system upgrade help

[civicCXI]

Ok, it's time for me to upgrade my cxi audio system. My budget would be around $2000. My current lists:
1. 2x 10" Alpine type R subs
2. Focal 6" 2-way split (been quoted $250)
3. Alpine MRV-F545 4/3/2

As for the head unit, I'll use my current one, an old model (1997s) Alpine. The question is, do I need a second amplifier or one is enough to power both subs and splits? Also, with $2000, is it possible to build such a system?

cheers

[Fhrx]

Do you have to run with Alpine subs? Just to elaborate Alpine make some fantastic decks. Its subs are very well designed and constructed too but I (and a serious % of audiophiles) find Alpine subs tend to sound a little weak and artificial sounding. Now bare in mind this has nothing to do with actual sound quality; this is all about having your speakers sounding as close to the real instrument / voice as possible. Alpine speakers just don't seem to possess the natural sounding hard hitting attack that many people desire from their system.

Moving along to the amplifiers, again Alpine amplifiers are very well designed and constructed but they tend to lack serious power. Also, their THD levels, damping factors, slew rates etc are not overly impressive when compared to many other amps within the same price range.

For what specs to look for, see this thread (http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3941). :)

For your system and budget I am quie a fan of the Focals but I would run with a single higher power 12" and an amplifier like an Audison SRx3.

Sub brands; I would recommend adding to your audition list (do still include Alpine too) for your budget (some you'll need to raise the budget for if possible) include:

Treo TSX12
www.treoonline.com (http://www.treoonline.com)

Oz Audio Vector 12.3-4
www.ozaudio.com (http://www.ozaudio.com)

Image Dynamics IDQ12
www.imagedynamicsusa.com (http://www.imagedynamicsusa.com)

Hertz HX300
www.hertzaudiovideo.com (http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com)

Diamond D312
www.diamondaudio.com (http://www.diamondaudio.com)

Digital Designs 2512
www.ddaudio.com (http://www.ddaudio.com)

Boston G212
www.bostonacoustics.com (http://www.bostonacoustics.com)

Vibe Blackair2 12
www.vibeaudio.com.au (http://www.vibeaudio.com.au)

Focal 33A
http://www.focal-fr.com

Crossfire BMF12
www.crossfirecaraudio.com (http://www.crossfirecaraudio.com)

Let your ears do the decision making. Remember the key is too listen to as many products as you can and let your own ears decide for you. There is no special scientific formula behind the choice. Just go with what you like the sound of. Please don't just take my word for it. My opinion is only one of many. Other audiophiles such as ICACHA, J-MuN and the like may well have totally different tastes. Check the products out yourself and see if you remain with the afore mentioned ones or you settle on something else. :D

[civicCXI]

gee Fhrx, thanks heaps for the useful info, I'll go through ur links and will be back when I got questions/need opinions

[Fhrx]

Like I said, do still include Alpine in your auditions, but broaden your horizons beyond the large companies with the large advertising depeartments and you might be pleasantly surprised. :)