Don recently hooked me up with a demo from ARC AUDIO. It consisted of 5 different products, all of which are Kar Series. I received:

- ARC Kar Series 400.2 Amplifier
- ARC Kar Series 1000.2T Amplifier
- ARC Kar Series 265 6.5" Components
- ARC Kar Series 6022 6.5" Coaxials
- ARC Kar Series 12D4 12" Subwoofer (2x)

Previous setup:

- Eclipse DA7232 Amplifier
- Eclipse PA5422 Amplifier
- Eclipse SC8264 6.5" Components
- Pioneer 3-way coaxils for the rear
- Pioneer IMPP 12" subwoofers

While the eclipse/pioneer system was nice, it wasn't quite the SQ I was looking for. It was loud, but I don't want loud. I'm way past that stage.

After only having the system in for 1 day and listening to it for about a total of an 1 and a half, I can already say that it much better SQ than previously.

Comparisons:

Speakers:
1) Front Components - Already I can tell that the components are cleaner and crisper than the Eclipse. Also they fit much better. They lined up perfectly with the factory holes. The tweeters are a little bit bigger than the others, but I don't know if that makes a big difference.

2) Rear Coaxils - The pioneers I had sucked so anything was better. Period. But seriously they're better.

Amplifiers:
One of the HUGE advantages of the ARC amps over the Eclipse amps is the size. I wasn't able to lay the big Eclipse amp in the wheel well and the other Eclipse amp didn't have to much space in there. The ARC Amps are very small and I am able to lay both of them in the wheel well flat. Both amps are a little bigger than the Eclipse PA5422. The power isn't the same. But with a stock alternator it's never going to be the same. So far these amps don't put out ear deafening levels of sound they hold their own and can compete with a lot of stereo systems that are put together. This system would def. sh|t on my old system as far as SQ.

Subwoofers:
The subs are sweet looking and do not need a whole lot of cubic space with the box therefore giving you some extra room in the trunk. The subs looks sweet because they have a black chrome kinda look. These subs have a nice cone to help fire the bass. These subs are nice and the back magnet is all vented in a sweet design if you ever wanted to flip em around IMO they look sweeter than the audiobahn flame subs and would crap all over them.


Overall I'm very happy with the whole package and maybe I'll even buy more amps and just have sick set-up.

Andrew

P.S. Thanks Don

I'm glad to hear your enjoying your new set up. In some ways we seem to have the same overall view about our systems SQ. My only problem is over the years of having rediculous stereo systems my hearing isn't what it used to be, so I'm kinda stuck needed something loud enough to hear it clearlylol. One thing you didn't mention in your post is what kind of HU are you using? I'm assuming Eclipse since your previous set up was mainly all Eclipse products.

I should've mentioned that. Actually it's not Eclipse, what I do have is the Pioneer AVH-P6500DVD and AVIC-80. Translation: 6.5" Flipout with Navi.

Soon I'm going to get:



ARC Audio PEQ7. 20dB headroom (Picture shown is the KEQ which was taken from the ARC website)

Bro, your shyt sounds so fresh 'n so clean.....
Dont mean to ***** your thread, but since I was able to audition the install, I'll put in a few words...

Running all Arc top of the line stuff made me weary of the Kar series- specially since Don hadn't moved alot of it and I never had the chance to audition it- I almost jumped on that demo deal for myself for my 2k1 Pathfinder, a lil' smaller on the sub power/and single 10"- because its my wifes/baby's daily driver-I wanna ditch the Blose, but my wife wishes keep the factory HU and 6 disc changer, so basically just upgrade the speaker dept with some amplification

I have to say I was very impressed with the build quality and finish on the Kar amps and the subs basket/motor structure- they are definitly show quality if you want to expose them and will offer a clean look

As far as the 1000.2T all I have to say is after owning the CXLR 1500D(which is the same amp, putting out a lil more power w/ cleaner specs) you are going to love the efficiency of a Class T- my dimming is non existent since the addition of it-

And those Kar subs are way underated and apparent by build quality that they handle 450rms like a champ- I have to say they impressed me enough with the few CD's we played that I actually preffered the SQ of the subs over a dual M6 setup powered by similar Arc power from a recent 4th gen setup Don installed-

As far as the components- I currently own Kar coaxes amped on my rear doors and they swivel mounted silk tweet is very pleasant and keeps up at high volumes, but the separates again really impressed me- for the price that they cost, they clearly compete and outshine alot of middle of the road equipment out there- an upgrade from aEclipse frontstage most def- and that says alot

So I'm quite exited to do the Pathfinder, not break the bank and achieve great SQ
I'm looking at the 400.4 Kar 6.5 separates/and coaxes for sure- I just want to explore a way to integrate a custom Kar 10" into the back cubby hole/storage door in the back of the Path, Brad at Arc assured me those subs will work in ridiculously small airspace- I have an RF Punch 160.a2 laying around I may put on the 10" if I can hide it, but if budget allows I may get a small Kar series to do the job-

Anyways- Keep us posted on how the subs break in, although they were getting pretty low when I left-Good luck!

BTW.................

sounds good manny...

lol...'it does sound good'....

nice.....Don ordered almost the same set up for me last week... without the second amp & the sub......

can't wait to get it installed

Let me know when you are coming through, I'm down for a second listen- I cant work on the Path until the begining of next month

no problem... Don said he's expecting the stuff to arrive on friday so whenever he has some time, I'll be stopping by for the install....

i'll be running this on a pioneer HU so i'm sure it won't be as good as conrad's.....

Why not dude? I'm running it on a pioneer HU as well.

Oh and Manny. The subs are breaking in nicely, they're getting LOW and they sound good.

He only has 2 sets of preouts at 2Volt......

unfortunately

Will be at 9v soon tho with the PEQ7.......my brother has a 3434 Eclipse (2.7V) with a PEQ7 and his fronstage is to be envied

Don, you need the put the heat on Brad to get that XEQ/IDX out already....

Andrew - here some actual pics of the PEQ7 in my bro's Celica....

so if I get this PEQ7 then it will solve this little issue? or I should say, it will sound better???

Its relatively inexpensive....but yes external processing is better than anything a company can squeeze into a DIN HU- Thats why my brother got the 3434 Eclipse- he knew he wanted external EQ- the 9v built in line driver and 20db of headroom was a plus

He runs Rainbow Contour comps/Sound line rears frontstage w/ a 40rms X4 MTX amp(go figure) and you'd shyt yourself on the output he has with that lil' power- its mind numbing

Can't wait until it's in the car