So I've been lurking on the audio forum for a while now, trying to get an idea of what people are doing, and what is recommended.
It seems as though I'm way out of my league on budget, knowledge and experience. I've learned a lot about things I thought I knew decently, and the organization and advice here is extremely helpful.
So I've already started piecing this system together, by which I mean I've bought the head unit and nothing else.
I have some plans and have a general idea of my goals and I know my budget, so I think I have a good start. I'll list what I have going here, will probably be editing this as I get advice or change my mind,
I plan to do all of the work myself, I've done the install and setup of HU's, subs, amps, and door speakers, etc in several other cars so I'm not worried about that. Only thing I have no experience with is sound deadening, but thankfully I found
This thread by WolfSongX. I'm going to do my car based off of that guide. Probably just doors and select areas around the rear speakers, possibly dash depending on how much GTmat Onyx I have left from the doors. Not looking to silence so much as remove rattle enough to not be distracting.
The last daunting bit is wiring. The way I intend to run the speakers, I don't see how the stock wiring will work so I plan to pull all new wiring for all speakers. Basically, 5 channel amp so one for sub (obviously), two for the components passive crossovers, and two for the dash and rear, wired in parallel to show 2 ohms to the amp and push ~50 watt rms to the speakers, meaning 25 watts each, which is exactly what they are rated for. I do realize this will screw with front-rear fade and probably auto Time Alignment, but there will have to be a sacrifice somewhere.
Budget: ~$1-1.2k
Goal: SQ for my favorite genres of music, not competition level system by any means and not trying to blow the doors off. Genres I listen to include: rock, electronica, some rap and some alternative.
I wasn't expecting to get the ultimate do-it-all deck, just something that was easier to use while not looking at it. So I went the single din route and hooked up a phone mount in the pocket for when I need maps/ nav.
Now on to the components:
- Head Unit: Pioneer DEH-80PRS (installed already, what a difference this alone made over the terrible stock HU)
- Component Speakers: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Alpine-SPR-60C-Audio-Component-System/dp/B004VBIEZW"]Alpine Type R SPR-60C[/ame]
- Dash & rear speakers: JL Audio C2-350x
- Amplifier: Kenwood KAC-7005PS
- Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-SWX2502 (not 100% on this yet)
- CLD Sound Deadener: [ame="http://www.amazon.com/GTMAT-Automotive-Sound-Dampening-Butyl/dp/B00BBFRBMS"]GTmat Onyx 10sqft pack[/ame]
- CCD Door card separator:[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Stinger-RKO12-Overkill-0-25-Inch-Damping/dp/B001TH8OCE"] Stinger RKO12 Overkill 0.25-Inch Foam Damping Mat[/ame]
The price on amazon for the Alpine Type R's is so good it almost seems wrong. I've had good experience with Alpine in the past, and those speakers seem to get universal praise on every site that sells them. Best of all is the neodymium magnets that makes them smaller and lighter(Track day bro! RCR reference). Although I've noticed JL audio, Hertz and JBL seem to get recommended on here a lot, I can't justify spending half of my planned budget on the speakers alone. But that is why I'm posting this and asking for your input. What do you think? What would you change?