audio set-up for beginners [continued]

**wendellburug** · November 19th, 2011 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by tsikotshop

Yes sir, Y-conector po ang kelangan nyo dyan..

Ok,thanks sir.

**Monster01** · November 26th, 2011 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by Fotonista

Any properly tuned sub can achieve the "gapang" sound, it's in the design of the box and the proper tuning and matching of the amp. Use a ported box tuned to a low frequency, it will definitely give that "gapang" bass.

salamat boss, definitely magagamit ko tip mo once ready na ko pa sound setup

**nnayr** · November 26th, 2011 12:34 PM

Good day!

I'm still a newbie when it comes to sound set ups and common terms used around. Fact is, I'm a music freak. As much as possible, I carry my gadgets anywhere with me that play music endlessly (eg. Ipods, Cellphones, Bluetooth Headsets) and Car Audio is not an exception. Depends on my mood, I go for sound quality and sometimes,just sometimes, I want it bangin' and boomin'. I want it playing in the confines of the car and not wanting the world to know what music I play like I'm having a street party.

For now, I am currently planning, saving and buying stuff for my audiophile car. I already bought a Pioneer DEH-5350ub for my HU. Found out later that my 17 year old 6x9 Pioneer speakers already retired. So, I was planning to buy 6x9", 3-way, 400watts Pioneer TS-a6973e this month end. My front speakers still work but I don't know the model number or the specs. I think the size is 6" also Pioneer brand.

Gurus, I would like to know what you can say about my toys? Is it fine for a SQ and at the same time, can also go the SPL distance? I still have future plans also to acquire a self-powered sub (flat or 8" tube), an amp to power the front and rear speakers for a more realistic experience and tweeters on the dash. Considering I just wanted a more acoustic type of music (like they are playing right in front of me) inside the car, are those enough?

For specs of sub, amp and tweeters, can you guys list down what will definitely go with my current audio set up? Hoping that the list will be on budget but not quality-compromised. Much appreciated for some quick response. Thank you. =)

**Fotonista** · November 26th, 2011 09:35 PM

Originally Posted by nnayr

Good day!

I'm still a newbie when it comes to sound set ups and common terms used around. Fact is, I'm a music freak. As much as possible, I carry my gadgets anywhere with me that play music endlessly (eg. Ipods, Cellphones, Bluetooth Headsets) and Car Audio is not an exception. Depends on my mood, I go for sound quality and sometimes,just sometimes, I want it bangin' and boomin'. I want it playing in the confines of the car and not wanting the world to know what music I play like I'm having a street party.

For now, I am currently planning, saving and buying stuff for my audiophile car. I already bought a Pioneer DEH-5350ub for my HU. Found out later that my 17 year old 6x9 Pioneer speakers already retired. So, I was planning to buy 6x9", 3-way, 400watts Pioneer TS-a6973e this month end. My front speakers still work but I don't know the model number or the specs. I think the size is 6" also Pioneer brand.

Gurus, I would like to know what you can say about my toys? Is it fine for a SQ and at the same time, can also go the SPL distance? I still have future plans also to acquire a self-powered sub (flat or 8" tube), an amp to power the front and rear speakers for a more realistic experience and tweeters on the dash. Considering I just wanted a more acoustic type of music (like they are playing right in front of me) inside the car, are those enough?

For specs of sub, amp and tweeters, can you guys list down what will definitely go with my current audio set up? Hoping that the list will be on budget but not quality-compromised. Much appreciated for some quick response. Thank you. =)

I'm no Guru, but as far as my experience goes and from what I am reading on your post, I'd say you are leaning towards the SQ to LNC route. If you we're to ask me, I'd focus on building my front stage as clean and clear as possible. I'd scrap the 6X9's and amplified sub is a no-no. If you really want a "realistic experience" then go for separates (2 way or 3 way) and a sealed sub (if space is an issue). Get a 4ch AMP to power your front seps and bridge the two channels for your sub, then you are all set. No more rear speakers, if you still insist in having so, just get a small midrange as these will play only as a rear fill, nothing more. Reason behind this? When you watch a concert, or a live band playing at a bar, do you hear any sound coming from behind? Or listen to them facing the rear? I guess not... All the sound are coming from the stage which is your front, so why should it differ from your car? Your dashboard will be your stage, you and the rest of the passenger will be the audience. Beefing up on a properly installed, properly tuned separates will give you a "sound stage" that will mimic the real thing. No need to spend money on your rear speakers because more often it "defeats" the sound of your front speakers, leaving the impression of either it's coming form the back or your stage is in hte middle of your car.

For the specs, it always boils down to your working budget. Make sure you include the cost of materials such as wiring, deadening, box (and woodworks - optional) plus the labor of your installer (if not DIY). If you know some that has an audio setup, try to listen to them and ask the "traits" of their system so you'll be familiar with what's in the market vis-a-vis with what you want. Should you look for warm sounds, or are you a "bright" listener? Difference of cheap brands with the costly ones, etc.

And the last thing, go to a reputable installer, don't go to those who will drown you with gibberish talk and technicalities, trying to sell you their products and not providing you what you want. It always has to be your choice, not the available product that they have or the promo that they give. A good installer will just give you an option, but if what you want is not in his lineup, he should inform you that you get what you want and they will just install them for you. Avoid being an impulse buyer, your money (hard earned or not) should still be spent wisely. Don't do the same mistake as most of "us" did, we learned the "hard way".

just my 2 cent.

**SEALANDER** · November 27th, 2011 10:32 AM

Has anyone of you guys did an audio setup for the Innova? Just want to ask kung meron auxiliary jack (pre-out) yung head unit? Would like to install an amplifier to drive the subwoofer and separates. TIA

**nnayr** · November 27th, 2011 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by Fotonista

I'm no Guru, but as far as my experience goes and from what I am reading on your post, I'd say you are leaning towards the SQ to LNC route. If you we're to ask me, I'd focus on building my front stage as clean and clear as possible. I'd scrap the 6X9's and amplified sub is a no-no. If you really want a "realistic experience" then go for separates (2 way or 3 way) and a sealed sub (if space is an issue). Get a 4ch AMP to power your front seps and bridge the two channels for your sub, then you are all set. No more rear speakers, if you still insist in having so, just get a small midrange as these will play only as a rear fill, nothing more. Reason behind this? When you watch a concert, or a live band playing at a bar, do you hear any sound coming from behind? Or listen to them facing the rear? I guess not... All the sound are coming from the stage which is your front, so why should it differ from your car? Your dashboard will be your stage, you and the rest of the passenger will be the audience. Beefing up on a properly installed, properly tuned separates will give you a "sound stage" that will mimic the real thing. No need to spend money on your rear speakers because more often it "defeats" the sound of your front speakers, leaving the impression of either it's coming form the back or your stage is in hte middle of your car.

For the specs, it always boils down to your working budget. Make sure you include the cost of materials such as wiring, deadening, box (and woodworks - optional) plus the labor of your installer (if not DIY). If you know some that has an audio setup, try to listen to them and ask the "traits" of their system so you'll be familiar with what's in the market vis-a-vis with what you want. Should you look for warm sounds, or are you a "bright" listener? Difference of cheap brands with the costly ones, etc.

And the last thing, go to a reputable installer, don't go to those who will drown you with gibberish talk and technicalities, trying to sell you their products and not providing you what you want. It always has to be your choice, not the available product that they have or the promo that they give. A good installer will just give you an option, but if what you want is not in his lineup, he should inform you that you get what you want and they will just install them for you. Avoid being an impulse buyer, your money (hard earned or not) should still be spent wisely. Don't do the same mistake as most of "us" did, we learned the "hard way".

just my 2 cent.

Good day!

Pardon me with the use of the word, Sir Fotonista. I'm not mocking you or anyone else here. I just have this attitude that looks up and have high respects to people who can provide knowledge to those who are in need of it. Believe me, your 2 cents are worth a hundred more to me. And I'm very grateful.

Anyways, maybe I wasn't clear with what I said about "wanted a more acoustic type of music (like they are playing right in front of me) inside the car" thingy. What I meant was I'd like to experience music like the artists are playing right inside the car. Crystal clear and instruments defined even at low volume. By the way, I listen to any kind of music as long as I'm satisfied with it (eg. hard/slow rock, heavy metal, rap, alternative...etc.). Depends really on my mood, if I'm really late for work, I want my music to be fast and thumpin' (SQL type) and when I'm just going out and having a fun drive, I want it slow so I can sing with it (SQ type). Hehehe.

Oh, I looked at my front Pioneer speakers yesterday and searched the net. It looks like the one on the left.
Pioneer TS-A1365 (tsa1365) 5-1/4" Speakers - Sonic Electronix
I know these are not seps but having a tight budget, I'm gonna use these for the mean time. So, what do you suggest I will do for now Sir Fotonista? Do I still have to put 6 x 9's at the back seat or scrap the idea? What could be the best alternative? Amps? Subs?

It's a wild idea but here goes. What if I will put the working front speakers at the back and just get the seps you were suggesting, placed in front and have everything rewired? Problem is, I don't know if the front speakers will cover the hole at the back. Then again, considering what you told me, it's not a bad idea though, huh?

Hoping for the soonest response from you guys again. It's getting me excited! Hehehe. =)

**userfriendly** · November 27th, 2011 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by SEALANDER

Has anyone of you guys did an audio setup for the Innova? Just want to ask kung meron auxiliary jack (pre-out) yung head unit? Would like to install an amplifier to drive the subwoofer and separates. TIA

Walang rca ang hu ng innova. You can use a line out converter (dont know how much). Or you can use an amp with speaker level inputs.

**jhnkvn** · November 28th, 2011 08:46 AM

*SEALANDER

Roughly all of the stock head units out in the market uses speaker level inputs. In fact, I think ALL of the stock head units out in the market uses speaker level inputs. Which isn't technically bad as speaker level inputs are completely isolated from ground. If you're planning to add in an amplifier, get a LO converter just as userfriendly said or use an amplifier with speaker level inputs (not many out in the market has them)

*nnyar

Most of what Fotonista suggested is good ;) although I find that you're like me.. a pure SQ guy. A SQ car is a car which in its strictest sense has a good soundstage, balanced sound spectrum, detail, timbre, any audio terms you can chuck at it. SQ is flexible.. the only thing it doesn't have is the ability to be heard 3 blocks away. But any excellent SQ setup can accurately reproduce the tight bass lines of Usher or the string plucks of The Eagles.

However, most of us define SQ within our standards. If you haven't heard a pair of good headphones, you'll be amazed on how limited your standard of sound quality is and once you know your standard, you'd probably stop tuning to the FM like how I do and simply download those 30mb FLAC/loseless files over the internet.

Fotonista suggested a separates for your front-stage over the simple fact that it raises your soundstage from your chest to your ears. We're rather sensitive to the human voice and treble range and a tweeter placement in the dash rather than the doors would heighten your soundstage to ear-level for that "stage up front" feeling. But trust me, if you can slap a 6x9 in your A-pillars and won't care about its appearance, it sounds beautiful. One of the finest sound engineers I know in the country uses this setup :D

A proper soundstage is properly defined as a "stage at your front". With the center of the soundstage at the center of the dashboard (some like it in front of them.. but that isn't the center of the stage technically) and the more it "imaginary" extends up to the hood (stage depth), the more points you rack in sound competitions.

If you haven't heard a proper SQ car, I suggest you do. And if you're really into SQ, the biggest change would possibly by changing your head unit to a head unit with time alignment (cheapest is Alpine CDA-9887.. around 12k retail) as time alignment alone is like "magic" getting rid of the need for independent left and right EQ and gain tuning and optimal speaker positions (there's a reason why kickpanels are so popular back in the 1980s). I've heard properly tuned Targa speakers (Php2-3k) sound better than Focal's entry-level 165A1 Access line (9k retail)

Depending on how much your budget is, I'd say you're better off using a amplified headphone at home. I daresay I get the 70% of the sound quality of my 200k ICE setup on my 13k portable hi-fi setup at home. If you're somewhere in Metro Manila, I could always point your to places where you can audition cars with excellent SQ setups, but kung taga La Union ka like what your Tsikot location suggests.... err... I'd have to pass :D

**nnayr** · November 30th, 2011 01:58 AM

Wwhhoooaaa...nicely explained, Sir jhnkvn. If only I have limitless money to spare, I would do what you and Sir Fotonista were suggesting. Who wouldn't be? Sad to say but I am stuck with the gadgets I said that I have right now. The only thing that I can do for now is to buy what can be paired with what I already have to improve the listening experience or make it a little closer to that SQ environment.

My place is just a small city. We only have at least 4-5 car shops (I think). They only sell a handful of items and of course, limitations on choices follow. Some shops here only sell. They don't satisfy. And as end-consumers, we often go home scratching our heads

. Some even go as far as adding P1,000 to their prices as compared to online prices

. Too much, don't you think?

Anyways, I have friends (who have lots of money than I) who have SQ set ups. But I rarely see them because of my work (I'm a male nurse, by the way)

. Wide awake in the evening and asleep in the morning. And due to budget constraints (you'll have an idea of how much we earn if you watch the evening news), I tend to get gadgets that are within the boundaries of my savings.

Well then, uhm, before I replied here, I went out awhile ago and decided to buy the 400watt 6x9 Pioneer and had it set up at the back. Also, I decided that I will buy seps and change the front 6" coaxials later if I have saved enough for it. Would that be a good move? I saw a/d/s seps and Ryan Audio seps that will probably fit my budget (costs less than P3k) but I don't know if they will sound that good enough for me. The shop owner told me that he will get some MB Quart seps soon and will know the price. Are those brands fine or can you suggest other budget-friendly brands? Higher priced seps... I can manage but it will take me some time to save for it. Oh, i took my set-up for a spin awhile ago. Sounded nice but I felt there was still something missing. Thought it was just the settings and messed up with it but still lacks the SQ experience.

For now, that's my next project. Hoping I made the right move to buy the 6x9's (though Sir Fotonista don't approve of it. Hehehe. Sorry sir.). And I also hope you won't get bored with all my sad stories and whining here. I'm just excited on giving life back to my sanctuary. Glad to hear from you guys soon.