Kiwi's & Aussies - Audio advice, Looking for down under audio advice Options

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

Hey guys,

I realise that there are other topics here on what speakers to get and what not, but the problem is, that in our part of the world, there are a lot of different brands that dominate the market. So what I'm wanting to know from other Kiwis (or possibly even Aussies), is what kind of brands are reccommended?

I've got a Pioneer head unit (DEH-P7650 - got it dirt cheap), and what I think are stock speakers, with a couple of tweeters. What I'm wanting to do, is replace everything that is in there (apart from the HU), and add a sub. Any suggestions on what kind of speakers & how many, brands/kinds of amps and how many, and also, around how much would I be looking to get it installed? Any Kiwis know of any good places?

I mainly listen to rap/hip hop with some R&B, but do crank out the odd Nirvana tune every once and a while, so I suppose I would be looking for a bit of bass. And also, I hate it when stuff rattles when I crank up what I've got, is there any way to lessen/eliminate this?

My budget is $2500 (NZD - inc install), but I suppose I could push up on that if it is reccommended. But like anyone else, I would like to save money wherever possible, without sacrificing quality of course. Also, keep in mind I'm not looking for competition level sounds or anything, just something I can crank up with it still sounding clear with low distortion.

All help appreciated.

Cheers.

[Scarrell]

i dont know what a Kiwi is(aside from a fruit). but ill put out my two cents on the subject. brands too look at to replace your stock speakers are. CDT, Focal, Rainbow, MB Quart, Infinity, JL Audio. for a single sub look into Memphis, CDT, Focal, Arc Audio, JL Audio, Kicker, Adire Audio, Resonant Engineering, Elemental Design, TREO, Orion. amplifiers for these speakers and subs look into JL Audio, Memphis, US Amps, Zapco, Xtant, JBL(cheaper but awesome qualilty), Arc Audio. you will also want some sound deadening material such as Dynamat, E Dead, RAA MATT(or something like that).

[Ricky]

Scarrell pretty much covered it. However I must add something... if you have a 2500 budget then replace the head unit with a good one. The head unit is really important... that is where the sound is going to originate from...

Subs - JL Audio
Front - MB Quartz
rear - MB Quartz

Amps - try a HC amp. most of the HC amps are really good.

X-over - use the ones with the separates

Subwoofer control - Make sure you have a sub control.

[6gcs3nz]

I agree with Ricky. If your HU is not decsent (ie. putting out atleast 50w per channel) then spending money on good speakers/woofers will not show you the results you want for the money spent.

I know people have different opinions when it comes to naming brands. From what I've come across in the NZ market: JVC, Kenwood and Philip HU's are super, but be willing to spend atleast $350-400 for a decent set that should get you basic CD player w/50x4ch output.

I also know sometimes having a hybrid setup is not everyones taste but again, speakers - go with Pioneer. Their Mid range and 6x9's are rock solid for providing major thump for Hip Hop trax with very little to near no distortion at high volumes.

Subs: DO NOT touch Sony. Utter worthless POS IMO. For major big bass kicks get either a Kenwood or Fusion. If you like the really low freq. and the droning BMMMMMMMmmmmm as you drive by....I'd start by looking @ 12". If you can, try pricing a box for it from http://www.trademe.co.nz to make things more affordable. There are good enclosures that ppl have already made.

Also check out http://www.drivingsound.co.nz for retail prices to give you a heads up on what the car-audio $$$ scene is like at the moment. They're a good benchmark for price comparison to show you if you're getting a bargain from elsewhere in NZ.

Anyway - hope this helps. I'm intending on juicing up my system next year, so its awesome to see a fellow 6GC on the track ahead of me. Hope it works out well. Send PICS of the progress if you can

[Scarrell]

JVC has a high failure rate as does Sony. Philips is cheap. and Kenwood is mediocre. think twice and buy once. Pioneer is also mediocre but their Premier line is awesome. also a cd player doesnt put out 50x4. in reality it will put out 12-25rms or so. enough to push regular 2 way speakers, but not enough to run a component set. if he wants the better imaging he will need component sets. if he does want speakers then he will want a 4 channel amp so they will perform at their top ability. otherwise he can settle for a mediocre sound and all around stereo. anyone can have bass, but it takes time and money to have a great system. as i said. think twice. and buy once. in the end it is up to you.

[6gcs3nz]

well said All system is unique 'cause its unique to the individual. amen.

[neophile]

The company Parallel Imported has been getting some good feedback on the nz car forums recently - all brand name products with warranties: click here

[Scarrell]

since you already have a cd player. from that site, for subs id go with the Kicker Comp VR it is an all around good sub, i wouldnt recommend the Kicker L7, it does get loud and sometimes very loud but it doesnt sound good while doing it. it is more of a SPL sub. but if that is what you want then do it to it. id also recommend the Alpine Type R sub. now on to sub amps, i would recommend the Kicker 600.1 or the Rockford Fosgate P6001. now onto speakers, i would recommend the Infinity 6000cs Component set, or two sets. now on to component amps. i would recommed the JBL GTO4000. with that setup you should be very satisfied

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

Thanks for all your input guys,

[mikew04]

I dont know if i would get lanzar amplifiers... i just baught a JBL 600.1, havent put it in yet, but ive heard nothing but good things about it. I also have a pioneer amp that i love. Components are a pair of woofers (mids) and tweeters, so they would be used for the fronts. Make sure you get a good set that YOU think sound good. And running them off an amplifier will make them sound alot better. As for the HU, just make sure you have enough pre-outs and it has a decent voltage. I think i found the right specs, 3 pre-outs at 2v each? 2v is generally low, but i dont really know anything about that HU so i cant give an opinion. If you want to save some cash, try buying just the front components, and disconnect the rear speakers. They are generally for fill, and you shouldnt really need them. You can also install everything yourself as long as you have the time and the wiring. If you have any questions about that there are so many people here who know what to do.

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

I dont know if i would get lanzar amplifiers...

Yeah, while the site was down I was doing a bit of research and found that not a lot of people thought highly of them. As for the HU, I think you have the right one, it says it has 3 pairs RCA output, but I couldn't see anything about voltage.

Just out of curiosity though, what kind of HU is recommended? Through the feedback so far, I think I may replace it later on down the line, although I'm not immediately troubled by it. I was checking out the Pioneer DEH-P9650MP which has 3 6.5 volt preouts..... any opinions?

Anyone have opinions on Rockford Fosgate amps? I've heard good things about them, as well as being relatively inexpensive... Again, all help appreciated.

Cheers.

[importceli]

i think a really solid set up for that price would b ur head unit (most likely fine if not abused)
sub amp - JL or eclipse 500-600.1 amp gonna b a mono amp
sub - JL 10 or 12w6v2 (highly recomended) very nice rounded out sound but also has that extra punch to it if you need it
speakers - mb quarts are great just gotta pick if ur gonna go reference or pro but great overall speakers(highly recomended)
speaker amp - multi-channel you can prob run about 120 rms to the mb's and you'll b fine so an amp that could run 120x4 would b perfect or something around there

should get you set up nicely

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

i think a really solid set up for that price would b ur head unit (most likely fine if not abused)
sub amp - JL or eclipse 500-600.1 amp gonna b a mono amp
sub - JL 10 or 12w6v2 (highly recomended) very nice rounded out sound but also has that extra punch to it if you need it
speakers - mb quarts are great just gotta pick if ur gonna go reference or pro but great overall speakers(highly recomended)
speaker amp - multi-channel you can prob run about 120 rms to the mb's and you'll b fine so an amp that could run 120x4 would b perfect or something around there

should get you set up nicely
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Thanks for the help dude, but down here we don't get JL or mb (unless an NZer can point me in the right direction), and I've only found one JBL amp, which is the GTO4000. I've found a NZ eclipse audio site, so that looks promising - any specific amp model #'s to look for?

I'll list the main brands we have down here:

Alpine, Clarion, Cliff Designs, Kenwood, Kicker, Lanzar, MA audio, Pioneer, Profile, Rockford Fosgate, Sony, Soundstorm, Phillips, and Fusion.

If anyone could give tips/opinions on the above brands, that would be great.

Cheers.

This post has been edited by drizzt_stylez_nz: Nov 14, 2004 - 3:26 PM

[Scarrell]

stay away from Cliff Design, Lanzar and Kenwood, MA Audio, Profile, Soundstorm, Phillips, and Sony it is all cheap made crap. what kind of car do you have? and what kind of sound are you looking for exactly? some good SQ/SQL?

[importceli]

hmm drizz there's no way to ship the stuff out there? from maybe a website or something? b/c thats what i would do if i were you just like scarrell said those r the ones u should stay away from other than that u should b safe. check and see if you can import somethin tho.

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

I have a 97 SSII Hatchback. Thanks for the tips, I'll check around and see about importing - I'm sure I could, but prices to ship from the U.S to NZ are generally very expensive, and would most likely push my budget over the limit. I'll check it out though and get back to you guys.

Cheers.

edit: Sorry Scarrell - not sure what sq/sql is (apart from an sql script on the computer )

This post has been edited by drizzt_stylez_nz: Nov 17, 2004 - 7:38 AM

[ShadowFX]

you could always try shipping from some aus stores to nz

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

you could always try shipping from some aus stores to nz
[right][snapback]208944[/snapback][/right]

Any store/site suggestions? My sister lives in Adelaide, so I could maybe get them sent to her to save a bit. And my parents are going across to visit her, so I could get them to take whatever I buy back with them Sorted!

Cheers.

[6gcs3nz]

Hey bro

I won't be able to tell you prices etc. but here are some local links that might help:

http://www.caraudioproducts.co.nz/jlaudio.html

http://www.donsautopages.co.nz/audio&stereo.htm

Hope this helps... Also don't be afraid to use the Yellow Pages

[ShadowFX]

haha good old yellow pages. i can never find performance stores through it though.. i talked to my mate who is pretty into his car audio, he said there anrent any really great car audio stores online is Australia.. im still looking around for you though