Quote Originally Posted by nnayr View Post
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.