I've got a 1993 SE with the factory Bose system and I've decided it's time to get rid of it before it causes any more problems than it has. I went and talked to the local stereo shop today and here is what they recommended to me for about what I can spend, figured it wouldn't hurt to get your guy's opinion on this either.

CD head unit: Kenwood KDC-6015
Rear Speakers: Boston Acoustics CX92 6"x9" x2
Front Speakers: Boston Acoustics FX6 6.5" x2

Also considering these in addition to the above system:
Amp: Kenwood KAC-428S 200W x1
Sub: Kenwood KFC-W2503 10" w/ enclosure

Any thoughts on the above system? I can probably spend a little more than what the above system would cost, can I get better for the same price range?


[Edited by guido_sst on 02-21-2001 at 01:34 PM]

 

Sounds like a decent setup to me. The only problem might be the choice of subwoofer if you want a fairly loud setup. A 10" sub in the trunk doesn't adda whole lot of deep bass. If you're just looking to add some strengthening to the midbass and then with a little extension for limited sub bass use then you should be fine.

How much did they quote this system to cost with installation?

 

I partly disagree with CanuckAMP. I think that in a proper box a ten can hit pretty damn hard. I have a ten in my car and the damn thing pounds. Especially with a little Nelly playing on the HU. The size of speaker that you want, depends on the kind of music that you listen to and what you want the system to sound like. If you want the bass to be deep and boomy, then a 12 is the way to go. This is more for the people that listen to rap. If you want the bass to be tight and punchy, then a 10 is probably what you want, more for the rock listeners.
I do think that your system overall sounds pretty good. I would save that extra money that you have and spend it on a 4 channel amp for the fronts and rears. Nothing like some clean amp power to really increase your systems perfomrance. Just my 2 pennies!

 

All generalities aside, a 10" can do the job if his tastes are for the average Rock, Pop Or Jazz/Blues type sound. If he wants deeper bass for Rap/Dance then I'd recommend a 12" with high power handling and deep bass extension (ie. a low Fs spec). A large Xmax (one way cone travel) will also help.

Not to say you can't find these requirements in a 10" sub but generally they have a higher Fs and play better in the low midbass 100-120 Hz area.

Dusty what sub/amp combo are you using?

Also remember that all this is subjective to the listener. Be sure to go out and get a chance to sample as many systems as one can before you make a final decision as to how to spend your money. No one can tell you what YOU think sounds perfect.

 

I have a 10W0 with a RF 55.2 the Rockford is a way old model, like from three or four years ago or something. It still pounds pretty damn good for me though. If I listen to it at low levels for a while I almost forget that it is there, but when I crank itup, man that thing can really sing!! How about you Canuck... What do you have in your trunk?

 

Ahh....JL 10W0's have a long history of being great affordable subs. They have fairly good Xmax and decent power handling. Glad it's working out for you. Oh and don't throw away that older RF amp there are people that much prefer them to the newer ones.

My system changes about every 6 months, and it really depends on what I'm demonstrating in my car at the time. My old mainstays over the years have been my Orion XTR and Xtreme amps which I'm trying to sell off at the moment.
You can check my past install at http://www.geocities.com/canuckamp/pics.html That system lasted long enough for me to do a writeup on it, nothing I've had installed since though have lasted long enough for me to do a writeup on it.

Subs have been also quite varied, from my original StidioLAB CS-10 to DEI Studio's and Diamond Audio Mac Daddy 10's. I've settled on some Phase Linear Aliante 12" subs right now. I have one installed and plan to add another in teh spring when it thaws a bit up here. When that system comes around I'll be swapping out my current DEI Studio components in favor of some Dynaudio's. Amplification then will be provided by some Phoenix Gold ZPA amplifiers I've got stocked away for the next system.

 

I listen to rock pretty much exclusively, from Jimi to the Smashing Pumpkins, I listened to the 8", 10", and 12" subs and the 10" really filled it out the best, I'm not looking for earth shattering bass.

They quoted me about $680 for the HU and 4 speakers installed and about $320 to add the sub.

 

Sounds good. You'll like how those Boston speakers will sound with that 10" sub for your overall tastes. Had you not considered a Boston Acoustics sub to match the speakers?

 

Yeah, that W0's are a great sub. I had a friend throw three of them in the back of his Blazer and WOW!! Those things were unbelievable. They have continued to amaze me even today. I have heard that since Rockford has begun to commercialize more that the quality has gone down the tubes.

WOW...Dynaudio...I have heard that those bad boys are pure perfection!! I know that you don't have them installed yet, but what is your take on them? I am considering a full tilt "Competition" quality system, and I want to know about some high end components....I was thinking possibly Diamond Audio or the Dynaudio or even some MB Quartz. Let me know your thoughts. So you are going with the PG's for power. Sounds like it will be one hellava system. Do you compete at all?

 

I haven't looked around for a BA sub locally, but from what I've seen, almost all the local shops carry Kenwood and Kicker subs exclusively. I could probably order one, but this is already going to break the bank.

I'm sorta at the point now that the sub may have to wait a while to keep from making me totally broke.

Here's another question:
I asked the 3rd Gen board about this setup too and they recommended a 4x50 amp to run the speakers (Kenwood KAC-748 or KAC-848 maybe?), or should I get some 5 channel thing and run it all off of them?

 

If you plan on running a single sub then a 5 channel could be the way to go. If you want to have some ability to expand in the future, say add a few more subs or something like that, then I would say lay off the sub right now and get the 4 channel. With the speakers that you mentioned and the fact that you don't really listen to a lot of rap you should be very pleased with the setup without the sub. Then the sub or subs can be added later, once you have saved a little more.

I think you kind of misunderstood Canuck, he was saying that the full range BA speakers will sound good with the 10" sub that you chose, I think it was a Kenwood? Good luck with your system!

 

I'd like to compete but unfortunately the additional funds required to do that would break me. Also I'd have to be completely **** and build a meticulous system to get the judging points to suceed. Having only a daily driver '89 Maxima that is rusting away also prevents that...

I will be going with PG for power as I've got all the goodies to go with them using balanced cabling from my Denon headunit through PG balanced line processors.

I've listened to a few systems with Dynaudio's and have alway's come away impressed, so I can't wait to install mine. Obviously build quality is also exemplary. If you're looking to build an SQ car look into Focal, Morel(Xtant) and CDT Audio. The CDT's are reasonable and they have the best midbass impact I've heard aside from Dyn's. MB Quart ae still popular, but Diamond Audio have not been the same since they began building the drivers in Asia and not getting them from Eton in Germany.

To guido_sst:
I understand you're on a budget but there should be some other dealers that will carry Boston subs. Their Generator series is quite affordable and probably in the same range as the Kenwoods. As for 5 channel amplifiers if you don't plan on any upgrades after that they are a good choice. I highly recommend the DEI Directed 650 and HiFonics Zeus Z700 amps in this scenario. A 4 channel amplifier gives you the opportunity to upgrade a little easier. In fact consider a 4 channel amplifier now running all speakers then if/when you decide to get a sub you can always power the rear deck speakers off the headunit (for rear fill application only) then use your 4 channel amp to drive both your front speakers and your subwoofer. It's a fairly simple system but it will be pretty decent.

 

Canuck:
Thanks for the info and your thoughts! I have not heard of the CDT Audio speakers before. Are they fairly new? Well, I have enjoyed this little chat that we have been having, but I need to actually get some work done. Please post some pics or something when you get the new system in. I would love to see it. Later!!

 

You're probably more familiar with their past name/lives as CD Technologies and Cliff Designs. They restructured into CDT Audio last year and use very high quality drivers that are specifically designed for them by Vifa/ScanSpeak.

 

CD Tech and Cliff Designs....yep..I know both of those names. Damn you are one informed ****. I get almost all of the audio mags and I didn't know anything about that. I guess you actually have to read the articles in the magazine rather than just look at the cool pictures. HEHE!

 

You have a pretty nice system but the amps would be kind of a weak link, IMHO. Since I know that Bostons are a strong midrange/high speaker, you need an amp that will handle that as well as give you clean, hard hitting bass. One suggestion would be the Alpine V Series. Other brands you should take a listen to are Xtant, PPI (Precision Power), a/d/s, Eclipse, McIntosh, Soundstream.

 

Well I wasn't supposed to mention the last part of that, but I did anyway...

My online presence tends to lead me to find out alot of inside information about the car audio industry....

Take care.

 

I went and looked at a few of the manufactures websites that you mentioned and they don't list any prices, this is generally a BadThing(TM)

------
Here's basically what I can maybe scrape together:
~$700 for HU + 4 speakers + 4x50 amp(if I need one) + installation

-or if I'm lucky-
<$1000 for HU + 4 speakers + sub & sub-related stuff + installation

Maybe with a little help I can do the install myself, and spend a little more money on the system, any voluteers to help out in Kansas City?

What's the best kind of setup I could get for what I'm looking to spend?

 

Actually, you could truck over to your local Circuit City and check out the Alpines.

 

PrinzII:

Unfortunately those amplifier suggestions will definitely take him way over his intended budget.

 

Woah.. You finally made it to max.org! Welcome!
I remember talking to you waaaay back when on rec.audio.car just about the time TeamROCS took over the place...
I don't remember seeing any other 3rd gen Maxes at IASCA Finals this year, do you not compete? Figured you would, just because.
oh well.. enough BS.. Welcome to max.org!

 

Thanks fella. Yeah that would be me. The thing with alot of the teamROCS guys is that we are not an exclusively competition oriented group. Mostly we are just online guys thatare nuts about car audio and dispelling half truths in the industry.

Maybe I'll add that to my sigfile

 

hey canuck i like your setup. How do those bostons sound taking 200 real orion watts? I'm giving my diamond's about 150 from a zapco studio 300X and theyre lovin it.