Sound System

COMPLETE noob when it comes to audio..my car isnt a show car so i dont need flashy shit, a crazy trunk setup, or name brand shit just to be name brand...looking for suggestions on the best that ~1k can buy me, minus the amp.  i'll be using my stock head unit, so i guess speakers and subs are what im looking for.  im fairly happy with my stock system, so subs will be the bulk of the purchase...not looking for anything TOO loud...just good quality sound with some pretty good "bump" Also open to suggestions for an amp, also in the 1k range..preferably like mcintosh or something.

what amp do you have? you can't be using the power from your h/u for speakers and sub(s), unless I'm misunderstood what you mean

looking for a mcintosh amp, also in the 1k range (if possible), so obvii will be buying used.  any other recommended tube amps?  i used to play guitar and used only mesa boogie, krank, and orange, and i love the warmth and clarity of tubes. as for the head i dont want to lose functionality of gps and stuff

check out arc audio stuff.  real good stuff and it's not overpriced like some brands.

[QUOTE=khanhdom;425058]what amp do you have? you can't be using the power from your h/u for speakers and sub(s), unless I'm misunderstood what you mean[/QUOTE]
 
 
You can use the MS-8 processor with the stock headunit and hook amps via the speaker level inputs. MS-8 does a great job and includes a 31 band EQ. We used it in my GS.....
 
 
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/actolex/New%20GS/Scan_Pic0006.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/actolex/New%20GS/IMG00108-20100601-1956.jpg[/IMG]

you can use a JL clean sweep if you're looking for a simpler setup than what actolex did.

Adrian, you definitely going to need a OEM integration / equalizer to get a good signal from the headunit. On the TL... the factory amplifier is the worst when you boost the signal after it. I mean that your system will be crazy noisy. I used top of the line zero noise twisted RCA wires (spent over $1k on just wires) and I ran them independent of any power source and still got floor noise when i put it through the OEM intrgration unit and through my amps and upgraded speaker wires 8 awg. 
 
I say first thing first, you bypass that factory amplifier and connect the factory radio directly to an OEM Integration device. I personally converted the low level signal/speaker wires coming out the radio into RCAs... then plugged those RCAs into the RF 3Sixrty.2 (My Bluetooth OEM integration device wirelessly controlled the whole system from 30 ft away - great at meets and shows) ... When I did that i finally eliminated all the noise out the system. 
 
I made it all plug & play... I took apart the factory amplifier and desoldered the plug off the board and soldered the RCA for FR,FL,RR,RL,C and S to it. And then pluged the connector from factory radio to it. But now the sell a plug made by Metra that is basically the plug I took off the amplifier ([URL]http://www.metraonline.com/part/70-1721[/URL])... 
 
 
[QUOTE=brainneeded;425207]you can use a JL clean sweep if you're looking for a simpler setup than what actolex did.[/QUOTE]
 
The TL system changes the eq curve based on volume... and the Clean Sweep can't handle it at all... I personally tried on the TL and it sucked big time :pat:
 
Like Mark said the JBL MS-8 is a very good option. (I've heard)
 
The Audison Bit One is insane. I really like that one and would recommend. 
 
 
I would recommend a 4th order band pass box with a couple of 10s in it... Like RE subs... The TL trunk is pretty sealed and you barely get any good bass into the cabin. I had 2 - 12" Type X subs in a sealed fiberglassed box with 1000 rms to each sub and the bass wasn't that crazy :saiyancrunks: 
 
I used Critical mass interior speakers and tweeters... sounded real crisp. 
 
Good Luck... have fun

oh that sucks. i heard good things about it on diyma when i was trying to an OEM integration system.

The JL Clean Sweep can get pricey too if you need to add the extra input modules cause it's not capable of summing signals out the box like an Audio Control LC6 or LC8 cause it only has a basic 4 ch input.  I agree with going with a unit like the MS8 or even a Fosgate 3sixty cause they both do more than just covert signal.

thanks for the info guys...rodney, appreciate the help since youve got first hand experience on our cars. elroy, y'all handle sound system shit at AF right?
 
 
ARC vs Audison vs finding some oldschool shit like a/d/s on ebay?

we sure do.  we can get arc, audison and all that too.

[QUOTE=BAHC;425238] 
y'all handle sound system shit at AF right?
[/QUOTE]
 
 
Oh you aint know???!!!! Auto Fashion gets down! on Audio! :biggthumpup:
 
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/o2bbabe/317750_291617780854239_124008624281823_1409777_670368936_n.jpg[/IMG]
 
[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/o2bbabe/JtunedQ8.jpg[/IMG]

Yo that's some serious sound set up ....dayum A/F is a jack of all trades

"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue"

like mentioned your first step is oem integration. the two hot ones are audison bit one and jbl ms8. cleansweep is a set it and forget it option (the eq may in fact be volume dependant, but if you use the supplied volume knob instead of the headunit adjustment you shouldn't have any issues) that flattens out the frequency output (eliminating factory "tuning") and provides strong preouts), while the bit one and ms8 have advanced adjustments. the rf 360.2 is a middle of the line option (some adjustments, if still available). 
 
tube amps in car audio are semi-rare. i don't know a lot about them but i have done a little reading. tube pre amp sections make up the majority of what's available are not tube amps in the same sense as say guitar amplifiers.
 
[URL]http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/system-design-help-me-choose-equipment-my-car/34125-can-someone-list-every-known-manufacturer-mobile-tube-amps.html[/URL]
 
you're much better off spending the money on your front stage than focusing on the subs. 100hz+ is where 99% of your music is at. there are good options all the way down to the budget level. i'm about to install a dynaudio esotec 2 way set in the titan (typical esotec setup is $500-1000 for components) and going to do an esotar install in my q ($$$). i have a high level rep that i can put you in contact with that can do you some good deals on dynaudio or something a little more budget friendly (entry level rainbow, morel, etc.). another company making big waves (sq comp circuit) and releasing entry level options is hybrid audio technologies. when the time is right i will be checking out some of their stuff, but i don't hesitate to recommend it based on their track record.
 
as far as amps, i like tru. one of the last strictly u.s. made manufacturers on the market. even the parts sourced are mostly north american. you can get into the steel series at a reasonable price, and it will blow away the mainstream offerings. on the other hand, power is power to an extent. as long as the signal is clean and nothing is altering it watts are watts.
 
subs is really the last thing i worry about, but i'm sure my guy can make you a solid recommendation based on your budget/needs.
 
shoot me a pm.
 
*edit - one word about old school. electrical components (capacitors, etc.) break down over time.

thanks og, you seem to know your shit.  would everyone say hertz/audison speakers are as good as rainbow/dynaudio or whatever else is considered "high end"

try audiobahn

i think im pretty set on hertz/audison...ill be using the bit one, and im the kinda guy that likes to stay consistent manufacturer wise.  i know the hertz subs are more for SQ, and while that is my main priority, i will still like it to feel like i have subs...will 2 10s or 1 12 provide more bump, and does one set up have a SQ advantage over the other?

^ 2 - 10's all day... and feel real tight (no homo)... but depends on the design on the subwoofer box of course. 
 
hertz are the shit...

I actually have a good friend that may be close to u and does awesome stereo work....pm me if u want his number.....

"Your sister is hot but your mom does that thing with her tongue"

[QUOTE=khanhdom;425769]try audiobahn[/QUOTE]
they're not even in business anymore :innoutrofl2:

i do have an old school audiobahn in a bandpass box, shit was free. :smiley-rofl:

even i know audiobahn...

hertz/audison is good stuff. both elettromedia. the audison amps (lrx and up) are nice, and the mille line of speakers is good (the high energy line was hot for a minute but i don't  think it held up to other stuff that was available at the same price point).
 
audison bit one
audison 5.1k
hertz ml280
hertz ml1600
hertz ml3000 
 
would be my hertz/audison setup... but i [I]know[/I] you could do better for the money.

id recommend some brands, but theyre sort of obscure and youve probably never heard of them [/hipster]

[QUOTE=OG;425963]hertz/audison is good stuff. both elettromedia. the audison amps (lrx and up) are nice, and the mille line of speakers is good (the high energy line was hot for a minute but i don't think it held up to other stuff that was available at the same price point).
 
audison bit one
audison 5.1k
hertz ml280
hertz ml1600
hertz ml3000 
 
would be my hertz/audison setup... but i [I]know[/I] you could do better for the money.[/QUOTE]
 
thanks, this is my ideal response...any other laid out setups youd recommend so that i can do my reserach on specific components rather than a general google search of "audison vs linear power"

Sounds like the initial budget is out the window within a few days :innoutrofl2:
 
And this is just in the planning stages... wait until you actually start the install...

^ yea im starting to realize i cant have a budget LOL

what i would run:
 
bit one/ms8
dynaudio esotec 242
tru s44/s45 (bridged) or s25 (more headroom the better here. dyns are thristy)
tru s500
dynaudio mw182 (infinite baffle install)
 
this is very similar to the setup i initially bought and have modified over a couple years. going into the titan soon:
 
jl cleansweep
dynaudio custom esotec (large format tweeter, 8" midrange)
tru s44 (bridged)
tru s500
jl audio stealthbox
 
i'm using the cleansweep because i do not want to do a lot of tuning. running stock h/u because i like my 6 disk changer and other features. chosing the stealthbox because of the way it looks. overpriced/underbuilt but whatever... for this particular install it's what i want.
 
new systenm for the q will consist of:
 
carputer
dynaudio esotar
custom tru super billet

just depends on type of music you tend to listen to and how...what kind of quality you expect from it...from what you said on the mcintosh stuff youre heading in the way of SQ "sound quality" and the budget you set...is blown out the window just by going with a processor...me id personally recommend the AUDIO CONTROL DQ-L8 or the AUDISON BIT ONE...just depends on how in depth youre trying to get with the tuning but they do have different options out there. on the install on your acura tl...youre gonna have to by-pass the noise canceling mics in the car if you dont its gonna send feed back signals to your inside speakers and act all crazy...but other then that pretty basic install...subs you can always build a box ported through the cab from the ski pole holes...if it has it atleast my wifes 2007 acura tl type s did...the subs id do something more along the lines of IMAGE DYNAMICS ID MAX...and for speakers depends on youre style of music can get stuff designed for mid-bass or stuff designed for loudness

^His TL doesn't have the noise cancelling feature. 

OG... Infinite battle on the TL isn't an option unless he wants to eliminate the trunk springs and have a stick available to keep it open... LOL... Plus Infinite baffle subs are so limited in the market. To me the usually sound like shit.

imo, the simpler the better.

some sort of stock integration, a 5 channel amp, some speakers youve heard and liked, a nice pair of subs, and most importantly, a competent installer if youre not going to do it yourself (most important).

def. going for a SQ build..i listen to a wide range of music from underground hiphop to triphot to dubstep and house to post hardcore to death metal...a lot of hip hop will be playing on my system...but not too much main stream bump in the trunk type of stuff.

[QUOTE=rodneyc77;426191]OG... Infinite battle on the TL isn't an option unless he wants to eliminate the trunk springs and have a stick available to keep it open... LOL... Plus Infinite baffle subs are so limited in the market. To me the usually sound like shit.[/QUOTE]
 
infinite baffle is ALWAYS an option, doesn't have to be vented to the trunk ya know (but pretty much every car has rear speakers which can easily be replaced with 8-10" subs with proper product selection). there are a ton of ib capable subs, not just the ones advertised as such. if you haven't heard an ib sub that sounds good, then you haven't heard a proper ib install. the characteristics of infinite baffle are flatter frequency response than boxed installs. it's not a high output setup, it's about quality.

Mike ... I see that you tend to read what ever you want... I SAID it's not an option on the TL because of A SPECIFIC REASON... The deck area has only 5" clearance before you hit the trunk lid springs... Very limited products with less than 5" mounting depth... 
 
I guess you're right... I haven't heard a great ib setup that lasted more than a month before the sub blew. I'm no rookie to the audio game Mike...

^Dominicans in NY don't play when it comes to audio lol.  Most of the times its stock cars with 12k in the trunk.  They need their music

[QUOTE=rodneyc77;426393]Mike ... I see that you tend to read what ever you want... I SAID it's not an option on the TL because of A SPECIFIC REASON... The deck area has only 5" clearance before you hit the trunk lid springs... Very limited products with less than 5" mounting depth... 
 
I guess you're right... I haven't heard a great ib setup that lasted more than a month before the sub blew. I'm no rookie to the audio game Mike...[/QUOTE]
 
i read what you said, it just wasn't valid so i bypassed it. finding a sub with a an appropriate mouting depth is just a matter of product selection. 5" is not a challenge.
 
true infinite baffle (vs. free air) involves completely sealing off the trunk area, which also opens up the area behind the back seat as a mounting location. alternatively, it's not uncommon have a new rear deck which increases clearance on the back side. there's really and endless amount of solutions if you want to make an ib setup work.
 
ib is a low power configuration. a non-ib marketed sub used in an ib application generally has about half the power handling it would in a boxed application. that may be why you've seen them blow frequently. gotta know the rules to win the game.

:pat: You're really a piece of work... I know for a fact that anything is possible with endless resources... Adrian wanted something simple and economical. I believe that he clearly stated that from the start; I see that you bypassed that too. 
 
You've hit the nail on the head... ib setups in my opinion don't produce... the end user typically craves for more bass and in turn adjust the amplifier output (on his/her own against the installer recommendations) and causes the sub to blow. I've seen it too many times. 
 
I'm just trying to help Adrian figure out something that's going to be good from the start... instead of going through like 4 different setups like I did on the TL... What do I know right? I did remove the rear windshield, relocated seatbelt mechanisms, completely sealed trunk area and designed a port via a custom deck on the TL... However, you are the know it all around these parts (on paper)...

whatever homie. you're butt hurt, that's your problem. i'll still be right here chillin when you get over it. see you then.
 
produce what? addy said he was more concerned about sound quality than output, which is why i suggested ib. you obviously want him to follow  in your footsteps regardless of his goals. you say it's not possible, but trunk springs... for real? that's your (or your installer's) big issue? my bad pro. building a badpass box is easier than ib? or dropping your car off at the stereo shop is easier?
 
you obviouysly want to make it an argument, but i'm not interested. this isn't even your topic. i know what i know so i'll provide what information i have to offer and leave it at that (that's what we're here for right?). if you have an issue with something i said then feel free to examine it further; but don't get mad when i can back it up, and remember you're the only one trying to pick someone else's contribution apart. everything this "know it all (on paper)" knows is the result of hard work, don't expect me to apologize.

:innoutrofl2:Why would I ever be butt hurt? Are you even serious...  Sounds like you the one acting emotional here. :pat:
 
Only place I just dropped off any car of mine was the body shop. Get your facts in order.
 
It really isn't that serious. I gave my recommendations and you gave yours. He will do what ever he wants at the end of the day. 
 
I'll be right here too... I don't need or would ever ask for an apology. You can take that to the bank.

apology accepted.

i feel like jerry springer.  regardless, thanks for EVERYONES input, its all being processed and considered.

i see the hampsters churning out laps

so since you dont have a budget anymore id go with brax graphic pro speakers/amps, morel ultimo sub, and nordost wiring :giggity:

i have a budget just not my original budget lol

$10k?

5-7k

lol month later.

[QUOTE=excluesiveonez;426772]apology accepted.[/QUOTE]

:smiley-rofl:

[QUOTE=BAHC;434439]5-7k[/QUOTE]
 
The sky is the limit then.
I'd toss the stock head unit just to make things easier and the added features of an aftermarket head unit are awesome.
I presonally love my Hybrid Audio fronts.
For a 'true' sound quality setup take a look at Zuki amps ([URL]http://www.zukiaudio.net/[/URL]).  Don't mind the power ratings. There's nothing they can't push to the limits. The guy makes them himself and is a fukkin genius. Him and I went back and forth over 50+ emails trying to figure out an IB setup for my car. Ended up just too damned difficult with the very limited space under an '00 LS400 rear decklid. Amps are a thing of beauty though. So simple and so much quality. I had 2 but had to sell them due to size constraints trying to get my air and audio setup and a stroller in my trunk.
 
Check out diymobileaudio.com and caraudio.com (more bass/power focused) for anything you need to know.

Zuki amps are designed in the states but built overseas.

Nope. "Built here with foreigh parts" right from the horse.

So if all my parts are JDM but I build the car here is it built in Japan? I call BS on even being assemeled here (at least the eleets) but that's strictly speculation.

[QUOTE=OG;435065]So if all my parts are JDM but I build the car here is it built in Japan?[/QUOTE]
 
No it's built in USA. 
 
[QUOTE=OG;435065]I call BS on even being assemeled here (at least the eleets) [U][B]but that's strictly speculation[/B][/U].[/QUOTE]
 
Exactly.

so for the sake of argument, do you find it strange the eleets are advertised as "designed in usa" ("designed in nv" is even printed on the board) instead of "made in usa"? i only see one advertised as "made in usa" (class d 5 channel). since you're so well informed perhaps you can share what parts/processes are sourced/performed where. i know my tru are 100% usa: r&d, heat sink/machine, board assembly, qc, and packaged with board components sourced from the us, mexico, and asia. i know that because it is very clearly stated, as anyone who takes pride in building over here would.

go swoop some stuff on caraudio.com...i grabbed my subs from there...

I asked the owner of Zuki. That's all I got.
He doesn't subscribe to the marketing stuff. Makes no sense to me but I've yet to read even a hint of negativity towards his equipment.
You can believe what you read and I'll believe what I'm told. Either way, this thread is officially jacked.

i was not questioning the quality of the product. i've read all the same reviews you have (truth be told that's the extent of either of our experience) and the track record speaks for itself. from what i can tell we have the exact same amount of information, i'm just skeptical of your perception of what you were told. it doesn't add up to me and half truths are common. i wiill continue to believe what i believe until something that qualifies as credable information leads me otherwise, feel free to do the same. :biggthumpup:

BAHC, my advice is to go listen to some different setups before you spend any $$. Asking about it online will almost always end up with a bunch of people arguing about what they think is the best. I say just skip it and go listen for yourself. Then you can decide what you think is the best for you. Words are only worth so much when you're talking about sound. My most recent experience (for my Pres) ended up going with a Rockford system *shrug* works for me.

The only problem with that is that the high end stuff is harder to demo. Your best bet is probably finding a local sq meet.

yes, listen for yourself.  

also, i love my zuki.

yea thats what i plan on doing crazyhawaiin..just needed a good base of what to go listen to, rather than walking into a audiostore to have a commisioned sales man try to push kicker on me

how you going to have a budget of 1k and now it's 7k...fucking baller mang. give me your money tree

lemme get a lttle bit to plant another tree at least. i'll share with con.

i like JL lol

Adrian, did you ever get this installed?  I'm starting to look into my audio build now, just wanted to see what progress you made

7k budget?!?!?!:biggthumpup:
 cant wait to see how this turns out......i just did some more to my audio but i didnt have that kind of budget
personally i love the FOCAL component speakers
JL amps
my choice of sub is sundown.....great quality for the price they can be loud and beat hard if thats what you want but even the quality sound is there as well, i find they are well designed and dont take much watts....the sa series 8" 10" 12" and 15" are all 600rms and work GREAT with smaller ported enclosures....i just had a sa-12 and saz1000d installed yesterday few of my friends own audio shops around here and they all swear on sundown and i seen and heard alot of there setups.....one of em had all jl in his escalade and swapped it for sundown amps and subs with focal speakers himself

KEEP US UPDATED this is gonna turn out pretty sick!

just cus i set myself a 7k budget doesnt mean i have 7k hahaha
 
thisll be a very slow process.

Check out I Hate Cars on Acurazine's 3g if you haven't already he has a very nice high end setup with two IB 15" subs in the back, dynaudio 3 ways active up front and JL HD amps with a MS8 processor. Trunk Monkey on Azine was also very helpful with my system when I had my TL.