What's the best system I can get for XXXX dollars? Uptd 15/4

We're constantly asked what the best systems are for various budgets. The short answer is that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. Everyones ears and tastes are different so the best thing to do is audition as many products as possible and chose based on what you like the most. Listed below are various product most commonly chosen by our customers. These are also amoung the products that win the most competitions in Australia. However, there are a few things to remember:

The prices listed are full retail and do not include labour charges at all. The more complex and intricate your system design becomes, the higher the labour costs will become.
These systems are based on the posters personal aural tastes. This may radically change depending on your own tastes.
This is a ROUGH guide. It is possible that your personal choices will differ from the ones listed below.
We have listed 12" subwoofers for these lists. Subwoofer size choice may differ depending on your situation and desires.
These systems are basic sound quality orientated systems and therefore only utilise a source unit, front speakers, subwoofer and amplifier(s). Systems often get much more intricate and can include surround sound decoders, equalisers, navigation systems, rear and center channel speakers and a myriad of other items. Add these as you so desire.
There are literally thousands of products used in audio / visual systems. These are only a few.

$500 System
Source Unit: Alpine CDE-9874E / Pioneer DEH-P2950MP
Front Speakers: Boston S95.3 / DLS426 / Focal 690CA / Hertz ECX 690 / Polk DB650

$1000 System
Source Unit: Alpine CDE-9884E / Blaupunkt Seattle MP57 / Nakamichi CD-300 / Pioneer DEH-P2950MP
Front Speakers: Boston S60 / Crossfire SX6.0 / DLSB64 / Focal 165V1 / Hertz ESK165
Amplifier: Audio System F2-130 / Audison SRx2 / Crossfire VR142 / DLS CA22
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

$2000 System
Source Unit: Alpine CDA-9886 / Blaupunkt Memphis MP66 / Nakamichi CD-300 / Pioneer DEH-P6050UB
Front Speaker: Boston SL60 / Crossfire SR6 / Digital Designs DDW6.5set / DLS MS6A / Focal 165V2 / Hertz HSK165 / Morel Ovation 6 / Oz Audio Vector 650S3 / Polk DB6500
Amplifier: Audio System F4-260 / Audison SRx3 / Crossfire VR354 / Digital Designs C4 / DLS CA31 / Focal FP4.7
Subwoofer: Boston G212 / Digital Designs 2012 / DLS W312B / Focal 30A1 / Hertx ES300 / Image Dynamics ID12 / Oz Audio Vector 12.3 / Polk DB124 / Treo TSi12
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

$3000 System
Source Unit: Alpine CDA-9886 / Blaupunkt Bremen MP76 / Nakamichi CD-400 / Pioneer DEH-P6050UB
Front Speaker: Boston SL60 / Crossfire SR6 / DLS MS6A / Digital Designs DDW6.5set / Focal 165KP / Hertz HSK165 / Morel Ovation 6 / Oz Audio Vector 650S3 / Polk MMC6500
Amplifier: Audio System F4-380 / Audison SRx3 / Boston GT-40 / Crossfire VR404 / Digital Designs C4 / DLS CA31 / Focal FP4.75 / Polk C400.4
Subwoofer: Boston G212 / Digital Designs 3512 / DLS UR12 / Focal 33V1 / Hertx HX300 / Image Dynamics IDQ12 / Oz Audio Vector 12.3 / Polk MM2124 / Treo TSX12
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Battery: Odyssey ESV1000 / Optima D34 / Stinger SPV44
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

$5000 System
Source Unit: Alpine CDA-9887 / Blaupunkt Bremen MP76 / Nakamichi CD-500 / Pioneer DEH-P8950BT
Front Speaker: Boston Pro60 / Crossfire X6 / Digital Designs DDW6.5set / DLS Iridium 6 / DynAudio System 242 / Focal 165K2P / Hertz Mille MK2 / Infinity Kappa Perect 6.1 / Morel Elate 6 / Oz Audio Matrix 180CS / Polk MMC6500
Front Amplifier: AudioSystem F2-300 / Audison LRx3.1k / Boston GT20 / Crossfire VR402 / Digital Designs C2 / DLS RA20 / Focal FP2.150 / Polk C300.2 / Treo SSX125.2 / Tru-Tech B2100
Subwoofer: Boston G512 / Crossfire BMF12 / Digital Designs 9112 / DLS Iridium 12 / Focal 33V2 / Hertx HXS300 / Image Dynamics IDQ12 / Oz Audio Matrix Me12.4 / Polk SR124 / Treo SSi12
Subwoofer Amplifier: AudioSystem F2-500 / Audison LRx3.1k / Boston GT24 / Crossfire VR1000D / Digital Designs SS1 / DLS RA10 / Focal FP1.800 / Polk C500.1 / Treo SSX750.1 / Tru-Tech B1800
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Battery: Odyssey ESV1000 / Optima D34 / Stinger SPV44
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

$10000 System
Source Unit: Alpine IVA-D310E / Blaupunkt Bremen MP76 / Clarion HXD2 / Nakamichi CD-700II / Pioneer DEX-P90RS
Processor: Alpine PXA-H701 / Pioneer DEQ-P90
Front Speakers: Boston SPZ60 / DynAudio System 242GT / DLS Nobelium 6 / Focal Beryllium Kit 6 / Hertz Mille MK2 / Infinity Kappa Perect 6.1 / Morel Supremo 6 / Oz Audio Matrix 180CS / Polk SR6500 / Phoenix Gold Ti6
Front Amplifier: Audison LRx2.9 / Boston GT24 / Digital Designs C2 / DLS A2 / Focal FP2.150 / Polk C300.2 / Treo SSX125.2 / Tru-Tech B2100
Subwoofer: Boston G512 / Crossfire XT212 / Digital Designs 9512 / DLS Nobelium 12 / Focal 33KX / Image Dynamics IDMAX12 / Oz Audio Matrix Me12.4 / Polk SR124 / Treo SSX12
Subwoofer Amplifier: Audison LRx1.1K / Boston GT28 / Crossfire VR4000D / Digital Designs Z1 / DLS A3 / Focal Dual Direct / Polk C500.1 / Treo SSX750.1 / Tru-Tech B1800
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Battery: Odyssey ESV1000 / Optima D34 / Stinger SPV44
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

$20000 System
Source Unit: Alpine IVA-D310E / Blaupunkt Bremen MP76 / Clarion HXD2 / Nakamichi CD-700II / Pioneer DEX-P90RS
Processor: Alpine PXA-H701 / Pioneer DEQ-P90
Front Speakers: Boston SPZ60 / DynAudio System 362 / DLS Nobelium 6 / Focal Beryllium Kit 7 / Hertz Mille MK3 / Morel Supremo 9.3
Front Amplifier: Audison VRx2.400 / Boston GT24 / DLS A4 / Focal Dual Monitor / Polk C300.2 / Treo SSX250.2 / Tru-Tech C-7
Subwoofer: Boston G512 / Crossfire XT212 / Digital Designs 9912 / DLS Nobelium 12 / Focal 21WX / Image Dynamics IDMAX12 / Oz Audio Power P12.1 / Polk SR124 / Treo CXS12
Subwoofer Amplifier: Audison VRx1.500 / Boston GT28 / Crossfire VR4000D / DLS A3 / Focal Dual Direct / Polk C500.1 / Treo SSX3000.1 / Tru-Tech C-7
Cable: Audison Connection / Stinger
Battery: Odyssey ESV1000 / Optima D34 / Stinger SPV44
Deadening: Dynamat / Stinger

We continually update these lists so keep an eye on them.

Marty, i'm making this a sticky.

cheers. :)

Thanks champ. :)

Nice one, gives me something to aim for when building the rest of my system.

would be great if you can put an indicative price (or price range) on each system.

What do we need prices for i'm sure Marty will deck us all out free of charge...:P maybe i should put that differently... i'm sure he can make stuff disappear just for us!

I have found this very help in my bid for my next system! Thanks Marty.

Well I do have piles of stock in our warehouse but alas; it's all carefully catalogued by myself so I know if anything goes missing. :P

Mate im looking for a new sub to take over my Alpine Type R 12's duties, what would you recommend in the budget of say $350. I am heavily considering a boston pro 12.5LF or maybe a focal polyglass/kevlar what do you think? SQ would obviously be the main priority but going loud once in a while would be awesome :D I could ask on CAA, but I thought I would just ask the man with the answers right here! Cheers Marty,

Javed

If you can stretch your budget to $499 I'll give you a new Boston Pro12.5LF. ;)

Otherwise, there are other options for the afore mentioned $350 budget. These include:

JL Audio 12W0-4
Image Dynamics ID12V.3
Diamond M312
Hertx HX 300
Boston GS1204
Phoenix Gold R12D

For interstate OH members, do you just courier it out ?

Correct,

We ship around the country everyday. All packages are registered and insured. :)

hahaha i got a lot of those components that were listed in the "high end" category and never realised they were considered high end (dynaudio system splits and audison amps)

Dynaudio make some top stuff! Would 500 rms be enough power to feed those subs? Are are they hungry?

500 will be fine. ;)

The efficiency of subwoofers has rising greatly over the last ten years thanks to new and improved building materials.

I'm in Entry level...
FHRX put my system in :D
Its still going strong Marty!
And after europe i'm coming for a visit to get something like this put in:

Quote:

---

Description: (A/V system) – For the high end audio / visual experience.
Source Unit(s): Alpine CVA-1006R, Toshiba SD-1300 / Pioneer AVHP6550DVD, Clarion VRX935VD
Processor(s): Precision Power DEQ-230 / Phoenix Gold Ti EQ30
Front Speaker(s): Boston Pro6.5 Image Dynamics CXS 64 / Diamond S600 / Focal 165V2 / Rainbow CS 265 P Vanadium / Morel Hybrid Ovation
Center Speaker(s): Kicker R4 / Boston FX4 / Phoenix Gold R4.0
Rear Speaker(s): Hertz ECX-165 / Phoenix Gold R6.0
Sub(s): JL Audio 12W6V2 / Image Dynamics IDMAX12V.3 / Boston 12.5LF / Diamond M612 / Focal 33KX / Adire Brahma / Phoenix Gold Ti 12D
Amplifier(s): 2 x ARC Audio 2100XXK / Audison LRx4.300 & Audison LRx1.400 / Zapco 750 & Zapco 1100M / Boston GT24 & Boston GT28 / Tru-Tech T03-4.150 & Tru-Tech T03-2.250 / Phoenix Gold T500.2 & Phoenix Gold T1200.1
Cable: Streetwires / Audison / QED

---

Sorry to hi-jack thread.

Jason a.k.a CROAT

Just noticed a mistake

Quote:

---

Description: (SQ system) – For ultimate sound quality!
Source Unit(s): Nakamichi CD-700 / Alpine CDA-7998 / Pioneer DEXP9R / Clarion DXZ946MP
Processor(s): Precision Power DEQ-230 / Phoenix Gold Ti EQ30
Front Speaker(s): DynAudio System 360 / Boston Z6 / Focal 165W3 / Rainbow CS 265.28 Platinum (6" splits) / Morel Elate 9 / Phoenix Gold Ti 6 Comp Elite
Rear Speaker(s): Kicker R6.2 / Boston ProRC620 / Hertz HSK 165 / Rainbow SLX 265.03 (6" splits) / Phoenix Gold TX6.5 / Phoenix Gold TX6.5
Sub(s): JL Audio 12W7 / Image Dynamics IDMAX12V.3 / Boston 12.5LF / Diamond TDX 12 / Focal 33WX / Adire Brahma / Phoenix Gold Ti 12D Elite
Amplifier(s): ARC Audio 2500XXK & ARC Audio 4000XXK / JL Audio 300.4 & JL Audio 1000.1 / Audison VRx1.500 & Audison VRx4.300 / Zapco C2K-6.0x & Zapco C2K-9.0xd / Boston GT24 & Boston GT28 / Tru-Tech C-7 & Tru-Tech C7.2 / Phoenix Gold Ti1200.2 & Phoenix Gold Ti1200.1
Cable: Streetwires / Audison / QED

---

For the rear speakers it says " Phoenix Gold TX6.5 / Phoenix Gold TX6.5 "

Just bored.

Sorry, all fixed. :)

Can we ask for prices here ?

Pioneer DEH - 5650MP

From the entry level system.

Cheers.

PM/Email for prices Krim.

Fhrx, can you get MBQuart speakers?

I'm really after a pair of MB Quart MusiComp 3-way crossovers.

really like the new Pioneer DEH8650MP color screen HD
been offered with $900, is this unit worth the price?

It is a good model but it is no longer current. ;)

8650MP not current !?

I thought its the lastest model after the DEH-P9650MP and DEH-P1Y were released ?

I bought a DEH-P7650MP wishing i had waited a month more to get the 8650 with colour screen :(

8650MP not current !?

I thought its the lastest model after the DEH-P9650MP and DEH-P1Y were released ?

I bought a DEH-P7650MP wishing i had waited a month more to get the 8650 with colour screen :(

8650MP not current !?

I thought its the lastst model after the DEH-P9650MP and DEH-P1Y were released ?

I bought a DEH-P7650MP wishing i had waited a month more to get the 8650 with colour screen :(

Software document.write error - wynode please delete. :)

Software document.write error - wynode please delete. :)

Software document.write error - wynode please delete. :)

Software document.write error - wynode please delete. :)

8650? Oh sorry, I thought I read 8450. Serves me right for going too fast! :(

Yeah, the 8650 is certainly a good buy for $900 as they retail for $1399! :D

heh .. i was starting to wonder what kind of audio shop you were running fhrx ?! :P

wynode: please delete 2 extra reposts above ;)

Man something has gone horribly wrong with the forum software I think. :(

Tell me what you think of my system...Its a sq/spl/av system

Source Unit(s): Alpine CDA-7998
Processor(s): Alpine PXA-H700
Front Speaker(s): Alpine SPX-Z18T
Rear Speaker(s): Alpine SPX-177A (in Boot)
Sub(s):2x Alpine SWR-1221D (To be upgraded to 2x SWX-1242D)
Amplifier(s): 2x Alpine MRD-M1000, 2x MRV-F540, MRP-F240
Cable: Stinger
Monitors(s): Alpine TME-M790, Alpine PKG-700A (in boot)
Stacker(s): Alpine DHA-S680

So what do you think???

Looks very nice so far as quality is concerned. Do you like the sound of the Alpine drivers do you? When high end systems are discussed, it is quite unusual to see all Alpine speakers used. :)

Have you heard or read about the Alpine F#1 Status SPX-Z18T's??? They have been chosen as the best speaker system in the world, combined that with a 31-band equalizer and a CDA-7998R its damn good...

My old sq setup was shit, and I still won all events I entered, even though i went in 2, with that setup up, cause i got my new car and my new speakers

I could be reading you wrong but you appear to be getting degensive? You asked people opinions and I simply offered mine; that is all. In my humble opinion the best realistically priced speakers (we sell Morellion Diamond series for around RRP$43000 but that is just stupid) is the Rainbow Reference component set. While very close to the Alpines, in back to back testing they Rainbow's were just a touch smoother.

As for your question, yes I have indeed heard them before. I have a set right here in front of me and have installed a couple now for testing. On the subject of Alpine's high end speakers, I also assisted on the Alpine car that held them and was one of the people who tested and decided they were to be given the Australian award for Sound Product of the Year as I write and test for INCAR etc. On that not I might just mention that voting is not always based on people's ears either... ;);)

So in conclusion, yes your system is extremely good but as for the best in the world? That is simply a matter of personal opinion and every persons ears are different. As long as we all enjoy our own systems that is all that matters is it not? :D

i want getting defensive...and i am thankful for your opinion...

shit $43000 that a damn stupid price...oh well some people will pay that for speakers.

Do you know whats going on with the alpine Type-X Subs??? I have been told by a few people that they arent in Australia yet and I have been told by others that they are...DO you know whats happening with them???

And i didnt say my system was the best, I was just saying that the SPX-Z18T's were picked as the best...I know my system is no where near being the best...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ludester

shit $43000 that a damn stupid price...oh well some people will pay that for speakers.

---

It is a ridiculous price for speakers and I must admit I have only ever sold one set in my life... and I thought my 10k fronts were stupid! :(

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ludester

Do you know whats going on with the alpine Type-X Subs??? I have been told by a few people that they arent in Australia yet and I have been told by others that they are...DO you know whats happening with them???

---

The Type-X's are leaking onto the market now. I have a few Type-X products here (mainly to test for the magazine) but the press usually gets first shop at new stuff, then the shops begin receiving it. Not long now dude.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ludester

I know my system is no where near being the best...

---

On the contrary, it is one of the best one can get! :D I wouldn't complain about that system you have. :D

Ok so do you think the Type-X subs will be in stores next month???
I really want them for brisbane jamboree.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fhrx

On the contrary, it is one of the best one can get! :D I wouldn't complain about that system you have. :D

---

Thanks for that...There are a few things i wanted to get, but due to lack of money I couldnt get...Like the Alpine MRV-F900 and the Alpine PXA-H900...Oh well, doesnt really matter...$6000 for a amp was a little to much for my budget...

Were you one of the people picked to go on the Alpine workshop that went over seas???

Not these days - we use to attend the Alpine workshops during the late 90's. Now days it's our turn to run the workshops. We run audio seminars once a month all over the country. :)

The Type-X should be out within weeks... :)

Ok, sweet...will have to get the qld alpine rep to get 2 for me

Just got a little of my system by Marty@FHRX highly recommended !
Thanx Champ!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NSX88X

Just got a little of my system by Marty@FHRX highly recommended !
Thanx Champ!

---

I thought you are gonna show me ur new system ???
I heard its come up really nice, show me next time . . . . . . .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fhrx

Many OzHonda members have asked the question; "What the best system I can get?"...

There are a few things to decide. They are:

1. What do I want from my system? Good Bass and SQ, levels high enough to show off with
2. What sort of music do I listen too? Rock, Electronica, Rap
3. What is my budget? uunder $1000
4. Do I want to compete? No
5. Do I want A/V or just superior sound? superior sound


Description: Comp level – these types of systems is where to start when competition is planned.
Source Unit(s): Alpine CDA-7878R / Pioneer DEH-P6550MP / Clarion DXZ846MP
Front Speaker(s): Kicker RS6 / Boston RC620 / Diamond M661 / Focal Polyglass 165V2 / Hertz HSK 1600 / Rainbow CS 265 P3 / Morel Dotech Mk II
Sub(s): JL Audio 12W3 / Image Dynamics IDQ12D4.V2 / Diamond M312 / Focal 33A / Hertx HX380 / Phoenix Gold TX12D
Amplifier(s): 2 x ARC Audio 2100XXK / Audison LRx2.250 & Audison LRx1.400 / Zapco 350 & Zapco 500M / Boston GT20 & Boston GT22 / Tru-Tech T-4.65 & Tru-Tech T-2.100 / Phoenix Gold R4.0:2 & Phoenix Gold R5.0:1
Cable: Stinger / Phoenix Gold / Audison

---

right now i'm looking at JL Audio 12w3 subs and a hifonics brutus amp, do you think a 600watt amp with subs pushing 300watts each would be effective? or should i jump up to 1200watts? right now the car ahs a 7 peice stock system that handles 290watts and its ok, which makes me think 300watts alone in the subs would be nice

basically id want something that when your outside the car you can still hear it so its a little bit "showoffy", you know we want the looks when were spending quality money

so if anyone can help me with that, thanks

cliffnotes: 600watt amp enough for 2 12" JL Audio subs? or should i bump it up to 1200watts

I guess these guys are still around after 3 years??