I want to build a new audio system

So I decided I would like to buy an entire new system, HU, speakers, and sub. I would like to spend about $1k. The only thing I found that caught my eye was the Clarion CX501 HU becuase it does everything, got good reviews and isnt to bad on the bank.

Please offer some advice on finding a good system.

 

Do you plan on doing the install yourself?

Are you able to build a sub box, or will you be buying one?

 

I don't mind paying $100 or so on a box. I will install myself. The $1,000 is not firm. I want a good system but dont need the best. Just quality without going absolutely crazy with costs.

 

-So I found a box: Amazon $90 fits 2 10"
-I want to go with JL Audio subs: I am thinking 10W1v2-4. $190
-What amp? How about Alpine MRP-M500. 500Watt. $200
-What speakers?
-How is Clarion CX501 as a HU? $200

How does that look? What am I missing?

 

It actually looks like you are working on a pretty solid plan. I might suggest you find a 5 channel instead of a sub amp, so you can power your speakers as well. Something like an Alpine PDX-5, a Kenwood XR5s, or similar.


Beyond that, you will need an amp install kit:

$75 KnuKonceptz Kolossus 4 Gauge OFC Amplifier Installation Kit

http://www.amazon.com/KnuKonceptz-K...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1332847175&sr=1-1


There are other subs I would choose, but if you like those, they should perform just fine. If you want suggestions, I am sure there are many to be had.

As to speakers - Do you think going to a 5 channel is plausible, or do you want to run them off head unit power?

 

I want to do whatever is the easiest. I am open for suggestions on everything. I just want to it stay in that relative price range.

 

Also debating on stepping up the HU a bit. Maybe something like the Pioneer AVH-P1400DVD. Up for suggestions.

 

IMHO, you aren't going to get a good full system for $1000. I just spent $950 on a signal processor, speakers, powered sub and wires alone. I'm using an older 4 ch amp that I already owned and no head unit.

 

I have the Kenwood XR5 S and love it

 

-Box: $90
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tacoma-Doub...838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56492e3a6e)

-Speakers: JL Audio TR525-CXi $90
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136TR525CX/JL-Audio-TR525-CXi.html?search=JL_Audio_TR525&skipvs=T)

-HU: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT$300
(http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_130P3300BT/Pioneer-AVH-P3300BT.html?cc=02&tp=5684)

-Amp install kit. $60

-Amp: Boston Acoustics GTA-1105 $300
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065GTA...tml?search=Boston_Acoustics_GTA-1105&skipvs=T)

-Sub: JL Audio 10W3v3-4 or JL Audio 10W3v3-2 $250
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W3V34/JL-Audio-10W3v3-4.html?tp=111#customer-reviews-tab)

Which one or does it matter between the 2 ohm and 4 ohm? Again up for suggestions on any of this.

 

Its all relative. Many have individual pieces that cost that much, at least retail .

It is certainly possible to get solid, upgraded sound for a budget.

Not a bad plan... Personally, I would go for a cheaper sub, and spend the money on the speakers. Basically reverse the two amounts.

Also, that amp is a bit large to fit in the truck effectively, unless you want to give up storage on both sides - but a Kenwood XR5s, Alpine PDX-5, JL XD or HD, Polk's new small amps, ETC will all fit much better. They can go under the driver or passenger seat, and still give you most of your storage.

As to 2 or 4 ohm, it will depend on the amp, but if one was using the Boston amp you linked, since it makes 400w @ 2 ohm, I would get a 2 ohm final load sub.

 

What sub and what speakers? I am just looking at crutchfield to see how many people bought and how many stars it go, thats how I am picking these.

I chose that amp because that was the cheapest quality 5 channel. I would prefer to not spend $500+ on an amp. Is there a 5 channel amp that would make that possible?

This may be a dumb question but could I get a 4 channel, 2 to power the front speakers and 2 to a sub?

Possibly another dumb question, does 4 speakers sound a lot better than 2?

Not the end of the world if a loss all the storage behind the back seats.

 

-Box: $90
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tacoma-Doubl...item56492e3a6e)

-Speakers: Polk Audio DXi 650s $100
(http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yWixPliIH1b/p_107DXI650S/Polk-Audio-DXi-650s.html?tp=95)

-HU: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT$300
(http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_130P...?cc=02&tp=5684)

-Amp: Boston Acoustics GTA-1105 $300
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_065GTA1...-1105&skipvs=T)

-Sub: JL Audio 10W3v3-4 or JL Audio 10W3v3-2 $250
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W3...er-reviews-tab)

 

My suggestions are in bold in your quote. I've used Crutchfield just because of the awesome info they provide on their website but everything can be found cheaper on line at places such as Amazon.com or Ebay and put together for around 1,200.

 

Sub and speakers are largely subjective, so I would recommend you hit up a shop to listen. I have my own preferences, but that doesnt mean my bias should be imparted to you.


As to subs - most car-fi subs are typical overhung motors, with no distinguishing factors. Dont buy into the JL hype until you get up to the W6 or W7, where there is some proprietary technology that makes a difference. There is many an internet debate on whether they are worth the price, so I will leave that up to you, if you choose to go that route.

Find a sub in your price range *that works well in your intended box*, and give it good power, and you will be fine.

I have been quite impressed with Alpine Type R series lately, as well as JBL/Infinity with great motors. Beyond this, Polk, Boston, and many others make solid subs. Again, box size and modeling win out for me.


Amps - one of my favorite small amps, especially for the money, is a Kenwood XR5S. Can be found around $350 new, and are solid little buggers.

You can get a 4 channel and power front speakers and sub. I prefer this, but you can also leave the rears hooked up to the deck power, and be able to fade them up for rear passengers. This is up to you.

One thing to keep in mind when picking a 4 channel amp (if you go that way) is getting one with enough power for your sub.

As mentioned earlier, your suggestion for door speakers with higher sensitivity is moot if he runs an amp. No need to worry about efficiency at that point.

I know you like JL subs, and I have no problem with them, but at this level, I think they are a bit overpriced.

The Alpine you linked is the newer version of the PDX-5. While early ones had noise issues, they are also about half the price, and many people have had no problems. A $700 amp kind of kills the budget, but a solid amp.


OP - Answer the following and it will be easier to make suggestions:

1. Do you want to buy this all new?
a) if yes, do you want it all authorized, or is unauthorized OK?

2. are there shops you prefer (local, or online), or are you OK with anywhere?

 

Yes I would like it new. No idea what authorized means. I am ok with anywhere that is trustworthy and I can get the lowest price. The plan was to find what I like at crutchfield and buy it on ebay if it is cheaper. What sub would you recommend since you believe the JL is overpriced?

I really dont want to spend $700 on an amp, hence the proposed $300 Boston Acoustics GTA-1105. The thought was if I am only putting 1 sub then I will have plenty of room behind the seats for that amp. I would sacrifice the space behind the seats and not spend another $400 to get a similar result.

How much would a single 10" box with a spot to mount an amp from the infamous Mr. Marv cost? Anyone know?

 

Authorized means that if you need repair or warranty work done, say you get a dud amp or bad speaker, then the company will accept it and do the work usually free if it is a manufacturing defect. Whereas non-autorized equipment if something goes wrong and the people you bought it from don't want to do anything with it you're up the creek, there are a lot of these on Amazon and Ebay so watch out for that, many have a 90 day warranty and if they are reputable they will honor it.

 

You may like the idea of just getting a sub amp and running the speakers off of hu power the Polk's I linked are 90 something db sensitive which is good because they will get loud without much power so if you wanted to you could buy a good 500rms sub amp for ~$300 and run the speakers off of deck power and be perfectly happy with it.

 

I like it. I am going to rethink and repost momentarily.

 

-Box: ebay or Mr. Marv
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tacoma-Doubl...item56492e3a6e)

-Speakers: Polk Audio DXi 650s $100
(http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yWixPli...50s.html?tp=95)

-HU: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT$300 (this is subject to change, want a nice double din)
(http://outlet.crutchfield.com/p_130P...?cc=02&tp=5684)

-Amp: Alpine MRP-M500
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPM500/Alpine-MRP-M500.html?tp=115)
or
Kenwood KAC-8105D
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KAC8105/Kenwood-KAC-8105D.html?tp=115)

-Sub: JL Audio 10W3v3-4 or JL Audio 10W3v3-2 $250
(http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13610W3...er-reviews-tab)