Where does a guy start?
 

I have a few more things left to think about doing for metal work before my 65 goes to the body shop. One is the stereo. I know Jack **** about stereos and my head hurts reading about them. After reading these posts it would seem like the coolio units that fit kinda suck? I am putting a lot of effort and money in this pos so I might as well have a good system. I don't need or like the fart car window shaker "boooom boooom" thing but I'd be down for something nice. Should I say f@#$ it and cut a hole and do a modern thing or is there remote systems I could put behind the seat and leave my original as a dummy? I need to finish welding any and all brackets and what ever before she goes away soon. I live in a pretty small town and we have a couple of shops but they are notoriously bad (meth heads lol) so how about a systm that sounds nice and i can play my wifes Pandora doesn't have to be the best. Let's say for 800 to 1200. Don't want extra batteries and crazy stereo competition stuff lol but I like making things so fabrication is ok. If you had a favorite or I wish i would have done this or that it would really help get me started. If this budget is way off let me know and there seems to be quite alot of amps and speakers second hand around too.Thanks charlie

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I am just getting into this area, but it seems you have at least these 2 options:

A: Send factory radio out to get "converted" to modern guts, gives FM, plays from ipod etc..but still sol for playing a cd if you are into that.

B: use the glovebox as a holder for a good deck (if any exists anymore..) and hide the amp and speakers as best you can around the truck. You use a remote but the thing is hidden away, and you can choose any brand/size you want.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I think you can accomplish your goals within your budget. Every year there is new technology coming out, it only gets better.

You can keep the original radio as a dummy, and use bluetooth to stream to a hidden system. With some fabrication, you may be able to install a master volume knob in your original AM radio to control the system.

To have full, complete sound, you still need a decent subwoofer. You're not using it for the boooom boooom, but it is still needed to compliment full range sound.

There's several ways to skin this cat. For entry level, I would chose a BT streaming amp, 8" subwoofer, and a component set for the fronts. No rear speakers needed. You can easily do this within budget.

Are you planning on kick panel speakers? Or, Door mount? Or utilizing the dash speaker?

I estimate $3-500 on amp, $100-150 for sub and box, $150-250 for component speakers, $25 -100 wiring/install supplies. If you want tuning capabilities, you need a DSP (digital signal processor), add another $150 entry level or $800 for top of the line.

Need a little more info on where you want to mount speakers, and whether you want tuning capabilities or future mods before I could recommend what amp setup. But for components, look at JL Audio, JBL, Morel, Focal, Image Dynamics. All can be had for under $250. For subwoofer, Image Dynamics ID8 or JL audio 8w3 will get the job done in a small enclosure.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Kick panels with 6.5 speakers...? 2 - 4 inch in original dash...? F@#$ it cut dash for single din...pioneer he-x00bhs ...I dunno just googled best head units of 2018 lol..your recommendation? Amp and sub and misc elecctronics/ wiring in custom encloser behind seat , no tank....? I don't need to tune stuff or go audiophile. Good wiring from ce electric..I am all ready buying stuff so no biggie. Can do kick panels made from restomod or fabricate it doesn't matter. Don't want to cut up doors if I don't have to. I am allready ditching the kick panel ven't so seems easier. I am ditching the glove box to and can fab something there if needed? Shew...Thanks! I'd take recommendations on parts or a reputable on line shop too.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

P.s I don't understand- power requirements enough to make good choices
Don't know if I could chose the right component speaker/s/crossover or set them up properly?
Don't want extra batteries or alternator
Man I am a hack or what!!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Don't start buying anything until you have a "general" plan. I'll write more later...

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I don't do this for a living, and I am reluctant to tell someone exactly what to buy. But I am comfortable steering you in the right direction. 70% of car audio is all about the "name brand". Kind of like buying jeans. Some guys wear Levi, and others wear Wrangler, etc. 20% is rebranded or junk, and 10% is high end audiophile. If you stay with the middle brands, they have upper, mid, and entry levels. Crutchfield, Woofersetc, and sonicelectronix are all good places to online shop, and mostly have the good stuff.

So then, it all comes down to budget. Low budget = low expectations. Entry level and low price would be combing as many units as possible. IE: combo amps, co-axial speakers, no processors.

For every component you separate, the sound quality gets better and the price goes higher. Example: multiple component speakers, multiple amps, and processor.

And then, there is 3 categories, priced low to high:
1. I just want to listen to music or amplified noise.
2. I want sound quality components without breaking the bank
3. Sky is the limit / show quality.

For what you are describing, a simple 3 channel setup in my "category 2" would work: audio signal -> amp(s) -> sub -> front channel components.

Starting with the source. Whether you cut the dash or keep it stock is up to you. Neither is wrong and both will work. I'm not up to speed on bluetooth amps or ipod/pad/phone installs, but I KNOW it can be done easily without head units. I would have to do more research, and I simply don't have time. The problem I see with BT amps, is you have very limited tuning capability. Simple crossover settings, and that's it. If you have a BT interface connected to a DSP, then you can do all tuning, EQ, crossovers via laptop. Set and forget. Mosconi, Helix, JL, and MiniDSP all have reputable DSP. And I believe they even have BT options as well.

If you go with a head unit, you can't go wrong with Pioneer. I'm not familiar with the one you listed, but my daily driver is a Pioneer NEX series. It has the ability to front/rear/sub high pass/low pass crossovers and time alignment. I have found it adequate for tuning without the need for DSP. Pioneer has a couple models with a real DSP, and you can set the speakers as active components. But, that is getting complicated and probably makes your "head hurt".

If you are planning on kick panel speakers, I would suggest skipping the center dash speakers. Most of the sound quality (SQ) guys only run kicks with tweet pods on the A pillars. Unfortunately these trucks don't have much real-estate in the A pillar area. Therefore, the easiest to do is run tweet pods on the dash, or the kick panel.

For "front channel" you have 2 options. Components, or Co-axial. Coax speakers combine a tweeter with the mid-woofer, and usually don't sound as complete as a component system. Components are separate mid-woofer and tweeter. They need to have their own (passive) crossover, or they can be run separately on a multi-channel amp with processing (active). If you buy a component system, they will come with their own passive crossovers, and that is your easy option. I recommend passive components for the front channel. Any brands I mentioned from the above post should adequate. Pick a component set based on the price you are willing to spend, then google some reviews. Typically speaking, a silk tweeter sounds smooth, and a metal tweet sounds high pitch.

For subwoofer, if you don't want boooom booooom, then an 8" sealed will take up little space, and easily fill a single cab truck with the low end sound. A 10" will also work well, and start to get you into the boooomm. Think of it this way: You go to the symphony. If the bass and cello players call in sick, they can still play, but you know something is missing. Once you start listening to music with a sub, you can't listen without it.

Once you pick out some speakers, then we can look at amps. Generally speaking, class D are low power consumers, and class A/B are higher consumers, higher SQ. Though you will get arguments and debates on both. So neither matters. If you want a smaller package with stock alternator/battery, generally speaking, look for a class D amp. You have several options here.

1. A 2 channel for passive component set + mono amp for subwoofer.
2. A 4 channel amp for passive fronts, bridged sub.
3. A a 5 channel amp for active fronts, via DSP, +sub channel

Reputable amps with solid reviews: Zapco, JL Audio, NVX (sonicelectronix), Alpine, and the price goes up from there. $$$$ Mosconi, Helix, and more. I'm not into the 2 name brands that sponsor all the motorsports, but there is nothing wrong with them either. You're just paying for name recognition.

Post up what you have already bought, and some of the speakers you're interested in, and we can go from there.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Wow thank you! Very I formative and easy to understand . I appreciate your time I know it's valuable. Ok I'll start shopping for the front speakers first and re post and see what ya think. Good news is i know none of these brand names so maybe that will help . Thanks again

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Ok I said I wasn't going to learn this stuff just say," those look cool and cost 85 bucks, add to cart move on ", but...Now...I see that's too easy and I like to suffer so...
Speakers- when you shop you see
Wattage ratings and rms ratings, I am assuming this translates into volume/clarity?
Ohms, resistance but that's where it ends for me. Are there good reasons to choose different styles?
Frequency ratings, I'll also assume this is for clarity but where do you compromise whith in the ratings? Example is more just better? From 20k to 50 k noticeable?
Cone design ?
Cone material?
Mounting depth, besides being a resource for mounting, can I assume the larger/deeper reflects anything to do with quality? Like a bigger magnet is better?
There are so many choices and to be honest they are all affordable to a point.
Also is there any benifit in staying with the same manufacture as a whole?
My head hurts less but the last thing i need in my life is another obsession. Between 80 and 250 bucks there are several hundred choices! Ok let's see...

I 've tried no to just buy so.ething because it's on clearance but I am wondering how much I would even notice? Sorry to be such a noob.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

First step, and its easy and free: Listen to the latest C10 Talk podcast. Its all about audio. Now I may not 100% agree with some of the advice, overall its great. Now I've been in the custom audio/video business for 19 years now, primarily residential, so I've formulated some of my own opinions :)

BIGglaSS offers up some great advice.

Here's the system I'm putting in my '72. I really need to finish wiring it up so I can tell people how it sounds. I'll include retail price to give you an idea on budget. I primarily chose these brands because I use these in marine installs and can get dealer pricing.

Source: Exile Audio Bluetooth Receiver. I had this sitting on the shelf and its quick and easy to install. I may try a RetroSound/Custom AutoSound headunit down the road to see what I think. $50.

Amp: Rockford Fosgate Prime R300x4 50Wx4 RMS 4-Channel Amp. I had the R250X4 in my '67 and it surprised me as far as sound quality on a budget. Again I may upgrade to a nicer one down the road but this will get the system up and running. Plus I like to tinker. $200.

Speakers: (Fronts) Rockford Fosgate Punch P142 4" Coaxial Speakers in the factory dash location. Again had these in my '67 and like them. I made plate out of MDF and a bent a metal bracket to mount in stock location. The dude from Kicker claims these aren't necessary so I plan to try with and without to see what I think. $70.

(Kickpanels). Rockford Fosgate Punch P-1675-S 6.75" Component Set. I've decided to mount the tweeters on the dash where the factory AC vents are. Will play around with locations to get the best sound. $140.

RetroSound Kickpanel pods. I lined the kickpanel and pods with DynaMat I had lying around to help with vibration. $70 + a few dollars for sound deadening.

Subwoofer: Rockford Fosgate PS-8 amplified 8" subwoofer. I've not heard this but will here soon :). Going to place it under the seat. I've set it up to run (2) if I feel the need. This truck still has the gas tank behind the seat so a custom box isn't really an option. $300.

Wire: I've been real happy with T-Spec and since I can get it at cost I'm using it. I'm using 4GA primarily because I can and may upgrade the amp and add another sub down the line. This kit is about $75 but probably could get a good 8-GA with speaker wire for the same price. $75.

Grand total: $905 going off manufacturer's websites.

I'm not saying this an the end-all-be-all system but a good reference point.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Don't worry about this right now. Most decent component sets are in the 50-100 rms range, and 4 ohm. We can find an amp that will be suitable. It is best to have more amp rms than speaker rms. You don't use that extra power, it is called "headroom".

This doesn't matter until you get to "obsessive audiophile" status. Even those guys, are constantly selling their used stuff to buy something different. I've read that most people don't notice the upper range. I asked the same question about cone material on the audio forum. Didn't get much response because it is a personal taste. Most guys look at a frequency graph to pick individual speaker drivers, and analyze "q" "f", etc. That's too complicated for what we're doing here. (nor do I fully understand it)

Nope. It is just for looks, or to say "my car has ...." Every different brand and every different speaker is going to have it's own unique tone. And, two identical systems are going to sound different in two different cars. You don't have the means to test listen to every possible combination available. That's one reason that I don't have a specific recommendation.

haha... My wife is wondering what my next obsession is going to be... I like clearance. Speaking of clearance, I'm intrigued by these:
https://www.amazon.com/JBL-GTO609C-P.../dp/B00ANI3LAK
Based on spec's, they could be a solid choice. They were discontinued a few years ago, so I don't know if they're BNIB or refurb.

These may be a hidden gem if you aren't concerned with "brand name logos". Made by a company called SB Acoustics:
https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item...-VSP65KIT.html

Slowcpe:
Sounds like you have a solid setup. My 57 using coupons and finding deals (not yet installed): Retrosound HU $244. Zapco ST-5xII (5 channel) amp $199. Image Dynamics 5x7 components (kick panel) $240. Wiring $32. Still to purchase: ID8 sub $85. MiniDSP $115.

I could have cut costs on components. But I was on a mission to find a speaker I could hide behind a 63 belair vent cover:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4510/...752ce977_c.jpg
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4507/...4d6b001d_c.jpg
I have been searching for something like this that has a FM tuner that could be accessed via iPhone. Do you know of any such thing?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

On the keeping with same brands I might add try and stay the same on speakers. If you do more than 1 pair it's best to have them timbre matched. You start mixing metal dome tweets for one pair and silk dome for the other it could sound weird. The rest of the gear it really doesn't matter.

Car audio gear is so heavily discounted online it's hard to make a living selling it unless you do high-end installs. That's why I've stuck with residential with the occasional boat system for clients/friends. You can find some screaming deals.

As far as the Bluetooth with FM receiver I have not. Clarion makes a cool little marine setup I've considered for my '67 but every Clarion headunit I've ever fooled with in a boat gives me next to nothing in terms of tuning. I'm using the Exile as a temp source until I find something I like.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

That came out nice Man!
Ok so more confusion... when I first started thinnin...
I thought, there must be a unit that has no display but all the features that goes in trunk or under seat or whatever and has a small but nice control unit on dash or steering wheel?
So I see that for marine use they have it but not really for cars? And when they say Bluetooth does that just mean for a device or for no wiring? What I want is to not use my phone but to not have to open the glove box to turn stuff on or change channels ect...?
If I as m going to brutallize the dash might as well be double din.
So do you like the retro sound unit paired with other electronics? Worth the extra 100 or so bucks? Would it compare to a brand name single din in the same price range or is it simply not to cut dash? Thanks for your help I've learned a lot and I am actually having a bit of fun. My wife is going to be pissed when I have a 3k dollar stereo in my truck to listen to the news before work!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

For a black box/small remote you are looking at marine/utv/motorcycle setups. They will work in a car/truck with no problem. Fosgate has a cool looking unit but you have to be a certified dealer which I am not. Clarion also has one that looks cool.

While I have no experience with retro headunits I doubt they are of the highest quality in the sound department but it should get the job done for the average to above average sound system. A car headunit would probably sound better but how much I don't know.

Bluetooth is primarily for wirelessly playing music from your phone.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

i like the grill for the vintage air too. you going to paint it? allways hated how those things hang in space. seems like they would try just a little harder with their products honestly. killer projects!

ok so marine remotes will work with regular head units right? just a remote right? so you pick your head unit and stash it away and then sync or wire a remote and thats that lol?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I'm not 100% sure on marine remotes working with regular headunits. I'm wanting to think some models do but not for sure.

Here's a few of what I'm talking about. The remote connects to a black box you can hide under the seat.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CMS....html?tp=61742

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CMS....html?tp=61742

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_822MBB....html?tp=61742

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CMS....html?tp=61742

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575PMX....html?tp=61742
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575PMX....html?tp=61742

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Hmm..pretty interesting! Sucks that the best bang for the buck is still just a single din head unit. No matter how you try to cheat the system it all comes back to cutting the dash. So I think I'll make a coolio panel with a flip/slide door that simple pulls out and swings down to conceal the head unit. The other this g I don't like is how busy these things appear. To many bells and whistles. I like the pioneer head unit DEX-P99RS that appears very modest until...the price tag at 1100 yikes Why aren't there .more in this style? Is everyone who's Into car stereos a medical marijuana patient? I guess I am old.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Since the retrosund HU is still in the box, and not in the dash, I can't comment. I suspect slowcpe is right, not as great as a comparatively priced other HU. Since I'm only using it for a source signal, I think it will work good. The only reason I got the retrosound is to keep the dash stock. If I'm happy with it, I will get one for my Olds 442. If not, I'm going to figure out how to put a master volume knob in a dummy radio, and not have a HU.

I have mixed feelings on the A/C unit. It is a Restomod Vapir 2. I had to lower it 2-3" and mount it 1" off the firewall just to hook up the ducts. Thus no longer making it "compact". I will probably paint the plate black, or color match to the interior.

The other issue I have with aftermarket A/C, is they don't have an outside air "blend", like modern cars.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Great advice from Slowcpe and BIGglaSS! :metal:

I hightl recommend the RetroSound head unit! Lots of good features and options and not a bad price.

Slowcpe - Is there a reason you put the sound deadner on RetroSound panels and not on the truck kickpanel?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I actually did deadened on both. Wanted to kill as much vibration as I can.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Just curious...why don't guys ditch the ven't and fabricate an opening in the kick panel. You could weld in a surround and seal it to weather and fit a larger or at least a least intrusive speaker. Sometimes the kick pods look like an after thought ? Not complaining just wonder why not? If sure, why not put a 6x9 there? Or is that to big a frewuency? You could do 2-4 inch coax in dash grill and tweeters on dash and the 6x9s in kick? Or is that just dumb lol? Theres nothing back there . A guy could weld a drain into the vent above the kick and have tons of room? I live in montana so dont need a vent and we have vent wing windows too.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

So check my very novice selection.
These choices where made using recomendations then searching reviews then being sucked in by marketing! So I would like to consider this my premium package (Just mine not a rral"premium")
I would also appreciate it if you guys would steer me clear with obvious (to you) alternatives that would be a "standard" package and we could go even further to an economy if your bored?

Rockford Fosgate Power T600-4
Pioneer DEH-80PRS
CD receiver
Morel Maximus 602
6-1/2" component
JL Audio CP108LG-W3v3
MicroSub™ slot-ported enclosure with one 8" W3v3 subwoofer
200 over budget less install supplies. I think the amp comes with an install kit and Some other misc stuff ad a extra for purchase but good wire and fuses I am sure I'll have to buy
Whataya think? Dumb? Sucked in?
Total is 1450.95

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I think that's a solid choice. Before you pull out the credit card.... If you go with the DEH-80 prs,, you have another option. Active 2-way front stage! This system would really shine with a 5 channel amp, or add a mono subwoofer amp, and the additional cost would be worth it. Let me look up a couple things, and I'll post back later tonight.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I will hit your previous questions later... Meanwhile, would you prefer a remote bass knob? You can adjust the subwoofer level on the fly for different songs. Or, doesn't matter, set and forget?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Sure wht not! All ways good to be able to change things easier. Thanks nan!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

I’m a big fan of remote sub knobs. Allows me to tune the bass level for the music and mood.

I haven’t had a chance to look at the gear yet but will sometime today. One thing, if you are looking into the Power line for budget and going for great clarity over volume, look into some of the more entry level Focals. That’s what I’m eventually putting in my daily whenever I decide to tear the interior apart.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Focal amps or speakers? Sorry to be so dumb.
I should make a confession...I like mellow music...I know it's very gay...So when I was researching I was sucked in by "advertised " claims. So when trying to decide on speakers I looked at silk or fabric tweeters over aluminum or a mixture? I really like the focul brand and it has a great reputation but I didn't seem to find silk stuff? It was a compromise for silk with less power requirements that led to the model speakers. Seemed like a lot of what "I think" I might want was 75-150 watt and I didn't want to buy 2 or 3 amps? I may still not have enough knowledge to understand what I am reading though. Every time I go down a road. I start understanding what's considered best and think that's the thing to do but that's pretty immature lol! Hmm....
I feel all most positive that I would be happy with much less but having fun trying to be cool. It's been along time since I was cool if ever lol.
I should say to that you nailed my expectation...I would like very clean nice sound at low volumes. The idea of sound staging is pretty cool and iam trying to resist the temptation to go over board but iam sure i will. Kinda good and bad that i can see 1500 dollar total and think " oh thats not bad" (I like to hide from my life in my truck and sit and listen to music and eat shi@ food)

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

You have picked out some solid choices. If you gave the forums two options of what you should do, you’re going to get equal votes, plus five more guys telling you to buy what they have because it’s the “best”. Can you spend less, yes. Can you get higher audiophile, yes. Here’s a quote I recently read on the audio forum I follow: Which is better can not be answered. The absolute only way to decide is using both in the exact same install. And since that can’t be done.. go with the one you like best.

If you’re happy, that’s all that matters. Who’s truck is better? Who cares, as long as it lays rubber!

There’s nothing wrong with what you have picked. HOWEVER, the 80prs has “network mode” which will allow you to separate the front stage components to their own channel. You get to control the crossover point, speaker level, and time alignment. To do this, each speaker needs it’s own channel, so a 5-channel amp, or 4 channel + monoblock. This is too powerful of a tool, not take advantage of!

Your subwoofer pick is solid. I would like to see a 2 ohm version, but that’s OK, we can fix it with more power :) You can’t engineer, and build a box for much less than that. By building your own box, you can tailor it to your space requirements or tune it to a different frequency. But that is getting into another level.

Morel has a solid reputation and following. I’m struggling to find detailed specs/parameters on their components. However they make top quality raw drivers that would cost a lot more than the component set you listed. However, with the supplied x-overs, you will not be able to lower the crossover frequency if needed. Without physically looking at the woofer, I don’t know if you can remove the passive crossover.. But, that’s OK! You can still do some tuning to get it close enough!

Back to your previous questions..
This is more complicated than it sounds. I tried, and decided it wasn’t worth the effort on this build. Next build, (if there is one) I will attempt it again with some different ideas. I brought this topic up on the audio forum, and got answers talking about Qs and Fs… Over my head. Short story, component speakers aren’t designed to be in a sealed enclosure like subwoofers. It might sound fine, it might not. I am sealing off the cowl fresh air intake, and using the whole cowl area as an enclosure. Some guys vent their pods into the carpet or the cowl area.

Yes, you could. But, to get the multiple speakers to “play nicely together”, you would have to have more processors, amp channels, and tuning software. You are better off without. With that said, I’m going to do it in my Olds, but I understand what I’m getting into. If it fails, just throw more money at it.

And, now we’re back to amps… I didn’t put much effort into looking at those yet. RF prime amps get a few solid rec’s when under a budget. I know nothing about these, Slowcpe may have a better pick or opinion.

If you go with the 80prs in network mode (active): Sticking with RF line, take a look at Power 400 T-400-4 paired with Prime R500X1D for the sub. RF also has a Power series 5 channel, but it lacks bass remote control. Slowcpe also mentioned he has a prime 4 channel. That would also work.

A few more ideas that get lots of thumbs up on the audio forum: Bang for buck, NVX JAD900.5 $229. Alpine PDX-9V $700. Zapco St-5x II $289, NO bass remote! JL Audio has too many choices for me to wade through at the moment, but their RD900/5 $549 could be a solid option.

That's all I got for now.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

You're not dumb! It takes experience to gain experience. Hey, I'll admit I listen to Adele and Dido. I like everything from the Beatles to hardcore metal and everything in between. It's a personal taste.

As far as silk and paper cone, you're on the right track. I didn't go with Focal for the same reason. But, lots of guys like them.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Ok for starters I apologize. I read this early this morning without my contacts in and just saw RF Power. Didn’t realize that was the amp. I have a small Power Marine 500x1 for the sub in my side-by-side and its killer. That should be a nice amp. I just think for the money of the Power speakers you can get a better audiophile-grade speaker.

The Prime amps have impressed me for a budget. However I can usually take a really nice amplifier and crappy speakers and make it sound great. Much harder to do the other way around.

I’ve never messed with active front stage in car audio but have done bi-amp and active speaker theater rooms and the results can be incredible. Back in the day our Theater Rooms would consisted of Genelec 2 and 3-way active studio monitors. Those rooms sounded INCREDIBLE. But the market I’m in now doesn’t warrant many rooms where speakers start out at $3000 each.

I personally know nothing about Morel other than their Octave Signature cabinets are a near direct copy to B&W’s 800 Series. From their website their car speakers look good, especially if you want a soft dome tweeter.

I totally understand wanting to go with a soft dome tweeter. I’ve actually never heard Focal’s car audio line but have read good reviews and demoed their home line. Aluminum dome tweeters do have a tendency to be bright or harsh but I can usually tune most of that out. Plus I like to jam every now and then. :metal: Most boat systems we do (in-cabin) have metal dome so everyone can rock out while cruising down the water at 80mph.

Sound is totally subjective so it really boils down to what sounds good to you. Our showroom at work was designed around that. I have a simple in-ceiling 5.1 setup using aluminum cone/metal dome in-ceiling speakers with a Marantz receiver and JL 10” subwoofer. I also have a very well engineered Theater Room using separate processor/ampliers, (2) Totem Double 8” subwoofers, and (9) Monitor Audio Gold speakers with ribbon tweeters, it’s $22k just in audio. I’ve had clients come in and say the sub $3000 “bright” system sounds a whole lot better. My office has a pair of Totem Sky’s that have a soft dome tweeter. We put our most popular speakers that range from $200/pr to over $2000 and let the client tell us what sounds good. Then we base the system off of that.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Hmm...
Well I should first thank you for your time and expertise
Thanks!
And now be honest
Iam a bit lost!
So the aperant capabilities of the pioneer hu (accident)
Allow another level of tunability...?
But the cross overs supplied with the morel speakers are not as tunable as to be desired.
Also the "tunable" system requires more channels (I get that)
Now with what you suggest do I end up with a system that is only as good as I am?
I researched the basics and had none of the vocabulary but understand the goal. But don't know how capable iam in achieving it.
So ..I thought 2 things...
Buy 5 channel soley for space constraints or
Up the anty for way beyond my skill level and add 2nd amp/dsp and be on the edge of audiophile? After re reading this , that sound a bit over board for a truck cab?
Passing and refracted sound waves and adjusting for delays and iam sure that's a very short list of things to learn lol! Hmm..I dunno?!
So..now iam thinking...lower the bar on some prices and add these items to achieve the suggested? Or just keep going and really piss off my wife?
I would be willing to offer a full garden for more specific suggestions? Ie- just tell me! Lol!
Lastly- how about a guy uses the retro sound speaker pod and just recesses it into the kick panel? So rather hat. Creating an enclosure your just hiding o e that's allr3ady been thought out? Ok now I feel like I'm trying to reinvent the wheel but it's been a happy distraction from other things so fun. Thanks guys and if I get this going and become an expert I will return the favors!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Charlie, I'm sorry you feel overwhelmed. Yes, the DSP with the 80prs is a tool that will make your system shine.

Based on your "premium" choices, I tweaked the amp recommendation in the same product line to allow active components. The net cost was about the same. If you change brands, your budget can easily be cut in half for speakers and amps. It sounds like you've fallen down the slippery slope and the cost was more than you are comfortable with.

Again, when shopping from the internet, there is no way to demo anything. You have to go by reviews, and specs. Of course, you can demo some of these speakers at a shop, but when you pair them with a different amp and in a car, they're going to sound different. I don't like to go to a shop to listen, and then run home and order it on the internet. If you're going to a shop to use their time and recommendations, buy from them and/or have them install. For a custom install, the price is going to be significantly higher than what you have planned.

4+1 or 5 channel doesn't really matter. Some of the 5 channels do not have remote bass control.

There is nothing wrong with the x-over on the Morel speaker you picked. It can mostly be tuned around. I could explain further, but don't want to confuse you.

If you're willing to get away from RF and Morel, I can give you more amp ideas in entry and mid-level. (Just give me a couple days)

If you're willing to make your own subwoofer box, I can suggest a way cheaper sub.

Also, I would only set you up with 5 channel if you chose the 80prs. If you decide on something else, like no HU or the Retrosound, then we can stick with a 4 channel, or 2+1.

So, back to your original question, "Where does a guy start?", Lets narrow down a head unit.
Pioneer 80prs, Retrosound, or no head unit?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Thanks! Iam just wondering if it isn't worth swapping a 100 here and there to afford other items to end up with a truly tunable system? Example , the nvx amp saves 100, add active Passover, same price. Within the same product lines I can still shave a little to add more flexibility? You know how it goes...as soon as you buy a cam, you need springs then you need rockers then your valve covers don't fit and shi@ your carbs to small might as well step up to fuel injection ! Iam not to bummed about money, I like spending money. I've blown this budget awhile back. I just don't know these products well enough to make good decisions lol. My local shop wanted 4500 for custom enclosure and unknown electronics so if I can come in at half that with a bad as@ set up iam good.
So to make things less confusing I'll stick with my list and start trying to understanding how they work lol! Iam bad about going full tilt!! All I need for a pretty good system with my list is an extra channel so far and if I want to go nutty- a dsp and active crossover and..? Ok buddy your not my mom so I can't expect you to hold my hand forever so I'll hit the books and finger this out a bit on my lonesome. Just out of curiosity...what does a guy have in his car to win contests? Individual amps per speaker? All active 3 way speakers? Dsp and bass boost...just everything you can buy lol!!! Ok enough babble! It's only Tuesday and iam allr3ady 2 days behind!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

oh shi@ its wednesday!

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Its real easy to overthink things in audio....well pretty much any project area for that matter.

To keep it simple: stick with good components, don't try and re-create the wheel and you should be good. At the end of the day you are installing a stereo in a small tin can :lol: Plus its easy to tweak things here and there in these trucks.

Unless you are an audiophile with a trained ear most good gear will yield the sound you are looking for and just like horsepower your tastes will change as you go along.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Yeah your right that's good advice! I re read and took notes lol and I think I have enough info to get a system that's way beyond average. Iam watching you tube stuff and reading just for education sake. Now iam trying just to understand what all the parts actually do and why guys do em. Thanks again for all the help! I'll re post a revised list soon and see what you guys think.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Just to be clear, the 80prs already has this.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Hey Thanks! Yeah I finally understand that a little better lol. I had to read and download the hu to even kinda get it lol! There are some guys that complain about some features but I won't lie and say I really get it. Just for fun and education...
Line out put- voltage, why is this important? So guys say this limits hu/dsp? Like I hear it's only 2.5 volts and I need blah blah blah or it's 5.4 and my blah goes bad.
Guys say that the outputs in pairs are limiting? So it has front back and sub and big boys want 6,8,or 10 individual out puts in there dsp Why? Rabbit hole lol!
So hu sends signal to dsp. dsp sends to amps. Amps to drivers.
So that's where iam at now lol! Embarrassing!
The only thing that sucks about the rabbits hole is it seems like there are so many ways to do it!
Basically decided to just add a mono for sub and see if I can learn to tune the hu and go from there. Thanks for all the help. I'll post the amps later and see what ya think.

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Sorry I had to run off and wanted to see a few more things just for my head.
So is the end all be all for big boys to be able to increase/decrease and or manipulate each and every set of frequencies just so they can assign them to the proper driver and or be able to modify them? I get time alignment and the how's and WhYs make since but the latter iam a bit confused over. How deep is the hole? Are these silly boys with 50k in there cars still limited to what snoop dogs engineer was using at the time of the recording lol?
What's your realistic interpretations of the gear you want to run?

Re: Where does a guy start?
 

Yep, I honestly think you've gone too deep down the hole. I think you will be quite surprised with a 2-way front stage. You can always add more later and build onto the system. If you're interested in more than a 2 way system, go to: http://diymobileaudio.com/
and spend 3-6 months reading and participating in this forum before you buy anything. There is no rush to buy anything now. Maybe, a head unit if you're going to cut the dash. Everything else can be installed after body / paint.