Upgrade/New Set up Help.

[trueBilly]

Hi there everyone.

Im pretty noob with this stuff ahaha. Just would like info on a good setup. Front, Rears, Sub and an amp or 2 mono and multi channel. what brands and whatever goes well together. And also a good place to get the stuff done.
Looking for clear crisp sound. ahaha really want an upgrade ever since I heard and saw a car drive past and just heard the music from his car and it was perfectly clear unlike those where you just hear the bass thump from their cars.

Taking in whatever you guys think is a good set up. Thanks!

Spending amount range 1k-2k.

Car, Honda DC4 96.

[spn.fed]

My sound system consist of 4 Sony Xplod 260Watts speakers, 2 Amps and 1 sub.
I run all my speakers to one of the Amps and for the other one i use for my Sub. Its probably one of many ways people would set up their sound system. I personally think its clear and not too over-bassed. Im pretty sure with additional tweeters, it will give more of a clear crisp sound.

btw i have a 96 dc4 too :D

[andhey]

don't worry about the rear speakers.

my setup is two front component splits and a sub running off a 4ch amp with ch3 and 4 bridged for the sub

sounds grouse

[cc1206]

With your budget, $1000 to $2000 is somewhat in components difference. Which is it? Also, does your budget also include a professionally made/tuned sub box and installation of your sound system or are you doing it yourself?

I assume the sound is just for you as you will be spending most of the time in the car, so ideally you'd want some good component speakers at the front with a 2 channel amp (1 channel powers each side, you get that right?) and another amp possibly to power the subwoofer you'll get. As for the rears, you won't notice this as much as you're not sitting in the back.

Also consider power/ground cable, speaker cable, headunits, RCAs and other items pending your set up (ie. if you're running 2 amps, consider a distribution block). You'll also need a fuse holder and fuse.

Jump onto caraudio.com (i think that's what they're called now) and have a look. You can find many quality items 2nd hand which would be better quality in terms of sound than a brand new lower end product.

[doosra]

I'm not sure what speaker size the DC4's run but assume it's 6" or 6.5". I'd personally go with JL Audio gear for speakers. Good quality sound.

Fronts: JL Audio C2600 6" 2-Way Component System - $228
http://soundmaster.com.au/JL-Audio-C2-600-6inch-Speakers/C2600/

Rears: JL Audio C2600X 6" Coaxial Speakers -$178
http://soundmaster.com.au/JL-Audio-C2600X-6inch-Speakers/C2600X/

4 Channel Amp: This Soundstream is powerful and seems to be good value for money: Soundstream TX4.560 4-Channel Class AB Tarantula Series Amplifier - $329
http://soundmaster.com.au/Soundstream-TX4.560-4-Channel-Class-AB-Tarantula-Series-Amplifier/TX4560/

In terms of sub, depends how much doof doof you want.. In my car, I just went with a 10" Kicker slimline sub to save boot space. It's not the most powerful sub, but it's great sound for the size and I need my boot space:
Kicker 10inch Ported Enclosure with 4 ohm CompS Subwoofer - $199
http://soundmaster.com.au/Kicker-10inch-Ported-Enclosure-with-4-ohm-CompS-Subwoofer/TCWS104/

Mono Amp: you need to make sure you match the sub and amp power output at their impedence level. For example, the above Kicker Sub is 300W at 4ohms, so I went with: Alpine MRX-M55 1100W Mono Block Amplifier which is 350W at 4ohms. I'm very happy with this amp and it gives enough power to the sub. - $234
http://www.ryda.com.au/Alpine-MRX-M55-1100W-Mono-Block-Amplifier-p/mrxm55.htm

Installation Accessories:

You will also need at least a 4AWG Wiring kit which can be expensive. Kicker is a good quality one, but you can find cheaper brands out there
Kicker ZCK44 4 Channel 4 AWG AMP Kit 1000 Watts Max - $159
http://soundmaster.com.au/Kicker-ZCK44-4-Channel-4-AWG-AMP-Kit-1000-Watts-Max/ZCK44/

Another set of RCA's for the Sub/Mono Block

Distribution Block to split the Power Cables

The above will cost you about $1300 - $1400, then you'll have to pay labour for install or do it yourself.

For car audio, I shop between Ryda or Soundmaster, but generally I just go to my local JB Hifi if they have the gear and get them to price match it but sometimes they don't stock all the products:
www.ryda.com.au
www.soundmaster.com.au

Hope that helps..