[cognitive77]

Hey all,

I recently sold my Jeep Cherokee that had my old system in it (10 year old gear) and am desperately needing some input on a set up for my 2000 Civic Coupe.

A little bit about my tastes...I listen to metal, hard rock, alt music. Not looking for the time/headaches of active crossovers, just looking for plug and play. I've always had rear speakers for fill, but am considering just using a good set of components up front. My previous system had MB Quart components up front and in the rear, so I'm looking for sound that's comparable/better. I'm very frugal, so I'm looking for a balance of most bang for the buck here. My budget is roughly $600-800 for an amp, components up front and possibly a sub. I'm not looking for anything too boomy for a sub, especially since the Civic is so small (and I don't want to have to sacrifice trunk space), so something small, accurate yet still carries some oomph with it. I've been reading good things about the IDQ subs.

I've recently listened to some Boston Acoustics, JL's and Alpines and preferred the Alpine Type X and Type X Pro series speakers overall. I've read that Image Dynamics, Rainbow, Hertz and Focal all make some good components, but I can get the either the Alpine Type X or Type X Pro's for roughly $200-330 and don't know if these other speakers can compete for that cost (and I have no way of listening to these other speakers in person, so they'd be a blind buy). With that in mind I was thinking of this for my set up:

Alpine Type X or Type X Pro 6.5" Components up front
Sound Deadener in doors/trunk (Dynamat???)
Amp???
Sub???

I was looking at the Alpine PDX 4.100 to run the components, but have been told that I can run cleaner power for cheaper....any recommendations? I know these threads are a dime a dozen, but I'm looking to get some good feedback on my car (Civic or subcompact) as I take my sound seriously, and like to do my due diligence before I spend the cash.

Any help/feedback would be appreciated!

 

[casualsuspect]

Keep in mind that any system you listen to that's in a different car/enclosure than yours will definitely sound different. Also, how it was installed will have a huge impact on the final sound too.

With that in mind, I think the best bang/buck at something that sounds a little better than your old MB Quarts would be PPI 365cs. They're very very similar to the old, really good A/D/S comps.

Amps, I would suggest a 4 channel if you can (even though you're going passive, you'll have a little more control on tweeter/mid gains, etc, which will help with balancing your system) and another amp for your subs. Shop around used (classifieds on here are great), you'll save a sh!tload. ebay is also good (i only go new or almost new for electronics on there). Keep in mind that wiring, fuse holders, etc will add up fast if you don't shop used/clearance. Monoprice.com is a good place for cheap, great quality speaker wire.

If you're gonna go 2 channel for your amp, this guy on ebay sells US Acoustics amps he's repaired w/ a warranty for like 80 or something like that.. He comes highly recommended by peeps here.

Subs, search for threads that start with "Best under-$xxx sub" or "Best $xxx sub". There's a million on here. And then write down whichever subs strike you and then search the classifieds here for them.

Installing all this stuff is, for me, the best part..

Good luck. Cheers!

 

[IBcivic]

hybrid audio technologies is coming out with an entry level speaker line. you might want to keep an eye out for the reviews.

 

[cognitive77]

Thanks for the reply guys. I tend to agree with the opinion of going out and listening to speakers in person, since everyones "tastes" can vary. With that said, I'm kind leaning towards the Alpines up front. I just need to decide on an amp/sub combo that would compliment the speakers well.

I've seen ID mentioned quite a bit on here, along with Sundown Audio. Right now I'm leaning towards 1 12" IDQ and an Alpine 4.150 amp powering the components up front and the sub.

 

[pwlabrat]

I have a '00 Civic also but it's a sedan. My set-up is old school but just thought I would mention it. Some people may laugh but I use a Bazooka Tube with two six inch drivers (non-amplified version). The Bass is very accurate and you can tell what instuments are playing. It doesn't take up much room and is very efficient meaning it doesn't take a lot of power to make it run. My speakers are A/D/S 320is separates and the amp is a six channel A/D/S PH15 (50w per channel) that fits under the passenger seat and drives the whole system with an AX3 active crossover. It's a very simple set-up that sounds phenominal in my opinion. The tube is probably less than $100 and the other components appear from time to time on this forum and ebay. This set-up would fit your budget, even if you want newer speakers and amp(s) I would still recommend the Bazooka tube. Good luck with the set-up!