new setup

truckBoy06 · #1 05-19-2004, 05:04 PM

just got 2 10" JL w3v2's the other day am looking at the jl 500x1...its a little on the expenive side and was wondering if there is one that is about as good quality wise but maybe just 50-100bucks less. also, i have stock door speakers and i like the way they sound, but with these new subs i may be scared to blow the door speakers ( ive already got the alpine cda 9827 head unit in). would it be a good idea to change them out now, or do you think i could get by for a while with the stock

man44a · #2 05-19-2004, 05:16 PM

Not sure about the amp, but the door speakers need to go.

Unless you have a problem hearing certain frequencies....change em. You are missing so much.

My 2cents on the amp... look for one cheaper than the JL. Are you looking for the best possible sound and plan o compete? If not, a good quality amp of lessor value will definately make those bump.

Save the money and fix the doors.

truckBoy06 · #3 05-19-2004, 05:24 PM

i dont know a whole lot about this stuff...but i see there are 2 and 3 way speakers, there are also these component speakers that i understand have more bass, and have tweeters as the 2/3 ways dont. which kind would be good with a setup like this (2way, 3way, or the component)? thx for the input above

Three B · #4 05-23-2004, 07:28 PM

i got the memphis st-1000d its such a perfect amp.perfect size and everything.

Shockwave · #5 05-23-2004, 07:56 PM

JBL 600.1 - 229
http://www.woofersetc.com/product.asp?0=310&1=311&3=98

I'd go with 2 way components for easier installation. 3 ways usually tend to sound a touch better but require alot more time and effort to install, unless your getting coax speakers where all speakers are mounted to the largest driver.

man44a · #6 05-23-2004, 10:14 PM

The general train of thought is that the more individual speakers you have in these sets, the better the sound..

Coaxial/2-way: these have all the speakers mounted into a single piece. These have a tweeter mounted on the woofer, and allow easy drop in in place of the factory speakers.

Triaxial/3-way: These again are a one piece unit. These have in addition to the tweeter and woofer, a midrange driver. It is supposed to improve midrange response. Again, an easy change out by removing factory and dropping these in.

Components: These systems have separate woofers and tweeters and a crossover. These provide better performance than coaxials. The tweeter can be mounted separate from the woofer allowing improved sound imaging. These are not as easy to install, and often require some cutting of the vehicle to place.
Example: many people place the woofer in the factory speaker location, and mount the tweeter in front of the door handle. Obviously, a cutout has to be made to mount the tweeter in this manner.

What kind would be good? Go listen. If you really cant tell a big difference between components and coaxials in sound, go coaxial. They are less expensive and easier to install. It really all comes down to what YOU think sounds best.

And remeber when you are listening, you are gonna have LOTS of bass from the subs. You will not need base from your door speakers. These will mainly be for your midrange and high frequency sounds.

Deus · #7 05-24-2004, 03:44 AM

Something I like to do with truck stereos is to run a 4 channel amp, aftermarket deck, component speakers up front, stock in the back (powered by deck), and subwoofers. You run the fronts off the front two channels of the amp and bridge the rear channels for the sub(s). Convenient, cheaper, and a solid set up.

truckBoy06 · #8 05-24-2004, 08:15 AM

thanks for the input. i like the idea of just having 1 amp. what kind of wattage are we talking when getting just 1 amp.

Shockwave · #9 05-24-2004, 09:28 AM

If you use an amp for components and the sub, make sure it has a built in crossover for the rear channels. Also, a subsonic filter is adviable as well. I dont know of any 4 channel amps set up this way, but that certainly doesnt mean they dont exist or that it cant be done by other means.

Deus · #10 05-24-2004, 04:38 PM

I used to have an Orion XTR800.4 which was 100x2 + 400x1 continuous. I would say that is plenty juice.

Any 4chan amp worth its salt will have dual independant crossovers. They allow you to cut the bass out of the fronts and the highs out of the subs. A good aftermarket deck will also have built in crossovers which allows for even more tweaking. Subsonic filters aren't common on 4chans but also aren't needed with sealed enclosures.

Sticker Steve · #11 05-24-2004, 04:54 PM

The hifonics Nemesis and Zeus series have both cross overs, and Sub sonic filters.
NX400
1/2 Channel Operation
2 x 100 Watts RMS into 4 ohms
2 x 200 Watts RMS into 2 ohms
1 x 400 Watts RMS into 4 ohms

NX600
1/2 Channel Operation
2 x 150 Watts RMS into 4 ohms
2 x 300 Watts RMS into 2 ohms
1 x 600 Watts RMS into 4 ohms

These amps can be had for $200 - $300

There are also Zeus series which are even cheaper.

If your looking for SQ, get yourself a set of comps. They don't play sub-bass, but they do cover your mid-bass and that is one of the most important parts of music, IMO.

As far as your initial question goes, I really like the Hifonics Brutus amps. They are a good bang for your buck. BX 1000D will rip your w3's to shreds if you let it for $215. Has sub sonic filter, x-over, remote bass eq ****. If you got more money than brains, get yourself the BX 2200D and you'll have plenty of headroom

100 watts RMS a side on your fronts is a great place to start.

truckBoy06 · #12 05-24-2004, 07:11 PM

i really havent heard that much about the HiFonics brand, but in what ive read today it sounds pretty good. what i want to know is, just how does this compare to the JL amps. i know the JL's are very reliable and it is a fact that they are one of the best. i really like the idea of saving some money on an amp, but i dont want to have my money burned when someting goes wrong with the amp or i get alot of distorted sound (not saying that would happen, but im about 100% positive i know what im getting w/ JL.)

Deus · #13 05-24-2004, 07:16 PM

Then buy a Brax for $2000 with a lifetime warranty.

Sticker Steve · #14 05-24-2004, 07:26 PM

I guess it just depends how much money you got to burn. True, the JL's are nice amps. They are underrated on the output and are very expensive. The hifonics is a complete 180, Barely push rated power and are inexpensive. For me, i'll stick to buying hifonics since i could replace my amp 10 times before it will cost what your looking to spend. There is no way i'll ever have to, but that's my train of thought. If you have never had a chance to listen to one, i'd suggest you do before dropping that kind of coin. They run nice and cool, have great features and have the power of the gods built right in. They are phenominal for the $$$

Sounds like Deus wants to sell you an amp

Hey Deus,are you gonna be at any sound offs this summer up in your area? I'm wanting to head to one and would be cool to meet up with someone from here when i go. Just curious