Budget System - Help

[Josheh]

FORGET THIS POST, READ BOTTOM PLEASE

Hey guys, Just got rid of my old Fusion 10" "Tube" Amp / Sub Pack thing, Most people should know what they are.... Heres a link if you don't / Or want info to tell me if the amp / subs i am looking at would be better.... And how much better. I've already got a new double din dvd screen headunit, So I don't need a headunit, Just sub / amp hopefully.

Talk Audio - Fusion EN-AT1100

Anyway, Not too much of a sound junkie, Just want better than standard Audio in my VX Spac, It has standard speakers in the front doors and rear doors, And want Something that will sound better than my old tube, A little more powerful.....

At the moment, I only want too spend 400 Max, "I know someone who will install, Don't need to worry about that" I know $400 isn't really much, But for what I'm after and having some pretty decent improvements to just the front and rear door speakers, Can someone tell me if either of these 3 packs are any good?

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/images/2010...323-514_01.png

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/images/2010...323-514_02.png

Kicker - KICKPACK SUB & AMP COMBO | Car Sound, Subwoofers : JB HI-FI

At the moment they're on special from JBHIFI for 300ish, I want to be locally and not online as well...

Any idea if they're decent? What one would be better? Any idea if they'd come with a wiring kit or anything? How would sub control work? With my Fusion Tube i got this little knob turning thing I could control with that....

I could also get something like this: Audioline - AL12D 12 INCH BOXED SUBWOOFER (double) | Car Sound, Subwoofers : JB HI-FI But that'd only leave me with 100ish on an Amp..... Hmm: Audioline - AZX2002 2 CHANNEL POWER AMP | Car Sound, Car Amps : JB HI-FI... So for 350ish I could get that double sub thing, with this amp? I know stuff sometimes isn't powerful enough so that's why I'm here asking.

Please ask me questions if need be, I'll reply as soon as possible, Thanks for your help... Any other recommended combo packs or anything?

P.S. I wasn't even wanting to do anything, I'm just so sick of there being no bass in my dance / techno music, So ACDC sounds alright, then Another song which would have bass comes on and will sound crap house.... I'm sure a Sub and Amp would level it all out better.

Also, Another question:

When installing my Tube, The amp and sub are both in 1 tube and you just plug the cables into the amp part, run it too your headunit and that was it, Just wondering if the amp / sub is anything different? I'm guessing it's pretty straight forward? Sub connects too amp, Amp then has wires going to head unit and done?

P.S. Yes I've researched in that holdenboy's thread, I still don't understand fully n would rather someone just explain about the items I've shown as If I base myself off other peoples setups Somehow I'm going to fail and blow my car up.

[sweefu]

I'll check out those packs now, but i'll tell you quickly that you will need to run a power cable through the cabin, through the firewall into the engine bay and connect it to the battery, sand back and earthing point in the boot and run rca's plus a remote wire from the head unit to the amp.

EDIT:
I would go with kicker or cadence, in my opinion they are as good as each other though maybe kicker is more well known..

Are you after more low down loud bass? if so go for kicker with the ported box

Or if you are after a bit tighter responsive bass go with the cadence in the sealed box.

Also don't forget money for wiring!

[Josheh]

Thank you for your reply.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by tighter bass, Low down loud bass etc etc mate? And yeah, If I have 400 to spend, And i get that first orange cadence, I'll still have 100 - 150 "depending if i sell my tube to my friend or not" for an amp kit, And they're only like $70 for a decentish one ain't they ?

Reckon It'll sound better than that fusion tube of mine? 1000watt sounds like quite a lot.... The kicker seems like it has the same amount of power as my old tube? Hmm

I want it too have a bit of base, But for me to be able to turn it up louder And not be too drainy / staticy like I have now.

And what you said about installation Kind of scares me, I know I'll be getting help, But I didn't think all that would be needed. haha.

P.S. Doing this won't blow up my speakers in my VX now correct? They're basic, But still pretty damn good... Better than the after market ones I brought for my VR

[2LOUD2OLD]

you are well and truly limiting yourself with that kind of budget,
but....... out of those the only one i would even remotely consider would be the kicker, the rest is all rubbish, especially the audioline. but dont expect anything special

[sweefu]

Thank you for your reply.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean by tighter bass, Low down loud bass etc etc mate? And yeah, If I have 400 to spend, And i get that first orange cadence, I'll still have 100 - 150 "depending if i sell my tube to my friend or not" for an amp kit, And they're only like $70 for a decentish one ain't they ?

Reckon It'll sound better than that fusion tube of mine? 1000watt sounds like quite a lot....

I want it too have a bit of base, But for me to be able to turn it up louder And not be too drainy / staticy like I have now.

And what you said about installation Kind of scares me, I know I'll be getting help, But I didn't think all that would be needed. haha.

P.S. Doing this won't blow up my speakers in my VX now correct? They're basic, But still pretty damn good... Better than the after market ones I brought for my VR

Its not really 1000watts mate that is max power not a true rating, but there is no need to go into that.
It wont do anything with your speakers because your just adding a sub/amp, not touching the speakers so nothing will happen.
I would just go with kicker, its a bit of a better brand though i've run some cadence stuff before with no worries.
Again $70 will get you an entry level wiring kit from JB
This combo will be infinitly better than your current tube mate.

[Josheh]

Thank you very much, I'm not really an audiofobe, I've been known to tell people there systems sound really good, Yet they have done nothing to it, So limiting myself is the best option for me haha. Hell even my tube I thought was "Special" At one time.... I've been in my friends car he spent thousands on his system, It sounds good, But way way WAYY too much $$ imo for sound in a car.

So, Even though the kicker is reasonably less power according too the specs. like 100watt amp, I don't think I've seen an Amp even in Autobarn that low, It'll be a lot better than the cadence system?

Probably a stupid question, But why is that mate ? The Cadence system seems more in my budget, But if the kicker will perform better...... Ahhh this shit is confusing as hell!

It says my tube is like 300watts, But so is the kicker... In my head it shouldn't be any better, But It should / Probably is.... Haha, Is this stuff meant to be confusing or am i really just stupid? I pick the second.

[2LOUD2OLD]

just ignore the power figures, all those other brands are quoting Max figures, yet the Kicker is quoting RMS which is the real power, Max means squat, hence why the kicker looks to be lower.

really though if I was in your position with your budget i would be looking at 2nd hand instead, bound to get a far better system for your money

[SuperSixty6]

Haven't looked at any of those specifications online, But first up don't get too excited just with the rated power of the woofers and amplifiers - Well what JB advertise anyway.

Kickers have a pretty crap sensitivity, which means you need to through a stack of power at them to get them to perform well. They also like ported boxes, Which are generally bigger.

And for one of the questions, No installing an amplifier and sub will not just connect to the headunit. You will need to run big-er power wire to battery for the amp.

You have asked to many questions in one thread for this time of night

Cheers,
Super6

[Josheh]

I have ALWAYS had so many problems with second hand, Stuff not working right, Breaking soon after, or even 7 months later, And having nothing, At least with these I have 12 months warrenty, Hmm....

Haha I'm sorry about the time.... I'm tired myself mind you, :P

[Josheh]

Thanks. Yeah my old fusion sub had

0 / + 18dBBass Boost 590mm x 365mm x 365mmEnclosure Dimensions 40Hz-250HzFrequency Response 20 AmpFuse 30Hz-250HzLow Pass Filter 360Max Power Rating (Watts)

I'm trying to find what dbbass the kicker has, Since it's got the same prac mass power rating.

[SuperSixty6]

Thread gets harder to read, What does that last post of yours mean?

Specs on paper aren't really valued all to well anymore, Due to the fact most companies over compensate and generally aren't as good as they can seem on paper. Or on the other hand high end products under value and pump harder then what paper sais.

So to simplify this, Your budget is $400 to allow a sub, amp and installation?

[Josheh]

Nah, $400 just for sub amp wiring... If it's too budgety, I just won't worry about it and stick with the stock speakers.... It's getting too difficult now, haha.

[SuperSixty6]

Ok so you want to spend $400 on just the wiring? Look at my question, Then look at your response champ. That's what i said. It's not too 'budgety', Thats the joy of being a supplier. You work with the customer, Get them best value for money on 'there' budget.

If something gets to difficult (I hope you don't give up this easy in everyday life ) Don't crack the sads and give up, If your genuinely wanting the products im sure we can work with you and get the best possible sounding system to suit your $400 budget. Just don't like to waste my time is all.

Cheers,
Super6

[Josheh]

Yeah, But not just the wiriring mate, I know it's tired I'll let you off... thanks a lot, And nah I dont give up this easy, It's just so many different opinions are overwhelming, hahahahha.....

$400 is for.. an amp, a sub, and the wiring.

[SuperSixty6]

Champ look at my second post, That is what i asked. And you said 'Nah' then went on the explain what i already just said. Im not sure as to why you are 'letting me off', I think should be 'letting you off' ?

Ok, So you are aware of what wiring includes and what you will have to do in order to install this? As in i assume you can do the work yourself, And not require a shop to do it for you?

[Josheh]

Not really mate, But my friends an auto electrician for i think over 30 years, And should be able to work it all out.. "I hope"

I'm Buzzing off caffeine at the moment, hahaha.

I'm thinking just buy one of the packs, And be done with it, Surely what ever I buy for me will be decent and sound 10x better than the tube.

[HCVP]

In a car the size of a Commodore, getting good, clean bass will always be a difficult task, and an expensive one too i might add. A cheap sub and amp package like the above listed, are a poor choice in components when it comes to your vehicle size, budget, and expectations.

As far as value for money is concerned, if your just after an increase in volume, and slightly better bass response, then a decent set of 6x9's, and a 2nd hand amp to power them, would be a much wiser choice.

The above listed packages, are only slightly better than what you previously had. Going from what you had, to one of them, will not show a $400 increase in sound.

[sweefu]

Just thought i'd post up that WOW sight and sound have a fusion pack for $250.. 12" sub in ported box, amp and wiring kit. Might be worth a shot if your trying to do it on the cheap, but again won't be any better than the other packs.

[Josheh]

Hey, I've been thinking About everything people have said In here, And How people say I should look at ebay for my selection, And I was looking since I really have spent the last freaking 2 years wanting something somewhat decent, And my cousin Just installed his own kit So installation is def doable by myself, But how is this system?

Sansui 8-Piece Car Audio Package with 4 Speakers, 2 Sub - eBay Amplifiers, Audio, Video, Car Parts, Accessories, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 30-May-10 07:39:17 AEST)

I've never heard of it really, But it seems to be pretty good.... Only thing that looks not in that package is boxes for the subs.

Should I look at ebay for my system? Or could I bargain with my cousin at strathfield where he brought his stuff And get it around the same price as ebay prices?

He spent I think around 700 - 800 all up for speakers sub and amp etc, And sounded fantastic, Hows that ebay package? I've never heard of Sansui Though.

Or even something like this... http://cgi.ebay.com.au/2-x-Clarion-1...item2ead1a8f0c

I also have a question: Would it be visable to replace my 2 front door speakers, and 2 back door speakers And put a set in the parcel shelf first? I want to know if My standard VX Speakers are just as good as a decent $110-ish pair of whatever brand I buy from Autobarn etc?

This is my plan if i "should" replace my standard speakers now....

Buy new front speakers, And new rear speakers, And get 6x9's in the parcel shelf..... And then in a Week or so upgrade the amp and sub then? Can find decent second hand ones on ebay for around $250.... Or wouldn't I notice much from the standard vx s pac speakers to new ones?

I was thinking of spending around 300ish on the 2 front speakers, 2 rear door speakers, and 100 on the parcel shelf... BUT I've been reading that rear door speakers are not ALL that important and mostly for rear passengers?

Most of the time, I've only got 1 friend in the car, Not a whole car full.... So would I notice a good difference with say decent $100ish front speakers, and decentish $120 parcel shelf speakers? From my standard vx spac front door speakers and rear door speakers? Then I can go from there and buy the amp and sub later... Doing 1 part at a time?

So now I'm just wondering If it's visable on doing just speakers now... "Will i notice much of a difference?" And then do my sub and amp later on? Is that a better choice than spending just 400 on amp and sub do you reckon?

[sweefu]

I'm tired so wont prob reply to all.. but stay away from sansui i'd say - didnt bother looking at it but i think a safe bet is stay away
Don't put six speakers in the vx. if you have a sub, stick to the 6inch speakers in the front and rear doors


If you dont usually carry passengers spend your entire speaker budget on a good pair of front splits . you are in the front, you hear the front speakers not the back. much better for sound quality too, to have the speakers coming from infront of you not behind you, its called 'sound staging'

[Josheh]

Oh awesome stuff mate.. So your saying... Just put expensive "$150 - $200" 6inch speakers in the front... And keep my rear doors stock VX-S... And don't worry about 6x9's and just get a sub and amp later?

Will I notice much difference with spending a bit of money like that on the front door speakers? Surely it'll sound weird having expensive speakers in the front and stocks in the back door??? I'm 100% wrong some how though haha!!

And yeah, Passengers are a barely ever thing, If I'm the sober driver occassionally I'll have passengers, Usually only have 1 or a max of 2 people in the car at a time... And i don't give a shit about back seaters, I want what sounds good for me and the guy next too me in the front.... "Kinda wanted a ute... HAha!!!"

P.S. Thanks for helping even when tired.... I know how that feels.

[acarmody]

In your case I would say just get the best front door speakers as you can afford (with appropriate amp of course), and just disconnect the rear doors altogether.

[Josheh]

Woah.. Actually disconnect the rear doors? Wouldn't it sound better If i just leave them stock mate ?

So what Should I do to get ready in the end for the amp and sub? Just replace the 2 front doors with really good speakers?

How much difference would that make even before I connect an amp and sub ? What your saying is just having front speakers and no rear ones altogether, wouldn't that sound terrible in a sadan? Shouldn't I just get decent front doors, Leave standard stock? And "Maaaaaybe" Get parcel shelf speakers, And in the near future then get the amp and sub?

So how about if i spent around $200 on front door speakers, Keep my standard rear door speakers, And get $100 Parcel shelf speakers? Would it sound much better than my stock front and rear door speakers I have now ?

And then It'll be done and ready for when I get the amp and sub.....

Let me know someone thank you very much.

[sweefu]

Sorry mate no, 6 speakers is just a big no. Rear door speakers or parcel shelf speakers.

Acarmody is right it does sound best with only the two front speakers and no rear speakers, alot of people choose to keep them for passengers though.

If you are upgrading speakers, do not upgrade the rears until its the last thing on your list. Upgrade the front speakers. Even better upgrade the front speakers and amplify them appropriatly, if your not up for that then just get decent front speakers, i spent $450 on my front speakers thats no amp no wiring just the speakers. It will sound much better.

Add a sub/amp combo when you are ready. I think you would be best (from what i can gather, you would like this best) to upgrade front speakers, get a sub/amp combo and go from there.

Just to carify, spend all your speaker money on fronts and then get a sub and amp. Don't upgrade any rear speakers and don't add anymore, and it'll sound better good luck mate.

[Josheh]

Wow.. thanks a lot!

Now for installation, I know everyone will probably easily say no, But If I just take out the speaker from the door, and connect these new speakers up i get too the wiring already there is that good enough? I don't "need" to replace all the wiring from the door or anything? I'm asking because i did this with my VR and it did sound decent..... Thanks a bunch! I might spend around 200ish on front speakers then!

When I tune them in do I make the sound all from the front speakers, or do i keep it in the middle so it still sounds pretty much surrounded ?or have like 70% fronts, 30% rears?

Also, When I buy these, Is $200 at autobarn etc a decent price for pretty damn good front speakers? I have $300 Ish i was going to spend, But If I'll notice a shit load of difference between 200 and 300 I'll treat myself to the 300ish mark, Even though it's quite al ot of money in my eyes for front speakers.

Can you please tell me what sound difference I'll be experiencing with paying this much for just front speakers compared to my stock ones? Decent bass "even tho i have no sub / amp yet? Because I spent less on an amp and sub pack and this is just for 2 front speakers!!! But Sounds like that's what I'm going to do fellas!

Again, thanks a lot for the time in helping!

Better yet, How about if i spent $100, spend $100 on a cheapish amp and get them installed n connect the amp to the front speakers, and then later do my amp and sub? Or would more expensive fronts sound better than if i got cheaper ones hooked up with an amp ?

Any idea what I should do? Have around $2-300 to spend, the less the better, but I want quality I'll def notice a lot.

For a nub shit like me, Would it be a little like buying an expensive pair of headphones or something for a computer? It'll have a deepish bass but nothing a sub would do, But be heaps clearer? Gah... Opinions on what to do, 100$ Speakers, 100$ sub, Connect them together, Or 200 - 300$ front speakers no amp ?.... Ideas?

The Main stuff I listen too is: ACDC/RNB/DANCE N TECHNO.... Just thought I'd put that in there incase speakers are build for different things?