Help me pick which system to install

[Duc Hunter]

Ok, I have decided to jump in whole hog! I have a 2004 Limited Edition with Navigation and want better sound. I was going to just install some speakers I have from and old car (listed below).However, I now thins I should just throw the whole system in, while keeping the stock Nav head unit. So read below and let me know if you think I should just do the speakers or the whole thing.

What do I have? 2 sets of MB Quart QM 216 (6.5

 

[BROOKLYN]

bro u got some good stuff there i wouldnt be spending a dime if i was you.
if everything is still in good shape use it. the mb quart speakers if they are from before there company takeover they are quality speakers they rank high, there new stuff isn't so good thats what i heard.
me i would personally go all out instead of doing the work a second time down the road because no one is satisfied knowing they have the abilty to make it better in the palms of there hand

 

[ovrrdrive]

I don't think you should use any of it at all. As a matter of fact, very gently place all of it in a garbage can, and please let me know your address. :awais:

Seriously, I was drooling as I read through that list. that's some very nice stuff you have there. It's hard to do much better than what you have sitting there.

Personally, I'd throw it all in. If you half ass it, You'll just be back installing again in a month. Do it all the first time. And post pics.

 

[TimelessR1]

I'm actually considering doing what you are thining but on a much smaller scale...i have both the audio control EQX and the EQL. I'm planning on keeping my Nav in my 2004, so im going to hook the EQL after the factory amp...using the 2 psitive and 2 negative leads used to power the stock sub. since the EQL is a line converter I'm going to run the signal into a rockford power 451s (450 wattsx1 @4 ohms or 225wattsx 2 @ 2ohm)

Now im going to build my own box right under the rear shelf. I calculated that i can get an internal volume of 2.20 cubicft ...so my dilema is...should i go with one 12 JL, or 2 10 JL'

 

[Duc Hunter]

Now im going to build my own box right under the rear shelf. I calculated that i can get an internal volume of 2.20 cubicft ...so my dilema is...should i go with one 12 JL, or 2 10 JL'

In my experience (competing in SQ competitions when I was younger), in a vehicle of this size a single 12" will go deeper and sound better than 2 10's. To get the same SPL though you will need a little more power. Since 99% of the time cars are WAY TOO bass heavy I think your single 12 will give you more than enough bass and sound nice a deep and clean. My single 12 (had both a JL and a Boston Pro at different times) could sake the water off the roof of my old car, if I wanted. Just my 2 cents, but I always prefer sound quality (SQ) over sound volume (SPL).

Speaker size relates to the standing wave of a speaker. The length of that wave determines how far from the speaker you need to be to hear its sound optimally. Even notice a car with 15

 

[TimelessR1]

Thanks for the info! So using that logic of standing waves, it might even be better to install four 8 inch JL's and push them with with roughly 125watts each?

 

[Duc Hunter]

Thanks for the info! So using that logic of standing waves, it might even be better to install four 8 inch JL's and push them with with roughly 125watts each?

I was thinking about the same thing. if you have equal cone area between 8"s and 12"s.....the 8"s cone weigh less so they move more quickly which produces tighter bass that hits harder. That being said many people say an 8 needs to move farther front/back to produce the same depth of sound as a 12. I believe that multiple 8's can sound great but add complexity and cost (multiple speakers, more amps etc). Either way you need high quality speakers so, taking it all into consideration I think a 10" or even better, a 12" is the way to go. A high end sub like my Boston Pro or a good JLAudio will hit plenty hard. I prefer sealed boxes but many have made ported boxes work well too. See, the box design is yet another consideration.

On a different note I guess no one else has any input for me.

 

[TimelessR1]

Thanks again DUC! Its amazing how much you lose when you dont use it! I used to compete too...I made it to the IASCA World Finals in 1999, competeing in the 301-600 class! The only thing I realized after doing many show cars...was youhave to ask yourself the main question...is it all worth it in the end? I finished my Prelude like a year ago...and am still tuning it and finidng new ways to get it to sound better...but after doing that car I realized...It's way too many hours spent, and not enough return...With my 4 runner now...i am going the easiest route...one amp...one box!

This was my last big project....

 

[TimelessR1]

this is the new doors...they hold a 3 way MB quart set

 

[Duc Hunter]

Very clean install. I agree 110%! I was in the 50W and under for a while then the next class up. My 4Runner is going to have lots of power, which I will just turn the gains down for very clean sound, I will tune it with an RTA once, not to flat but to a curve my show car had, and be done with it! I would not go as complicated as I am if I did not have all the gear already. I am even doing the woodworking for the box myself, and cloth/vinyl/fiber glass work make it match the rear panels. I MAY remove the whole right side plastic panel and build it all new so I can build in the box better. I WISH womeon like QForms made kick pannels for these cars!