After reading everyone's recommendations, replies and ramblings in this forum I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread to combine all three and keep the ball rolling

Anyway after reading Charlies thread on sub recommendations and other threads on speaker recommendation and so fourth, I thought maybe we could start an 'ultimate' SQ system thread, where we have a budget set, possible components and for particular music types

I thought we should do this, as in the SPL forum everything is simply 'buy a Z1 and a 99', so I think in this forum we could go a bit further and add to this with 'buy an McIntosh headunit for the Z1"

On a more serious note, I am mainly starting this thread for newcomers to SQ (like myself) and members shifting from SPL orientated systems towards SQ systems (Charlie comes to mind here as well as many others). We all know costs can spiral out to (tens) of thousands of dollars, but if we can recommend certain system components for given prices I think it will make it easier for newcomers to join to the list of SQ'ers on here

I am thinking for the layout something along the lines of what Marty uses on his site;

System Price:
Genre suited:
Head Unit & Processor:
Front Stage:
Front Stage Amplifier:
Subwoofer(s):
Subwoofer Amplifier:


Reason for certain components:

I have left out cabling, battery and deadening as the choice will be repeated by most and components is more the focus

Feel free to make suggestions about the layout/options and get posting boys

Jason.

System Price: As much as the bank will lend me/unlimited
Genre suited: Me
Head Unit & Processor: Pioneer P9 + DVD Stacker
Front Stage: A few Rainbow 3 way component sets
Front Stage Amplifier: As many PPI Arts as I can muster up
Subwoofer(s): 4 x RE XXX 18" in low tuned wall.
Subwoofer Amplifier: 8 x DD Z1a (When they arrive hehe)
Power supply: 10 Kinetiks + 3 Iraggi Alternators
Deadening: MDF and concrete where applicable.

Reason for certain components: Heard this combo can sound pretty good

So how is this gonna be helpful?

Well chargers example was a bit out there


How about some people recomending SQ systems under 2k,5k and 10k to get the ball rolling?

That way we can get the ball rolling in regards to 'cheaper' products that produce SQ sound comparable to more expensive systems (ie - using Audiosystem amps rather then tru tech or zapco etc)

already been done by fhrx studios...and is updated to stay relevant to current models

I know marty has done this, but I thought we could each put forward systems of our choices from experience with them and elaborate on what Marty has said

System Price: under $10k
Genre suited: all
Head Unit & Processor: Alpine
Front Stage: Dynaudio 7" 3-way (Active)
Front Stage Amplifiers: 2x JL Audio 300/4
Subwoofer(s): Focal 33KX
Subwoofer Amplifier: JL Audio 500/1


Reason for certain components:

top-level alpine gear is available in shops (no special import required).
Dynaudio sound nice
JL Audio make good amps, and they're not too expensive.
Focal Sub - still nicest I have heard in a car.

Pulse, how would say the best Alpine deck combined with ext. processor compare to that of a Nakamichi, or even more 'closer' rival such as the HX-D2 by Clarion to name a few ?


And for SQ on a more 'limited' budget, and recomendations on head units under say $1000, $2000 and unlimited as pointed out by Pulse?

This has been done to death.

lets do it again...


its not like any other excitment here...

How true.
F--k it... Lets give it a go

Any ideas Shrek?

under 10g???

heaadunit: HXD2/ or alpine 9861 and h701, (although alpine combo takes up alot of room...) 2k

speakers: Oz ME 3ways, polk SR with 5inch SR or legatia mid ~2k

sub: Polk SR 12, focal kx13, treo ssi 12 ~1k

subamp: ZED 2 miniliths ~700, or treo ~ 1.5k

speaker amps: Zed Deuace, and a Draconia, ~ 1.6 for both





total, ~7.3k,

add in 500 for 2 bulk packs, and 300 for good battery, another 500 for cables...

~8.6


~1.4 for installation materials, fg, mdf etc...




installed well, and tuned correctly, wont be beat by much, and will sound amazing, as the zed amps have zero noise due to balanced inputs, the hu's both have either one or two 24 bit DAC's,

and the speakers and subs are IMO the best value for money without blowing 5k on beryliums..

No one has really emphasised the importance of a quality install. The best components mean nothing if not installed properly.

nah shrek gave 1.4 for install which imo quite a high end install. Also on Shrek's post i'm pretty sure he means the 33KX for the sub instead of a 13KX (I think you were thinking of diameter )

OK: this one should be contentious, but helpful for many newbs

the ULTRA MEGGOR UNDER 1K STILL SOUNDS LIKE SOUND system

System Price: <$1000
Genre suited: Mr Cheapy
Head Unit & Processor: Someone help out, maybe JVC G615? (must have aux input for ipod)
Front Stage: Response Precision 6.5" splits ~$130
Front Stage Amplifier: Response 4x100 amp ~ $250
Subwoofer(s): Pioneer w306c ~$130
Subwoofer Amplifier: the other channels on the amp


Reason for certain components: Price vs power, this is for the cheapest system possible whilst still sounding somewhat like music, not static, and not like Mr Amp burning either...

Installation would be about $300, prefab box ~$50, so it should come in well under budget and still have some moo-lar for sound deadening. Nice work!

[Edit] I am a maths genius. Make the installation worth $200, and it will come in just over budget. hmmm [/edit]

System Price: <4k
Genre suited: Budget Restricted Sound Quality Hunter
Head Unit & Processor: Used Nakamichi CD700 - $750
Front Stage: Hertz Hi -Energy / Morel Dotech Ovation - $350
Front Stage Amplifier: Used Butler tube driver -$800
Subwoofer(s): 12" Boston sub of choice inc box ~$500
Subwoofer Amplifier: Your Choice of poison but in my case i use an Alpine v12 mono 350Wrms - $300

Sound deadening and install -> 1k?

that headunit isnt made anymore AFAIK....id go with the cheapsest i could find, while still keeping 3 preouts...

remember too, that all these prics are RRP...buying 2nd hand can more than halve the price sometimes!!

As far as SQ goes, Alpine is reasonable, not the best available but in the flexibility area really wins the race.
If you want good sound with passive crossovers and no TA or EQ then Nakamichi wins.
If you want a smaller solution with limited tuning, then the HXD2 by Clarion is just fine, or Eclipse unit.
The reason I didn't include the Pioneer DEH/DEQ (P90, etc.) combo is simple - I have never seen a new one for sale in a shop.

Look to spend around $2k to $3k for a good Deck and Processor.

That reminds me, I need to update that list tonight. I have a couple of new items to add.

System Price: below 5k

Genre suited: SQ
Head Unit & Processor: Alpine 9815 u could use a 9835 33 or 55r or eclipse. (somthing less than 400 2nd hand)
Front Stage: Rainbow CAL27 tweets Boston RC620(this is what i run) SL or Pro mids would also go well. Morel elate 6. (all under 600ish new or used)
Front Stage Amplifier: Audiosystem F4 260 or F4 380, Alpine MRV 345,545,340,540 (below about 500 2nd hand)
Subwoofer(s): Hertz HX250, Cerwin Vega, Boston G2 G5, Treo (around the 3-400mark new)
Subwoofer Amplifier: DD SS1, M1a, Audison Lrx1.1k or 1.400, Audiosystem F2 500 (sub 800bux)

2.5-3k 2nd hand or 4kish new. with deadening etc.
Reason for certain components: i use a combination of these components or have listend to them and liek them.



lots more but CBF

Just my personal preference:

Source: Alpine DVI-9990E
Front Stage: Dynaudio MW160 x2, Dynaudio Esotar - with custom passive
Front Stage Amp: Treo SSX800.1 x2 - one for each side
Sub: Focal 21WX x2 - just cause I can...
Sub Amp: Treo SSX2000.1

Not using the PXI-990?

Even with custom passive?

Nah...

Waste of money.

With the perfect installation, I wouldnt need fine tuning...

(I wish.)

I will play along.



Car computer.



Most people have an old computer lying around. With some work they can be modded for the "ultimate processor".



Advantages.

From an SQ stand point, these can equal anything available for a car, their processing power is unrivalled (unless Tact or Lakes). This allows far better install options then the limitations of a head unit and processor. Example VBAP allows speaker positions to be "almost" anywhere and these positions are automatically compensated for.



Disadvantages

Techy bent

Not plug and play

Interface is often poor compared to a standard head unit.



Power amplifiers

Name brand for best "ongoing" support. Look for more power than speakers require.

(reduces noise floor, allows for better transient completion, allows for power compression,runs cooler)



Drivers



High Qts allow for "poor" enclosure design (IE little or none)

Low Qts allow for "Q" correction with enclosure



Depending on your bent, High Qts (0.5 and above) are easier to install, however allow less tuning, and limited bandwidth.



Low Qts are harder to install, but allow for better tuning and greater bandwidth.



On a "normal" setup a three way front will always surpass a two way if the time an effort is put in. (two way are easier and will give the best time/expense ratio)



6.5 " may be suitable for two way, to allow for them to play high enough frequency without "beaming". However unless you have an xmax of 10 mm and above you CANNOT produce 80 Hz at 120 dB.

An 8" driver only require 4.5 mm xmax and therefore will ALWAYS be superior in a car, when used in a three way setup . (Unless multiple 6.5 drivers are used)



"Normal" setup



2 way front

10" sub, 6.5 woofer and large diameter tweeter to reduce beaming on the 6.5" will offer the best results.



3 way front

12" sub, 8' woofer, 4.5 mid and tweeter (smaller sizes can be used).



Apart from multiple of, these will produce the best results for the buck.



Basic physics.



Anytime a driver is forced to play outside the xmax, the distortion is exponential. No amount of fancy DAC's power amplifiers and install is going to counter this.



Point

Put your money on the largest drivers and suitable enclosures you can fit for fronts. Within reason, this will always yield the best results.





Soon find out if this forum is still alive

Well thats all good about the old computer , but last time i tried to post up and find info on a carputer build up no one could make up their mind on anything, danm it, and i pm u aswell and i could understand your jargan .........cors

System Price: Above 10k installed (leave about 5-10k for the installation and tuning)
Genre suited: Real Sound Quality to compete and win with, suited for vocal and instrumental clarity
Head Unit & Processor: Pioneer DEQ-P90 and DEX-P90RS
Front Stage: Dynaudio MW172, MW152 and MD330D Esotar
Front Stage Amplifier: 2x Butler Tube Driver Blue TDB2150 for Left and Right (Tweeter and Midrange) pushing through a custom passive and Butler Tube Driver Blue TDB475 Bridged active for midbasses
Subwoofer(s): 2x Phase Linear Aliante 12si LTD or 4xPHD AL10
Subwoofer Amplifier: Tru Tech Hammer

Reason for certain components: I own the Pioneer, it $hits on everything else on the market for SQ and ease of use.
Dynaudio is incredible, but will require some real skill to install all those monsters in appropriate positions.
Butler TDB is an ausome amp, and teams up with the Dyns to produce sonic nirvana.
The Hammer has the balls for subwoofer duties, the delicate control for sound quality and the build to last forever
Phase Linear is the godfather of SQ subs, and the PHD's are incredibe (got two). I said get four because you might want it loud....

tube drive blues are only tube in the inputs though...


though ive heard these with a system 240esotec, and it was pretty nice, he too used the pioneer p90

If by inputs you mean the preamp section, there yeah, I know. Nice amps though, lovely sound.

Price : Only I know


Source : Alpine 7998R

Front : Focal Be no 6
Subwoofer : Focal 21wx x 2
Front amp : Audison HR 100 L
Sub Amp : Audison HV Trenta Thk.

Above is my own setup, which, at this moment, is en progress, but I hope that it gives me chills, and maybe, I´ll start sleeping in my car instead when I´m finished building it

if you are really spending that much money, why not go a higher spec head unit processor combo.

noting wrong with the headunit there, but i would also recommend adding the pxa-h701+rux-c701 processor combo...only another ~$1000, small change really when compared to the $$ of the rest of the system

Headunit: Pioneer P90 combo
Speakers: Sinfoni 3 way set, no crossover
Amps: Sinfoni 45.2 x 2 and 90.2 x 1
Sub: Rainbow 12 Vanadium
Amp: Sinfoni 150.2

10K system about. Should be nice and clean.

Above 10K


Headunit: Alpine F#1 + processor
Speakers: Rainbow Reference 3 way active
Amp: Sinfoni desiderio for woofers, sinfoni prestigio x 2 for mid and tweet
Sub: Cerwin Vega Stroker Pro 15
Amp: Sinfoni desiderio

All class A power, plus sub is amazing SQ or SPL if you want some doof.

Plus non audio.
Screen: Alpine 740BT touchscreen (built in Bluetooth for your phone + rear cam, front cam)
Alpine DVD stacker (with converter to plug direct into F#1 processor) (controlled direct from screen)
Alpine Digital tv
Garmin navigation unit (image on screen, hidden unit)

Thats it I think
(Edit: No it wasn't. Installation includes electrical system to run all that power, batteries etc.)

Ant

One thing you might not know, the DVI-9990E does not function on it's own...

George, hopefully he figured that out in the year since he's posted

my personal preference

System Price: Over $10,000
Genre suited: SQ
Head Unit & Processor: Clarion HX-D2
Front Stage: Morel Supremo 6 or Hertz MLK-3
Front Stage Amplifier: Audison VRx2.400CS with all the extra add ons
Subwoofer(s): Morel Ultimo 12 4-ohm Voice coil
Subwoofer Amplifier: Audison VRx1.500CS with all the extra add ons too

it was a just in case post by me, lots like quoting big $$$ systems, i guess there is nothing wrong with dreaming

I'm about to start a budget build of this type myself this weekend, and keeping it under $1K would be bloody hard, I'd say impossible if you wanted your doors deadened. Maybe nominate the Alpine 9882Ri for the Head unit, can probably find it for around $300 and comes with the iPod cable included. You could drop the price another $80-100 if you went down a model in the Alpine range to the 9874E but you only get two pre-outs and have to pay extra for the iPod cable. The pre-out isn't such a big deal at this budget as you ain't gonna be amping your rears anyway, but the iPod cable is going to cost you most of what you saved so I'm sticking to the 9882Ri.

Parts I'm using so far:

Stage one:
Head: Alpine 9882Ri -$377 installed
Amp: Panasonic CY-PA4003 (4x64WRMS, rear channels bridged to supply 1x225W for the sub) - $330 installed
Wiring Kit: TBA from the installer
Sub: JBL GTO804 -$99
Sub enclosure: 8" stealth elclosure built into bodywork ($200 in kitset form from the US)
So so far I'm at probably around $1050-$1100 just for the head, amp and sub + installation.

By the time I add front speakers to replace the stock splits (which will happen in a few weeks when I have some more $$ and time for the install) and deaden the doors, thats another $600 or so gone (speakers will be Focal 165 A1 splits), bringing my total up around the $1700 mark. I reckon thats getting fairly close to a decent model for a $1500-$1700 install, although my amp and sub choice are primarily dictated by stealth so aren;t what you'd choose of you were simply going for SQ at a budget. I guess you could maybe get under $1000 if you dropped the deadening and downgraded the splits to the Response Kevlars, but even then I reckon you'd struggle.