Audiophiles: Stereo System Thoughts

[EJ257]

So after never really touching a stereo system outside of getting a new H/U in my old Altima, I've begun to look into making the STi a bit more sophisticated.

A local guy sold me a JL Audio 10w3v3 sub and is making me a custom enclosure for it; this is costing me $275 total, which is a pretty good deal.

I have nothing else upgraded, so this will sit with the rest of my parts until I get everything purchased.

I don't need the top-of-the-line products, but if I'm going to spend money, I want to do so wisely.

Here's the system I've spec'd out for myself...
Headunit: Alpine INA-W900
Amplifier: Alpine PDX-5
Front Speakers: JL Audio C2-650 Components
Rear Speakers: JL Audio C2-525X Speakers
Subwoofer: JL Audio 10W3v3
Subwoofer Box: Custom sealed unit
Sound Deadening: All four doors and trunk

Thoughts? Suggestions/Changes?

[06scoobyrex]

as for the amp and sub what are their power ratings?

[EJ257]

as for the amp and sub what are their power ratings?

Amp:
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500PDX5...tp=35808&avf=N

Sub:
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_13610W3...-4.html?tp=111

Sub is already bought and paid for, so I'm sticking with that one.

[GrtScott]

Right off the bat I see that the amp would be pumping too much to your speakers. Amp alone is 75 RMS but the speakers are only 60. HU RMS + Amp RMS = MAX Speaker RMS

[EJ257]

Right off the bat I see that the amp would be pumping too much to your speakers. Amp alone is 75 RMS but the speakers are only 60. HU RMS + Amp RMS = MAX Speaker RMS

So I need a weaker amp or better speakers?

[06scoobyrex]

if you plan on running just the sub with that particular amp I'd look into something at least 60% of its max just for clarity...

[GrtScott]

I haven't built a stereo in several years but I remember RMS values on the speakers of 75 - 90. I'd personally up the speaker options.

Let me do just a little looking to see what else you may be able to find.

Don't change the HU or amp... I am partial to Alpine, lol.

[GrtScott]

... oh yeah... I wouldn't run the sub with the same amp.

There are 5 channel amps out there but your's is not one of them.

[GrtScott]

Right off the bat I see that the amp would be pumping too much to your speakers. Amp alone is 75 RMS but the speakers are only 60. HU RMS + Amp RMS = MAX Speaker RMS

I must have clicked the wrong link... the front components are 100 RMS which is perfect because you are pushing 93 RMS at them. Rear though is still only 60 RMS so find a new set for the rear.

[GrtScott]

... oh yeah... I wouldn't run the sub with the same amp.

There are 5 channel amps out there but your's is not one of them.

Wow... I really am not paying attention to things... you'll be fine with your amp.

Where are people to flame me, lol?

[GrtScott]

For the rear:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB52...251.html?tp=97

They are components so you will have to get creative for the tweeter but these will even out your RMS draw. I looked for stuff at the same price.

In my previous Acura I had tweeters in the back mounted up by the backseat seatbelt locations. It sounded amazing.

That sub looks great by the way and that amp is gorgeous!!!

[MainFrame]

I wouldn't really worry about pushing too much power to your speakers.


I'm running a PDX-4.100, and the test sheet that came with it showed 131watts RMS per channel minimum. The speakers it's powering in my front doors are Infinity Reference 6022i which have an RMS rating of 2-60watts. So I'm pushing well over twice the amount of power the speakers are rated for. I have played it VERY loud, for extended periods of time and haven't blown a speaker yet. It actually sounds better the more you turn it up.


You're more likely to blow a speaker by under powering it than over.

[SD_GR]

Define "RMS draw" as there is no such electrical term I'm aware of.

[GrtScott]

Define "RMS draw" as there is no such electrical term I'm aware of.

"RMS" = root mean square (very much electrical jargon)

"Draw" = to cause to come out of a container or source (just basic English)

Adding "draw" to the sentence was probably redundant and a more technical term could have been used. Really I just wanted to emphasize that you want the wattage being drawn by the speakers to be even.

But hey... at least I did not type in all caps and misspell every other word

[teflon_jones]

I'm partial to Alpine speakers. They make the best sound out of any car speaker I've used. For the record, I've had Bose, Harmon Kardon, Kenwood, and Alpine systems all within the last year. Alpine is the best sound quality of all of them period.