View Full Version : audio experts i need you!!!
supergirl
18-05-2003, 07:13 PM
Hey,
I need some expert car audio help. I've decided it's time to upgrade my stock Mazda head unit and speakers ... and this is what was recommended to me. I want all comments on what you think and whether you think the price is fair ...
DEH4550 Pioneer Headunit
GMX364 Pioneer 300w 4 channel amp
GT312 JBL 12" sub
+ box and installation $1200
I haven't yet priced new speakers but probably about $130 a pair - 4 way pioneer but would most probably get 3 way or 2 way for rear not paying for passengers enjoyment hehehe.
I need your opinions and advice!
Thanks!
MrShadow
19-05-2003, 04:00 PM
I always thought if you were getting a sub, you didn't need 2,3 or 4 way speakers, as the sub takes care of the bass. Could be wrong. If going to 2/3 way, try the JBL GTO Series, quite nice.
that doesnt sound quite right to me.
since the main feature of 2/3/4 way coax speakers is that they usually mount some kind of tweets on them, wont they enhance the hi frequencies rather than the bass? And even a 6x9 or 7x10 with its large driver and bass abilities wont reach the low frequencies as well as a sub. Instead they cover the mid-range frequencies. which is good !!
the main issue with coax speakers is usually that they just dont give the sound quality of splits.
tho my ideal reccomendation is a 3 way split setup of an 8" driver, 4" driver and tweet matched with a good sub, thats kinda hard to install and fit.
have u looked at some 5x7 splits ? they'll fit sweet in the front doors and should give u some great sound. there's a bunch of them around, although most general car audio stores dont stock the good ones on the shelves.
supergirl
20-05-2003, 09:15 PM
Will the 5x7's fit in the existing pods cos I dont want to cut my car up.
6.5" splits will fit with an mdf template. I have done this in my car. No modifications to body work, mdf screws into existing frame holes, speaker bolts onto the mdf.
Been working great for over 2 years now.
Provo
06-06-2003, 12:24 PM
Alright...lets have a look.
DEH4550 Pioneer Headunit
GMX364 Pioneer 300w 4 channel amp
GT312 JBL 12" sub
+ box and installation $1200
That HU will do a great job!
But I think that you could use a little more power from that amp. Maybe the 574. Ask them what they will do with the 574 amp...cause that would be the best I recon... Or have you thought about kicker? I'm pretty sure that there is a DAMN good deal atm with a kicker amp at JB. I'll check it up for you.... Its basically at cost price.
With those speakers...stick to 2 ways if possible. Because if you think about it... A 2 way speaker only costs slightly less then the 3 way speaker right? Which means that on adverage the 3 way components must be of cheaper quality... (i'm just trying to use a bit of logic...i may be wrong). But 3ways I believe are a farce unless your talking about 3 way splits ($$$). If possible...go for some splits up front. They can be had at pretty decent prices.
I've only heard good things about the JBL sub...i'm sure you'd be happy with it! If you live in Sydney... pop down to Doran Pro Audio and see what he can do... He will normally match or beat other stores. I got my very first install done there... But now I just do all my own stuff...which you should try! It can be really rewarding! If you live in Sydney I or any other member would be willing to help you install. Just let me know. And if you do plan to do it yourself let me know...because i'm just about to buy a whole lot of cables, etc...and I can buy yours at the same time which should reduce the price a little.
I couldn't help you on the sub...but if you want a rough indication of pricing goto www.aussound.com.au . Its not finished yet...but that is basic prices. Atm i'm doing a group buy with the club (well trying to...lol) So I could prob give you prices slightly lower then that on the webpage. You'd just have to worry about install...which isn't actually that hard.
Let me know if you want a proper quote.
Hope this helps....if you have any other questions... SHOOT!
:D
Cheers,
Joe
Provo
06-06-2003, 01:12 PM
Lol...walking around my house just then...I just realized that from my last shipment I have an extra Pioneer Premier DEH-P550MP lying around lol. I put in on ebay a few days ago and forgot about it...
So have a look at this... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3028660317&category=3293&rd=1 And if it goes above $450, dont bid cause i can get another one for that. ($450 is rough cost)
Cheers,
Joe
supergirl
07-06-2003, 11:17 PM
Thanks for that Provo. But the HU had already been sold on ebay. I'm now looking at the JL Audio 12" sub - whats ur thoughts on that? I'm also not going to worry about replacing the rear speakers just the fronts - hopefully with 6" splits.
Asterix
10-06-2003, 12:43 PM
Haven't actually done it myself, but most people you talk to say that splits in the doors are the go (if you have a subbie), but you really should back them with MDF to get the best sound from them. They also suggest deadening the doors with something (can't remember what you use). Stops the tinnyness & hollow sound. Like a studio i guess.
The MDF isnt for improving the sound. Its meerly used as a template to secure the 6/6.5" midrange driver to the door frame as the factory speaker is 5x7 (or is it 5x9?).
I have heard of people filling in the other holes in the door frame with mdf to create a sealed enclosure but Ive spoken to a number of different audio guys and they rekon its not needed. Bit of sound deadening on this frame should be sufficient.
mrpayner
10-06-2003, 06:18 PM
What would be suitable sound deadening??
I've heard about these special sheets of bitumen that you can melt onto stuff using a hair dryer, but the only down side is that it weighes quite a bit..... :?: :roll: I don't know, it sounded kind of suss to me....
Adam
all sound deadening will weigh a bit. thats kinda the point of it!
I posted recently with a few options. cant remember which topic. You pretty much have the choice of spray on, paint on, or sheets of stuff. different stuff is best for different surfaces & shapes.
http://www.webaudiodirect.com/
have g-spot which should be good stuff. Or many hardware and car audio shops should have various products too.
price depends on brand/quality. u pretty much get what u pay for in this field. My local car audio store http://centralcarradio.net work on competition cars and they use Sound-Off which is more expensive but better performance.
and in the top end u could be looking at a couple of hundred per door.
have a look around caraudioaustralia for more info. heaps of topics on it there, and an article on deadening doors
Dave
MrShadow
11-06-2003, 02:05 PM
Well, all this talk about sound dead stuff. If I can't (or don't have time to) figure out the door trim (bit hard those who are a bit s...l....o.........w :wink: ), the place I'm going to take the Beast to is right next door to Jaycar, and across the road from Clark Rubber, so they have a fair range of materials to choose from when I drop the car in and say "Front speakers and sound dead the front doors please".
Critter
11-06-2003, 07:19 PM
The G spot and Serenity / Serenity Max products from Web Audio Direct ARE very good.
I use Dynamat Extreme in my front doors which was about $180 to do both doors, works very well and has stayed exactly where it was put 18 months ago.
There are differences between the products. Brown Bread is popular too but works less well in summer when the doors get hot, loses efficiency and the deadening isd not as consistent for the full range of frequencies (there are lab reports on this).
In the end buy quality product and you gets what you pays for....
Provo
14-06-2003, 01:06 PM
Just about anyone will vouch for JL...very decent subs!
Critter...where did you get that dynamat extreme from?
Did you do outer shell and inner shell?
Critter
14-06-2003, 06:12 PM
Yeah both outer shell and inners as well as sealing up the openings with mdf and siliconing the gaps and screwing it onto the metal.
Dynamat Extreme can be got by contacting Audio Art & Technologies in Perth (Yanddy is the man) and they will ship it to you.
There is a link to there from CAA site.
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