Hi everyone, I am looking to set up new sound system for my car, but as I’m on a tight budget have come up with the following components.

Splits – Pioneer TS-C160R, 250 Watts Max
Deck – Pioneer DEH P6850MP, 3 RCA PreOut, 4 X 50 Watts
AMP – Rockford Fosgate P4004, 400Watt RMS - 4Ch
Sub – Yet to decide (Most likely Pioneer)

I think, a possible set up for this system will be running 2 channels amp to the front split, 2 channels to the Sub and running the factory rear speakers from the head unit.

Here are my questions:
1) Can these Mix and Match components integrates together and be producing a good quality for the type of music I’ll be playing. (RNB, TRANCE, Rock). Ultimately I would like to achieve a clean sound with a punchy bass. (wont be playing my music too loud)
2) Will the Rockford Fosgate P4004, be enough to drive both the split and the sub?
3) I will need my system to be professionally setup, so how much does a basic installation like this normally cost? (The car is Peugeot 307 XSE – 2003). Any highly regards installers shop recommended will be highly appreciated.
4) Please recommend a 12” Sub that will be suitable for my set. Budget is no more than $250 (including box). How many Watts the sub can be supported by the Amp (with the above setup).

Any help would be great.
Norton X.

1) almost anything can sound good, IF installed and tuned well.

iirc, someone placed (maybe even won???) in a recent CAASQ comp with stock speakers and a sub

2) the P4004 will give you 2x50wrms and 1x200wrms @ 4ohm (CEA2006 certified). 200w is enough for SQ purposes, but won't win you any comps. 50w is also plenty for splits (i run an Audison SRx2 with 65wrms)

3) a basic install for all that gear (including a box) may cost anywhere from $300 - $600, depending on whether you need/want door pods, sound deadening (run a search on this ), fibreglass etc.

a full custom install will easily run into the $'000s.

if in Sydney, i'd suggest:

Marty @ FHRX Studios (http://www.fhrxstudios.com); or
Tony @ Doran Pro Audio (http://www.doranproaudio.com.au)

4) popular budget subs include:

Pioneer TSW-306
JL Audio W0
Boston Generator
Digital Designs 10 series

with that particular amp, you'll want a sub that will present a 4 ohm load to the amp, for maximum performance (i.e. a Single Voice Coil 4 ohm, or Dual Voice Coil 2 + 2)

- Stooge007 out

you'll have plenty of punch from those splits - make sure you deaden the doors well, and use a wave braker (acoustic foam behind woofer)

Thanks guys for your comment. One thing I’ve notice from reading the forum is that, almost all of the discussed gadgets are made by the High-End brands. How will this (close to) top end model, Pioneer TS-C160R compare to those lower model from the High-End brands like Boston…. etc? Can average user like me be able to distinguish sound quality by listening in the normal driving environment? (Loud but not crazy loud!). Should I stick with the pioneer or spend a bit more for the High-End brand?

Thanks again the help guys. This Forum rocks! B)

Norton X.

I kept the mid-bass from the Pioneer splits, and put in new tweeters (Vifa XT25) sounds sweet as now. The pioneer tweeters are a bit lacking in the lower-highs ( 1kHz to 3kHz) but not too bad. positioning is critical to getting good sound. run active if you can, I had issues with the pioneer crossovers.

mind you, I am comparing the SQ to much more expensive 3-way splits, such as Dyn and Morel.

i doubt you'd hear a noticable difference between the Pioneers and other splits at around $300-500.

imo, you'd need to spend $800+ to have a noticeable gain

- Stooge007 out

How much were/are going to pay for the Pioneer 8650MP HU?

Cheers

Rick.

8650 retails for $999.

can be had for $659 brand new from a bricks and mortar store with warranty (parallel import though ).

- Stooge007 out

I'm getting them from an ebay store. Its a lot cheaper ($400), but I always shops online for a good deal so I'm happy to face the RISKS involves. No pain No gain.

Norton X.