a box that fits the tool wheel perfectly made out of MDF wood.

If you still have that IDQ and want to get it repaired, i got my IDMAX reconed for $90 in Gardena, CA at one of there locations.

Neutered Sputniks

Nope. I have a SI Mag. Never going back