61 replies to this topic

[Petrol]

It's down to the shell at the moment so now is a good time to start planning. I have bought an Alpine CDE 9800R with USB connection which will be fitted into the original dashboard. So far, that's all I have.
My Q's are -
I need to get some speakers to fit into the original holes in the parcel shelf, what's my best bet? I don't really want to cut the parcel shelf if it can be avoided.
I guess it's worth running proper cables to the speakers. What's the best stuff to buy?
Is it worth fitting an amp? If so I could install this under the back seat and what are the best phono cables to go from the head unit to the amp.
I have considered door speakers but I will be fitting new door cards and am concerened about raining in. The plasic sheet that fits over the door has to seal and fitting door speakers could lead to problems. Then there's the problem of running the cables into the doors. I am sure someone makes a proper seal / grommet to go between the A post and the door frame but as yet I haven't found one

I am not looking for a mega system, just something that sounds decent and in line with modern cars

Thanks for looking and all comments welcome

Pete

[campaj1]

My Q's are -
I need to get some speakers to fit into the original holes in the parcel shelf, what's my best bet? I don't really want to cut the parcel shelf if it can be avoided.
I guess it's worth running proper cables to the speakers. What's the best stuff to buy?
Is it worth fitting an amp? If so I could install this under the back seat and what are the best phono cables to go from the head unit to the amp.
I have considered door speakers but I will be fitting new door cards and am concerened about raining in. The plasic sheet that fits over the door has to seal and fitting door speakers could lead to problems. Then there's the problem of running the cables into the doors. I am sure someone makes a proper seal / grommet to go between the A post and the door frame but as yet I haven't found one
I am not looking for a mega system, just something that sounds decent and in line with modern cars

Thanks for looking and all comments welcome

Pete

You should probably try out different speakers, as good ones are subjective. However, for a limited budget I would have some JBL GTO 6.5 Coaxials.
Can't help with cables sorry!
Audiophiles will cry for amps until they die, but for a small system often the head unit does the business, really depends on how it sounds to you. Will be expensive too... I find that my Parrot Asteroid Classic does a pretty good job on its own :)
Door speakers can be done, get some old Metro doorbins with 4"s in, they are a straight swap. For grommets, the ones that come with the central locking door kit sold by many are perfect.
Might be a good idea to try and get some sound coming from in front of you to get the 'sound stage' effect.

[Petrol]

Thanks for the reply. RE the JBL's, are these OK?

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item2a21518aa6


Thanks
Pete

[campaj1]

hey, for that money I might actually try
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3f1c91d2b8

I had these in mind though, for half that!
http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4d02a2f03f

Lets wait for some second opinions though, always worth checking! Also try and pop down to halfrauds if only to listen to some of the display systems, as this can be quite subjective

[BishopMaverick]

To be honest I would look at component speakers (separate woofer and tweeter) can get something decent at that price range.

Audiophiles will cry for amps until they die, but for a small system often the head unit does the business, really depends on how it sounds to you.

The right amp always gets your speakers sounding their best but it's down to taste and money.

Like the previous poster said, have a listen and find what you like.

Cable wise "QED micro" is a lovely cheap cable (£2 per metre) that's also nice and thin... Love the sound these make. Again all cables sound different so don't be afraid to try different things. DO NOT NEGLECT SPEAKER CABLE (and signal cable too if you use an amp)

Good luck with your hunt,

B.M.

Edited by BishopMaverick, 04 April 2013 - 12:36 AM.

[campaj1]

^^ may have a point about components and amps, I just couldn't get my head around all that wiring to be honest!
post if any more help required x

[Petrol]

Thanks guys, current plan is to sort the rear speakers / amp out first.
I have an SPL MF 500 amp but having looked on the net it's a piece of junk. I have however the chance to buy a Kenwood kac 6495. Is this a decent piece of kit? The plan is to run my rear speakers through it

Thanks for any advice

Pete

[BishopMaverick]

To give a decent answer we will need to know what you have decided to buy speaker wise. If you will consider components, these are in the price range of the speakers above;

http://www.caraudiod...e-spg-17cs.html
Or
http://www.caraudiod...e-gztc165t.html
Or or slightly more (but defiantly worth it )
http://www.caraudiod...gzrc-16xii.html

And on a budget I would pair them with

http://www.caraudiod...e-pmx-f640.html
Or
http://www.caraudiod...-gzia4115-.html
Or for slightly more again
http://www.caraudiod...-gzta4125x.html

These are what I would personally get and recomend considering your price range and desire for best sound quality possible.

Hope this helps

[Ruckus]

Budget you say?

How about a NEW set of speakers from a high end UK manufacturer, that retailed for close to £200 when released... for £70?

http://www.talkaudio...e-16-brand-new/

Not my ad by the way, and at that price you better be quick.


review, http://www.talkaudio...rofile-p16-r197
note Value For Money is a 10... and thats at RRP of £185!

[campaj1]

^^ well spotted :)

[Petrol]

Thanks very much for your help. I have bought those Genesis Profile 16 speakers so hopefully this gives a benchmark. Thanks Ruckus. I have also bought some used under dash pods off ebay. Not sure I will fit them but for what they cost, it's worth a shot to weigh them up. BishopMaveric, some of those speakers you posted links to look very tasty, hope I have done the right thing with the Genesis 16's.

Again, thanks very much for your help

Pete

[Ruckus]

IMO they are a lovely sounding speaker set, but the installation like any speaker is important to insure they sound there best.

[BishopMaverick]

BishopMaveric, some of those speakers you posted links to look very tasty, hope I have done the right thing with the Genesis 16's.

IMO they are a lovely sounding speaker set, but the installation like any speaker is important to insure they sound there best.

i think you did very well, courtesy of Mr. Ruckus's link, they are not only a lovely sounding speaker (if they are the ones I'm think of) but also rather porny in a sublime classy way (like say Audrey Hepburn or Emilia Fox)
you have done well

I would only recommend what I would use myself, taking into account budget, however its most important you find what not only sounds good but also what makes a sound you like... I am yet to find two speakers that sound the same.

Let us know how you find your new speakers

BM

[Petrol]

Again thanks very much for your help. It may be some time before I hear how it sounds as the car is down to the shell at the moment. The plan is to drill every hole and plan as much as I can before the shell is re-furbed and painted.

Some pics

Head unit. I bought this because it has USB and I had an Alpine system in my first car, which of course was a Mini, that was over 30 years ago, EEK!



These are the speakers for the rear. I assume it's best to fit the tweeters in the back parcel shelf?



From what I have read, these speakers are better with an amp on them, so I have bought this 2000w 2 channel amp from the loudest. Hope I made the right choice!!!



The plan is to fit this under the rear seat

Also got these pods for the front



Not sure they will deliver enough bass as the back is open. If I do use them they will be re furbed with some proper covering

It's all work in progress but hopefully I have the rears sorted now.

Again thanks for your help

Pete

[Skortchio]

If you're putting Gennys in the rear, what on earth is going in the front?! Must be bloody special to outweigh the Gennys.