Planning A System On A Budget

[holdenboy]

yeah i pm'd minux last week asking if it could become sticky, and if anything had to be changed/added i would do so. No response yet......After i get around to doing a $2k system i'll wait and see

 

[Timmos]

Great write up

Maybe instead of listing actual brands and current models of speakers/headunits/subs/amps, list features and wattage - as the prices of car audio gear drops rapidly

 

[holdenboy]

Good point Timmos

I knew brands/models and prices would change quickly, and eventually i would just do as youve suggested and suggest features/wrms.

Might just do that, save me alot of time finding actual products too

 

[bezz]

Good point Timmos

I knew brands/models and prices would change quickly, and eventually i would just do as youve suggested and suggest features/wrms.

Might just do that, save me alot of time finding actual products too

I reckon still do brands and prices with the more expensive gear... alot of the more 'boutique' manufacturers rarely release new models and when they do its all pretty much the same anyway.

 

[holdenboy]

Yeah true, the next system plan i do will probably have some of the real specialist brands (focal, mb quart, boston acoustics etc) and youre right, they rarely change their products.

 

[holdenboy]

OK ive added a system plan for around the $2k mark. Let me know guys if theres any additions or modifications you think is needed. :thumbsup:

Cheers, Andrew.

 

[2LOUD2OLD]

few suggestions,
first there is no way you can buy Dyns for $400 - $600, retail is $1099 for the system 242
I would also suggest that 2nd hand is always an option. you can generally get better gear for less, so long as you are willing to purchase without a warranty.
I would also suggest to most people to build their own sub box, costs so much less than paying someone to build one or buying a prefab one, it is dead easy plus prefab boxes arent suited to every sub.
and one final option I would probably suggest to people would be if they only have a certain budget now then to perhaps buy in stages to build up to a better system. if you buy crap now you are just going to end up replacing it in the future anyway. for example, if for now I only had $1000 to spend, I wouldnt bother with a sub or amps for now. I would prefer to buy a decent HU say $300-400 plus a nice set of splits $400-500. then I would save up some more then buy a speaker amp to power the splits. save some more and buy a sub and mono. i know a lot of people want it all now but it will be so much more worth it in the long run if you take your time. (please note that this is just what i would do and understand some people just cant afford to keep saving and spending more on audio, for me I am never finished, I just bought and installed some new amps this week, just for a change)

 

[holdenboy]

Thanks 2LOUD2OLD, i knew the Dyns were over the grand mark.....just couldnt find a definate price for them.

As for building their own sub boxes, most people dont have the tools needed (jigsaw / cirular saw, drill etc). Not to mention the knowledge needed to build the right box required for a particular sub. Dont get me wrong, building your own box is by far the best way to get the best possible enclosure to suit your car and the driver, but it takes a bit of knowledge and most of the time a few attempts to get it right. I may just put that as an option in the subwoofer / enclosure section.

I think this plan is more suited to the people who are new to car audio, or wanting to upgrade their system for the second or third time. Youre way is definately the right way to go about building a system, IF youre willing to spend several thousands on a car audio system (which we both know isnt everybodys cup of tea).

Anyways thanks for the input, i'll edit accordingly when i get the chance

 

[jjFarking]

You may also wish to stress the importance of correct wiring, with the right type/size of gauge for the individual setups for each budget

As for preferring ported over sealed: this really is a personal taste. As I'm an old fart (I stem from the acoustic age..), I've yet to come across a ported system that will punch as hard & fast at less-than-25Hz frequencies, without spending more money on the equipment than the car it's going in is worth
But, that's just me.
And Bach's organ works

Nice write-up mate :thumbsup:

 

[holdenboy]

Thanks jjFarking, i would make more additions....but it seems the original post is just on the borderline of the maximum amount of characters allowed (20k or so).

As far as ported v sealed goes, it is a kind of personal choice and ultimately its up to the purchaser. I personally would recommend ported, provided its tuned properly.