Hey guys

I want a bit of SQ in my hatch.
currently its pretty bad (no fronts and a missing amp realy doesnt help)

currently i have the 7x10s in the rear shelf, which are soon to be mounted with 18mm MDF for some better sound... its gotta be better than in 2mm Fibreglass crap.

a Kenwood Excelon 12" 2x150wrms sub (4+4Ohm) which requires a new box anyway

a kenwood 5x50wrms excelon amp

a cheapish clarion HU (only 2 rca's out F+R)

and a Clarion DPX-1001.2 amp curently under repair
at 13.8v
2x150wrms@ 4Ohm
2x300wrms@ 2Ohm
2x500wrms@ 1Ohm
1x1000wrms@ 2Ohm

so i need:
a new sub/box
splits
Serious sound deadening

looking at sugestions for options and recomendations for other changes to the system

Installation is one of the keyfactors to SQ...

For a start i would get splits (of ur listening choice and budget) and work on some really nice pods and the angling of the tweeter to get the sound stage nice and high...

I am a great believer in the K.I.S.S. principle.
Keep It Simple Stupid

Good, basic, simple SQL system =
1. decent HU
2. quality front stage speakers installed properly in sealed and deadened doors, pref with pods.
3. decent quality 2 channel front stage amp with some "headroom" (bit more power than you strictly need)
4. sub amp with good power
5. sub in a well-made, strong box
6. cabling of a decent gauge (more than the "minimum")

IMO, multi-channel amps, rear large speakers belong in the For Sale section.

Do it right right, keep everything as simple as possible and SQL is yours.....

so:

ditch 7x10's and get some decent 6" coax mounted in rear for fill.

get some decent splits, SD doors and boot, mount with pods.

either ditch 4chan or bridge to 2x150w for splits

get a H/u that costs more than $250

Run 4awg down for amps to replace current 8awg

already have 16awg platinum coated running down to proposed splits (did all my wiring at once)

as for the sub, its recomemded for a 1.5cft ported, but would a sealed be better for SQ?

i have a small budget, so a list of reasonably priced splits/ possibly some help with pods would be realy nice.

thanks
Olie

yeah, your best value upgrade will be to add some quality front splits and mount them nicely (solid pods, sound deaden, seal off the door service holes, etc). i'm not sure what size splits fit easily in your car, but hopefully at least 5.25" ones, if not 6~6.5".

so rather than put the effort into improving the rears, work on the front.

your current amps will be fine. of course they can be upgraded in the future, but no probs now. the clarion will provide plenty of power on tap for the sub (wired for 2ohm overall). then use the kenwood bridged as you suggest for the front splits. the 5th channel will be unused, but no big deal; i presume it has suitable HP xover filters on channels 1-2 and 3-4.

what's your budget on splits? $300 will buy good stuff like hertz ESK165's, mb quart discus series, and PG tantrum splits (online store clearance). add in $100 worth of sound deadener and some mdf, plus some DIY work, and you'll have the potential for great SQ. spend more, and you should find even nicer speakers.

what's the thiele-small specs of the sub (in particular: Fs, Qts, Vas) or the model number of the sub? this will determine what box design should suit.



[ March 01, 2003, 19:53: Message edited by: shiny_car ]

thanks
although i think upgrades might be down the track now....
just checked my bank balence.....

stock fronts are 5.25"
but obviously pods are in order. (no space for magnets anyway)

just whacked in temperarilay a pair of Maraunt Short tweeters and 8" mid bass (mid bass is in hella dodgy pods)

gos alright but 8Ohms isnt great