Car sound system... OPINION PLEASE

[AC/DC]

Ok, so I got this 1996 Volkswagen Jetta GLS about two months ago... and I love it.

There are four speakers (not included tweeters). Two in the front door, and two behind the backseat headrests.

I have replaced the two front one with American Pro speakers (their newest ones), and they are 100 watts apiece. The back two are still factory stock, and are old, but they provide about 95% of the bass in the car. They slap pretty good

I have two more identical American Pro speakers just laying around (I bought 4 for $50), I can put them in the back but will sacrifice bass for better quality.

Lets assume that these options cost the same amount of money.

A) An ESA 4x100 (400 peak) watt amp to power all 4 speakers and deliver good sound quality and good bass, nothing else.

B) Two 8" subs with built-in amplifiers, leave the speakers bassless and leave the pounding to the two subs.

What would be more beneficial? I want the best quality sound... opinions please?

ANY OTHER OPTIONS WELCOME.

 

[diablo]

Originally posted by AC/DC
What would be more beneficial? I want the best quality sound... opinions please?

First, if you want "the best quality sound", don't use crap speakers like America Pro. Seriously, Wal-Mart sells better speakers then those - I don't know where you picked up yours from, but the only place I've ever seen them for sale is in the ghetto and at flea markets back in the day. Think of it this way; you get exactly what you pay for. If you think that you can get 4 quality speakers for $50, you should re-think what you consider "quality".

I know you're 17, so money isn't that easy to come by, but you can pick up some decent Rockford Fosgate speakers on eBay for a lot less than you'd pay in stores - and you'll instantly notice the difference. Get some 3-way speakers - if you post the size (I think a jetta has 4" speakers in the dash?) then I'll be glad to let you know the specifics as to which ones I'd get if I were in your financial situation. It's safe to say you should be looking at dropping a minimum of $300 for the entire set of things you need.

Forget the amp, I know others on here will advise otherwise, but you're looking for a good beat to go with your songs, not to get punched by a person 4 cars back who doesn't like having to listen to "bmmmmphhh bmmmphhhh" at a red light. It's just... tacky... to play it like that. Sorta like the fat white trash looking girl who wears daisy dukes and a shirt that shows the fat hanging over her shorts, and still thinks it looks good. From the size of your car, I'd recommend getting one or two (depending on your budget) 10" powered bazooka tube(s). If you just get one, leave another lead from your head unit to the back of the car for when you add another one back there.

Install it yourself! I'd also recommend ordering something relating to your project from Crutchfield. These guys are unbelievably helpful when it comes to installing stuff yourself. I was on the phone with them for about 6 hours straight when I replaced all of the audio equipment in my Lexus... although my order was only for a 14.99 part, they sent along illustrated instructions telling me step by step how to take off the door panels to get at the speakers, which wasn't what the part was for, but I guess they figured that since I was replacing the head unit that I'd also want to know how to change speakers. That, along with the free tech support means that you get a whole lot more for your money than if you'd gone anywhere else.

 

[WastelandWarrior]

I've never heard of american pro but will assume that since they were $50 for 4 you got them used or they are garbage. Hopefully its the former.

You'll never get the same sound from highs as you will from subs. IMO, 8's are pretty much worthless if you're looking for good, deep bass.

A single 10 in the right enclosure and a good amp will kill 2 8s. You can get good deals on ebay. For example-

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18796&item=5761717473&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3291&item=5763277409&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW


If you want good, deep bass that will last you'll end up spending at least $500 (retail) on sub, amp, enclosure & power kit. Save the labor and install it yourself.

 

[PRMoon]

Good systems are really easy to come across these days. I know a guy who bought a junk system for his saturn for like 100 bucks and it hits just fine.

Personally I like bose technologies but JLA, Sony Xplode etc etc systems are all easy to come by and won't cost you a lot even with instillation if you look in the right place.

I go to the SEMA convention every year and I know for a fact that the accesories market is almost to the point of being oversaturated with providers and products. And for them to be sucessful they all have to come out with new better products and the older ones (which are often still quite quality) are still fantastic and end up costing you less.

 

[Dillinger]

Re: Re: Car sound system... OPINION PLEASE

Originally posted by diablo
First, if you want "the best quality sound", don't use crap speakers like America Pro. Seriously, Wal-Mart sells better speakers then those - I don't know where you picked up yours from, but the only place I've ever seen them for sale is in the ghetto and at flea markets back in the day. Think of it this way; you get exactly what you pay for. If you think that you can get 4 quality speakers for $50, you should re-think what you consider "quality".

I know you're 17, so money isn't that easy to come by, but you can pick up some decent Rockford Fosgate speakers on eBay for a lot less than you'd pay in stores - and you'll instantly notice the difference. Get some 3-way speakers - if you post the size (I think a jetta has 4" speakers in the dash?) then I'll be glad to let you know the specifics as to which ones I'd get if I were in your financial situation. It's safe to say you should be looking at dropping a minimum of $300 for the entire set of things you need.

Forget the amp, I know others on here will advise otherwise, but you're looking for a good beat to go with your songs, not to get punched by a person 4 cars back who doesn't like having to listen to "bmmmmphhh bmmmphhhh" at a red light. It's just... tacky... to play it like that. Sorta like the fat white trash looking girl who wears daisy dukes and a shirt that shows the fat hanging over her shorts, and still thinks it looks good. From the size of your car, I'd recommend getting one or two (depending on your budget) 10" powered bazooka tube(s). If you just get one, leave another lead from your head unit to the back of the car for when you add another one back there.

Install it yourself! I'd also recommend ordering something relating to your project from Crutchfield. These guys are unbelievably helpful when it comes to installing stuff yourself. I was on the phone with them for about 6 hours straight when I replaced all of the audio equipment in my Lexus... although my order was only for a 14.99 part, they sent along illustrated instructions telling me step by step how to take off the door panels to get at the speakers, which wasn't what the part was for, but I guess they figured that since I was replacing the head unit that I'd also want to know how to change speakers. That, along with the free tech support means that you get a whole lot more for your money than if you'd gone anywhere else.

Like you know about the ghetto...my bad you live in L.A. Have you ever seen P or Silkk? In my day we use to eat backpackin white boyz like you up for dinner homes.

I know you like my player supreme

I hate to admit it but D knows what he's talking about. The part about an amp. I think he can put an A-B class amp on his highs and it should sound good. Only get a class D amp if you want...All the b!tches on your jock!