Your dream system on a $1100 budget – Build it!

SP33DKILLS · 04-06-2012, 02:57 PM

So this is my challenge, good ole' Uncle Sam got my bonus and he was kind enough to leave me with an $1100 budget (eh, somewhat flexible) for a much needed stereo upgrade. For this phase 1, I need the following:

• Headunit (must have Bluetooth for my Crapberry Bold (work issued) & stellar Ipod compatibility.)
• 5 channel amp
• Component set (door speakers/tweeters)

Help me out with your advice and tell me… what would you build with that budget?

Verbal21 · 04-06-2012, 03:21 PM

curious to see what input you'll get since I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, but I've narrowed my headunit to the Kenwood DDX-719

SP33DKILLS · 04-06-2012, 03:23 PM

That's the same headunit I'm looking at as well! I have been looking at the focal 165, but being old school, the MB Quart Q series is veryyyy tempting.

bigaudiofanat · 04-06-2012, 09:24 PM

Plain and simple your not going to be able to get all that for 1100 bucks.

A good 5 channel amp is going to set you back at least 400+
A good head unit 350+
Speakers 200+

My "dream system" is going to be over 7K to give you an idea of budget.

A mid range system would be around 2-2500 bucks.

Depending on what you are looking for in a system, I can help guide you to choices to look at.

SP33DKILLS · 04-09-2012, 02:59 PM

Thanks for the feedback Big. I should've clarified that I mean dream on a budget, since technically a dream system might also means there is no limit on what you can spend. I will be making my choices soon, but I could use recommendations. At the moment, the setup I'm looking at is the following:

Kenwood DDX719
Rockford Fosgate R600
MB Quart Q-Series or Focal 165 V30

I understand in store prices will take me over the budget. To date I've been looking at online pricing.

bigaudiofanat · 04-09-2012, 03:05 PM

I would stick with the kenwood head unit, focal speakers only if you like bright tweeters, mb quarts if you want them a little more mellow. As for amp I always liked the PDX5, or the new infinity's are nice.

90 ST · 04-10-2012, 02:30 AM

well if you are only doing fronts and sub, you could just get a 4ch amp, run the fronts of 2 channels and the sub of the rears bridged. I think for 1100 with out install you could do stage 1, a nice 4ch some decent fronts and a HU, as long as you keep it simple on the HU, no nav, etc.

reeps · 04-10-2012, 09:27 PM

I know this is going to sound CRAZY but some ideas...

I kept my stock speakers and changed the headunit but took a JL 300x4 amp and bridged it to the front speakers. Now everyone and their monther is going to say 150 watts per speaker is to much power but you have no idea how good they sound and if properly tuned they will not blow and as long as you dont push to much distortion. Now before I did that I tried the same stock speakers on just the amp of the head unit and that sounded bad. I tried then just hooking up 75 watts to the speakers by not bridgeing the amp and that sounded better but still kinda sucked. It was not until I bridged the amp, got 150 watts to each side that it actually made the speakers come alive. I had to use the EQ on my Pioneer 9300BT to get a little more crispness from them but all in all I was so suprised how good they sound for stock speakers.

Now with all that said, in your situation with a budget this is the route I would go:

Headunit $330
Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT 5.8-Inch DVD AV Bluetooth Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control: Car Electronics

Front Speakers Stock

Amp for Stock Speakers $179
JX360/2 - Car Audio - Amplifiers - JX - JL Audio

Amp for Sub $449
JX1000/1D - Car Audio - Amplifiers - JX - JL Audio

Sub $43 (has to be dual 4 ohm to make a 2 ohm load on the amp)
Amazon.com: Pioneer TS-W259D4 Champion Series 10" Dual 4ohm 1200 Watts: Electronics

Sub Box $134.99
Custom Sub Enclosure | Affordable Sub Box

Total $1153 without install or kit or wires.
Also this set up gives you the chance to upgrade the front speakers later on if you really feel its needed.

One other thing... if you want you could get two single 4 ohm 10inch subs and get the duel 10 inch box, would cost a little more money but if you want some extra bass it would be much better.

You can check out my system here:
Dual 13w6,JL 1000/1,JL 300/4, Pioneer930BT and some other mods

and here:
370z pictures by RDSAUDIOVISUAL - Photobucket

Any other questions feel free to PM me.
Good Luck.

bigaudiofanat · 04-10-2012, 09:49 PM

I will be running 180 to my focals, maybe less, plus keep in mind that is max power your not actually running that to your speakers. Also I would not recommend running stock speakers off an amp for to long they can not take the extra heat produced by the extra power.

reeps · 04-10-2012, 09:58 PM

I have had no issues, and who cares.. they are stock... if they blow your just going to replace them anyway. This at least gives you some times before you have to make that investment.

And like I said before, tune them properly, use the gains on the amp, don't over drive..

I have been doing Car Audio for over 20 years... One thing I have learned is power is something you can always use more of and really not have an issues as long as your careful and use your ears.. If it sounds like it is distorted then turn the volume down.

bigaudiofanat · 04-10-2012, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reeps

I have had no issues, and who cares.. they are stock... if they blow your just going to replace them anyway. This at least gives you some times before you have to make that investment.

And like I said before, tune them properly, use the gains on the amp, don't over drive..

I have been doing Car Audio for over 20 years... One thing I have learned is power is something you can always use more of and really not have an issues as long as your careful and use your ears.. If it sounds like it is distorted then turn the volume down.

I hope you run new wires when you get new speakers, and yes if your careful and do not run a lot of bass to the woofers there is a good chance your not going to harm them, however they are not going to stand up to a good quality set.

SP33DKILLS · 04-16-2012, 02:29 PM

Thank you Reeps and Big for your thorough and great feedback!

SP33DKILLS · 04-16-2012, 02:35 PM

Btw Reeps, just looked at your setup and the custom subwoofer enclosures are freaking killer! I love that.

reeps · 04-17-2012, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SP33DKILLS

Btw Reeps, just looked at your setup and the custom subwoofer enclosures are freaking killer! I love that.

Thanks Man, Ton of hours went on building it.
Love to know what you deiced to get and start putting in your car. So make sure to take lots of pictures and post them up.

Pat C. · 04-17-2012, 03:12 AM

Just finished the install on my 10' base with Sport package. Purchased the items from Crutchfield and would highly recommend them. Here's what I put in.
New JVC head unit with Bluetooth.
Polk MM 6501 speaker set with crossovers
Alpine amp. think I went with a simple 2-channel?
Other items, like Axxess steering wheel control and complete wiring kit.
anyway, can almost be positive I only have around $1100 total. Of course I did the install myself, with much help from this forum along with the tech help at Crutchfield.....
Can get specific model info if you need it. Can say that I'd definitely replace the Junk OEM speaker in the doors very first thing.. And while you're there, Dynamat the heck out of everything...
Pat

04-06-2012, 02:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Your dream system on a $1100 budget – Build it! So this is my challenge, good ole' Uncle Sam got my bonus and he was kind enough to leave me with an $1100 budget (eh, somewhat flexible) for a much needed stereo upgrade. For this phase 1, I need the following: • Headunit (must have Bluetooth for my Crapberry Bold (work issued) & stellar Ipod compatibility.) • 5 channel amp • Component set (door speakers/tweeters) Help me out with your advice and tell me… what would you build with that budget?

04-06-2012, 09:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	Plain and simple your not going to be able to get all that for 1100 bucks. A good 5 channel amp is going to set you back at least 400+ A good head unit 350+ Speakers 200+ My "dream system" is going to be over 7K to give you an idea of budget. A mid range system would be around 2-2500 bucks. Depending on what you are looking for in a system, I can help guide you to choices to look at. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 04-06-2012 at 09:49 PM.

04-09-2012, 03:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I would stick with the kenwood head unit, focal speakers only if you like bright tweeters, mb quarts if you want them a little more mellow. As for amp I always liked the PDX5, or the new infinity's are nice. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

04-10-2012, 09:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
reeps Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 306 Drives: 2012 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 13	I know this is going to sound CRAZY but some ideas... I kept my stock speakers and changed the headunit but took a JL 300x4 amp and bridged it to the front speakers. Now everyone and their monther is going to say 150 watts per speaker is to much power but you have no idea how good they sound and if properly tuned they will not blow and as long as you dont push to much distortion. Now before I did that I tried the same stock speakers on just the amp of the head unit and that sounded bad. I tried then just hooking up 75 watts to the speakers by not bridgeing the amp and that sounded better but still kinda sucked. It was not until I bridged the amp, got 150 watts to each side that it actually made the speakers come alive. I had to use the EQ on my Pioneer 9300BT to get a little more crispness from them but all in all I was so suprised how good they sound for stock speakers. Now with all that said, in your situation with a budget this is the route I would go: Headunit $330 Amazon.com: Pioneer AVH-P3300BT 5.8-Inch DVD AV Bluetooth Receiver with iPod/iPhone Control: Car Electronics Front Speakers Stock Amp for Stock Speakers $179 JX360/2 - Car Audio - Amplifiers - JX - JL Audio Amp for Sub $449 JX1000/1D - Car Audio - Amplifiers - JX - JL Audio Sub $43 (has to be dual 4 ohm to make a 2 ohm load on the amp) Amazon.com: Pioneer TS-W259D4 Champion Series 10" Dual 4ohm 1200 Watts: Electronics Sub Box $134.99 Custom Sub Enclosure \| Affordable Sub Box Total $1153 without install or kit or wires. Also this set up gives you the chance to upgrade the front speakers later on if you really feel its needed. One other thing... if you want you could get two single 4 ohm 10inch subs and get the duel 10 inch box, would cost a little more money but if you want some extra bass it would be much better. You can check out my system here: Dual 13w6,JL 1000/1,JL 300/4, Pioneer930BT and some other mods and here: 370z pictures by RDSAUDIOVISUAL - Photobucket Any other questions feel free to PM me. Good Luck. Last edited by reeps; 04-10-2012 at 09:33 PM.

04-10-2012, 09:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I will be running 180 to my focals, maybe less, plus keep in mind that is max power your not actually running that to your speakers. Also I would not recommend running stock speakers off an amp for to long they can not take the extra heat produced by the extra power. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

04-06-2012, 03:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Verbal21 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 223 Drives: '12 Solid Red Rep Power: 13	curious to see what input you'll get since I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, but I've narrowed my headunit to the Kenwood DDX-719

04-06-2012, 03:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	That's the same headunit I'm looking at as well! I have been looking at the focal 165, but being old school, the MB Quart Q series is veryyyy tempting.

04-09-2012, 02:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Thanks for the feedback Big. I should've clarified that I mean dream on a budget, since technically a dream system might also means there is no limit on what you can spend. I will be making my choices soon, but I could use recommendations. At the moment, the setup I'm looking at is the following: Kenwood DDX719 Rockford Fosgate R600 MB Quart Q-Series or Focal 165 V30 I understand in store prices will take me over the budget. To date I've been looking at online pricing.

04-10-2012, 02:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	well if you are only doing fronts and sub, you could just get a 4ch amp, run the fronts of 2 channels and the sub of the rears bridged. I think for 1100 with out install you could do stage 1, a nice 4ch some decent fronts and a HU, as long as you keep it simple on the HU, no nav, etc.

04-10-2012, 09:58 PM	#10 (permalink)
reeps Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 306 Drives: 2012 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 13	I have had no issues, and who cares.. they are stock... if they blow your just going to replace them anyway. This at least gives you some times before you have to make that investment. And like I said before, tune them properly, use the gains on the amp, don't over drive.. I have been doing Car Audio for over 20 years... One thing I have learned is power is something you can always use more of and really not have an issues as long as your careful and use your ears.. If it sounds like it is distorted then turn the volume down.

04-16-2012, 02:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Thank you Reeps and Big for your thorough and great feedback!

04-16-2012, 02:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
SP33DKILLS Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 47 Drives: 2012 370z Nismo Rep Power: 13	Btw Reeps, just looked at your setup and the custom subwoofer enclosures are freaking killer! I love that.

04-17-2012, 03:12 AM	#15 (permalink)
Pat C. Base Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle River, Alaska Posts: 70 Drives: 10' 370Z coupe M6 Rep Power: 14	Did mine for less Just finished the install on my 10' base with Sport package. Purchased the items from Crutchfield and would highly recommend them. Here's what I put in. New JVC head unit with Bluetooth. Polk MM 6501 speaker set with crossovers Alpine amp. think I went with a simple 2-channel? Other items, like Axxess steering wheel control and complete wiring kit. anyway, can almost be positive I only have around $1100 total. Of course I did the install myself, with much help from this forum along with the tech help at Crutchfield..... Can get specific model info if you need it. Can say that I'd definitely replace the Junk OEM speaker in the doors very first thing.. And while you're there, Dynamat the heck out of everything... Pat

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