Anyway...this has gotten totally off track by everyone involved. Debating the context of words used in the post is getting a little ridiculous(i doubt anyone will need to look that up). The name of the forum clearly infers that it should be car audio related. It was fun while it lasted, but get back on topic.
Jack, you have a nice system. There is a chance in hell that lower cost systems can sound better. There is also a chance that more expensive system can sound better. You can spend 1699 on a set of BA components if you like, I can spend 5.89 on a Goldwood midbass. If I prefer the Goldwood, it is better than BA. If you prefer the BA, it is better than the goldwood. How's that?
My contour included:
Sony CDX-C910: Decent HU, good features, easy to use layout, sounded the same as every other HU using S/PDIF output.
Sony XDP-210EQ: Decent EQ with some minor time alignment features including 10 EQ presets, of which I used 2, one for flat response and one with a more realistic first order rise in response under 150 hz.
McIntosh MC440M: Great build quality, attractive looks, and best customer service in the industry in my experience made the McIntosh worth the price tag. Does it sound different than an amp half it's cost? Nope, it doesn't add spaciousness, or make imaging better or even make things sound crisper than anything from US Acoustics to Zapco.
MB Quart 6.5" components: Thought they were great at the time. Learned quite a bit since about value and wouldn't choose them again.
Adire Audio Shivas: 5-6 years after their introduction, they are still one of the best values on the market. Sounds good, plays comfortably down as low as needed at the SPL I am looking for. I could have spent quite a bit more money with worse results.
Streetwires ZN5.0: Sadly, I bought into the marketing and paid 150.00 for 3 18" (yes, inch) lengths to run from the processor to the amp. Later swapped out for rat shack red/white plastic RCAs with no difference in SQ.
Streetwires power/speaker wire: Again, poor decision by an ignorant consumer. Worked just fine but was a complete waste of money that could have been invested in making my car sound better.
Current system (under development):
Maybe a DIY head unit, but I haven't decided. S/PDIF output is a high priority which will likely lead me into a CarPC.
Amps: Probably reuse the McIntosh MC440M to run the front stage. Good quality 600-1000w amp for the subwoofers, processing features not important. Any competent amp will do.
Processor: 12V conversion on a couple of pro-fi pieces most likely by behringer. I hope to have a limiter/gate implemented in the system that would seamlessly turn the subs on at a volume level where the front stage starts to struggle.
Front stage: Hi-Vi D-10 10" woofer handling bass/midbass duties until the subs kick in. Creative sounds 4" full range** unit mfg by Adire Audio will handle the critical midrange freq where a majority of the imaging critical freq are. Tweeters are undecided...
Subs: Possibly a single Lambda PB15 in an IB. More likely, 4 10" subs also used in an IB. Model undetermined. Preferably, something with an advanced motor design.
Wires: Knukonceptz. Nice looking, very affordable, high build quality interconnects. Power and speaker wire will probably be Knu to match. Plus, heat shrinking coat hangers never turns out that good looking.
**i believe it had less then 50% of the distortion levels that the previous low distortion champ had when measured.
