Upgrade options?

[KoolDrew 0]

Currently I drive a 00 Sunfire with no sound deadening, crappy walmart Sony Xlpodes for components, stock HU, and chitty duals. I did build my own box for the duals and they sound a lot better than they did in the box they came in, but my system still sucks.

I'm limited on cash being a college student and all, but I don't want to skimp on stuff just because. I'd rather save up for something nice if I have to. Also, I SQ is my main concern. I mostly listen to rap and would really like to enjoy my music, and with thoughts of getting an in-dash DVD unit, that's something to think about too. I also want to be really loud as well though... for those times you just feel like showing off.

If you guys were in my situation and wanted a really nice SQ setup that got really loud as well, what would you guys do? Being tight on money I would probably be upgrading one thing at a time. Any product recommendations? Originally I was going to first Dynamat my car (trunk rattles really bad even with just duals), then get two 10" FI Q's (the box the Duals are in are actually built to spec for the FI's), a Sundown Audio 1500D, a Pioneer in-dash DVD unit, and I had no idea about components or an amp for components. There's also electrical in my car and wire to worry about too.. Will perform the Big 3, and I'm assuming I'd need a better alternator and battery. Any wire recommendations for doing the Big 3?

Also, keep in mind where I live the only decent system is a friend of mine who has 2 Alpine Type X's. So that's the only thing I've really heard besides cheap walmart / best buy stuff.

Edited April 9, 2008 by KoolDrew

[///M5 2,833]

Perhaps you should define your defintion of SQ as Rap & SQ don't normally go hand in hand. ie by definition SQ means that the bass is NOT exaggerated and therefore no louder than any of your other speakers blending perfectly. In fact, nothing is exaggerated but played back just as it was recorded. To do this loud will require a ton of money in your front stage...

[KoolDrew 0]

How I define SQ is pretty much just enjoying my music. I've been in some cars that don't even have decent subs, but they overpower the component speakers to the point where you hear nothing but bass. That's great for SPL I guess, but this is a daily driver and I want to enjoy my music.

So I guess I don't really want a SQ setup by definition. Just a good setup for a daily driver that sounds decent, but also has plenty of low end.

Edited April 9, 2008 by KoolDrew

[johnecon2001 82]

You want SPL.

[slim2fattycake 85]

yea i agree with m5. rap and SQ doesnt really go together. do you think that your duals sound good? i had duals as a first set-up as well. when i got my ssd, it sounds so much better and louder. and i would think the Qs would be louder and have better SQ than the SSD's as well

normally big three is done with 4gauge but i think once you get near 2000 rms, 0 gauge should be used.

im about to give my set-up another run of 4gauge.

Edited April 9, 2008 by phi

[KoolDrew 0]

do you think that your duals sound good?

Not at all. They aren't loud at all and my whole setup just sounds like ass. I think that's why I originally said I wanted an SQ setup, because I want something that sounds a lot better than what I have now. However, I assume even going more SPL oriented but with good componenet speakers it would be both louder and much better sounding than what I currently have.

Anybody else have any specific recommendations?

[slim2fattycake 85]

dont underestimate the Q on spl even tho it is a sq oriented sub but yea going from dual to Q is going make you question everything else you own lol.

[denalilvr 0]

before we can suggest anything how much do you have to spend on the sub? are you looking to change everything from your subs and speakers? are you willing to get extra batteries and a high output alt? what about sound deadening? all these things need to be addressed before you can really get a answer you can take to the bank..otherwise it will be just a group of people sitting on a porch drinking lemonade suggesting what they think you will like..lol

[KoolDrew 0]

before we can suggest anything how much do you have to spend on the sub? are you looking to change everything from your subs and speakers? are you willing to get extra batteries and a high output alt? what about sound deadening? all these things need to be addressed before you can really get a answer you can take to the bank..otherwise it will be just a group of people sitting on a porch drinking lemonade suggesting what they think you will like..lol

Well, originally I was thinking of getting two 10" Q's with BP power option. That would come to a total of almost $600. I was only going to buy one first and then add the other one later, rather than buying everything at once. The box I currently have was built around FI Q specifications and is split into two separate chambers, one for each sub. So any sub(s) that are $600 and under I guess. If I can get a single sub for less then 2 FI Q's that will be just as nice, I'd prefer that.

Also, since I'm not very happy with any of the components in my system right now, yes, I am looking at upgrading pretty much everything. New head unit, new speakers, new subs, new amp, etc. I won't be able to do it all at the same time due to money constraints, but I figure I'll do one thing at a time. First on my list is probably sound deadening since rattling is annoying as hell, and even with my duals there is quite a bit of rattling. I couldn't imagine a really nice system without deadening.

As for extra battery / larger main battery and bigger alternator, I'd prefer not to as that would even add to the cost more, but if I really need to in order to get what I want then I will. So, to answer your question, yes I am willing to do so. I definitely plan on doing the Big 3 as well, but unsure what wire / fuse holder & fuse, etc. to use.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Drew, do you have a budget?

We have a good bunch of people here that can help with quality equipment at good prices. If you are on a budget, for sub stage, and you seem to be set on Fi, I would go after a pair of SSD's. They cost less and still perform very well, and you can spend less on your sub amp, oh say something in the 1000-1500 watt range. You could grab one of the refurbed Sundown SAX-100.4's very cheap and have great power for your mids and highs. Many here will suggest going active, which in many cases can cost much less then regular components. And if done right, there will be no need for rear speaker/rear fill. People have been really happy with the Mach5 MLI-65's for mids, and there are a number of very good tweeters that can be had for under $50 from companies like SEAS or Peerless. So with that idea of a system, it should leave some money for sound deadening, such as 100sqft of Second Skin Damplifier, and some good power wire to upgrade the BIG 3.

That would be a very good budget minded system that will out perform much higher cost systems from Best Buy or from a local car audio shop.

[denalilvr 0]

before we can suggest anything how much do you have to spend on the sub? are you looking to change everything from your subs and speakers? are you willing to get extra batteries and a high output alt? what about sound deadening? all these things need to be addressed before you can really get a answer you can take to the bank..otherwise it will be just a group of people sitting on a porch drinking lemonade suggesting what they think you will like..lol

Well, originally I was thinking of getting two 10" Q's with BP power option. That would come to a total of almost $600. I was only going to buy one first and then add the other one later, rather than buying everything at once. The box I currently have was built around FI Q specifications and is split into two separate chambers, one for each sub. So any sub(s) that are $600 and under I guess. If I can get a single sub for less then 2 FI Q's that will be just as nice, I'd prefer that.

Also, since I'm not very happy with any of the components in my system right now, yes, I am looking at upgrading pretty much everything. New head unit, new speakers, new subs, new amp, etc. I won't be able to do it all at the same time due to money constraints, but I figure I'll do one thing at a time. First on my list is probably sound deadening since rattling is annoying as hell, and even with my duals there is quite a bit of rattling. I couldn't imagine a really nice system without deadening.

As for extra battery / larger main battery and bigger alternator, I'd prefer not to as that would even add to the cost more, but if I really need to in order to get what I want then I will. So, to answer your question, yes I am willing to do so. I definitely plan on doing the Big 3 as well, but unsure what wire / fuse holder & fuse, etc. to use.

ok good info you gave..and based on that this is what i would go with

for subs id go with ssa icons in the 10'' size..they are rated at 1000 watts but can easily handle 1100-1200 watts each you can get 2 10's for only $478 instead of the $600 you planned for subs..and these things hit hard and loud and get low..plus they keep there sq at the same time..all the reviews ive read and videos ive seen tells me this is not a lie..these things are awsome..

for head unit id go with a pioneer or alpine you really cant go wrong there..

sound deadening id go with second skin audio http://www.secondskinaudio.com/vibration-m...lifier.php#tab5 eiter go with the damplifier or damplifier pro which ever you can afford the pro is just thicker

for components id go with some jl's,boston acoustics,diamonds all those are nice..just pick whats in your budget and post a question about the models you've chosen to see what others think..also dont waste time or money on caps..

so if i had your car and where to do it all right now heres what id end up with

2 10'' ssa icons $478

kicker zx 2500.1 $650

4 channel kicker amp $250

JL Audio VR650-CS around $200 a set

head unit around $250

damplifer around $188 <--80sq ft

total $2016

this is just what i would get for my money not saying this is the end all be all..but since you didnt really give a budget on everything i picked stuff out that wasnt too expensive and would still give you a smile each and everytime you turn your system on..

[KoolDrew 0]

Thanks for the suggestions. Also denim, I don't really have a set budget in mind. Once I look a bit more I may be able to give you an estimate budget though. Once I figure out around how much a quality setup will run me.

Also, thanks for the recommendation on the SSA Icon. I never gave it a thought, but was looking at some videos and it looks impressive. How would it compare to the FI Q or SSD or an Alpine Type X? I really like the slogan on the main ICON page...

"If you want a class leading sound quality and vision blurring output, but do not want to make your checking account sweat, the ICON is the right choice."

[denalilvr 0]

Thanks for the suggestions. Also denim, I don't really have a set budget in mind. Once I look a bit more I may be able to give you an estimate budget though. Once I figure out around how much a quality setup will run me.

Also, thanks for the recommendation on the SSA Icon. I never gave it a thought, but was looking at some videos and it looks impressive. How would it compare to the FI Q or SSD or an Alpine Type X? I really like the slogan on the main ICON page...

"If you want a class leading sound quality and vision blurring output, but do not want to make your checking account sweat, the ICON is the right choice."

well to be honest the type x is mostly a sq sub and doesnt really get loud..the ssd also is not a sq type sub..so its comes down to the fi q and ssa icon and to be honest you cant lose here with these two..only difference is since you want the bp option to handle more power it will cost you $578 for the q's while the ssa icons can already handle 1200 watts daily with not problem for $478 so your saving $100 so eiter way you cant lose in terms of sq and being able to get loud..but if i can save $100 and still be just has good..hey no brainer there for me icon all the way

this vid right here is my favorite icon vid its 1 15'' sub getting 1000 watts from a sundown amp in a ported box

http://www.teamssaudio.com/video/play.php?vid=142

Edited April 9, 2008 by denalilvr

[KoolDrew 0]

Thanks for the reply. What are the recommended tuning and cubic footage for the Icon though? I ask because I already built a box based on FI Q's specifications. I have no problem selling the box if you think I should build a new one for the Icon, just asking. The box is tuned at 32Hz, but I don't remember cubic footage and whatnot. It was around the higher end of recommended size, since it is 1.2 recommended for one 10" I went with around 2.4 split into two different chambers with a 1.25 inch wide port on each side. I could go measure to get exact cubic footage if you need it.

I definitely don't mind building a new box though. It was actually kind of fun.

[denalilvr 0]

http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/products/icon/10.html

Sealed: .5 cu.ft.

Sealed: .85 cu.ft. optimal

Ported: .75 cu.ft. @ 27-33 hz

Ported: 1.25 cu.ft. @ 27-33hz opt.

Sub Outside Dia.: 11.000

[JimJ 11]

the ssd also is not a sq type sub..

Hm?

[denalilvr 0]

im just going by what i was told by fi when the ssd's and q's first hit the market way back when they came out..

[audio-neon 34]

Check the sundown forums for the two amp sales going on now. the 100.4 would pretty much set you up for a happy lifetime of front soundstage power. Personally I'm a college student and I choose to work all year to compete in the summer because I have gone down the cheap road before. I will not put myself through that again.

I like denim's suggestion of going active but for simplicity's sake I would probably go with something like hertz power series components. For substage, have you ever considered building a new box and going with one 15" sub, I know its less cone area but it is also cheaper than 2 10" subs. I'm also not going to bash kicker because they have good products but pretty much any company you see on this website (meaning in the manufacturer section) is known for OUTSTANDING customer service.

[slim2fattycake 85]

the ssd also is not a sq type sub..

Hm?

i read that the ssd's are really versatile so they have both sq and spl uses

[denalilvr 0]

he said sq is his main concern so between the icon, the q, and the ssd out of those 3 the ssd should be his last pick because the icon and the q have better sq being that they are sq subs

[KoolDrew 0]

denalilvr, any reason you would pick the kicker amps over the sundowns?

[denalilvr 0]

denalilvr, any reason you would pick the kicker amps over the sundowns?

only did that because you never posted what budget was..lol..so i went with a kicker zx 2500.1 to power both subs but if money was not a problem then without a doubt 2 sundown 1000 watt amps 1 for each sub..sure he could go with the 1500 watt sundown model and push 750 per sub..but for my taste i always like to be dead on the rms or a little over since the icons can take 1100-1200 watts daily but like i said if you got the cash then sundown over kicker anyday

Edited April 9, 2008 by denalilvr

[KoolDrew 0]

How much can the Sundown SAE-1000D be found for though? The MSRP is $400, but couldn't I find it cheaper than MSRP and it pretty much be almost the same cost in the end as the kicker? Would the Sundown be enough power though? I know the RMS for both is 1000w, but you also said the driver can handle more. I've also heard the Sundowns are underrated as well though, correct?

Also, my box is 2.3 cubic feet. Is that ok? The optimal is 2.5. Would a 0.2 difference make any difference?

Many here will suggest going active, which in many cases can cost much less then regular components.

Sorry for the stupid question, but what exactly does that mean? I know nothing when it comes to component speakers. When I upgraded from stock I just took my 6x9's in the back and replaced them with Sony Xplode 6x9's and did the same for the speakers in the door.

Edited April 9, 2008 by KoolDrew

[denalilvr 0]

How much can the Sundown SAE-1000D be found for though? The MSRP is $400, but couldn't I find it cheaper than MSRP and it pretty much be almost the same cost in the end as the kicker? Would the Sundown be enough power though? I know the RMS for both is 1000w, but you also said the driver can handle more. I've also heard the Sundowns are underrated as well though, correct?

Also, my box is 2.3 cubic feet. Is that ok? The optimal is 2.5. Would a 0.2 difference make any difference?

Many here will suggest going active, which in many cases can cost much less then regular components.

Sorry for the stupid question, but what exactly does that mean? I know nothing when it comes to component speakers. When I upgraded from stock I just took my 6x9's in the back and replaced them with Sony Xplode 6x9's and did the same for the speakers in the door.

i think its $399 for the sundown sae-1000d i dont know if thats the msrp price if you want send ssa a email they are very fast to respond to get a exzact answer...far has power goes here is a link where they they power tested the sae-1000d model http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/forum/i...?showtopic=9398

and im sure 2.3 will be just fine..

[KoolDrew 0]

I think I want to build a new box anyway. My current box is dual chambered because a friend of mine said that was better than single chambered (any truth to this?). I figure if I build a single chamber box I'd make better use of space and I like the look of 1 wider port anyway. Also, maybe I could put a window on the backside with blue LED's inside so you can see the magnets... idk just some ideas.

Any recommendations on square port area or does that not really matter?