Audio install experiences?
 

Anybody have experiences with Bay Area audio shops? I listen mainly to rock and hip hop. I don't want to rattle the windows, but I do want more bass, a lot less harshness, and a lot more clarity. It doesn't have to sound like my McIntosh home speakers, but it would be nice if it could match if not beat the Logic 7 of my old BMW 550i, which I found barely passable. I play mostly ~190kbps MP3s.

It would also be nice to keep the stock '13 head unit. I don't want NAV, a touchscreen, or anything fancy. I keep hearing about OEM+, but I want to buy from a local shop.

Budget? ~$1000.

Honestly from what you are describing.. you want an OEM+ system.

Here's a local shop you can order it from and have it installed by: http://www.yelp.com/biz/simplicity-in-sound-milpitas

If you're going to spend $1000 upgrading your sound system. Upgrading the quality of MP3s you listen to is a must. 190kbps is crap if you have a quality sound system.


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Agreed. I only listen to 320kbps.

I made it out the door for about $250. I am more than happy with my decision. Only downside is that it takes up quite a bit of the trunk.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h8...ps107920c3.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h8...ps93795e2e.jpg

Nice, specs?

Audio install experiences?
 

Just the cheapest JL 10" (V1 I believe) with a 250W JL amp with just a standard box. Wiring kit is a 4Guage (little overkill but I just happened to have it left over from my boost a pump on my cobra) Nothing crazy, but with such a small car is is MORE than enough. I actually have it only about 1/2 way up because it was hurt my ears, lol.

I have it set up pretty much in the middle as my music is pretty diverse. Doesn't hit as hard as it could with more or a rap style, but sounds killer with rock and alternative


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If anyone is interested, I do have an Alpine Type R (1042) in a ported/vented box with an Alpine MRP M450 for sale. It makes some pretty good bass without having to crank up the volume. If anyone is interested, please let me know, and I'll post some pics on the NorCal sales thread. I'm only asking for $150 for everything.

^^^there you go :)


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I doubt with all the car noise that I could tell the difference between 192 and 320. Beyond 192 I may as well go flac. Even then, the stock head unit probably cannot resolve that well. 128 does sound pretty bad to me though. I often notice the quantization noise.

Any other store recommendations?

How big is the box and why isn't it in the FR-S already?

Emailed the simplicity guys.

I had it in my Yaris, which I traded in to get the FR-S. I didn't have enough time to get my amp-kit out of the Yaris though. I need all the trunk space in the FR-S, so I never put it in. I'll post pics here later tonight after I get off work. :thumbsup:

Nice set up! I've been looking into shallow mounts due to the fact they respond a lot faster due to the smaller coil.
But now you got me thinking I can save more with something similar to your setup.


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It works well! I think you will be happy with it and save about $600 which can be used for more toys :party0030:

If jsimon doesn't take it, I'm very interested. I just have to wait till next payday in like a week. :(

Audio install experiences?
 

Fuck I posted in the wrong thread.


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You may want to put more into that budget for a system done right -- my basic system cost a lot more than 1k, but I was so happy with their work -- I am going back for a complete overhaul in august for a new sound system.

Checkout my audio build:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36081

Here's a picture of my trunk:
http://simplicity.elitecaraudio.org/jfrs43.JPG

http://simplicity.elitecaraudio.org/jfrs44.JPG

Why mess with perfection?

Ahh good question -- I got hooked listening to a active system -- my current installation was a passive setup.

The new system will be a lot more to spend, but the audio will be so much better.

Everything but the head unit and the sub will be ripped out.

The rest of the system will be new speakers + tweeters + multiple amps, etc. one step up from @brianlo622 (damn him and his audio system, so jelly I gotta spend twice now)

Sub and box, gave some measurements in case someone is interested.

Amp. Has some blemishes on it. I don't have the screws that lock the side pieces (they clip in as well, so I never saw the need for the screws). I used 4-gauge cables.

Not a problem. I would only be available Wednesday next week (days off are Tuesday and Wednesday). I'm in Union City (work in San Rafael).

Here is my build thread for my sub install that cost all of $200. Good sound and easy to remove for track days or AutoX

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43449

I don't have a garage anymore but just wanted to offer some other suggestions.

I am not going to pick up the sub, Kaotic. Never had dibs on it either, Chaun. I gotta say, though, that I cannot imagine having to wait for payday to buy something. If you're that tight, maybe you shouldn't spend.

Not a problem. I'm in no rush to sell it. Let me know if you change your mind, jsimon.

Only that tight because I had to renew DMV on 2 cars, pay the IRS due to a 2012 return mixup, as well as cover a car payment for the family member that's buying my BMW for me. A ton of abnormal expenses for me. Otherwise, I'd be fine.

Take your time. I never posted my stuff anywhere else (haven't really had the time to). No need to rush. Take care of priorities first ;)

Anybody got an OEM+ system I can listen to this Sunday morning? Or Monday?