Sound improvement <a>

Sound improvement &lt;a&gt;

Hey rolla crew, I'm looking for the fastest way to better sound. The stock speakers don't sound too bad, but it'd be great if I can get more 'boom' or better quality highs. I know I need new speakers, subs, and deck, but what do i get first? The most bang for the buck? Thanks for your replies =)

Headunit. Kenwood is a good choice.

Panasonic is as well. 8)

If you're looking for the clarity, then definitely the HU.
Kenwood and Panasonic are good. Their specs are similar too. High RMS.
You can go Alpine for the power and Clarion for the clarity.
If I were to get a HU, then I'd go for Clarion.
Design is not good, but the sound quality is good.

If you're looking for the bass, then amp and sub.
This is only my opinion... but,
Kicker sub for vibrating bass
JL sub for impact bass
MTX sub for techno bass

Yup...Kicker!!! 8) - vibrating bass....check!

Some good amps that will push a JL, MTX, or Kicker sub are:
- Zapco
- HiFonics
- MTX
- Crossfire
- DEI
- Rockford Fosgate
- Kicker

Alpine V12 series are also a good choice for amps . but yeah I highly recommend my Hifonics Zeus amp.. Had a lightining audio amp before.. This amp blows that one way .. NO COMPARISON. heh i guess its true when they say you get what u pay for... and yeah the other amps above are good amps too..

You'll get the most bang for your buck with new speakers. The stock speakers are really bad. The stock HU isn't too bad, although it does have built in equlaization to try and overcome the limitations of the stock speakers. In a head unit, if sound quality is what you're after go Nakamichi, Blaupunkt, Alpine or Clarion.

pioneers are good too

Don't focus that much on the brand-- focus on the quality and integrity of the install. Proper gauge wires, proper grounding point, proper wiring routes, etc all contribute to a better sounding system (less noise, no hiss)

For an instant sound quality improvement, step up to an aftermarket 6.5.. I suggest you get a pair of coaxials.. they're cheap and mounting is not as difficult as say.. component speakers.

You can then move on and install an amp and subwoofer for the lows (crossed over around 50Hz) If you can afford it, go with Class D amp.

You might also want to consider getting an in-dash EQ.. it doesn't need to be high end like Rane or Audiocontrol.. Pioneer will do. This will enable you to "tweak" frequencies on the spot.

Good luck.. if you have any questions, just post :wink:

Actually, any driver will do.. it all depends on the enclosure that they go into.
Deep Bass: Ported (tuned to a woofer's Fs)
Tight/Punchy: Sealed enclosure
Bandpass... I don't recommend using these. Long discussion, but I can explain why
And then there's Push-Pull configuration (Isobaric), ABC, SS, Aperiodic, and many more. All of which most people won't need.
SPL-- You can use a Deathbox, SnailShell, ABC or with Passive Radiators. take note that the sound quality in these designs is sacrificed to get the most SPL.

you cant just say "dont focus on the brand" because with brand names also comes reliability and quality. u dont wanan get Kenford or Rockwood decks or speakers do you? yes they're flea market brand and the brands are derived from Kenwood and Rockford [Fosgate]. if you just want a better sounding system, invest in a good head unit like pioneer, sony, alpine, panasonic, and nakamichi. as for speakers, go to like a store like best buy, circuit city, good guys, etc and ask to hear a demo from the speakers and see which one sounds the clearest to you. i personally like kickers and infinity because they are very clear. if you want more bass, listen to the store's setup too. but i think Kicker VRs is a good all-around sub. for amps, make sure it handles ure sub's or u can blow the subs. for sub enclosure, if u juss want to enhance ure bass, juss use ported or sealed cuz they are good all-around enclosures. but most importantly, research!! u can find ratings at www.carreview.com

Well right now I feel like spending around 400 bucks. Looks like the majority is on HU for the most noticeable improvement?

Very true.
Those were just my impression I got from listening to each of them all in sealed enclosure boxes. Different boxes might have gave me different impressions.

if you want to keep the stock look, and leave the stock headunit, pick up a signal processor and an line driver. It will make your deck sound as good/if not better than most after market HU.

I'm going to be mounting a full equalizer in the ashtray door (trying to keep the car stock looking).

Well I'm not talking about Pyramid and Kenford! lol :mrgreen: Those are out of the question. What I'm trying to say was: It doesn't matter if it's Alpine, MTX, JL, or RF- It's all in the install.

The last comp that I went to (Intershows in Irvine) a guy in SS 1-2 had two Stroker 18"s and D300HC's in a wall and he still got beat by a guy with 2 15" Crystal Cse's and JBL1200 (which is considered to be a "budget" system) That, right there is a good example of why the *INSTALL* is more important than the equipment selection.