Hi Everyone,

I am still trying to do as much possible reading, research, listening, and pricing as I can before I lay down my hard earned $$$ for my stereo upgrade.

I have pretty much decided to go with an all JL Audio system, excluding the factory 6 CD in-dash head unit that I am retaining for now.

I am thinking of going with the XR570-CSi’s up front (http://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR570CS.html), and the XR570-CXi’s in the back (http://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR570CX.html) powered by JL’s 300/4 amp (http://www.jlaudio.com/amps/3004.html).

I am still not sure what sub I will get because I am undecided on where I want to locate it ~ dropped in the center console (JL’s Stealth Box), under the rear seat, or behind the rear seat in a custom made enclosure?

My questions for now are:

1. Is it really necessary to have components all the way around, or will having them just up front being sufficient?
2. Are ‘capacitors’ necessary, as I was told by a few shops that without them I may experience problems with my driving lights dimming and possible problems with charging?

Any and all thoughts, comments, feedback (positive or negative) will greatly be appreciated.

-MrTude

 

No, it is not necessary to have components all the way around. I wouldn't spend the extra money for rear components because I like to fade most of the sound to the front. Coax speakers will work very well for rear fill.

Caps are not needed unless you are doing SPL burps...if you don't know what that means, you don't need a cap!

If you have a problem with your lights dimming, your electrical system needs to be upgraded...a cap is a bandaid for the problem, not a solution.

Of course the shops are going to tell you that you need one, because they want you to buy one from them.

Your lights shouldn't dim at all. I am running 1150 watts RMS between two amps in my reg cab 02 F150 and do not have any problems at all.

 

I agree with 2trucks. Skip components in the rear. Unless oyu have a Supercrew, I would say don't even change the back speakers. Unhook them, fade them out, or use them for the signal for the subwoofer. Whatever money you were planning to spend on the rear speakers, put that towards better front speakers.

No need for a cap either. If you hare having a problem, you probably need a better battery, like an Optima Red Top for example.

 

Before you spend your hard earned cash on the JL stuff I would look very hard at the MB Quart speakers.
www.ikesound.com

Also look at the US ACOUSTICS AMPS. Very impressive SPECS.
No one can touch these AMP'S for anywhere near their price. Thing is know one really knows about them and how good they really are.
www.usacoustics.com

 

I have a US Acoustics amp. It has served me well - no complaints at all and the price was right.

For a 'budget' system, it is a fine choice, IMO.

FWIW, I listen to music at moderate volumes and have no desire to shake the neighborhood or spend thousands on a system.

My budget system suits me just fine, but my only regret is spending $100+ on rear speakers (driven off the HU only). IMO, the rear speakers are unnecessary in most pickkups and other cars. For example, in my wife's mini sport ute, the tow yard stole her rear speakers after she got rear ended. They are not missed at all.

Use the rear speaker money to upgrade another part of the system.

BTW, when I bought my system the Orion Cobalt amp was similar in price and performanc to the US Acoustics.

 

The Us Acoustics are not "Budget" AMP'S just the price is. There are Amps for $400 - $700 that cannot beat these AMP'S that cost $175. Just check the Spec's. They are also 12.9V.

 

I would agree, but beware: Don't listen to them unless you are willing to part with the cash for them...

Be sure to audition other amps, especially if you are shopping in the price range of MB Quarts. The US Acoustics amps specs are not extraordinary. Their pricing might be tops, but be sure you can live within the envelope in which they perform...

 

As far as the lights dimming... Capacitors will solve nothing.
First off... make sure you've got ample wiring. I mean there's no problem in going overboard with power wiring. A size or 2 larger wont hurt a thing. (too small of wire = too little of current flow)

I dare say that most of the people on these boards complaining about lights dimming could go for a wiring overhaul first.. instead of going all out with Alt. Rewind, Battery upgrade and such. I bet that would solve many more problems than a Cap would.