audio set-up for beginners [continued]

[jhnkvn]

Biggest difference is when you install an amplifier and then deaden the doors. As for the cables, don't go for fancy ones.. but don't go for generic ones either. Any "branded" cable would suffice (Firland cables are actually a favorite among the budget crowd)

Deadening your doors before installing an amplifier makes little sense because you can't really crank the volume up. And if you don't crank the volume up, door resonance is actually kept at a minimum. If you install the separates and feel something is "off" or nakukulangan ka, get a 4-channel amplifier then deaden afterwards.

As for the deadening, this depends really. Some cars are resonance-happy while some aren't. Take my Sonata for example.. the doors themselves are fully deadened (in, out, and door panel) but I still experience buzzing sounds. If you take a Starex, kahit hindi mo ipadeaden, it won't rattle as much compared to mine. However, general rule of thumb is that deadening your doors is "sulit" because it improves midbass response.

If you're going to upgrade piece-by-piece:
1. Speakers
2. 4-channel amplifier
3. Deadening
4. Head Unit
5. Subwoofer

4 and 5 can be interchanged depending on taste. If you consider yourself to be a basshead, you'd probably go for the subwoofer first before the head unit replacement. But this is fine since I've heard of people using stock FD HUs with the complete set and it doesn't sound bad at all!

[glenn manikis]

sir jhnkvn.... COMMent naman po sa ampli na AM1850 800 RMS MONO CLASS D, AM4100 MID/HIGH, AT AM480 MID/HIGH.... at 4.4K, 3.7K and 3.5k respectively... naka try na po ba kayo nito?

[jhnkvn]

Nope, I haven't tried nor listened to Lightning Lab amplifiers hence I would refrain from commenting about them.

[garygallardo]

Sir jhnkvn

ok po ba ito para sa monterosport

seps: Focal Polyglass 165 VB
amp: Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4
rear: stock
sub: ??? Di ko pa alam kung ano ang puwede. Medyo kailaingan ko kasi iyong space sa likod.

[jhnkvn]

Who'll be your installer, gary?

Okay naman ako sa speakers. However, the Polyglass lineup has already been phased out as of 2012. The new Focal lineup is the Integration, Performance, K2P, and the Utopias of which the Performance lineup is the direct successor and still uses the glass membrane. Unless shops are giving you a steep discount for it, I would simply go for the Focal PS165 which should be cheaper and also newer.

As for the amplifier, Rockford Fosgate is a solid company but I find their pricing too steep nowadays. I'm also not too fond of 50W * 4ohms and most will find that lacking. I would rather go get the highest nominal RMS you can find at these prices. However, if you want an amplifier that wouldn't give you any headaches, go for it. Mickey Pascual of Mickeys Autosound loves the RF due to that fact alone... lowest defective return rate compared to other brands for him ;)

Considering the budget, try looking at Sonus Enigmas, Sands Davids, Powerbass ASA, and the DC 120.4. Other brands you should also consider is entry-level DLS amplifiers such as the CA41 and CA31. Among these all, I'd give the Sonus Engimas (100x4) a healthy recommendation. All of these recommendations are priced 15k and below at SRP prices.

As for the subwoofer, ask for your installer's opinion regarding it. Tell him you need the space at that back and get his feedback on that. There are many ways on how to tackle this from making a "creative" sub box, using a small bass driver, or simply using shallow-mount subs.

[garygallardo]

Also I'll be using the stock 2 DIN AVT. Would the installer be able to produce a good sound from the stock HU?