Hi i have recently bought a 1998 TF Magna and it has a stock audio system is there suggestions you guys can give me like specific brands i should or should not buy.

Budget
Do you want a sub
Do you want amps

We need a LOT more info than that.

Brands to avoid:
Kenwood
Sony
Fusion

General advise:
Better of buying the entry level stuff of a good quality brand than the similar price of a run-of-the-mill brand.

ok thankyou
i am mainly after amps, speakers and subs.
i thought kenwood was sorta decent thanks for the heads up

any idea of a budget???
Installing it yourself?

So you want:
Front Speakers
Rear Speakers (I personally would just buy cheap ones, run them off the deck and only use them if you have passengers)
2 Channel amp for the fronts
Mono block for the sub
Sub
Box for sub
Cabling

For speakers:
Morel (I believe FHRX Studios may still have a VERY good special going on these)
Boston
Hertz
Response Splits with the ribbon tweeter

Amps:
Response
Alpine
Audison

Subs:
Hertz
Oz Audio
Vibe

Headunit:
JVC (I believe best bang for buck)
Eclipse
Alpine

These are just to name a few. Jump on the FHRX Studios website and they have great combos listed for different ranges of budgets. Marty is also a very helpful bloke if you give him a ring.

i got a really good deal on alpine and it has all the sub levels and controls so if you like to play around with the sound id say go alpine but eclipse and JVC are also good!

and 1 more question from me poita, are orion amps any good? i can get a 600wrms from autobarn for 300 but is it worth it? maybe have better advise?

cheers guys ;)

Nice thread hijack BB :P

TBH never mucked around with Orion...they do look like decent amps though - which model are you looking at in particular?

For speakers:
Morel (I believe FHRX Studios may still have a VERY good special going on these)
Boston
Hertz
Response Splits with the ribbon tweeter

Amps:
Response
Alpine
Audison

Subs:
Hertz
Oz Audio
Vibe

Headunit:
JVC (I believe best bang for buck)
Eclipse
Alpine

These are just to name a few. Jump on the FHRX Studios website and they have great combos listed for different ranges of budgets. Marty is also a very helpful bloke if you give him a ring.

I agree totally, but to this list I'd add Focal for the fronts, Phoenix Gold, Audison for the Amps and Alpine Type R 12" for the subs. The Vibe splits I had kicked ass too.

As stated Maverick, you need to provide a max budget, whether your capable of installing yourself or need a pro install? Do you want fronts rears etc.

For eg in my TF I ran this setup and to this day is still one of the best i've heard:

H/U: Alpine CDA-7969R
Amps: Oldschool Alpine 4 chan ran in two chan mode which gave 125wrmsx2 and a Same series two channel bridged which gave 600wrms.
Fronts: Vibe KA-65 Splits then the focal polyglass V2s
Rears: -
Sub: Alpine Type R 12

But then with TH I had a single amp system I ran had bits of everything.

H/U: Alpine CDA-7969R
Amp: Response 4x100 (with rear channels feeding 380wrms to the sub)
Fronts: Focal Polyglass 165V2 6.5"
Rears: Response Kevlar 6x9s
Sub: Alpine Type R 12"

But I spent $300 on cables, deadening, acoustic absorbtion tiles....for both systems.

I deliberately left Focal out of it as the tweeters have a reputation of being too bright if you place them wrong...

I don't know anything about Orion, but for the same price I would get the Response Monoblock... It has a great reputation in that price bracket.

I deliberately left Focal out of it as the tweeters have a reputation of being too bright if you place them wrong...

I don't know anything about Orion, but for the same price I would get the Response Monoblock... It has a great reputation in that price bracket.

The Focals aren't that bad, it depends on what model you get. My TN241 tweeters with the Polyglass VR's are bright, but they really don't present an issue set to -3dB at the crossover and tuned properly. I actually find them perfect for Dance/Trance etc, they can be a little bright playing Rock sometimes. The models below with the cheaper tweeter (TN52 I think?) and Access range tend to be quite a bit harsher and sometimes the mid range suffers when you try to tune the high end down which is awkward. I've tried my lower down in the doors with the woofers though and that does help the tweeters quite a lot without really lowering the front stage.

I agree again lol
In the lower focal range yeah but in the higher range, Ie: polygalss and higher, all that is needed is to drop the crossover attenuation to -3 or -6 as it states in their manual. (I am a hug fan of focals). Dunno if they still make them but the Vibe splits take a shedload of power and sound sweet all the way through the range.....

Orion gear, I had a friend who had two orion 15" 1000w subs running off two BOSS mono amps(guy loved strathfield). Yeah you could hear it 3 blocks away, but within 1 block it sounded like someone hitting a sledghammer against an empty fuel tanker, and it made your ears bleed! As I've been told(and found for myself), do it right the first time, otherwise you'll be doing it again and cost 2-3 times as much to do it properly....

Thing I've found with focal is you really need a top quality source unit and amps to make them shine. Like, audison, tru-tech, Alpine V12, PG Octane etc.
Don't run them off sony, kenwood, pioneer, clarion, boss, JVC or response amps.

Brands to avoid:
Kenwood
Sony
Fusion


Obviously haven't used the Kenwood XXV-01D....have you?

Obviously some brands have their good and bad points, but those 3 are generally more bad than good. There is more than just something that sounds good. There is build quality, service backup, reliability, temperature control etctec all come into play. I am not a fan of much of the gear from any of those 3 brands.

Obviously some brands have their good and bad points, but those 3 are generally more bad than good. There is more than just something that sounds good. There is build quality, service backup, reliability, temperature control etctec all come into play. I am not a fan of much of the gear from any of those 3 brands.

Ditto, but having said that, I must also say. I have had 3 JVC decks, 2 of these three have nothing but problems. Yet I know a plentitude of people who swear by JVC units. Have also heard of some V12 amps which overheated and had big problems, yet out of my 6-7 V12 amps, I've never had anything but praise for them. Just like the focals, I love their sound, a lot of people don't, so best bet is to check stuff out for yourself. Experienced people can give you as much advice that you could possibly read, but then you audition the gear yourself, and you'll be going wtf were they on about.....

As for me personally, Kenwood.... I won't buy car audio equipment from a company who also make toasters, blenders and crappy home amps(yes I've had some of these products)...

As for me personally, Kenwood.... I won't buy car audio equipment from a company who also make toasters, blenders and crappy home amps(yes I've had some of these products)...


Good point. But anyway, I hate SONY the most.

Obviously some brands have their good and bad points, but those 3 are generally more bad than good. There is more than just something that sounds good. There is build quality, service backup, reliability, temperature control etctec all come into play. I am not a fan of much of the gear from any of those 3 brands.

I have to Agree with the Comment in regards to Kenwood (When you have seen a Deck and sub roast on a Demo Board sorta makes you think twice)

Fusion, Speakers are OK on a Budget but as far as Decks are concerned...I wouldn't

Some Brands Excel in Area's others fail JVC make Great Decks but I wouldnt Touch their Speakers....

Best thing to do is grab your Favourite CD (Not MP3 as CD Quality is Higher) and hit the Car Audio stores and use your Ears as the Judge....not your Eyes...

To me, Clarion Make Great entry level Speakers and Amps...Depends on Budget, Self installation or Professionally installed and last and not least Personal taste...

If you can Self install OR live in an Area a Fellow AMC'R with a Bit of Audio back ground can get to .. You can of course get better gear...

Clarion for low end priced speakers. Pump out more low end than my Polks (go figure eh...)....

Eclipse for entry/mid range decks.

Response for amps, though they are getting a bit pricey - so perhaps lower end big name brands.

As for Kenwood - someone here was selling a kenwood amp, including pictures of the inside - would not touch these with a 10ft pole...

As for CD/MP3......eh.......read this

http://www.lincomatic.com/mp3/mp3quality.html

http://www.lincomatic.com/mp3/pn320.jpg

i was thinking of getting response but their getting more expensive and it doesnt have enough power to run both my subs comfortably ..... and the orion does .... in the same price range ill get some details and then post again thanks guys :happy:

Ok Thanks for all your comments i am installing myself and i dont really have a budget

...as in you have as much money as you need? cos that'd rule! go nuts man, make it amazing! make sure you take your time with installation though :)

Ok Thanks for all your comments i am installing myself and i dont really have a budget

Thats the types of budgets I love......

In that case......

Sound processing:
Eclipse CD7200 $600

Front stage:
Polk Audio SR6500's $1250-$1350 from FHRX

Rear stage:
Nothing

Subwoofer:
IDMAX 12V3 $899

Amplifiers:
Earthquake PH2200/4 - $706
Earthquake PH2000/D1 $752

Or for some picky buggers like THLAD79.....

Audison SRx1 Monoblock $1039
Audison SRx2s - $945

Battery:
Optima D34M $320

Wiring:
$400 (0AWG, distro block, etc)

Sound deadening:
2 x Dynamat Xtreme Megapacks (144sq ft) $900
1 x Dynamat Dynaliner 3mm $80 (doors)
1 x Dynamat Dynaliner 6mm $100 (floor)
1 x Dynamat DynaXorb Pads $45

Plus install materials $400

Total cost:
$6452 - $6978

$6452

thats $1000 more than my car cost!

is this for a show car? cos that is a lot of money...

No thats just a somewhat SQ focused set up....

My set up is pretty much that, just swap the sub for a RF P3D412, amps to Soundstream, and change the 6mm to 12mm for the Dynaliner....

Oh and add a Soundstream PQ7 aswell....

Bets on the next post stating an actual budget after seeing the above for the best part of $6500? lol

I personally wouldnt call Earthquake gear SQ

I personally wouldnt call Earthquake gear SQ

What is it exactly about the amps that isnt SQ?

Show me the specs that say they are bad amps. As I said, its a somewhat SQ focused system, with some more cash, Hertz/Audison amps would be there...

From pior experience they are not far off kenwood and sony gear. As I said, I personally wouldnt call them SQ, especially compared to the other top gear you listed.

No they're not top of the line, but neither is the gear I listed. That to me is a decent mid-level system.

I run Soundstream amps (TRX2.640, TRX1000D), not proper SQ amps either - yet im yet to hear someone complain about the SQ in the car.

This whole thing that only about 4 brands are 'SQ' brands is a total bunch of crap IMO (and not having a go at you either, the scene in general).

There's a lot of under-rated gear out there, because people think only Alpine, or Audison/Hertz/Focal make good gear......

The chances of someone picking up between a THD of 0.02 (earthquake) and 0.05 (my soundstreams) is impossible, especially when things like THD only really come into play towards the higher end of amplification, which, when running something like an 8V deck will not likely happen.

My amps run at 1/2 gains, no distortion, no noise.....

I would definately run Soundstream before Earthquake for sure, I know there are many good brands out there that are forgotten about and some not so good brands that people buy simply for the name etc. For one I would mention is Alpine, once they were one of the best, especially their amps and decks, I was a huge fanboy of them too.
But IMHO these days their stuff is nowhere near as good as it use to be. And the only reason they still sell a lot of gear is from their reputation.
And after all it does come down to personal preference I know, some decks/amps/speakers that sound good to me won't necessarily impress the next fella. I was only voicing my opinion that I find Earthquake gear pretty average. :)

All good - just updated the list :P

lol now we're talkin haha

That said a 4channel would be better for the fronts....as the Xovers are bi-amplifiable.....but those Audison amps get mighty expensive hahaha

Wait now. If there's no budget, why would you stop at those Audison amps.

Now THIS (http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?item_id=105829&locale=en_US) is more like it! :D

Lugo - because for $30 000AUD you could build a whole system hahaha

I'd have to go for the Audison HV Venti.....$11K give or take.....

http://www.easthamiltonradio.on.ca/ImagesCar/Products/2chBIG_AudThesis.jpg

Probably closer to $31k but yeah I see your point lol

It is good for 2kw a channel if you only want to run the fronts though :woot:

In all seriousness though, I've found the JL Audio Slash amps to be very good value for money, I'd definitely be looking at them for a moderate budget system.

Edit:
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_amps.php?amp_id=438
Probably looking at upwards of a grand for one of those though.

Although for the money I'd prefer two 300/2v2's if I was going to go down that path.

gees you would want some awesome power and SQ for $30k+ wouldnt ya? lol

and a decent car to put it in

i'd rather spend $10k on a full car install and $20k on a really sweet home theatre/60" LCD setup.

i'd rather spend $10k on a full car install and $20k on a really sweet home theatre/60" LCD setup.

i'd rather spend $28000 on a wicked car, and $2k on a stereo :D

As for the Jaycar splits with ribbon tweeters.

Installed them into a commodore wagon and have let them run in. Finally gave them a crank with 150WRMS on tap per side. Mounted the tweeters in the kicks with them on +3db ( ha 0db really via the passive xovers ). The tweeters just would not blend into the mids with the 11 band EQ and TA at the ready. Tried them on 0db ( -3db ) and they where still a bit to bright. Just wouldn't get in line with the mid drivers even though both are mounted low. Finally went to -3db ( -6db ) and it sounds perfect. Interesting, after have serveral "harsh" tweeters it was very surprising... now they sound great and are pretty loud if people are after that thing. Highly recommended for cheapish speakers.

i'd rather spend $28000 on a wicked car, and $2k on a stereo :D

yeah but you have a wagon so what you expect HA jks jks ;)

A $28.000 G Car stereo can take me far more places then a $2G car..

As for the Jaycar splits with ribbon tweeters.

Installed them into a commodore wagon and have let them run in. Finally gave them a crank with 150WRMS on tap per side. Mounted the tweeters in the kicks with them on +3db ( ha 0db really via the passive xovers ). The tweeters just would not blend into the mids with the 11 band EQ and TA at the ready. Tried them on 0db ( -3db ) and they where still a bit to bright. Just wouldn't get in line with the mid drivers even though both are mounted low. Finally went to -3db ( -6db ) and it sounds perfect. Interesting, after have serveral "harsh" tweeters it was very surprising... now they sound great and are pretty loud if people are after that thing. Highly recommended for cheapish speakers.

Not to hijack....

But try putting it back on -3dB and reverse the polarity - dont ask me how this works, but a lot of top manufacturers suggest this if your tweeters dont blend in, to reverse the polarity first before fiddling with attenuation :)

Reversing polarity can fix Weak sounding Tweeters but would make bright tweeters unbearable...

I found this with the Clarion splits I have, Properly wired they were a tad dull .. Reverse Polarity and they became crystal clear..

With Charisma on this one, Now running at 130 Watts RMS, they are rated at 70, that must be nomimal, 140 recommended.

Re the CS - 2338

Not to hijack....

But try putting it back on -3dB and reverse the polarity - dont ask me how this works, but a lot of top manufacturers suggest this if your tweeters dont blend in, to reverse the polarity first before fiddling with attenuation :)

Yeah they ended up on -3db. They where actually harsh and very overpowered - to seemingly the point of distortion - via the passive xover compared to the mids on the +3db and 0db setting. Did try playing with phase and didn't help much. Would have been ok with a 4ch active set up :D

yeah but you have a wagon so what you expect HA jks jks ;)

i dont get it :|

Just a thought, I bought a Pioneer that has a USB input and will play both mp3 and m4a formats. Consequently I was able to simply copy my entire iTunes library onto an 8GB USB drive and plug it in. No more stacks of CD's or converting to mp3's. Even the track names appear on the panel.