1st active system

[lithium 358]

im getin ready to buy an amp for my front stage but i figured i do some research on an active system.

first off what i have now is a sony cdx gt310 with the ipod control. (im thinking only having 1 preamp output is a problem)

polk db1000 tweeter, db525 5-1/4" coaxils, db690 in the rear deck, kenwood excelon x10d runing a 12" aa arsenal.

i was thinking a 2way front stage would be best. i could fab a 6"~ woofer in the door and use the polk tweeters.

what are some good products and what will i need to pull this off?

i dont want to spend alot on this upgrade, it more of about learning how it works then buying 500$ worth of equipment to show up my friends.

[dre3k78 0]

Easiest and cheapest thing to do would be to get a new HU. For a 2 way + sub id recommend the Alpine 9887. Can be had for under $300. Then you would need a 4 channel amp and id ditch those coaxials. Id at least want 6.5" mids if you are going to attempt this...so if you can fit that in your door id pick up a DIY driver from madisound.com or something.

[///M5 2,833]

Your issue with not spending a lot is your need for processing. I agree with doing it in headunit, but if the money is scarce a used h/u might be the way to go.

[lithium 358]

what features am i looking for in a h/u?

what are some brands and models i sould look at?

are there sites that sell refurbed h/u? or sould i trust ebay?

i wouldnt mind losing the ipod control. i perfer mp3 cds. ipod controls thu h/u in the sony are just plain retarded.

how many amps do i need?

[///M5 2,833]

New, you can choose the Eclipse 7100, Alpine 9887 or Pio 800prs (880 if you can still find it)....but there goes your budget.

You need an amplifier channel for every driver. 4 channels + a sub channel if you choose to run a sub.

[Big E 4]

If using one of those head units you mentioned ///M5, would he also be required to get an amp that has built-in crossover controls, or would that all be taken care of by the head unit? And if he'd still need the crossover controls on the amp, what would be the benefit with going with one of those head units over a cheaper one?

Edited March 31, 2008 by Big E

[///M5 2,833]

Those headunits all have the crossovers in them which IMO is far superior to using an amplifier to adjust them as it is upfront with you.

[lithium 358]

i believe i get the basic idea. ill start lookin at some prices.

i think ill get a good 4 channel awhile.