posted
"Need" is of course relative, but I favor overkill when it comes to designing a system, so....
What I have so far:
* 2 sets of a/d/s/ 346is components; I will likely only install woofers (no tweeters) for rear fill * 2 Helix HXA400 mk II amplifiers (70 x 4, 200 x 2); these have no pass-through RCA outputs and pretty much need to have all 4 RCA inputs filled * stock Mitsubishi Eclipse HU (4-disc in-dash, no RCA outs, only a 6-pin DIN to the outboard amp) * Peripheral Electronics MITAH DIN-to-4 RCA converter and Low Voltage Trigger (5V-to-12V converter for remote amp turn-on) * 125 sq.ft. RAAMmat 60, and 4 20 oz. cans of CAE VB-1S * CAE Deflex pads for midbass drivers
If I came into your shop, or otherwise asked you for advice on WHAT ELSE I need in order to make a "very good" SQ-based installation, what would you recommend?
I have no subs but want 2 12's, and I'm favoring Oz Audio Matrix 300L SVC right now; whatever I end up buying has to be efficient enough to run off of 200W or so, because I don't want to add any more amps.
I have no wiring, no interconnects, and no capacitors, distro blocks, in-line fuses etc. I have looked at almost everything that is "reasonably" affordable and I'm leaning towards Monster Cable 401's or better, at least for the interconnects. I believe the alternator is 85A in my 2001 Eclipse; stock battery as well.
I believe the stock HU puts out around 1V for the preamp outs. I am UNSURE as to the QUALITY of the DIN-to-RCA interface. I don't "really" want to upgrade the HU now, because I want the system to remain stock looking, at least outside the trunk. I believe the amps' inputs are 700mV-8V or so, give or take.
Sorry for the long post, but I really would appreciate the input. As far as budget goes, I bought a/d/s/ components and Helix amps for a reason and I've been looking at Oz Audio subs and Monster's higher-end interconnects and wiring for the same reason; so I don't mind spending some money for good stuff, as long as it's justifiable and not way over the top!
What I think I might need, in addition to high-quality interconnects, fuse at battery, distro block:
* at least 4ga. from the battery to the distro. block; 8ga. to the amps, and same for ground. * at least 0.5 farad cap for each amp * line driver * y-splitters to get 4 RCA outputs into 8 RCA inputs (two 4-channel amps) - not sure of the effect of this on output impedance and thus SQ out of the HU
Please add to this list or add anything else, anything at all, that you think might be needed to make a competition-worthy system, as noise-less and powerful as possible given what I already have bought. TIA
posted
Thanks for the reply. I need to stick with stock locations for now, and probably forever with THIS car.
I have been thinking a lot lately about signal processing equipment...BTW why do you suggest an active crossover? I would think the onboard Helix crossovers should do fine....
*Helix amps are on the way out because it's too much of a goofy, pain in the ass, potentially signal degrading mess to get all 4 inputs on both amps filled, in order to get these things to run properly; meaning, to keep fader control and not use y-splitters etc.
*looking for ideas on new amp(s)...would LOVE to go with one 6 channel, and if so I would be willing to forego rear fill in order to run two subs.
*or looking for two really sweet amps, thinking Xtant or PG Titanium.
I'd love to hear what you wizards think about these plans. If anyone knows anything about the PG 900.7 I'd love to hear it. Again, stock HU and a/d/s/ speakers, and I'm open to suggestions on everything else from there back...preamps, EQ's, line drivers, somebody build me a system, I'm confused!
posted
Have you checked out the Memphis Belle from Memphis, it's a 5 channel hybrid design with 4 ab channels and a mono d channel. I can't remember the power rating of the 4 ab's (maybe 75x4) but the class d is 1000 watts into one ohm. As for an all-in-one package I believe MA just came out with a six chanel amp with built in crossovers and a 30 band eq (if you feel the need) but I have no experience with MA so that's up the air from my point of view.
-------------------- You cannot run from your own bunghole Posts: 122 | From: Alvarado, Tx | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
What you listed looks like a good start to achieving a SQ system but I think the lack of an aftermarket HU will hurt. I always live by the philosophy that the HU is the most crucial part of the system since that is where the signal starts. With some research, you may be able to find a stock looking, yet aftermarket brand, HU. A lot of middle-line companies are making HU for the 'stock' anti-theft look.
Amp-wise, I'll suggest a Soundstream DaVinci. 7 channels. 50x4, 100x2, 200x1. Variable crossovers for each channel, yada, yada. Now the bad news, I've been trying to buy one for over 2 months and SoundStream keeps pushing the release date back. It was supposed to be released 8/20. The store I am looking to buy it from told me last week it's not still released yet.
My DaVinci price quote was $1300. Not sure if that's in your financial ball park or not, but I think it can definitely handle your requirements.
[ 09-06-2002, 11:51 AM: Message edited by: dB Outlaw ]
posted
Any opinions on what y-splitters will do to my signal quality? Again, stock HU...not very high to start with. I would have to run my front pair of rca's, y-split them and send those 4 to my front stage amp - all 4 inputs must be filled on these amps, what a pain in the ass that's become - and do the same for the rear pair and send them to my sub amp to fill all 4 inputs on that one.
I've been told that this is NOT an issue, but it seems fishy to me, that I can simply y-split the outputs from the HU and not see (hear) any adverse effect.
posted
When they say not "see"/hear any difference - I thik it depends on -- the average person may not and according to many - some judges may not. I may look into the older Soundstream rubicons 604s and 300sx. Spend your money on an EQ and active xover. The rubicons are good amps 4 channels -90x4 THD<.02 - which I would bridge to two channels - 180X2. A 300sx for the rear fills is plenty. These amps are cost effective, if your lucky will get one with out a power supply issue. They are clean and put out good power. The features used by soundstream are used by Alpine ;Triple Darlington array; harmonic alignment -used by Nakamichi and Xtant. The point is they are quality amps and if you keep the gains at minimum you will do very well. If there is any one signal processor - get used - try the Zapco sx-sl - it is an parametric 5 band with active xovers. Thats my opinion.
Posts: 93 | From: NJ | Registered: Nov 2001
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Still working on PG. Best combo of availability, crossovers, other features and power that I've found...I know you're paying for name too, but what can you do????
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