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All right, so I want to upgrade my car audio overall, really, but I'm more into SQ rather than SPL. I like some good volume, but SQ is of higher importance to me. I'll start off here by listing what I have, what I've considered, and ask a couple of questions. I appreciate any and all constructive input!
Current setup (don't mock, it's nothing special =P)in a 1995 Nissan 200SX:
Sony Xplod HU Stock door speakers Rear deck not being used, but stock 2x 10" MTX Thunder 6000 subs in ported box 1000w 2ch Obcon amp, 150w x 2 RMS
The subs, box, and HU I got from a friend for real cheap about 2 - 2 1/2 years ago. The amp is one I replaced my old one with when it went out, I got it for $60 cash brand new.
The box, I'm sure, is not the right specifications and is of what I perceive to be low quality. I also assume the port is not tuned correctly for these subs.
I am not an audio guru by any means, but I've learned a little bit about it while looking at equipment for my upgrade. I'm not looking to spend an outrageous amount of money, and I'm kind of a bargain shopper, so I always look for the best deals. However, like I said I am not a guru, so I don't know a lot about the products for which I am finding what appears to be good deals, I come to you more experienced people for aid.
As far as door speakers go, I will be getting 6 1/2" speakers, I just need to make sure of the mounting depth that I can fit in there, possibly with slight modifications. I was looking at the Alpine Type R door speakers, as I've heard good things about them on the reviews on Crutchfield and a couple of other websites. I found them online for $79 for a pair, so I think that's a pretty good deal. I'm not sure what else would be good for door speakers.
I realize there is some pretty intense options for choosing subwoofers, but I found a couple that I am interested in:
Rockford Fosgate P3 Alpine Type R Alpine Type X
If I went with the RF or The Type R, I would likely get 2x 10" in a sealed box. I am thinking I want to go with sealed, as it is generally better SQ and note accuracy. One question I have though, is what is the approximate dB increase from using two subs vs. one, on average?
Also, has anyone heard any of the above mentioned subs and can give some nice honest input, good or bad?
I found the P3 and the Type R online for $89 each sub. The Type X was I believe about $225 for the cheapest I saw. If I got the Type X, it would definitely just be one sub, 10" or 12" depending on what some people would recommend.
I really want to go and find some place to hear these subs in person, but the nearest car audio stores are about 50 miles away and aren't that large.
Any input on the above mentioned subs, or any recommendations for other subs around the prices I listed (give or take a bit!) would be much appreciated. I'm sure that any of those subs will definitely out perform my old shabby MTX THunder 6000s.
For people who have heard any or all of the subs I mentioned:
How is the SQ and SPL of those subs? How do they compare, SPL and SQ wise, between any or all of the subs? I'm particularly curious about the Type X, as some people say it is very intense, but I'm curious how it compares against the Type R, considering it's more than double the price at the same company.
Finally, I would need a new amp for the subs (I would use my old obcon to power the doors, as it has sufficient power.)
I found an MA Audio amp that is supposed to have 500w x 2 RMS @ 2 ohm, 1000w x 1 @ 4(in the case of the Type X.) I found it at onlinecarstereo. It's the MA Audio M700XE amp. It's currently $139. If anyone knows the quality of this amp, that would be great. If anyone has some suggestions about a another amp, that would be great too, it's just that most of the amps I find that can pump 500w x2 are hella expensive, so I'm not sure if the MA Audio is decent quality or not. (I don't look at the silly amps like Pyle and Lanzar, because everyone says those are bad, and I always find them in low quality stores, so I assume that to be correct.)
I know it's a long read, so thanks to anyone who took the time to read this. Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks a bunch guys.
Jeremy
----Edit---- Oh, just thought I'd add that I listen to a variety of music, from rock to hip hop, so I'm not looking for genre specific sound.
Posts: 1 | From: Washington | Registered: May 2009
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posted
personally I would go with the Oxygen Audio 83s. DO a little customization to make it fit. Then roll with a Sundown NS 15 and the Sundown Audio amps to make it work. In the 200 SX you will smoke all comers, period!!!!@!!
-------------------- 100% of life is not what you have, but rather what you do with it. The will to win is not enough, one must posses the will to prepare to beat the best. There is no such thing as luck. Posts: 17 | From: Roanoke, VA | Registered: Jul 2008
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It sounds as if you've been learning a little bit while doing the research for your system, and you've got some good ideas as far as equipment goes. The Alpine Type-R's that you're looking at for your doors are a very well rounded speaker, you should be happy with them provided you give them plenty of clean power. With the proper system setup and crossover points they should give you the sound quality that you are looking for.
As far as the woofers that you've mentioned, any of them would be a good choice, either the Rockford or the Alpine. If it were me, I'd probably stick with the 10" Alpine Type-R woofers, the Type-X's would be a bit overkill, and not necessary unless you're going to up your game and really invest in some quality amplifiers to run them. I have built some really nice sounding systems with the Type-R's, for both SPL and SQ, and they also are a very well rounded speaker so you won't be disappointed. Your choice for a sealed enclosure will be the best way to get the SQ that you desire. I personally like to build systems using a single 12" woofer in a ported enclosure, but unless you're going to dump the extra cash into an amplifier with the necessary performance considerations, electronic crossovers and sub-sonic filters, stick with the sealed enclosure for ease of installation and design.
The amplifier for your subs should have at least twice the RMS power that you will be supplying to your door speakers, at least it should if you plan on having a system that is balanced and capable of providing quality sound. But even more important than the brand of amplifier, is the power that you supply to the amplifiers in your system. Don't cheese out when it comes to power wiring, go with the largest gauge that will fit into the connecting terminals of your amplifiers. A good suplpy of power will make a good amplifier perform even better, and if you're operating on a budget, a good power supply will also make a decent amplifier perform to the best of it's abilities. So imagine spending a few dollars less for a Lanzar or Pyle amplifier that has the features that you want for your system, but getting more performance than you bargained for because you can feed the amplifier the current necessary to produce the power that you desire.
for many reasons going with one 12 is a great option. for SQ one good ported 12" place in the right location will perform better then two 10's. if you consider a ported box try 2.5ft@30hz or 2.25 sealed. if you do get a quality amp then the Alpine SWX-1243d is the best of the three. then i would recommend the fosgate P3 d412 and last the alpine SWR-1242d.
Posts: 4 | From: houston | Registered: Jun 2009
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