Sound System Buying Advice

[Brian757]

Wasn't he talking about JBL not JL-audio?

They are different right...

BTW I have had Bose 301s connected to a Harman Cardon amplifier for over 5 years now and they still sound great. I think they are some of the best stereo speakers you can buy on the Best Buy / Crutchfield consumer market.

I can't vouch for the cube speakers. What Bose are you referring to?

DirtDawg talked about JL and JBL. And yes, there is a huge difference.
I too, would avoid Best Buy, and start buying on Crutchfield.
1) I live in Virginia, and Crutchfield is based about 2-3 away from me, so shipping is fast.
2) Best Buy is overpriced and you have to pay for everything separately. I believe Crutchfield does -- whenever you buy a head unit, you receive the wiring and dash kit free. Also, you get an install guide and whole 9 yards. I stand by Crutchfield.

The reason I bash "avoid" JL and Bose:

JL: I bash "avoid" JL because of their prices. Yes, they are loud, clean, and efficient, but shouldn't they be for their price?! I was one of those people that hung out at audio stores, trying to decide my setup. I've heard so many different systems from peoples cars after install, or in the shop. I have heard Sony Explod systems sound clearer than JL components. That's all. I just don't recommend JL to novices, because it will scare them out of the car audio market once they see the price tags. I only really see JL systems in Impalas, Cadillacs, etc, like the hood rich scene. (A lot of Navy here have JL systems. They must blow their re-enlistment bonuses on them.)

Bose: I have studied the technology of my Bose Lifestyle system, which was given to me by my grandparents. I know that Bose took a long time to come out of the cardboard/paper cone phase. Most other companies ventured into cones made of carbon-fiber, Kevlar, etc. Bose almost seems like Apple in this case, where they remain proprietary, which isn't always a bad thing. Look at Apple and Bose; their products last a long time if properly maintained. So they are really nice, perform awesome, rarely malfunction, but their so expensive, and their technology is not quite advanced enough for me yet, like Apple.
I have a Harmon Kardon sound system downstairs in the living room and a Yamaha Sound Bar in my fitness room.

I have turned on both my Bose Lifestyle system, and the Yamaha sound bar, and that sound bar along with its subwoofer, sounds louder than the Bose.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I haven't heard the lifestyle system in years. The 301s are pretty decent front L/R speakers when connected to the right amp and (even better) a subwoofer for 2.1

 

[wheelds]

If you don't mind ordering speakers online and you want the BEST bang for your buck look into IMAGE DYNAMICS Car Speakers & Amplifiers | Ontario, CA
I have a set of their XS components on a JL HD600/4 and they sound AMAZING.

There is no reason to run rear speakers. if you do go with an Alpine power pack, bridge the connection and run 90wx2 to your front left and right door speakers.

music is produced in stero (left and right) and not surround sound you only need 1 set (left & right) of speakers to reproduce this.

my $.02

 

[wheelds]

JL Audio is also not a BAD car audio brand. They make quality stuff and got really popular when they first released the W7 and have huge markup on their products since then.

Their HD and XD lines of digital amps are clean, sound great and have a small form factor (put them under the seat or in the storage bin on the back). They are just pricey even if you look on ebay.

If youre looking for a budget setup I would recommend:

Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS - $200 (headunit)
image dynamics CTX65cs -$150 (speakers)
Polk Audio D5000.5 amp - $250 (5 channel amp)
and whatever kind of sub you like

 

[Brian757]

If youre looking for a budget setup I would recommend:

Pioneer DEH-X9500BHS - $200 (headunit)
image dynamics CTX65cs -$150 (speakers)
Polk Audio D5000.5 amp - $250 (5 channel amp)
and whatever kind of sub you like

There you go. That seems like a reasonable first time aftermarket sound system. This way, the OP is upgrading, but not shooting for the stars.

 

[Andrew Larson]

is it advisable to get an amp? Im not really big into super loud music or anything. I just want a system that can play crisp clear sound that can get decently loud while im driving. Im not going to be opening my doors and cranking super loud tunes outside or anything.

 

[Skidmarcx]

Don't think of an amp as being needed for loudness... Think of it as being needed to make the driver sound and perform like it intended to...

 

[dirtbike250x]

For what it's worth I have Kenwood double din headunit, and 6.5 inch 3 way speakers front and rear. I know 3 way speakers aren't the best way to get quality sound, but they are the cheapest way to get speakers.

To me combined with a 10 inch sub in a sealed box I think it sounds excellent. I have no experience with other brands in the car audio area so I can't offer any advice on others.

I don't see any amp for door speakers worth it, typically the head unit (at least I know mine does) has enough juice to power the speakers without distortion. I would say get your system together if it doesn't work well at your typical listening environment, then an amp will be the next step.

 

[Brian757]

To be completely honest, hop in any 2008 or newer vehicle and you will notice most of them have factory amplifiers on their head units.
Amplifiers for your speakers are essential to a crisp, clean, loud sound.

You dont necessarily need an amplifier, but you also don't need a new head unit, speakers, or subwoofers. Its a luxury and makes a sound system that much better. Also, remember quality of a stereo (speakers) amplifier is more important than a mono block (subwoofer) amplifier. The reason is because subs play lower frequencies and distortion isnt as noticeable as high pitch squeeling and reverbs through the tweeters, ya know? So go with a qaulity amp if your going to amplify your speakers. 450x4 watts or something is sufficient in terms of power as well. You will be just as loud as modern factory vehicle systems.

 

[js1984]

JL is like the Bose of car audio.
Waste...Of...Money

haha so true re: Bose

 

[ebenditt1]

Here would be my setup when I have time and money to do it. The headunit is questionable. What I really want is just a headunit from a known manufacture (like kenwood or Alpine) with just android auto and am/fm radio and not cost me over 400 ducks.

Infinity reference 6.5 with teeters
Infinity REF-5002ix 5.25-Inch two-way car audio loudspeaker
Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel Power Pack Amplifier
Rockville RW8CA 8" 600 Watt Low Profile Under-Seat Active Powered Car Subwoofer
BOSS Audio BVCP9685A Apple Carplay Android Auto Car Multimedia Player

 

[The Cold War Kid]

If you install the system, THIS is vital!

How to Phase Your Speakers: 4 Steps

If somebody installs it for you watch them and make sure they MANUALLY phase your speakers. They will tell you trash, like the wiring kit does that. Don't go for it. Tell them to manually phase or not get paid.

 

[ebenditt1]

If you install the system, THIS is vital!

How to Phase Your Speakers: 4 Steps

If somebody installs it for you watch them and make sure they MANUALLY phase your speakers. They will tell you trash, like the wiring kit does that. Don't go for it. Tell them to manually phase or not get paid.

Thanks I will do that. I am going to get the system this spring, and this advise will really help me.

 

[Silver Supra]

I would highly recommend adding an amp, even if it's just a small one - it will give you the best improvement.

Speakers are very much up to your preference so you need to listen.

I've owned lots of great speakers and can highly recommend Focal and Hertz - but they're probably pricier than what you want to spend. For a more cost effective option Image Dynamics is a great choice.

In my Tacoma I did a simple tweeter upgrade which made a huge difference, so something simple like that may be enough.

You're just going to have to listen to as much as you can and make a choice.