Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Opinions wanted... (long)

I'm a member of the SVT/SHO Society of West Michigan and I drive a 94 Taurus SHO. The SHO community is a slightly older group I think, so there is no stereo area in any SHO place I've found, so I'm looking here for my stereo discussions. On with my questions...

I bought my car and it had an Alpine 7886 CD Jammer, er, Changer. I don't have many problems with it, except the CD in slot 1 jams frequently, no matter what CD. The rest of the system consisted of a Nakamichi 4 channel amp driving some Boston Acoustic 6.5's in front and Canton separates in back. The wiring seems decent except for the use of the factory wires up to the fronts. I have some new Fosgate wire but haven't gotten around to running it. After buying the car, I added my Fosgate 160a2 amp running my 10" Fosgate in a QLogic box. On that note, there was some discussion here about the QLogic boxes; I like it. The only problem other than the CD jammer is some popping from the front speakers when I really turn it up. I don't know if it's from subpar speaker wire or the way it's wired. From what I can see of the Alpine, it's only got 1 pair of 2V pre outs, so he must have put in line converters which could be causing the noise?

Now on to what I want to do. I would like to get a head unit, something with 3 sets of 4V pre outs is the main thing I'm looking for, but I do like having the remote control now. Then I'll start changing out amps and speakers as I see weakness's. For the head, I was looking at the Sony Active black panels, but then realized I had a friend working at Clarion. I can get the DXZ715 for under $275, quite a bit less than list.

So, that's my situation. Anyone have any advice on what is currently happening with the system? Advice on the Alpine/Sony/Clarion/other debate? Anyone want my Alpine 7886 when/if I get the Clarion? On the good side for the Alpine I've played many CDR's in it and I've never had a single problem with any of those. I like the Clarion for filling my wants, having CD Text and price. I'd likely end up getting a CD Changer in the trunk also (I liked the 6 disc in my 97 SHO, but I really need an in dash slot...)

Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions!

Randy - SVT/SHO Society Member
94 Moonlight Blue MTX SHO

i like the clarion decks ,never had a problem with them, have u tried fading power 2 the back so the fronts rnt getting as much juice

The tweeteres poping are probably because they are being overdriven. I'd look to upgrade to something either more efficient, or can take more power. THere are some really good ones for under $25/pair at http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showprod.cfm?&DID=7&CATID=35&ObjectGroup_ID=51. I can recommend ones in particular if you'd like.

Here's what I'd probably do if I was in your situation.

(1) Buy the Clarion deck. Forget about Sony. It'll break right after its warranty expires.

(2) Move the separates up front (if you're happy with their sound) and get the Boston's out of there. Components can handle more power, will sound better, and will create a much, much better front soundstage.

(3) Get some decent speakers for the rear deck (6x9s right?). You can easily find something acceptable for $75 or less.

(4) Get everything hooked up correctly. I'm assuming you've got everything running off the single set of pre-amps off the alpine. It sounds like you're headed in the right direction with the 3 sets of pre-amps, so go with it. Just make sure that your amps are getting enough power. You might want to consider 4ga cable going to an 8ga distribution block if your exceeding 500w rms in total.

(5) If your amps don't have x-overs, get some. Don't send your speaks frequencies they can't handle. I'd hit the front components around 100hz, the rears around 60hz, and the subs around 80hz. But, those are my preferences, so experiment to find the ones that you like best.

I LOVE my Nakamichi. Best sound Ive ever heard. Pure sound quality! All the preouts you could want. I like that I can control the mid bass from my deck.

Thanks for the responses. It's been a long weekend, but I think I've got it sorted out. Friday AM I got a call from my Clarion buddy. He says since I'm looking at changers too, I should step up in the HU area to one with CeNet (9675?) for a bit more money, but then he can make me a "human factors" test person on his CD Changer program. So for the same money, I'll get a top of the line head, and a changer on loan for 3-4 years at which time they'll want it back to take it apart and see how it faired in my car.

To this point I was largely basing my purchase on my retro check for my 2001 raise. Well, Friday afternoon I got my "raise" and just about quit my job. After cooling down, I decided to just look for a new job, but to take their money if they want to keep giving it to me. So then I wasn't sure about the HU, but after thinking about it some more, I can still afford to get it.

As for the speakers, the separates won't fit up front nicely and I'll need to replace my rear deck when I pull them out (other guy put holes in the deck for the tweats) In the long run, my Clarion guy can get me some great deals on their Pro Audio speakers. He said they have a real nice plate speaker that will work nicely in the back, and I think I'd get 6.5 sep's up front with smaller tweaters that I can put on that little triangle inside the mirror. Not sure what I'll do with the Nak amp; gotta get the model number off it and find out if it's any good. The previous owner just told me it was 40x4 rms.

So I'll be reading for a while, but I'll give ya'll a report when I get the Clarion head and changer in with 3 separate RCA's to the back. Thanks for the pointers!

Randy
94 Moonlight Blue MTX SHO