head unit:
Alpine CDA-7941
Front Amp:
Orion Hcca 225r
Front Components:
Orion Hcca 6’s
Sub Amp:
Orion 250r
Subs:
(2) Image Dynamics 12" IDQ DVC
total 4 ohm power=150watss(yeah right:) hows that for low power
upgrading to 2 ID MAX
Re: list previous setups and why you got rid of it
[QUOTE]Originally posted by gen2ls/vtec
[B]other than theft :mad: what stereo stuff have you replaced and what did you replace it with? What specific makes and models out there were you just not impressed with and wished you never purchased?
Ok… here goes…
We’ll start with the hu:
I have always liked Blaupunkt source units (anyone who has used them will usually agree if they had an upper to top-end model). The first one I bought maybe 12-15 years ago was an SQR-49 Phillidelphia (this thing has a phenomenal tuner and an unbelievably clean internal amp). I switched it out because it was getting dated… My last Blau head was the Sydney 7 series which I was more than impressed with for about 3 years (I ended up damaging the LCD on it and didn’t want to pay the coin to get a new one). Currently, I am using the San Francisco Skyline series and it is also (as expected) a phenomenally accurate and wonderful sounding deck (I like the internal amp defeat option especially and the fact that it has a built in RTA of sorts).
Ok… I also like the Clarion pro line 5000 series and up as well as some of the older Alpine decks without internal amps. As for which hu are best… everyone has an opinion but it depends on what you are looking for. Do you want dancing dolphins or reference-quality audio?
As for drivers, I used to run Vifa and Nakamichi components 6.5 and 5.25 in the doors. These were phenomenal drivers and I would reccomend them to anyone. I have also used some Infinity reference components and loved them as well. Currently, I am running 6.5 Focal Bora components and I like them better than any I have auditioned before (although I’d sure many CDT, Morel, DynAudio and Rainbow owners may disagree).
Now for the subs… I have used both Rockfords and Planet Audio. Although I can’t give a fair comparison because of where I bought from within the line-up. The Rockfords were solid and reliable for 200W 4ohm subs but the Planet Audio pro series I replaced them with are much more accurate (you can’t compare a mid-line sub to an upper-line reference sub). Either way, I have only ever run 2 12s in a sealed (individual chambers) enclosure. I am far and away not the best authority on subs. There are many lines that are likely far better than mine but I’m not sure you could do better for the same price point.
As for amps, I do have a fair bit of knowledge here and it’s varied for sure. As for a general rule, a lot of the older amps were better than the new stuff. This isn’t always the case but I’ll give some examples where it seems true to me anyway. The older Hifonics and Orion amps are amongst some of the best out there. I urge someone to find a more solid amp than a Thor VII or am Orion HCCA. I am currently running the 7 series Thor to power my front stage Focals and the headroom, detail and clarity is stunning. Older Rockford amps are nice too… I think that up till the Punch 250x2 and the BD1000, most of the Rockford stuff was pretty solid. The amount of guys running those old waffer-style RF amps is amazing – they are near bulletproof. Muy other favorite amps are without a doubt, the PPI art series and Sedonas. I still run an old bridged 100ix to my Planets now and they sound great. Amps I have been looking at if I had a money tree?? Well… Arc Audio, Zapco, Xtant, McIntosh, Brax, and some of the older gems from A/D/S laying in people’s closets on Ebay…
Amp to avoid??? There are zillions – Legacy, MEI, Sony (IMO), AudioVox, Pyramid, and most of the lower-level older Power Accoustik stuff. Now that being said, I ran an older Apache series Power Accoustik 480 and it was very good to me (I have heard varied reports). As for the previous comments on Crunch amps, I disagree… they make some really nice gear for a good price. DEI makes very solid stuff too… hands down.
If there’s one thing I have learned it’s that mid line equipment that has been installed with care, planning and precision will outperform the best gear on the market installed by a hack, with poor level setting and crappy wiring habits. If you have what you would consider to be a phenomenal system but feel you are missing something, I urge you to focus on the caliber of the install. Go to a reputable shop with some coffee and doughnuts and ask the head installer to take a listen. You’d be suprised what some improved imaging, dropped gains, and level-matched gear can do for you.
The biggest change in my system from day one would be my perception that brand ‘x’ is garbage and brand ‘c’ is the bomb. Even the best firefighters burn down a building – look what happened to SoundStream…
Processors?? I like the indash offerings from both Alpine and Kenwood for digital parametric processing from the driver’s seat. I found that the Kenwoods (i.e. KDS-P110) are prone to ground loops more so than the Alpines. The funny thing is that the higher end Kenwoods have floating ground isolation circuitry also. If you run an improperly level matched Kenwood, you’ll know about it fast. Once it’s set up, they’re great. As for outboard processing, AudioControl, Phoenix Gold, modified Rane units and the older Orion lineups are great).
Sorry to run on about this but I get carried away at the best of times…
HTH
Andrew.
aka neex.
id just have to say that it is a huge relief how u guys talk about audio stuff, as aposed to how ppl disrespect eachother and waste band width in other forums, competing for who can run out of curse words and insults first…
nuff said
u guyz rock
-Toby
Originally posted by ixtlann
id just have to say that it is a huge relief how u guys talk about audio stuff, as aposed to how ppl disrespect eachother and waste band width in other forums, competing for who can run out of curse words and insults first…
nuff said
u guyz rock
-Toby
If any of those kind words were meant for me, I deeply appreciate it. I’m just glad you stayed awake for my post.
I agree though… Why can’t we all just get along?? Either that or we should be able to agree to disagree agreeably…
Andrew
aka neex.
Originally posted by ixtlann
id just have to say that it is a huge relief how u guys talk about audio stuff, as aposed to how ppl disrespect eachother and waste band width in other forums, competing for who can run out of curse words and insults first…
nuff said
u guyz rock
-Toby
I’ll admit I’ve got a little carried away in some posts on the car audio section, but it’s never meant as a flame and it’s all in good fun. I’ve got love for all my G2IC brothers.
Great post neex. Very informative man. Keep up the good work 
!
I’m glad you were listening bro (even better if you enjoyed it). If you ever make it down to T.O., maybe we could hook up and learn from each other or shoot the shyte…
Andrew.
aka neex.
If anyone is interested, I’ll get some pics up of my ‘never finished’ system shortly.
I don’t know why people think that they can spend 100 dollars and get a 1500 watt amp. I just pisses me off when they think their system is nice, when they only paid 500 bucks for everything. I always go by, you get what you pay for…
Originally posted by ALPINEteg
I just pisses me off when they think their system is nice, when they only paid 500 bucks for everything. I always go by, you get what you pay for…
So you’re saying you only have a nice system if you pay a lot for it? That statement is quite ridicoulous. Please elbaorate on why your system can only be good if you pay alot more then $500.
I only paid about $650 for my entire system. My amps, sub, and HU are all authorized with a full warranty.
HU: Eclipse 3421 $160 used with a warranty and reciept. (3) 2.8 volt, 64 ohm, preouts. 2 years left on warranty.
Front stage: Rainbow Dreamline 6.5 comps. $75 used with a warranty and reciept.
Front Stage amp: Autotek SS 200.2 $99 brand new authorized. Rated at 75x2 @ 4 ohms. Under rated and built like a tank
Sub amp: Autotek ss450.2 $199 brand new authorized. Rated at 450 bridged @ 4ohms. Under rated and built like a tank
Sub: Adire Audio Shiva. $125 brand new authorized. 15.8 mm one way xmax, 650 watt rms, 21hz FS.
Now I since I only paid $650 for my equipment…it must suck correct? Equipment is only a small part of a great system…its all in the install.
TTT
could somebody shed a light on what “TTT” means? I know this sounds ridiculous but, I have to learn somewhere.
thanks.
Originally posted by martyP
could somebody shed a light on what “TTT” means? I know this sounds ridiculous but, I have to learn somewhere.
thanks.
To The Top
Matt
jensen cd311x cd reciever
infinity front speakers (forgot what model)
pioneer rear speakers (forgot what model)
orion 160watt amp
15" mtx thunder 2000 (so old u cant find info about it anymore) in a custom made sealed box
then i blew that sub, and that deck blew…
now a pioneer deck which im having problems with…
i wanna get one of those nice other type of decks that has the face that fold/flips down by motor, and can flip up by motor. hehe, those things are kool. i’d wanna get a MP3 cd-r & cd-rw player aswell…
ima run the orion amp with a 10" lighting audio sub in a custom sealed box i made. then ima run the sub as loud as possible, cause i got it for 20 bucks from best buy (open floor demo) perfect condition, but also got teh 20 dollar 4 year warranty on it. so if it blows, then i can go back, and get it replaced with the same thing, or something near it. (not sure size, wattage, or what) but the max on it is 200 watts, and 100 watt rms.
but hey, for 40 bucks with a 4 year warranty… 
ive had 3 10w0 JL Audio in a box
sounded good had a weak amp but sounded good & clean…sold to buy parts.
next was 1 12in memphis…was supposed to be excellent sub…had 300watts very clear but not loud at all but very deep bass
next was 2 15in MTX 6000…loud as hell and i only had 300 watts to BOTH…shook everything not as deep as i liked but still deep…sold to buy parts
next was 1 12in infinty reference…very clear and loud deep bass ! really like…sold to buy parts again lol
My system gets changed all the time, currenty I have the following installed in my 91:
HU: Sony CDX CA 850X (POS)
Front stage: MB Quart qm 130 Q components
Rear stage: MB Quart qm 130 components
Subs: 4 JL Audio 10w0’s
sub amp: 2002 Hifonics Z1000D
Front amp: 2002 Hifonics Z6400
Rear amp: 2002 Hifonics Z6400
Audio contol 4Xs
Audio coontrol epicenter
(2) Audio control EQL series 2
(3) rockford fosgate 1 farad caps
Crystal connects RCA’s
KnuKoncepts 1\0 power wire and ground going to the caps and the amps
I had to machine new terminals for the amps to accept the power wire but I think it’s well worth it. I also machined two buss bars to connect all the caps together. Lots of work installing this system. I have completly changed the interior of the car from the back of the drivers seat to the back of the car.