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09-03-2013
#1
Noob
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09-03-2013
#2
Noob
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09-03-2013
#3
Re: First build in a long time.
Truthfully, I would only power the front speakers, use head unit power on the rears, and then use that Mono amp on the subwoofers. Wouldn't even consider those additional tweeters just yet.
Are you not entertained?!?!
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09-17-2013
#4
Noob
Re: First build in a long time.
If I only power the front speakers would it be better to use the Kicker amp (which is probably better quality) or the Dual amp in bridged stereo mode?
If it ain't broke. It soon will be!
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09-17-2013
#5
Re: First build in a long time.
I'd check everything for function first, then I'd install the coaxials just like you figured, powering the subs with the class D amp, the Dual can be bridged on the front doors and the Kicker can be used in the rear on those coaxes.
That will be a nice, high powered system and should bring you towards your goal of an inexpensive set-up that sounds pretty good.
The next thing (for me) would be a JBL MS-2 unit, in the mix. Less than 100 bucks, you get equalization, time alignment on the front coaxes, and you can loop through the Dual to the Kicker for rear-fill, giving you some left-right compensation from the rear set.
the next step would be to move towards a component set-up in the front, using passive crossovers.
then you could see how that could be improved by buying an inexpensive active crossover that allows you to adjust frequency and levels, and tossing the Kicker on the tweeters of the now active component set and have the Dual still bridged on the woofers.
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09-17-2013
#6
Noob
Re: First build in a long time.
Would something like this be suitable?
The guy is asking $50.00 for it.
If it ain't broke. It soon will be!
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09-17-2013
#7
Re: First build in a long time.
that's old school stuff, no active crossover for mid/tweeter crossing, and no time alignment.
the MS-2 is an auto-tune piece, it sets the levels according to a microphone's response, and the algorithm is pretty good, (imho) and it comes up on Amazon for under 100, new.
I wouldn't give more than 20 bucks for an equalizer like that one you show, nowadays. Of course, I have a JBL MS-2 so I may be prejudiced.
If you don't like the idea of something making things sound good "automatically" and you want to fidget with some knobs, get a 1/3 oct. equalizer at least.
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09-17-2013
#8
Noob
Re: First build in a long time.
I just looked up the jbl-ms2. Didn't know what is was. Like my title says... First build in a long time. My last serious system was in the mid to late 80's. I ran a Harmon Kardon head unit, 2 Harmon Kardon amps as well as two alpine amps. Run through a kenwood eq. All stuffed into an 84 Fiero. It sounded nice as was definitely loud.
I am going to do as suggested, get things working and then start tweaking. The ms2 will be the first thing I will add. I love tech stuff. With 2 young kids its kinda hard to justify to the wife why I'm spending money on car audio. Go figure
If it ain't broke. It soon will be!
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09-17-2013
#9
Re: First build in a long time.
you're just dipping your toe with the MS-2, but it'll give you a baseline quickly that you can work with, until you want to fiddle some more.
then you can move into the tuning game, and get a DSP unit that allows for a lot of adjustment.
you probably will enjoy the sound of the system before doing anything else, if you pay attention to the little things. Make sure you treat the doors, deaden some, use foam isolation, seal the big holes with a stiff panel of plexy or aluminum sheet, the normal stuff.
run the extra set of speaker wires in the doors if you aren't going through the factory harness, so you can go active later on with the tweeters.
The MS-2 is supposed to be a cheap fixer for mp3 playback, but you can hardwire it into the system using RCA to headphone adapters. It's not the only way to go, and many will tell you it's better you learn how to run a 30 band equalizer instead, but it's got the processing power for some quality kicks.
first things first, though.
get the doors treated before you install the speakers, because you won't want to pull off the panels again later.
and, take your time, look around at other people's builds, get a sense for what is accepted practice.
And if you feel like posting pics, you can make a build thread.
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09-17-2013
#10
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