Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio How to build a system?

I am thinking about getting a HU/CD-Changer from my brother in law for a steal. It's a Pioneer P6300 and a Pioneer 12 Disc CD Changer (not sure model).

Once I get that in I do not know where to begin. Sub? Amp? Speakers? I was thinking speakers, then amp, then sub.

What are some good amps (I am not looking for 1000watts) , subs..maybe it would be easier to ask what ones should I NOT get..?

Any sugesstions would be appreciated..

Actually, it's better for us to ask how much money and time you are willing to spend. ow much space are you willing to give up in your trunk? We've got ideas for everything from no space to the whole trunk.

If you are going to do everything in one day, it doesn't matter what you do. But if you've going to be doing one thing every 1-2 months or longer, then:

After HU/CD combo, go for a sub/amp combo with some capacitors on the door speakers. Then replace the doors speakers.

I guess your right..here are some info


Under a grand if I can help it. (including wiring, equipment, sound dampening etc..)

As much as it takes. I would like to still fold down the seats but that is not a big deal. Spare tire is gone.

Not in a day.

Capacitors?


Thanks

For some quick advice, read my post in this thread:

http://contour.org/forums/Forum1/HTML/005196.html

Piece of cake and you could compete with a system costing twice as much.



Spare tire gone? That'd make a nice enclosure for a subwoofer and take up very little space in your trunk.

Well, most people want to be able to use their trunk. These are grocery getters after all.



The order mentioned previously is good and follows Steve's path too.

HU: already done you said
Next: subwoofer/amp combo
Then component speakers

Then another amp for the door speakers if money left over



Used as a first order crossover on the door speakers to block the low frequecies - they only cost less than $5 each and work great for a quick, cheap fix.

Alright, let's get to details.

Sub: Dayton DVC 12"
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl....t_ID=7764&DID=7

or the Shiva 12" from www.adireaudio.com. Basically the same speaker, at least deisgn wise. I just bought 2 15" Daytons for my home theater system - very impressive.

Amp, check out www.ubid.com for some good ones. These subs don't require much power, but certainly can take it. Look for something in the 300 watts into 4 ohms range.

Door replacments: 2 sets of Vifa car component sets from www.madisound.com, the on-sale page.

Dynomat, get at local Walmart or use spare home carpet pading. Wires for hooking up - www.partsexpress.com. Wood for a 1.25 cu ft box or custom spare wheel well enclusre: local Home Depot.

That should keep you well under your budget and realy rock your SVT.

Any more ?

I built a sub enclosure for the spare tire well. It worked very well and I lost no visible room. I did lose 2 inches of height in my trunk. Originally the enclosure held one 12 but it was replaced by two tens as the 12" took on Home theater duty.

You da' man..

Thanks alot. I think you got me going in the right direction.

Few other questions..

Bazooka Tubes vs. Sub Enclosures?
Sound quality, price, etc.
2-channel amps vs multi-channel amps?
multi channel for all speaker or multiple amps for multiple speakers

Also.is it wise to build your own enclosure or get one already made. Obviously if I put it in the wheel well i gotta build my own.

I think that is it.

Well, if you have the tools to build your own, it is probably better to do it that way. That way you can ensure that you get the exact size enclosure that you need, plus you can add bracing that most consumer boxes lack. Bazookas are ok, if you can't build you own enclosure and are looking for a lightweight sub solution. That being said, most decent quality subs can be bought for less than a bazooka, especially if you build you own box, and you will normally end up with better sound quality.

There's a few ways to look at this...You can start with just a 2 channel bridged to a sub and run the satellites off of the HU. This is a cheap start to getting the sound you want. For not much more money, you can get a 4 channel amp, bridge two of the channels for the sub and use the other two channels to run your front door speakers. Another option would be to find a good quality 6 channel or 5 channel amp and run your entire system off of the one amp. Ubid.com has had a 5 channel amp recently that is believe is something like 40wx4 and 125wx1. You could run your entire system off this amp and it has been selling for under 200.00.

I have tools. I can build furniture so I think a box would be easy to build. The only thing I am worried about is:
Type of Materials
Proper Dimensions
Porting

I would assume there are some sites out there that can point me in the right direction to build one. What about mags? Can you recommend a good read?

So..reading Steves post and all your input I think I have the info I need.

I will install the HU and run my stock speaker off it for now. Build the sub and get an amp. Then upgrade the speakers with an amp.

Here is another one...If I run two amps am I gonna run into problems with power?

Well, If you are a furniture maker, you will definitely not have any problems with a subwoofer box. In a car, generally, a sealed subwoofer will owork best, exspecially if space is a consideration.

Basically the best materials to build sub boxes for a car would be these

1. Marine Grade Plywood (1.25" thicknesses are available so you wouldn't need to worry about doubling up walls) extremely stong, somewhat heavy. (expensive)
2. Finland Birch/Baltic birch plywood. Very strong, somewhat light. (expensive!!)
3. MDF, strong, heavy, very easy to work with. weaknesses would be resistance (lack of) to moisture, screws (if you decide to use them) don't grip too well.

I don't expect that you will run into any power problems, especially if you are keeping modest power levels. I would run at least 4 guage wire, even though it'll be overkill at this point, it'll be worth it when it's time to add the other amp.

If you want any help with deciding on dimensions for the enclosure, let me know what kind of sub you are considering and I can help.

Dave