[DT]

OK, so I finally got around to ordering the PPI 356CS, and it seems the supply has dried up. I saw a couple of sets from Sonix going for $20-30 _more_ than they were asking so I waited (and then Christmas/etc., was here so I was sort of out of the loop).

Now nobody seems to have these (other than a few online retailers asking double the price they were 4 weeks ago).

Are these still being made?

ace123

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/hot-de...ust-buy-34.html

Looks like they're out there but are closer to $200.

[DT]

Thanks! That's a helpful link/thread, and it confirms the channel has dried up for them. I wonder if the supplier just got overwhelmed and we'll see them readily available and cheaper again [?]

I'm kind of in the same frame of mind as one poster who said, for $130, they're a fantastic bargain, but push $200 and I'll start considering other options.

Neutered Sputniks

Will the "sealed" enclosure actually be sealed this time?

[DT]

I talked to a supplier who seems to think they're no longer being manufactured. I guess if I stumble on a set for < $140 to my door I'll still consider these, otherwise I'll be cross shopping for something else.

[DT]

OK, found a couple of sources for the PPI, but the price is getting up there.

If I put a max budget of $200 on some components, what kind of choices do I have?

I seeing plenty of good feedback on CDT, and the Classics CL-62 is within my budget figure. I guess the Classics are CDT's entry level?

I really regret when I recently had out my seats, and convertible deck (to replace my secret compartment), that I didn't go ahead and run some wire. Guess I'll be pulling all that _back_ out.

[DT]

OK, I'm going to get the install stuff, figured I could go ahead and get some of the wiring out of the way.

Based on this link http://www.knukonceptz.com from another thread, I found this all-in-one install kit:

I'm assuming 4ga power/ground and 12ga speaker is more than plenty for my single amp (100x4 channel) install. That kit is $58.

This kit, is $42 and seems just about the same (probably some "grade" difference in the speaker wire or something:

The downside being it's out of stock from them directly (I can probably find it somewhere else).


The thing I noted on the 2nd/cheaper kit is it specifically indicated a "Built in Turn On lead" bundled into the RCA set. I didn't see that in the top kit (using the Karma SS RCA cables), but I'm assuming that's the Remote Wire (listed with the split loom and wire tires). Just didn't want to miss anything.

***

I also wanted to ask about Sundown amps vs. Alpine PDX. The former seems to be a little more boutique brand and more respected in the audio community, but is there a real performance difference?

I also did some more component research and found these:

DLS R6A (2.1" mounting depth)
Hertz HSK 165 (2.5" MD)
Morel Tempo 6 (2.5" MD)

Particularly the DLS and Hertz from a price and performance standpoint. Any thoughts?

ace123

the turn on and remote wires are identical.

sundown vs pdx -- you should look at class a/b vs class d, as that's what you're getting. also, the pdx series are going to be replaced with a next gen very soon. as a rule, the class d amps (pdx) are not as clean but are much smaller and more efficient (less current, heat). practically, this means that if you get a pdx 100.4 you can put it on the gas tank, but if you get the sax-100.4 you'll be putting it somewhere in the trunk or spare tire well. and whether or not you can hear the difference is for you to decide. also, the class a/bs are heavier as they are larger. i went with the sax-100.4, but i was seriously considering the pdx. i love the sound of the sundown, but i've never heard the pdx so i can't compare the two.

if you're looking at the pdx and decide class d might be what you want, you may also want to look into the jl 900/5 and alpine's similar all-in-one amps. that one, while expensive, is 100wrms x 4 + 500wrms x 1, so it would power a 2-way active front stage plus a sub if that's your goal. it just seems easier to have one amp for everything, JMO.

i don't know much about those speaker sets, but they all are sets people at DIYMA mention as good options, so you'll probably be safe with whichever of the three you choose as long as it's a decent fit for your listening style.

[DT]

Thanks. You and a couple of other folks on this area have been super helpful!

Neutered Sputniks

Continuing with what Ace was saying in his last post...

I really REALLY recommend going with an A/B amp. The only benefit to the class D is a smaller footprint - but class A/B will stomp a class D when it comes to sound quality.

And while your average Alpine/JL/MB Quart speakers might not notice the difference, when (if) you get into higher quality (more accurate) speakers, you'll find it does indeed make a difference.