So it has begun! My journey to the dark side - of DIY audiophile wannabe
Ok guys, before anything else, I must thank you for even reading through the whole post!
Its pretty much a completely new install starting from scratch, I am trying to build the highest VALUE-performance system. please choose my shopping for me
Background:
My experience: newb, first install in car audio, good experience with high end home audio, but not DIY (i.e. know what good sound is but know nothing about driver parameters).
Vehicle: Nissan Xterra SUV 2006.
Different options considered:
Simple 2-way, 1" on dash, 6.5" in front doors, 12" sub in trunk.
3-way possibility: 1" on dash, 6.5" in doors, 8" under front seats, 12" in trunk
Looked into putting Ribbons on dash/pillar.
Possible to put 2" on dash factory tweets locations.
I had nothing until last night, when I ordered a DIYMA R12" as the sub.
I am also planning to get my hands on the M&K D26NC-55-06 6 Ohms TWEETERS (vifa) for cheap from Ebay.
Will be auditioning the ZUKI eleet amp soon to decide if I want it.
So now I have SOMETHING to base my build on. (as opposed to starting with completely nothing)
Reasons why I chose the DIYMA R12 is because of the good reviews and the ease with which it is supposed to blend with the front stage. The D26NC-55-06 are ultra cheap and apparently are good tweeters. The choice of the ZUKI is due to its value. It is infact way higher than my original budget, but if it is indeed the best value-performance on the market, I am willing to spend the money.
HU selection:
Pioneer AVIC-F700BT or Clarion DXZ785USB
other suggestions welcome. And help me choose between the 2. Obviously very different beats, comparing apples to oranges. I do want the double din, nice screen and the GPS, but I can sacrifice all those if it means impairing the SQ of my system significantly. (I can give up the vitamin C from oranges if it means they will leave me still hungry as compared to eating the apples)
Amps considered:
Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X4R (cheap, TA and XO that will be good for my GPS HU)
Zuki Eleet 4ch. (waiting to see in person how good it really is)
same analogy as choosing between apples and oranges.
Or BOTH amps if I go 3 way active?
So what are the best drivers to compliment those tweets,sub, and amp? What is the best setup for me?
I am also happy to use other tweeters if there are better choices for this high value system. I might not even end up getting them, I have not won yet
I am hoping them to be about 10$ for the pair including shipping.
I have read most reviews on 6.5" midbass - Seas Excel, Peerless SLS, Dayton RS. But I would like to hear your opinion on this particular setup.
I listen to: everything, from classical to jazz to rock to metal, pop, electronic, indie, trance, house, rap, everything. (but not country!)
Favorite artists: MUSE, coldplay, radiohead, Mobbie, BassHunter, Katy Perry and Pink (don't diz!)
Looking for: HIGH VALUE/performance setup, ultra clear, open highs with good air, max clarity at all frequencies, quick, punchy, high level clean bass that I can feel, I lust for that thump in mid bass as well as that feeling of wholeness in sub bass. The ability to pick out every instrument individually in the music, even the scratching of guitar strings, rubbing of lips. Can play loud without distortion.
Not wanting to totally ruin the back passenger's enjoyment.
What I hate most: too 'warm' mids (muddy), boomy lows.
My platform (everything is stock):
Nissan Xterra SUV 2006 with Rockford Forsgate audio package. currently has factory 6x9 in front doors,
2" on dash? (every source says its 1" on dash, I opened up the grill and it looks like a 2" - I KNOW the non RF package has 1" there, but I have the RF package, which may well have caused the difference),
8" in shallow custom sealed box under driver seat,
6.5" and 1" on rear doors.
Double din HU with rockford amp under passenger seat.
My view on the importance of VALUE:
I don't have much money, I don't want to spend much money, but I don't have a solid budget either. What I am looking for is ultra value. Trying to spend THE LEAST to get THE MOST. - thats why we are all here right?
I believe the components I have chosen so far has the highest performance to the dollar. I don't mind spending $400 for a zuki amp if I'm actually saving myself 2k. The difficulties come when I consider that I can have a Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X4R for $180, and its only (lets say) 10% less in performance - obviously that is still to be judged.
Personally I'd like to keep my setup (raw component cost) to be around 1k, but I guess if I get the zuki then that kind of blew everything apart.
Thank you all again.
Best regards
Bern
Ok guys, before anything else, I must thank you for even reading through the whole post!
Its pretty much a completely new install starting from scratch, I am trying to build the highest VALUE-performance system. please choose my shopping for me
Background:
My experience: newb, first install in car audio, good experience with high end home audio, but not DIY (i.e. know what good sound is but know nothing about driver parameters).
Vehicle: Nissan Xterra SUV 2006.
Different options considered:
Simple 2-way, 1" on dash, 6.5" in front doors, 12" sub in trunk.
3-way possibility: 1" on dash, 6.5" in doors, 8" under front seats, 12" in trunk
Looked into putting Ribbons on dash/pillar.
Possible to put 2" on dash factory tweets locations.
I had nothing until last night, when I ordered a DIYMA R12" as the sub.
I am also planning to get my hands on the M&K D26NC-55-06 6 Ohms TWEETERS (vifa) for cheap from Ebay.
Will be auditioning the ZUKI eleet amp soon to decide if I want it.
So now I have SOMETHING to base my build on. (as opposed to starting with completely nothing)
Reasons why I chose the DIYMA R12 is because of the good reviews and the ease with which it is supposed to blend with the front stage. The D26NC-55-06 are ultra cheap and apparently are good tweeters. The choice of the ZUKI is due to its value. It is infact way higher than my original budget, but if it is indeed the best value-performance on the market, I am willing to spend the money.
HU selection:
Pioneer AVIC-F700BT or Clarion DXZ785USB
other suggestions welcome. And help me choose between the 2. Obviously very different beats, comparing apples to oranges. I do want the double din, nice screen and the GPS, but I can sacrifice all those if it means impairing the SQ of my system significantly. (I can give up the vitamin C from oranges if it means they will leave me still hungry as compared to eating the apples)
Amps considered:
Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X4R (cheap, TA and XO that will be good for my GPS HU)
Zuki Eleet 4ch. (waiting to see in person how good it really is)
same analogy as choosing between apples and oranges.
Or BOTH amps if I go 3 way active?
So what are the best drivers to compliment those tweets,sub, and amp? What is the best setup for me?
I am also happy to use other tweeters if there are better choices for this high value system. I might not even end up getting them, I have not won yet
I have read most reviews on 6.5" midbass - Seas Excel, Peerless SLS, Dayton RS. But I would like to hear your opinion on this particular setup.
I listen to: everything, from classical to jazz to rock to metal, pop, electronic, indie, trance, house, rap, everything. (but not country!)
Favorite artists: MUSE, coldplay, radiohead, Mobbie, BassHunter, Katy Perry and Pink (don't diz!)
Looking for: HIGH VALUE/performance setup, ultra clear, open highs with good air, max clarity at all frequencies, quick, punchy, high level clean bass that I can feel, I lust for that thump in mid bass as well as that feeling of wholeness in sub bass. The ability to pick out every instrument individually in the music, even the scratching of guitar strings, rubbing of lips. Can play loud without distortion.
Not wanting to totally ruin the back passenger's enjoyment.
What I hate most: too 'warm' mids (muddy), boomy lows.
My platform (everything is stock):
Nissan Xterra SUV 2006 with Rockford Forsgate audio package. currently has factory 6x9 in front doors,
2" on dash? (every source says its 1" on dash, I opened up the grill and it looks like a 2" - I KNOW the non RF package has 1" there, but I have the RF package, which may well have caused the difference),
8" in shallow custom sealed box under driver seat,
6.5" and 1" on rear doors.
Double din HU with rockford amp under passenger seat.
My view on the importance of VALUE:
I don't have much money, I don't want to spend much money, but I don't have a solid budget either. What I am looking for is ultra value. Trying to spend THE LEAST to get THE MOST. - thats why we are all here right?
I believe the components I have chosen so far has the highest performance to the dollar. I don't mind spending $400 for a zuki amp if I'm actually saving myself 2k. The difficulties come when I consider that I can have a Kenwood eXcelon KAC-X4R for $180, and its only (lets say) 10% less in performance - obviously that is still to be judged.
Personally I'd like to keep my setup (raw component cost) to be around 1k, but I guess if I get the zuki then that kind of blew everything apart.
Thank you all again.
Best regards
Bern