Coming from the home 2-channel stereo camp, I have high expectations for sound quality. I want the sound to be balanced, which rules out the need for massive subs. I went to Best Buy to get an idea of entry level. I sampled their most expensive 6.5" speakers, which were around $250/pair and I wasn't happy with the sound, however, I already expected this. I just wanted to get an idea of where things stand.

After spending six hours surfing the net it seems that most people think that Focal makes the best speakers. I was happy to read this because I'm very familiar with the Focal JMLabs speakers for home stereo. They are among the best in the world.

As for amp, I've seen JL ranked as among the best.

Here is what I'm considering for my Acura 1.7 EL, factory everything:

- Focal Utopia 165 W
- JL 300/2
- ? HU

Unfortunately there is nowhere I can go to audition this combo so my questions for you great folks...

1. Will I be happy with 2 channels instead of 4? (no rears)

2. Will I be happy with the base response?

3. If not, can I add a musical, ie: not boomy, sub? (presumably, a Focal Utopia 11" would integrate best, or is that too much for a balanced system?)

4. What kind of HU should I get? I'm interested in a single slot CD, not flip down style, *high quality DAC*, simple display (no crazy moving/flashing graphics etc). MP3 playback is not needed but I'm guessing that its standard these days.

5. My Acura has no holes for the tweeter. What are my options for placement?

I'm hoping to buy from here/ebay/used, and spend about $1000 in the end, maybe more if I decide that I need a sub.

Thanks for your input!!

woow.. good luck iwth this man! be sweet all said and done.

neway, why not try out some DLS speakers? i have heard good about them! for head units for whatver reson the higher end sony ones are good? [img]graemlins/freak.gif[/img] i duno much about sq world.. but i like sound. my moral's sound wicked BTW as well.. i have interga 6's, coaxials.


Livin Loud

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The cleanest looking / sounding head unit currently available is, in my opinion, the Clarion DRZ9255.

In terms of quality sound for the dollar, I think it'd be hard to beat.

Wow, it looks nice but I'm concerned about spending $1100 (all in) on just the HU. As little as I know about car stereo, it would seem to me that the HU is the easiest component to steal. Also, electronics slowly change whereas speakers and amps haven't changed much in decades. I'm confident that I could use the focal speakers and the JL amp in 5 years on my next car, but can't say the same for any HU.

Are their cheaper alternatives?

Champagne taste on a micro beer budget welcome to SQ hell... LOL

The used market is a crap shoot (or is it poop shoot) anyway it is not a known quantity and I would urge caution. Remember car audio is more likely driven to its limits than home audio. As in home audio support your local dealer, they ARE your best friends when it comes to equipment pricing and warrantees.

We have no idea of your musical tastes, or your actual demands on the system. Life without a subwoofer is harder in a car than at home.

Dave mentioned a great HU but your implied budget prohibits it and many other uber-decks (at this point I would recommend the McIntosh and its good looks!) There are MANY awesome sounding products from big name manufacturers (Pioneer, Eclipse, Clarion, Alpine) and products that aren’t bad at all from 'lesser' names (Panasonic, JVC, Kenwood, etc.). BUT you have to listen to them and make the value judgment. Many have said, "all HU sound the same" and if that were the case for you get an inexpensive deck... to prove a point I was considering doing SQ competitions with a CD Diskman.

If I were you this would be my plan…I think the speakers primarily determine the sound of the system… 1)What fits in your car? 2) Do you want to modify the car so speakers can go where they don’t belong so the car sounds better? 3)Then LISTEN to the speakers (have you ever actually heard a Focal car speaker?) figure out which one you like (Morel, Eclipse, Sony, MB Quart, JL, McIntosh, Panasonic, Dynaudio, Eton, Alpine, Focal, and this list goes on and on) 4) then build from there. You don’t have to do it this way but it is easiest for a new guy. I am not slamming the plan of Focal/ JL etc but I would never buy on someone else’s opinion of what sounds good!

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I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.

Rockford 8250 may be a cheaper alternative to still have an excellent performing basic needs deck. It does not have a detachable faceplate though but it is a nice unit. Built by Denon.

The JL amps are overpriced in my opinion. There are many well performing units for less money than the JL's. I would look into US Amps as they can usually be found new/used for good prices as a start.

Component wise there are many to chose from also. Don't limit yourself to one brand.

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I think for $1000, it's going to get interesting in being able to meet your objectives. And remember, when buying used, you are taking a risk unless you know who you are buying from and how the stuff was used. That $1000 could end up being a pile of *fizzle* within less then a year.

Does the $1000 include wiring and all the assessories you'll need?

On top of that, as we harp on this forum a lot about (and it's similar in the home audio world), installation is key. You can't just buy good gear and toss it in your Acura and everything will be great. Doesn't work that way. Installation is critical so you better be planning some budget for it. AND, find a good installer if you're not up to speed on doing it yourself.

Finding a Rockford 8250i is an awesome idea. I have one new in the box but I think I'm going to be using it. They went for cheap last sumer on a blow out from Sound Domain. I do believe it was a $2000 deck when it came out. But you should be able to pick one up for a good deal. But I warn you, it has no bells a whistles at all. It's basically just an awesome transport with a radio. It's not removable and doesn't have a detach face.

everything vroom said rings true so i wont repeat him, you cant buy speakers based on others opinions, would you just buy a car because someone said it was great without test driving it first, not likely

there are many great cd palyers out there, you could pick up a lpine cda9835 or cda9833 right now pretty inexspensive, i just sold my last cda9833 for 329, great cd player, 3 way digital x-over, great for subwoofer,midrange, and treble, just like your doing, 5 band parametric eq, time alignment, mp3/wma, sattelite radio ready and so on

good luck

Sounds to me that you need a 5 channel amp.

Dave,

What about the Z1?

Doug

Just read the rest of the thread and since $ are an issue I would think my first comment is null and void.

[ March 23, 2005, 09:04 AM: Message edited by: droy ]