Questions about this audio system set up.

[Venom351R]

First off this is for my 07 STI. I'm looking to first upgrade the head unit and front and rear speakers and them move onto adding a sub and amp. First thing before I get to the components is that I noticed that prices are cheaper on Amazon VS Crutchfield but is that b/c crutchfiled also sends mounting brackets and such detailed instructions? The front speakers on crutchfield are said to fit my car and come w/ the included bracket where as on Amazon it says they will not fit?

Head Unit: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX308U/Kenwood-DPX308U.html

Front Speakers : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_575P165S/Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-P165-S.html

Rear Speakers : http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130TSD1002/Pioneer-TS-D1002R.html

As far as components go how does all of that look as far as being a well matched system? Beyond that what type of AMP would I need to power this system? I'm slightly confused on a 3,4,5 channel system as far as what I would need. I figured to just get a single 10" or 12" enclosed Sub.

Thanks for any help.

 

[joekd]

I hate to say it but I wouldn't choose that HU just because of the 2V preamp outs, that is a pretty weak signal to fee to your amp(s)

With it being in a STI I assume you want to run the least amount of amps possible to keep some space. As for 4 or 5 ch amp it really depends on your sub, my Infinity Basslink is already powered meaning I only needed a 4 ch amp for my setup, if running a component sub (non-powered) them yes, you will need either a separate sub amp or a 5 ch to drive it.

 

[ttocs]

2v is about the norm on output voltage and anything above it is just a bonus. If you are wanting a SQ/spl system then yes you want to maximize this number but for the average listener just wanting to get better sound it will be fine.

Each channel is used to power one speaker. So you have 4 speakers right now you will need at least 4 channels. If you add a sub you will need a 5th and you can get it in all one amp or in two. One amp makes wiring easier and takes up less space but running a seperate amp give more options on what to choose.

Amazon get their stuff cheaper with the bulk numbers they order in and yes you will not get any tech support from them either.

 

[Tony]

them pioneer 2-ways are my favorite outta this list. those are great 4" speakers.

 

[Venom351R]

Thanks guys, I think I'll stick with that head unit then. I liked it b/c of the color options that it has. I dont mind getting a 5 channel sub just to save space but the other question is do i really need an amp and a sub? If I just upgraded the speakers and the head unit will that be enough or for what I'm spending on those should they be running off an amp to get the most out of them and if I do that I might as well do the sub to? Correct line of thinking or no?

Also through Crutchfield they offer the Master List which is the detailed instructions w/ photos on how to do all the installs which makes it a no brainer. Given that they are more expensive then amazon is it worth it just to get those instructions and to get the adaptors and harness that comes w/ the head unit and the speakers? Paying a place to install a head unit and speakers will come out to more then the cost difference between Amazon and Crutchfield so doing it myself and paying through crutchfield seems to be the cheapest option. There are some things I can save on such as the dynamat which is $50 cheaper on amazon. I really think I do need that b/c the STI has enough rattles in the door as it is, I thik adding more bass and sound to it will only make it worse. Not the best car when it comes to sound deadening and squeaks and rattles.

 

[Tony]

well the kenwood double din your looking at has a lightweight built in mosfet and will work pretty good with the door speakers your looking at. one good thing about adding an amp is the different adjustables ya get. higher and lower frequency and more power. way better sound from an amp but will still sound pretty good with just adding the 2-ways an the kenwood with built in mosfet amp.


and def get the harness if it's available and do it yourself. i am here for ya bud. i can install a headunit with my eyes closed, lmao. plus ya got scott...another x-installer. your good main

 

[Venom351R]

Ok I'll start out with those and if I want more I'll move onto getting a 5 channel amp and a 10 or 12"sub. The stock system is horrible.

Anyone have any feedback on the Rockford Fosgate front speakers? The reviews on them are quite good but I always look for more input.

 

[Musturd]

I had Rockford components in my old boxster s in the custom door pannels and pillar pods I made sounded awesome

 

[Tony]

i can honestly say i have no clue about their mids or highs. just the subs.

 

[Venom351R]

how do you like their subs b/c I I were to get one I was thinking of sticking with them.

 

[Musturd]

There subs are good as well. I have a pair of t2 10's in my black sn and there loud and hit hard

 

[Tony]

well i did a system with their p2 subs and he pushed 139 db's. pretty good imo.



edit: 2 10's

 

[Venom351R]

haha sounds good to me. What I really want is a good sounding clear and crip set up. I hate these idiots with systems where all you hear is bass and a rattling license plate.

 

[Tony]

+1. slap a decent amp on a 10" p2 sub and ya wont get that rattle. just a deeper clean bass. i listen to rock and 10's hit nice ad tight. no long ass reverb that sounds muddy!

 

[Musturd]

Yea I hate that. That's why I always get some nice speakers. The race car is just getting 2 sets of components and that's it with my pioneer double din and a 400watt 4 channel that will be more then enough weight for it lol

 

[ttocs]

you can always add an amp, and then add a sub later if you want it.

 

[Tony]

lol, back in the day i was all about some rediculous bass! i'm talkin 4 punch 12's in a honda civic, lmao! sound offs were my life..hahaha!

 

[Venom351R]

I think most of those set ups that sound like crap are mostly cheap ass components and nothing but bass to rattle the shit out of everything but you cant even hear the damn music, its ignorant. I'll be getting the head unit for christmas and i'll work on getting the front and rear speakers between now and then and lining the door panels with some dynamat

 

[ttocs]

check out second skin rather then dynomat but if you are plannin on doin it I would say do it all at once.

 

[Venom351R]

whats the difference betwen the two? I dont want to invest the money right at the start when I can do just the HU and 4 speakers and may be just as happy with that. If I feel as though I need to ad an Amp and sub then I can later on.