Car Audio Help??

Nick V · « **on:** 25 Aug 2007, 01:17 am »

It's about time I put a nice sound quality system in my Land Rover Freelander. I was set on the Mpyre component set (using xbl^2 motors) but they appear to have gone belly up, most likely due to supply issues with Adire. I have very little car audio knowledge just wondering if anyone can recommend a good component set using quality materials for a reasonable price, or even recommend a good forum?? NOT looking for anything flashy from the standard big box brands, that's why mpyre was so attractive to me. Thinking about using the butler tdb car audio amps.

Thanks,

Nick

DaveC113 · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 01:41 am »

My .02...

The installer is the most important thing, find a good one. Soundproofing is also overlooked all too often. If you're going to tear your car apart and want good sound, spend as much as you can tolerate on soundproofing.

I had a PPI Tubedriver, and though it sounded good. I was using Infinity Perfect components with it. I would look into class-d amps for car use because they are very effecient.

Focal auto speakers are my favorite. I had polykevlars in one of my cars and really liked them. I'd also look at Diamond Audio products as well. Infinity Perfect are decent, and very inexpensive on the web, maybe 1/2 the price of the Focal or Diamond components.

I had a 15" Elemental Designs O-Series sub in a sealed cabinet in a Suburban, it was a really good sub. Unless you're going with a high-powered "super" sub like the Brahma, Resonant Engineering, etc... they are worth looking at.

diyaudio.com has a car forum

Good Luck!

denjo · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 01:54 am »

Here is my 0.02 cents' worth:

First, change your speakers. Any decent brand will bring an improvement over stock speakers. Not sure what speakers are put in your Freeleander. I chose to use DLS (Swedish speakers - www.dls.se) and found there was a HUGE improvement!! Volume had to be cranked higher for same sound pressure levels but the purity of the sound is what you benefit.

Second, if you need more oomph (depending on your listening taste) add on or change the stock amplifier. The Butlers are very good! But, as with tube amps maintenance is a consideration and with motion I sometimes wonder about the tubes.

Third, soundproofing.

Personally, I don't favour subs in my car and the bass I get from decent speakers is good enough. Imagine all that boom in the confined space of a car.

Best Regards
Dennis

Levi · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 02:40 am »

I like JLAudio speakers and some of the older MB Quarts. I heard them with McIntosh multichannel amp and I would swear it sounds really nice in such a tight space.

First things first, What is your budget?

TONEPUB · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 02:42 am »

Got a nice Milbert tube amp if you are interested, PM me!

Levi · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 04:51 am »

How much are the BAM-235ab?

Does it have line level inputs?

Nick V · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 06:30 am »

Thanks for the input guys, not really looking to spend more than $1500CDN. BTW, my vehicle is stock with 4 - 6 1/2" woofers and 4 - tweeters. I've been doing a little bit of research over the past few days and this is what I have so far:

Deck: I was thinking the Alpine CDA-9887 (It uses Burr-Brown 24bit D/A converter and has Audyssey Multeq XT) ~ $350 online

Speakers: I listened a bit to the Alpine Type R 6 1/2" component set at a dealer and they sounded okay, not as good as my gr research diluceos

but they were decent. Those run about $600 for 4 woofs and tweets. Some suggestions in the same price range would be appreciated, I don't really know what's out there, but I'm assuming better can be had?

Amps: The butlers are probably a little rich for my blood at this point. Just looking for good quality, not too much maintenance something reliable. I was thinking a single 4 channel amp would make life easier.

Not really looking at subs for the time being. I'm hoping I can get some decent extension with decent component speakers?

DaveC113 · « **Reply #7 on:** 25 Aug 2007, 07:46 am »

Quote from: Nick V on 25 Aug 2007, 06:30 am

Thanks for the input guys, not really looking to spend more than $1500CDN. BTW, my vehicle is stock with 4 - 6 1/2" woofers and 4 - tweeters. I've been doing a little bit of research over the past few days and this is what I have so far:

Deck: I was thinking the Alpine CDA-9887 (It uses Burr-Brown 24bit D/A converter and has Audyssey Multeq XT) ~ $350 online

Speakers: I listened a bit to the Alpine Type R 6 1/2" component set at a dealer and they sounded okay, not as good as my gr research diluceos but they were decent. Those run about $600 for 4 woofs and tweets. Some suggestions in the same price range would be appreciated, I don't really know what's out there, but I'm assuming better can be had?

Amps: The butlers are probably a little rich for my blood at this point. Just looking for good quality, not too much maintenance something reliable. I was thinking a single 4 channel amp would make life easier.

Not really looking at subs for the time being. I'm hoping I can get some decent extension with decent component speakers?

For that price I'd buy 2 sets of Infinity Perfect components (around $400 online), and a 5 channel amp. A sub is going to make a huge difference and won't break the budget if you get a 5 channel amp. You won't get decent extension (IMO) without one. The Infinity Perfect 12 subs are also worth looking at. I've used the Alpine V12, 50W x 4 + 200W x 1 amp for a few budget systems with very good results. They make for an easy install, and don't need a big power cable (8 ga), also avoiding the need for a more robust electrical system. Take the time to install soundproofing. I avoid Alpine head units, you can find better value in other brands. I haven't had good luck with them, CDs got stuck or don't eject properly after a while.

Nick V · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 06:19 pm »

Well, decided to go with the following:

Infinity Kappa 60.7 CS x 4
Alpine PDX 4.150
Alpine CDA-9887
FatMat Rattle trap Xtreme x 100 sq.ft

Getting it all installed this week, I'll fill everyone in on how it's sounding. PS, if I'm not satisfied with the bass I'm gonna do it right and go with a 15" Adire Brahma in a sealed enclosure (built by Robot Underground).

mcullinan · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 06:25 pm »

I would check out the new Pioneer TS-C720PRS. They sound awesome!!! I shopped for a while and went through a ton of speakers. These are open, resolving and a great bang for the buck. For a sub all I heard was the box most of the time and not the music. Alpine made these and they are incredible Alpine PLV-7 . Check them out.
Mike
Only my opinion, but Infinity and JL Audio make horrible speakers well... JL do make good subs.
Alpine is always solid...

Levi · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 07:53 pm »

Congrats! Will you be able to take a picture of the installation?

I was going to recommend to go for a 2-way in the front. 3-way if you are going to use custom kick panels. I heard those kick panels produce excellent imaging.

Q-Logic kick panels are $180 pair.

Quote from: Nick V on 17 Oct 2007, 06:19 pm

Well, decided to go with the following:

Infinity Kappa 60.7 CS x 4
Alpine PDX 4.150
Alpine CDA-9887
FatMat Rattle trap Xtreme x 100 sq.ft

Getting it all installed this week, I'll fill everyone in on how it's sounding. PS, if I'm not satisfied with the bass I'm gonna do it right and go with a 15" Adire Brahma in a sealed enclosure (built by Robot Underground).

Levi · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 07:55 pm »

Where did you get the FatMat Rattle trap?

mcullinan · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 07:58 pm »

Are you getting components in the front?
Mike

TONEPUB · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 09:59 pm »

Quote from: Levi on 25 Aug 2007, 04:51 am

How much are the BAM-235ab?

Does it have line level inputs?

I believe they are $3295 now. Line level inputs. Sorry, I haven't been out
here for a while. It's brand new and I'll NEVER have time for car stereo
so I'd love to see it go to a great home...

DaveC113 · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 11:29 pm »

Infinity Perfect are the only speakers I'd go with from Infinity. The Kappa's high end sounds harsh, but its been a few years since I heard them... I find the Perfects a little bright, but they cut through the road noise better

mcullinan · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Oct 2007, 11:32 pm »

No.. I think the Infinities still are brittle and piercing at the top end. Why do they do that do they think people wont notice! Theyd cause ear damage than anything coming close to music. Try the pioneers, at least give them a listen.
Mike

Levi · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Oct 2007, 02:55 am »

Me too. I already bought a McIntosh car audio amp.

Oh well.
Your loss but it turned out to be someone else's gain.

Quote from: TONEPUB on 17 Oct 2007, 09:59 pm

Quote from: Levi on 25 Aug 2007, 04:51 am
How much are the BAM-235ab?

Does it have line level inputs?

I believe they are $3295 now. Line level inputs. Sorry, I haven't been out
here for a while. It's brand new and I'll NEVER have time for car stereo
so I'd love to see it go to a great home...

Levi · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Oct 2007, 02:53 pm »

I am not sure if this would help. The newer Infinity Kappa tweeters can be attenuated passively. It also has an external crossover. If you want audiophile quality speakers, then I would look beyond the mass market brands/retailers. I personally like Focal. There are others like Morel, Peerless, Audison, MB Quarts etc. Hint: they are not cheap ($1K and up). This is one of the reason I ask about the budget. Sometimes, you get what you payfor.

Cheers,
Levi

Quote from: mcullinan on 17 Oct 2007, 11:32 pm

No.. I think the Infinities still are brittle and piercing at the top end. Why do they do that do they think people wont notice! Theyd cause ear damage than anything coming close to music. Try the pioneers, at least give them a listen.
Mike

mcullinan · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Oct 2007, 03:06 pm »

Tru.. Ive heard great things about the Focal.. but there is a big difference in price.. The Pioneer I mentioned are their high end 6.5 round components and can be had for under 500. And though they are a major brand, they are new speakers as of this year, and to me sounded far better than any other common instore brands, if you are on a tight budget.
Mike

mcgsxr · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Oct 2007, 06:25 pm »

I recently upgraded the "stereo" found in my old 97 Accord. I pulled the stock deck, removed all of the stock speakers (Front and Rear).

I went with a 2 way Zapco component set. 6.5, built a trim ring so the woofer would fit in the stock door location, hid the Xover in the door panel, and mounted the tweeter on the inside of the mirror cover. Relatively stock look. Cast basket, deep basket, great quality sound. eBay.

Deck was an older Pioneer 5500 I think. Craiglist locally.

I bought old PPI and Orion (as in late 90's) amps off eBay. Cost less than $60 each.

For the sub, I already had on hand some older Max Fidelity 10's, so I built a clamshell isobaric box. Ported, with the port built to fire through the "ski pass thru" in the rear seat.

Will carpet in stock trunk carpet, for a relatively stealth install.

Cheap and cheerful, if you are near TO, let me know, we can have a sound off!