So far, for my 88' Cougar XR7 I have picked out the following for my system:
2x Infinity 3.5" for Dash $ 49 (@onlinecarstereo.com)
2x Infinity 6.5" for Doors $ 65 (@onlinecarstereo.com)
2x Infinity 6x8" for Rear $ 59 (@onlinecarstereo.com)
2x Infinity 10" Subs $ 89 (already ordered @crutchfield.com)
Audiobahn Head Unit $ 150 (@crutchfield.com)
Audiobahn iPod Cable $ 20 (@crutchfield.com)
Boss 2x75w(@4ohms) Amp for rear 6x8s $ 79 (@onlinecarstereo.com)
Boss 2x200w(@4ohms) Sub Amp $ 109 (@onlinecarstereo.com)
StreetWires Multiamp wiring kit $79 (@crutchfield.com)
My main reason for the Audiobahn head unit is that right now it has the best rated iPod interoperability and it's pretty basic with a built in 4x22 watts rms amp. I've already got a dual 10" sealed enclosure for the subs that I just bought. I want to know if any of you guys have any suggestions as far as brands or sizes for the speakers. Like if there's any other brands that give more bang for the buck. My budget is about $500-600 for everything. Any suggestions?
Infinity makes a good speaker. That's the direction I'm leaning when I replace all the speakers in my car. The only other thing I would suggest would be to get some dynamat or something to keep your rear deck from rattling so much and maybe to put in the doors behind where you are going to mount the speakers there.
I like your choice of speakers, all of them. The only week point I see its the head unit, whats the output voltage and also the Boss amps. Infinity are great but have to powered properly.
I would save some money and pick up your wiring on eBay. It's usually dirt cheap and you get exactly what you want and won't end up with extra . Also, if you're going to amp your rear speakers, defineately amp the front ones as well. For that, I would recommend getting a 4 channel amp instead of the two, you'll be much happier. Make sure that It has adjustable crossovers, bass blockers are py IMO. It may also be a good idea to trim the rear deck to accpet 6x9's. It's kind of a pain, but worth it in the end. I've never liked the 6x8 sound. Rockford subs are the way to go. I've always liked how well they perform, very underrated. Ultimately, it's up to you, but there's my :2c:
First question are you going for SPL or SQ?
Next find a set of Soundstream amps: Human reign, Rubicon...
Then find a good head unit that runs around 5v preout. This way you don't push the amps as hard.
As for the infinity subs they are good for sound quality but if you want something to rattle teeth loose kind a set of X series Xtant subs (the round ones not the octagon).
But what you have listed would make a nice clean sound.
I am going for overall SQ, but I still want to be able to be heard coming down the block... Anyone have any good sites that they prefer to order stuff from. I usually use Crutchfield for their excellent service/fast shipping... BTW Big thanks to everyone for the advice!
I heard the infinitiy's lack in bass, for the subs
I've done a little bit of thinking and I think I'm going to hold off for a bit on the whole system and just get a new head unit and a decent set of speakers. I just want to know if anyone knows how the 80w amp is wired up for the 88 Cougar XR7 with premium sound? Like what channels is it hooked up to, where is it located, and can it be used in addition to the built in amp in the unit using the preouts. Right now, my car is in my uncle's garage, so I don't have access to it until the weekend and I'd like to place my order soon... Thanks!
[EDIT]-
I've looked around some more and have decided to go with the Infinity 6x9 6913i Speakers and also go with 2 Soundstream Xstream 480 amps (http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=15526) at $150 each... I'm going to use one to power the door and rear speakers at 60w each, and use the other in bridged mode to supply 240w RMS to each of the subs. Thank you all so much for the suggestions...
Are you still going with both door and dash speakers? I've found that using only doors speakers, IMO, gives you better sound. It seemed the sound was clearer to me by running only door speakers, probably because I only have sound coming to me from 2 places up front, rather than 4. Just something to think about.
I'm still planning on going with both dash and door speakers and running the dash speakers off of the HUs amp since they are only rated up handle up to 25w RMS... Also, does anyone know of any good head units that have the 5v preamp output? I can only seem to find 2v and 2.5v on Crutchfield...
Gonna cost ya just an arm. Hope you don't own a 5 speed.:D
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4041_64496605,00.html
6.5v preouts
Thats why I like pioneer they give you everything you want at a reasonable price and sound good also. And if you look some are Ipod ready so no messing with adapters.
That's a sweet head unit, but WAYY out of my price range... I'm looking in the $200 range for a head unit and iPod adapter. Is Audiobahn a relativlely low-end brand when it comes to head units? They supposedly have some of the best iPod support right now. My iPod is going to be my primary and most used source and I will probably almost never use CDs or listen to radio so good iPod support is important to me.
If buying new, hope you meant the 9613i's since the 6913i's are an older model. I have the 6913's though and they sound great
Yep, I found them at onlinecarstereo.com for $109 brand new.
Well I don't know much about Autobahn stuff other than I can get it at Circuit City. The high end Pioneer stuff starts around $300. I payed $900 for my DEH-P9300 and am quite happy with the performance it has the 5v pre out 3 sets of pre amps (front, rear, and sub) The only thing is its about 3 years old which means its out of date it won't play mp3 so I had to get another cd player.
Rockford Subs are really worth the money. They are very underrated. I didnt trim mine, i just drilled new holes. Make sure to buy good speakers, not just what you have money for. Cheapos will only make you spend more money in the long run. Learn from experience. Personally I like Rockford Subs, and highs.
I like the Infinity speakers since my brother put some 6x9 Kappas in his Jeep and they were awesome for their size, so I'm going with all Infinity speakers. As far as the HU, I just found the Kenwood KDC-MP5028 for $199 and it has a 4.0v preout... not too shabby!
Old Rockford stuff is worth the money. Xtant X series, Orian HCCA, Sound Stream Turantula, Cove Armagedons, Memphis. Those are names to look for.
Unfortunately, my Infinity subs just shipped from Crutchfield, so it's too late to cancel it. I'll testem out and if I don't like them, I'll send them back. I'm not trying to go too crazy, I'm trying to stay within my $500 budget. I'm currently a student and working one day a week at the junkyard with my uncle that gave me the car, so cost is at a premium. Thanks for the suggestions though, I'll keep my eye out for some of that stuff!
One word
EBAY (http://"http://electronics.search.ebay.com/subs_Car-Electronics_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR41QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsacatZ3270")
You might want to check out Alpine's new lineup for head units. They've just updated their site with their new line of products. http://www.alpine-usa.com
My Reference 12 is better than a buddy of mine's 2 Pioneer 10's any day of the week.
DYNOMAT! gotta get that stuff in the trunk and on the deck or you will rattle like a 50 dolla ghetto ride. and try to get some behind the door speakers on the outer skin of the door. will make a HUGE differrence in sound.
I agree, if you amp the deck speakers, amp the door. some decent fresh wires will make a big sound difference too, specially for the cheap investment.
That is SOO weird!! I just ordered a brand new Alpine HU from Crutchfield! Well, preordered/reserved actually since it will be around the end of the month until they actually have them in stock.
And I'm def using dynamat for the doors and trunk... I've used dynamat before on servers to quiet them down a bit in the past... Ahh... I can still remember the smell of it!
If you looking for a cheap (in price) alternative to Dynamat, check out Second Skin Audio's products (http://www.secondskinaudio.com). I've used their liquid deadener on my doors, floorboard, and trunk and it's made quite a difference.
You cant fo wrong with a good name brand. Just dont buy pioneer, sony, jensen, rampage, or roadmaster speakers. They just dont last. The Infinitys should be fine. You gettin 10"s right? The Cougar is losing the system and my Escape is getting my Rockford P1s and an Audiobahn AW1000, all 10"s. Should hit pretty good. Are you porting or having a sealed box?
I'm going with a sealed box for my Infinity 10's. I'm more about SQ than SPL. I listen to a lot of progressive/70's rock, some country, so I prefer more controlled and accurate bass. As I said before, I can't get to my car right now since it's in my uncle's garage right now. Do you know how the stock amp is connected in the Cougar's premium sound system? Like which channels it's hooked up to and where it's located? Thanks!