New vehicle, new project

[tejcurrent 13]

Ok, well I just got a newer vehicle (2001 chevy tahoe). After spending my limit to upgrade my substage, I had my alpine 9831 from about 2-3 years ago die on me. I am thinking I'll get a cda-9887 to replace is since it will be pretty much a drop in change, and I can save some of my older cables. I'm really not that happy with the eq it has, so I'm considering adding one in there. I've never done this before, and while I've been researching it everyone has a different opinion as to what I should look for, so any suggestions will be appreciated.

I have been considering adding 2 sets of 6.5 components up front, so I can keep my factory look without a large pod sticking out for an 8" mid woofer.

I'm considering several different brands and models, but I honestly don't know who to go with, or whos opinion to trust. I know several of you on this forum have experience with the equipment I have in mind, and might have some suggestions to help guide me.

No matter what I'll be going with 6.5 components.

I was thinking maybe 2 sets of focal polyglass v2s, or MB Quart Premiums. I was looking at Diamond Hex or d6 components as well, I just haven't heard much about them.

I really haven't considered any other brands because of availability, but I am open to suggestions.

I can give them 80rms up to 200rms a set, or I'll even buy an amp to match whatever would be my best option.

Thanks for any help I can get.

[jearhart 0]

why do you want to run 2 sets exactly? is it for midbass or just loudness in general? also how do you plan on sticking 2 comp sets in there while keeping the factory look?

anyway if i were you i would look for a single 6.5 set that fits your requirements. if its midbass that you are worried about you should look at rainbow profi kickbass. they are kinda pricy but worth it. the midbass has been compared to 8" seas lotus. and if you are wanting loud in general you could step it up to the rainbow vandium kickbass.

[tejcurrent 13]

why do you want to run 2 sets exactly? is it for midbass or just loudness in general? also how do you plan on sticking 2 comp sets in there while keeping the factory look?

anyway if i were you i would look for a single 6.5 set that fits your requirements. if its midbass that you are worried about you should look at rainbow profi kickbass. they are kinda pricy but worth it. the midbass has been compared to 8" seas lotus. and if you are wanting loud in general you could step it up to the rainbow vandium kickbass.

There is a factory grill that covers what speakers are in there now (component set). It is big enough to accomodate 2 6.5 sets, or atleast 2 woofers and one tweeter, and I could set the other tweeter in the a-pillar.

I want better midbass, and loudness as well. I'm considering adding an 8 in the center console to help the midbass a bit more, but that's a totally different project and farther down the road.

I'll check out what you've suggested, thanks.

[///M5 2,833]

If you go 9887 you really should just jump and run them active. You could still use two mids if you think you must, but I'd really recommend a single tweet.

That era GM truck does not do well with pillar mounted tweeters by the way.

[tejcurrent 13]

If you go 9887 you really should just jump and run them active. You could still use two mids if you think you must, but I'd really recommend a single tweet.

That era GM truck does not do well with pillar mounted tweeters by the way.

M5, I know you know your stuff, maybe you could offer some advice. I got things working with the 9831, it was a simple problem with the factory amplifiers (it doesn't brag an upgraded sound system, but aparently it has a few amps I missed when I was behind the dash the first go-around.) It's all working good now.

Would I be able to run an active setup well with the 31, or would I be better off getting something else?

I've been considering just getting a better single set of 6.5 comps with an 8" mid in the center console, but I'm not sure how it would sound compared to just two sets by themselves.

Did you have any advice on a good location for the tweeters? Like I said, pods that interfere with passengers feet are out of the question because I use my vehicle for work and hauling stuff/people around, but anything else is pretty much open.

Thanks.

[ANeonRider 3]

You cannot run active with the 9831, since it only has the Plus version of Bass Engine. Need the Pro version (ex. 9813, 9815, 9833, 9835, 9855).

A single 8" midbass in the center console would ruin alot of L/R dynamics, and I would recommend against it.

[tejcurrent 13]

You cannot run active with the 9831, since it only has the Plus version of Bass Engine. Need the Pro version (ex. 9813, 9815, 9833, 9835, 9855).

A single 8" midbass in the center console would ruin alot of L/R dynamics, and I would recommend against it.

Ok, so there goes the idea of active with the current h/u. Thanks. I was actually looking at picking up a used 9855 a local guy who works at a shop had, maybe I'll do that.

Also, thanks for setting me straight with the single 8 idea. I never even considered how that would effect things negatively like that, sooo back to square one. I guess if two tweeters is a bad idea, a single set of of 6.5 components with a set of 6.5 or 7" mids would fit in the factory location well. Does anyone see a reason why not to run with that-- or why I might be better off with one nice set of 6.5s?

Thanks.