23 replies to this topic

[mini-luke]

OK, so I have a basic idea of what I want, two speakers in the dash (5.25's seem to be the best fit) as I see no reason to have ''fresh air vents, if I want fresh airI'll open the window! Subs, I'll probably go for two 6x9's in a speakerboard, as I'd like to retain as much boot space as possible. The only requirement I have for the headunit is the ability to read off an SD card. Bluetooth would be nice, but not essential.

I've had a look around, but to be honest I don't have a clue! if anybody would be so kind as to point me in the right direction, I'd be very grateful I've not got an unlimited budged, but will spend what's necessary to get something decent.

[A362 TTU]

Right then.

First things first - Car Audio Direct is a good place to look.
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/

Also look up tang band, they make some quality small size subs.

As for the 13cm speakers, get components - put the tweets on top of the dash rail in each corner.

Go over to TalkAudio and do some reading - it will help to learn before you buy. Ask on here, or there for help - there are plenty of members happy to help.

Also, you can look through the build threads on here

Edited by howgudami, 05 November 2011 - 10:33 PM.

[TA2DMAC]

If you can fit a 5 1/4 you can make a 2/3 inch thick adapter ring and fit a 6 in the same space. As far as base, what about an 8 inch in a bandpass box that hides under the rear seat bench, you'll get deeper cleaner base then a 6x9. JL Audio makes a good one that needs very little volume to work properly. Also Cerwin Vega and Alpine makes a 10 inch stealth that takes up about the same amount of space as your spare.

What are you thinking for a head unit and amplifier?
I'm actually designing my system to run as a docking station for either my Mp3 Player or Phone. That way it charges the phone and gives me my entire music library, movies,TV, internet and GPS. Best part I can take it with me so it doesn't end up stolen. I don't smoke so I'm making an adapter to mount it where the front ashtray is.

Edited by TA2DMAC, 06 November 2011 - 03:38 AM.

[mini-luke]

Thanks guys, much food for thought

Done some proper measurements on the dash, I can't really get a 5.25'' in the dash without major bodgeness to be honest

I was thinking of:

http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2094wt_1037

Perhaps spacing them out to get a 6'' component in and putting tweeters on the dash rail (or even top corner of the dash?)

Sub wise - I'm not too fussed so long as I don't loose my precious boot space! The spare wheel one seems temping, but probably won't if I get a puncture

I'm undecided on the amp, probably something round 100w, 4way so I can always bridge two together for the amp if I go down the single sub route. As for the headunit, well, I don't have a clue to be honest, I can tell if something looks good on paper but don't know much about the brands.

[A362 TTU]

Would you consider pods on the wheel arches? That's what I have in mine at 6 1/2 in - and they're not in the way.

[mini-luke]

Would you consider pods on the wheel arches? That's what I have in mine at 6 1/2 in - and they're not in the way.

That's something I really want to avoid to be honest, I'm a clumsy sod and have rather long legs. I know I'd be needing a new speaker grille every week if I did put them there.

[A362 TTU]

I'm about 6ft1in.

If you are going for a sub then the smaller mid size for that door pocket would be fine. A couple of sheets of silent coat behind the door card would be a help too

[mini-luke]

I'm going to silent coat everything before the carpets go back in. Should I still be looking for components to go in the doors?

http://www.caraudiod...slick5comp.html

Any good or am I barking up the wrong tree?

[A362 TTU]

Yup you want comps. Put the tweets in the corners of the dash rail (you can see this in my build thread) and angle them in a way that sounds best to you.

They will be ok for the money.

What's your budget and what's it got to cover?.

Edited by howgudami, 07 November 2011 - 09:22 PM.

[mini-luke]

Might sound a bit odd, but It's whatever it has to be to get something 1/2 decent. I'm no audiophile, so am certainly not after the best system in the world (I probably wouldn't be able to tell if I did anyway ). Ideally I'd like to keep it under £400 for headunit, amp, 6.5x9's and components. I've already got all the require cable in the workshop, so that isn't an issue.

[A362 TTU]

Do you want the bass from sub/s?

Because you could get a better system from a quality perspective by putting more into the comps and avoiding sub. But it may lack a bit of bass (as you can imagine lol)

If you do want to use a sub/s it can still work well on that budget (particularly if you would go 2nd hand on some bits).

Just wondering.

Edited by howgudami, 07 November 2011 - 10:03 PM.

[mini-luke]

Not particularly, sound quality is more of a consideration.

Edited by mini-luke, 07 November 2011 - 10:03 PM.

[TA2DMAC]

Instead of tweeters in the dash you could go with a 3 way 5 1/4 or 6 inch with a directional tweeter ( basically it has a 6 inch, a midrange and tweeter all in one and the tweeter can be adjusted to the best angle). Audiobahn, Pioneeer, Kenwood and Kicker are a few brands that make a good quality affordable one. You can always go with an amplified bass tube under the rear seat as well if you want to save space and eliminate the cost of a seperate amp.
Most headunits are usually a 4 way with a sub input and range from 15watts per channel to 50watts per channel which is pleanty in a small car.
I saw the door pods, those are sharp. If you go with them a directional tweeter or seperate tweeter would be your best bet.It's very possible to get a quality system for under £400

If you can point me to a UK audio website I can put together a few system setups for you to look at.

by the way what type of system are you looking at? Something that have a quality sound, loud or a bass thumper or something in between?

I used to compete in IASCA car audio competitions, heck even my motorcycle has a kick ass stereo system on it.

[A362 TTU]

TA2DMAC - CarAudioDirect

But imho you will get better sound using comps (separate tweeters) that are amped from an external amp rather than the head units built in.

[Ruckus]

£400 is penlty for a nice system, and LOADS if you buy secondhand.
Source unit.. 150
4 channel amp... 100
Comps... 75
Sub... 75

I'm on mobile at the moment, can someone check if you can at least view the classiffieds on Talkaudio without an account? As that is a great place to look for great kit at great money...

My Seas sub was from a TA ad, it was never used by the first owner. RRP £500 Picked it up for 80!