Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

I'd like a really nice setup, but I know very little about audio electronics other than simple things. I have a panasonic mp3 player and some cheapter Blaupunkt speakers that I installed myself. I'd like to upgrade my system, but I don't know where to go with what. This is what I'd like, and suggestions would be awesome:

-I listen to heavy rock and jazz, so I like a clear sound in the mid range where guitars and brass instruments sound especially good.

-I'm a bass player, so I like to hear the bass loudly, but I like to hear the notes, not the thuds. A clear, solid, bass tone would be great, especially one that can handle quick basslines.

-My budget would be $500 for speakers, amp(s), sub(s), and anything that I don't know about.

Also, if you guys have a link to a page which explains audio components, what they do, how they do it etc, that would be cool.

-E

akrus

iTrader: (1)

$500 is going to be one hell of a tough budget to stick to IMO. My system is probably pushing about $5000US (I'm in Canada and it's retail is near $8000CDN - but I've also got stuff you don't indicate a need for - ie: XM, cell phone control, etc.) Personally, I think you're going to need to at least double your budget and that would just barely be a beginning.

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

I kind of lowballed the budget on purpose, because I'm not looking for a fantastic setup. I always listen to music in my car, and I'd like it to be crisp and clear, but not show quality. For istance, my girlfriend has a Contour with premium sound. It's basically stock except for two aftermarket speakers, and it sounds pretty nice. I'm just looking for a step above nice
-E

maximamaybe

All these prices come from www.ikesound.com which I recommend.
I would go with something like the following setup:
JBL BP300.1 $145.00
Kicker C10VR4 $79.00
Generic Box off ebay $40.00
JBL P80.2 $89.00
Infinity Reference 605cs $109.00
PK-1000 4 Guage Amp Kit $35.00

Total $497.00
Install yourself and you will have a nice system for under $500.

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

Awesome!! That's exactly what I was looking for, something to get me on my way to a nice system. Thanks a lot.
-E

maximamaybe

No problem! I think that is a very complete system. I know there is better out there, but I think I will be doing something similar. I went for a 12" sub because I love bass and rap. A 10 would be plenty for you. If you want a 12, it is only like 10-15 more.

hrygeek

cmttrading.com

2 kicker comp 10" - $89.00
1 kicker kx600.4 - $219
2 MB Quart Components $143.00 (X2)
Install kit 26.95
1 sheet MDF at local hardware store - $25.00

build your own box

a little more than 6 but pretty decent stuff.

just my .02

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys. Stuff like this is perfect for me - I can get a list going after some input, do my research, and go buy lots of fun stuff.

My friends are impressed with ikesound.com, btw. I'll have to check out cmttrading.com too.
-E

maximamaybe

All I purchased from Ikesound is my sub. I bought my amp off ebay and then realized that ikesound would be cheaper. Great customer service as well.

Kojiro_FtT

I second that setup. Good price and right about what he is looking for.

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

Ok, how about this setup, but minus the sub/box/amp, I put in an infinity basslink? Would I get worse sound, is it a crappy product? What I like about it is that it doesn't take up lots of trunk room
-E

Kojiro_FtT

Lot's of ORG members have been happy with the Basslink.

maximamaybe

It will be a good clean sounding setup. It won't hit as hard as a 300 watt amp with a Kicker Sub, but it will be a very clean, nice sounding system. From what you describe I think that it would meet your needs.

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the help! I'm gonna go with that setup (with the basslink) until something else catches my eye. Hopefully I should have this ordered by the end of the month, maybe early may.
-E

maximamaybe

So are you just going to add the Basslink with no amp/front speakers or the amp/fron and Basslink for the sub? Let us know how it goes.

Lushka16

iTrader: (1)

I was thinking front with amp plus the Basslink. Unless I read it wrong, Basslink = sub/box/amp in one package, right? Oh, I have another question. Are the rears amped? Do they go with the front amp, or sub amp or what? I'm in the process of reading all the FAQs and stuff, so I'll probably understand more once I finish.
-E