ok guys, ive been wanting to upgrade my current system for a while now, it is
Alpine CDA7893R mp3 H/U
V-net 4x50 Amp
MBQuart DSD-216 fronts
Stock 6x9's
1x Alpine 12" type S sub (a little ***d)

I think ive come to a decision that im gonna do it soon but i have a couple of questions for those with a bit more technical knowledge than myself on what to be aiming for. My step bro is an installer of 9yrs but as i dont live with him and dont always get a chance to catch up with him I cant always chew his ear off and although he is extremely knowledgable, his opinions are only one persons.

Firstly, u should all know that i have no real budget as yet but keep in mind i will be buying all new gear and at very good prices, but i dont think i wanna spend in excess of $5000 retail on gear and maybe sound deadening; is it a good idea?? (not worried about cabling or installing costs). Also, i do like my music loud; i listen to all types of stuff, depends on mood at time, can be anyting from DnB to Rage against the machine to Live powderfinger, but im not trying to impress or blow anyones windows out, i really appriciate my music being crisp and clear; eg. i dont listen to any Mp3's below 192K and if i burn a disc and it sounds **** or there is a slight glitch in it, ill burn it again, and again until i get it sounding clear.

Secondly, of the gear i already have, what if any should i keep. eg. do i need to upgrade my deck (its 60x4, sub pre-out, time correction, mp3 ect), should i use the splits some where else, and is the amp really worth keeping.

And finally, i want all your arguments about staging. For some reason i like hearing music all round me, and as the stock 6x9's are ****, i miss the rear fill. Is it any good to purchase good rear speakers; if so what exactly (eg. 6x9's, splits, co-ax...) to get a nice rear fill sound or should i concentrate more on the fronts??

The system im thinkin of would have a high-end h/u (most prolly alpine but any other suggestions with why are welcome) excellent front splits, sufficient amp to run splits, decent 6x9's and 2 12" subs (maybe top end eclipse) installed into spare wheel housing running off a sufficient amp. I was previously thinkin of getting the new Alpine in-dash, touch screen DVD but my bro says that the top end recivers have better software to handle your system so they sound better - any other advice here??

Cheers if u actually made through this whole post and thanx in advance to any advice any one may be able to give me.

Craig

Hi there, sounds like a serious system your building!
For what its worth in mho your current alpine deck should be awesome to head up any system unless you want dvd and the like... it has great filters, eq settings and a million and one tuning features!
On sound deadening..its well worth the investment - if your looking at anything with big amps and especially high end splits in your doors the cash you spend will double your sound quality or greater!
A word of warning with loud 6x9z and subs - they tend to cancel each other out to a degree...keep your deep tite bass from your subs (2 12z should rock) and if you have to add rear fill keep that bass turned down!
As far as what kit to sell and what to keep - i reckon the weakest link in your current set up is the Vnet Amp.. its just not up to driving your MBs and that Sub with any headroom - if it were my system id keep your head unit and the splits and tie it down with a couple of new subs (think JL, Fusion, Rockford etc...) and upspec that amp to a big FAT monobloc for the sub and something like a JL 300/4 (personal fave of mine) to run your splits and rears. If you want to stay with Alpine (good but a pricey way to get to where u wanna go!) think the V12 range all the way. DLS, Soundstream and Fusion are all decent higher end brands that will be worth a listen...Good Luck and Happy SHopping!
Hope i have bin some help...

That's a nice budget. But remember cabling and wires cost heaps... Budget over $500 on power and clean signals if you want to spend $5000 on equipment

Anyway you have got some good gear (Always good to buy good stuff from the start)

The Alpine unit can be kept as has been said.

As for staging. Forget rear fill. It is not good for staging, only reason you want rear fill is to entertain passengers or for 5.1 surround.

Other than that if you put enough money and effort into your front stage you will create a much better overall sound for you the driver. Always good to have rear fill if you have passengers but dont invest anything more than a couple of hundred there.

Deadening is essential. Midbass and midrange are dependent on this. You want to seal up ur doors as much as possible dont skimp on mdf rings, and acoustic tiles behind drivers. For deadening the main area is the front of the panel that the speaker mounts on. Also apply it to the inside of the outer panel and the trim itself. Magna doors are a tad rattly with any decent midbass.

Peace

Tim

Supiria, I don't suppose you're in NSW are you mate?

Supiria, I don't suppose you're in NSW are you mate?

nah buddy, im in perth

Sounds like a Nice System, I unlike some prefer rear fill... Basically go for 2-way 6x9's to give you that Night CLub feel.. I too prefer to have a little coming from the rear.. I am no Audio Purist.. I just like Sound systems that sound good..