Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Please Help

I am saving up for a system and would like your opinions on how to build a descent system.(nothing too big/not for competition) As of right now I own some JL Audio 10" subs i plan on using. please help with what reciever/speakers/amps and such to go with. I would like to use two amps-one for door speakers/one for subs. What's your opinion on Clarion ProAudio DXZ715 head unit?
I am pretty knowledgeable on stereo components and plan on doing complete install myself. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Excellent choice of HUs, Clarion is one of the best brands out there. I actually don't hear a significant difference between most of the 200-300.00 HUs that are available so I base my selection on ergonomics and features.

Do you want to get components sets that would require a small amount of customized installation, or would you prefer a drop in 5x7 or 6x8?

I would check ebay and ubid for amplifiers by a good brand name. PPI, a/d/s/, MTX, RF, Orion all make good amps (as do countless other brands) I would look around ebay for an a/d/s/ PH15 which is a 6 channel amp. They are about 7 or 8 years old, but one of the best and most durable amps made. They occasionally appear on ebay and sell for ~200.00

I have a MTX Thunder 2300 that I am looking to get rid of if you are interested. Runs 150x2 @4ohms, 300x2@2ohms, and 600x1 bridged at 2 ohms i believe. I am looking to get $100 or so if you'd like, let me know

Look at Alpine's HUs. They are nice

Clarion is an excellent decision!! I have one myself!! I've always had Clarion so that's my choice for a deck!! I have 2 Kicker Comp. 12's and a Phoenix Gold XS2500 pushin them. Then I have a Alpine V12 pushin my inside speakers which are Memphis PowerReference 5x7's!! To save money which is entirely up to you, you could get after market door speakers but get the ones that have an adjustable tweet!! Aim those to get your imaging right and whaaalaaa!!! The sound of component speakers with out the hassel!!! My stereo sounds great and since your door speakers are kinda by your leg area your can get the tweet aimed right at your ears and head for optimal imaging!! Also definately go the 2 amp route!! Alpine, Fosgate, Kicker are all good choices. Just don't skimp on the amp!! Your speakers are fine!! Hopefully you'll find something!!

The difference in sound between coax speakers and component sets is normally attributable to the crossover, not the ability to aim the tweeter.

My Bad!! Just tryin to save hommie some money!! Plus if he got a good 4ch amp with crossovers its still gonna sound good!! Components are overrated!!! Unless you're you plan on being in stereo comps. for a living!! Normal Joe doesn't need all that!! Unless he wants it!!

Components are better for SQ too. I had all 6.5" coaxials at one point, now I have components at all four corners. Having done both I can definetly argue that components are worth the extra money if you can sfford them. I do not compete although I do go to the odd show. Dave and Aaron know where you can get excellent components much cheaper than even brand name coaxials. Not trying to be annoying, just offering another perspective.

If I were spending more than $60/ set for speakers, I'd build custom componenets. Why? They sound so much better to me. It doesn't cost any more (actually less than a lot of plates) and is only a little more more work. I'd never pay $300 for componenet sets nor will I probably ever buy another plate speaker, knowing what I know now.