hey guys, im looking to upgrade from our crappy bose system in my 05 BO coupe, and i really dont know where to start. my main concern is sound quality in comparison to trunk rattling bass. keep in mind, i dont know anything about ohms, voice coils and etc. im looking to stay under the 2.5k mark including the install. i've been trying to do some research on a few things, so let me know if im on the right track here. i've been told that i shouldn't even bother with the 6x9's in the rear deck, but i'm unsure. here's what i've found so far.

(1) Memphis 16-MCH1300 or JL Audio 500/5 amps
(1) JL Audio 10W6v2 or 10w3v2
(1) Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 6.5" Component System
(1) Infinity Kappa 693.7i 6x9" 3-Way Speakers
(1) Kenwood DDX-8017
B-Quiet Extreme for trunk and doors

all advice is appreciated, thanks.

 

That's not a bad mid-level system. A lot of what you choose is dictated by budget, of course.

My first challenge is to decide why you're commited to rear speakers. Spending money on rear speakers dilutes how good your other equipment can be within a given budget, and the speakers themsleves mess up your SQ (the stereo illusion is messed up by rear speakers).

I personally prefer Cascade Audio VMAX for damping.

I think you can get way better sounding mids and highs than the Infinity, especially with the money you save on no rears and no rear installation and an amp with fewer channels.

 

If JL amp is preferred, then a 4-channel JL 450/4 will be enough, if you decide not to get the 6x9's, which is not necessary. Everything else looks good. Just order the '05 double din kit, pac steering-wheel adapter, and 4080 box for your single 10".

 

I'd go get a set of DLS UP6 front components from PearlG35's store in NJ...

 

i dont really know much about car audio, and i didnt think the system would sound as good with just components. what other brands do you suggest besides infinity?

 

DLS, Dynaudio,Morel, Rainbow, for starters.Alpine X type are good.

Infinity, Diamond, and Boston are second-tier in my experience.

You might want to learn some more about SQ (sound quality). www.bcae1.com is a good educational site, but is down at the moment. www.the12volt.com is not bad either.

 

Where does Focal fit in that tier? The kevlar ones, like 165KF. And will they fit in a coupe tweeter location?

El dude, you mentioned in a previous post that the DLS fit in the tight sedan tweeter pods. Are the coupes the same?

For around 500/pair, combined with a KW 7017 and either JL 300/4, or two alpine amps along with a JL 10w3, which set of components should I be looking at?

 

I was originially considering the 8017 as well; however, now I'm leaning towards the 7017. In a two channel system, I see no advantage of the 8017 over the 7017. It is badged Excelon, but sonically they seem the same, again in a two channel system. If you are going for DSP and 5.1 surround, then the 8017 is it.

This could save you some more cash for better components, like el dude said.

I'm putting in a similar system and am somewhat budget oriented. I'm looking into two smaller alpine amps rather than one JL. I figure the MRP-M350 or newer 450 will power one JL 10w3, and the MRP-F240 or newer 250 bridged will power front components just fine. Those combined were cheaper than one JL 300/4. And you can find them on ebay for very cheap. As far as impact on sound quality, I'm not sure. I think Alpine might be one step down from JL, but how far I don't know. Might have to weigh the cost difference on this one. Any suggestions?

Please correct me, anyone, if I am mistaken about this setup.

 

I personally find Focal to be overrated and I don't like their tweeters. I also think they would be a tight fit, but not sure if the tweeters would fit in the coupe.

I am TOLD that the coupe has more room for tweeters, but I haven't done one yet (I just got back into retail about 9 months ago after a few years spend doing product dev for manufacturers as a consultant...)