Hi guys, I'm pretty new on the forum, and am looking at upgrading the stock sound system in my Mazda MX-6.

Budget would be around 5-7k not including install, so far I'm planning:

Head Unit: Not sure yet, CD player, mp3 capable.
Front Stage: DLS Nobelium 6.2
Rear: 6.5" Coaxial's (not sure what yet) running off the head unit.
Subwoofer: Single Boston Acoustics G5 10"
Front Amp: GT-24 2x 120WRMS
Sub Amp: Not sure yet, maybe another GT-24 bridged?

The goal (I hope obviously) is sound quality, with very little regard for SPL. Im sure it will be more than loud enough.

Need opinions on:

1. 10" or 12" G5? Whould flow better and provide better linearity with the 6.5" fronts?

2. Rear speakers? And should I bother amping them? The cabin is fairly small and the rear seats fairly squashed up close to the front, so I didn't think it'd make any real difference? I sit in the front all the time anyway

3. Head Unit: Something excellent quality, mp3 capable. Recommendations?

4. Processor? Worthwhile investment? I have a an empty slot in the centre console where one would fit very nicely. Worth it? Recommendations on a particular brand? Rockford 360 maybe?

I can get Boston, Dynaudio, and Rockford Fosgate very cheap so wouldn't mind sticking to those brands if possible. But if something else would make me noticably happier, I don't mind spending the extra money.

What do you guys think? Am open to any and all reasonable suggestions.

Will be built in stages, with head unit and subwoofer first, speakers and amp to follow later, since what the car is really missing at the momeny is bass. Or should I do it the other way around?

Thanks in advance.

I don't know your budget la this will be the most important factor for your equipment list. Nobi6 is a great sounding speaker. If possible try to order IR3 dome midrange for the perfect 3 ways system.

Either of the two G5 will be fine for your system just adjust the box accordingly. please RTA your front system before calculate your sub box.

Processor would be nice. depend on how far down the road you wanna go. you might want Alpine H701. RF360 is highly not recommended unless you are RF rep that have to use one. absolute Bool Sh!t not worth it. Alpine 9861+H701 or P9+DEQP9 is the cheap go. If you got the buck then DVI9990+H990 or complete ODR III is the go

I would recommend you not to buy any NAK I have had too much trouble reguarding the built quality of all nak products I ever come across.

Second thoughts, don't really need the DVD, I wont be watching any movies in the car, that's for sure. Will just stick to a regular CD player. Editting original post to reflect this.

There goes that option!!

Well not really I guess... but for great sound AND mp3 compatibility I'd probably suggest that an Eclipse CD7000 would be the way to go - although I consider them a backward step for Eclipse. The only other option really is a Pioneer DEH-P80RS if you can find one, but you will probably get better sound and features from the Eclipse unit.

HX-D2 is great but no MP3 playback, and Alpine have stripped all of their main source units and turned them into featureless toys. Clarion may be an option but lack features.

if you would like to use a single amp, a rf t15004 is one of the better choices on the market.

also if you enjoy rear fill like i do dont bother with cheap speakers, either use the original speakers or buy something similar to the front stage.

RF 3Sixty only has 1 use...when you want to keep a factory headunit

without optical etc its not a good processor for highend system

9855 is stil current and available dont forget... Best HU for tuning under $1k as well as the fun stuff (mp3, Biolite etc)

if you need to save some $'s (doesn't look like you do though) i have a Boston Pro 12.5LF for sale

http://www.caraudioaustralia.com/forums/in...showtopic=75083

great SQ sub

svc 4 ohm, so would suit a 2 channel bridged

only needs 1^3 ft sealed box

cheers

- Stooge007 out

Hi Adrian,

I have just installed Nobelium and G5 12 recently and I am very pleased with this pair. You will not be dissapointed with this duo. HXD2 is good enough for me, but if money does not matter, F1 (DVI9990+H990)are the one to go which will cost you 4-5k to have minimum features like HXD2.

It all depend on the ability if your system tuner. I can't argue that D2 isn't a good unit. SQ wise it is nearly on par with F1 in a tuned room condition. remenber one thing. car is not like a room, tuning functions is needed for the system to sound right. I would give a stupid suggestion to buy a 9857+ 701 for you HU system. I will then PM you digital link mod to you later as soon as I finish modding mine. this will bring your system to competition standard without buying P90rs or ODR. For~ 1.6K you will have a full featured system that is good enough to win competitions. How does that sound to you??