[BigAnt]

G'day guys,

Im looking to upgrade the sound system in my RA Rodeo. I used to have a VS Commodore with Pioneer h/u, cheapish Pioneer F+R components and a small DLS Amp powering the fronts and a 12inch DLS sub, and if im being honest, all pretty dodgily installed by yours truly.
I am looking to upgrade the factory system in the 'deo to sound as good, or hopefully better.
I think Im going to struggle to get the bass I was used to because I dont reckon I can fit a sub in the vehicle.
Im still pretty wet behind the ears when it comes to this stuff so I was wondering what you guys would recommend.
I saw that FHRX Studios have a special on some Focals that could be appropriate. I know Big_Valven has recommended these to people on another forum Im a member of.

I was thinking something along the lines of:

-H/U: ?
-Amp:?
-Fronts: Focal 165A3 or 165VRS
-Dynamatted doors and possibly custom pods if required
-Something to get a bit more bass? maybe 8'' subs in rear doors or front if there is room
-Installation, anyone in SA keen? (BV im looking at you lol)

What would you guys recommend? Is there a bassier 6.5" I could use? Do I need to increase my budget?

Thanks in advance,

Anthony.

[shiny_car]

the 165A3 are 3-way splits. probably not what you're after. the 165VRS are slimline - not sure if this is required.

you could try without a sub for starters. speakers that offer good (mid)bass include Hertz HSK165 $485; or mb quart DSG-216 if you can still find them.

then ensure they are solidly mounted, say with mdf wood spacers. ensure no air leaks around the speakers, including covering over the service holes, for which you could use sound deadener like Dynamat Xtreme.

power the speakers with a decent amp (huge power isn't necessary, but at least 50WRMS per channel on tap is ideal).

:)

[BigAnt]

shiny_car, on Nov 22 2009, 09:26 PM, said:

the 165A3 are 3-way splits. probably not what you're after. the 165VRS are slimline - not sure if this is required.

you could try without a sub for starters. speakers that offer good (mid)bass include Hertz HSK165 $485; or mb quart DSG-216 if you can still find them.

then ensure they are solidly mounted, say with mdf wood spacers. ensure no air leaks around the speakers, including covering over the service holes, for which you could use sound deadener like Dynamat Xtreme.

power the speakers with a decent amp (huge power isn't necessary, but at least 50WRMS per channel on tap is ideal).

:)

Thanks for the fast reply. Does anyone know where I could audition Hertz or MB Quartz? Im not too confident on pulling it all apart myself and installation. Is there a decent place in Adelaide that is recommended? A ballpark figure for installation of all the gear including deading?

[shiny_car]

$1800 should do it:

*CD HU $400
*2-way 6.5" splits $400ish
*4-channel amp $500 (allows for running either rears or sub later; or just use this amp for the splits)
*installation including sound deadener $400

not sure who's in ADE, sorry.

:)

[BigAnt]

shiny_car, on Nov 22 2009, 09:39 PM, said:

$1800 should do it:

*CD HU $400
*2-way 6.5" splits $400ish
*4-channel amp $500 (allows for running either rears or sub later; or just use this amp for the splits)
*installation including sound deadener $400

not sure who's in ADE, sorry.

:)

No worries, hopefully some of the SA boys can chime in (feel free to PM) with shops where I can audition or get stuff installed. Already been offered a good amp for what i believe is a good price.

[Lunchbox.inc]

what amp?

[BigAnt]

lunchbox.inc, on Nov 22 2009, 10:45 PM, said:

what amp?

Alpine PDX-4.150

[Big_Valven]

It's not a bad amp, but it's a love-or-hate sound... I don't think you'd be overly disappointed by it though and the power output is good considering you won't have a subwoofer. It could even be bridged on two channels to power a subwoofer later on if you wanted.

BigAnt, on Nov 22 2009, 08:05 PM, said:

-Installation, anyone in SA keen? (BV im looking at you lol)

AAAH! :hides:

Speaking of which, do the RAs have 4" or 6" door speakers? Worth checking before you go too far or it may get a bit... custom...

As for places you can listen to these sorts of speakers in Adelaide, there's slim pickin's... can't really help you there.

This post has been edited by Big_Valven: 23 November 2009 - 12:09 PM

[shiny_car]

are CarToys and Tonkins reasonable? they're a couple i've heard of.

:)

[BigAnt]

shiny_car, on Nov 23 2009, 06:29 PM, said:

are CarToys and Tonkins reasonable? they're a couple i've heard of.

:)

All 4 speakers in the RA are 6" on plastic spacers.
Bought my DLS stuff from Car Toys and they were pretty good. Haven't been tyre kickin for speakers in ages though, so not sure where to go nowadays. Last time I went to Tonkins it was mostly Alpine stuff. I will be in Adelaide this weekend so I will try to have a look at a couple of shops.
If I cant get that amp is there another brand people would recommend?
Got a decent installer in Adelaide so that bits taken care of :yahoo:

This post has been edited by BigAnt: 23 November 2009 - 07:08 PM