Making it count.

[NT05]

Everyone enjoys music and has a different way to enjoy it and express it. In the end your speakers are the tell tale sign of quality that you have brought fourth to the table.

I am an avid Focal speaker user and a Audison BIT processor endorser. These are the heart of my system along with the new digital amps from Alpine. I'm more of an audiophile guy and like clean crisp sound so while I do like strong bass it's not my end result. Here are the pieces I use. Let me know what you think and or if you have questions.

[NT05]

What it looks like when I set up my sound stage from my lap-top.

[NT05]

The best digital amps I've ever used. Never gets hot, small in size and stackable. I have found nothing that compares to this Alpine line of amps. Pure clean clarity.

[sqcomp]

Well this is random.

Not that I disagree...

If I were to do my SQ setup all over again with mainstream components in mind, I'd probably use those Audison Voce amps off a Bit One.

Speakers are so absolutely subjective it's not even worth the debate. It's a Ford vs Chevy vs dodge thing honestly.

[NT05]

Sure, there can always be a speaker debate. But lets face it, there are still those companies that set them self above the rest and to some level even out of reach to the populous. I happen to like Focal for the price range and the upper end quality that you don't see in products like Kicker or the norm you find in Best Buy.

[sqcomp]

I agree, you gave diametrically opposing quality standard brands.

Focal (JM Labs), Morel, Audison, Dynaudio, HAT...they're all inherently engineered to a higher level than Kicker products. Let's compare apples to apples.

The last real Focal vehicle I heard that was great was Nick Wingate's VW at IASCA finals in 2011.

[_S7V7N_]

Diamond Audio, CDT Audio, Phd, Ground Zero, Digital Designs Precision Power (amps).

Kicker is most def out of there League.

[NT05]

Currently I'm using a 3way component set up front from Focal and a 2way Component set in the rear from Focal. My subs are a set of 6.5 JL in the doors and two 10" shallow mount JL in the hatch. Seems to do the job and clarity is up to par for my def-ass.

[sqcomp]

I remember when Diamond Audio was really good...I had their original hex series.

IMHO, the CDT plays too much off their passive crossovers. The issue I truly have is that they play a one size fits all which does NOT work well. This is absolutely why I like active setups. The flexibility to tailor the sound response without having to change out passive crossovers is so much more accurate and quick.

For me at this point, I'm playing with two way sets. I'm not even using a processor at this point. I miss using my Bit One. I can definitely hear the difference...especially in stage height, width and depth. I'm about to put the dual ID8 woofer setup back in the car...it's the same one I used at the world championships. It served me well and only got knocked down two points for the 20Hz extension. Bummer.

I never messed around:

http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/sqcomp/2007%20Toyota%20Yaris%20S/ffd14bcd.jpg

I really used the P-01 for the true 4.99V at full tilt boogie. Sending fire down the lines (having the source at full volume [Voltage] at all times) to the Bit One and using the DRC as a volume knob more than anything is what my primary use for it was.

...and if I have skepticism on the truthfulness of the system, I have nearly two thousand pictures that detail three iterations of the car's builds...

If I was to do it again, I still have my mid range pillar setup that I've tweaked for another championship run. The sail panel tweeter mounts are gorgeous and ready to be used. I feel that I'm just waiting for the proverbial Bat signal to come back in, ruffle some feathers and leave some OGs with a bad case of hemorrhoids after I'm done with them.

[TOLMACH]

I like the alpine pdx series but SQ wise they are not that great imho. They sound kind of flat and a bit lifeless. SQ wise I like alpine ab amps way better.

I am using this guy in my present setup and it sounds very impressive.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PRS-D800-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B006Y44O4O/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1396846870&sr=8-13&keywords=pioneer+two+channel+digital+amp

[TOLMACH]

I like the alpine pdx series but SQ wise they are not that great imho. They sound kind of flat and a bit lifeless. SQ wise I like alpine ab amps way better.

I am using this guy in my present setup and it sounds very impressive.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PRS-D800-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B006Y44O4O/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1396846870&sr=8-13&keywords=pioneer+two+channel+digital+amp

[sqcomp]

Tolm,

throw us some pics of the current setup...

[NT05]

Some how I don't think a 180.00 run of the mill Pioneer amp is even comparable to a 800.00 Alpine Digital series amp. If the system sounds flat try better speakers or a processor. The amp is not going to make it sound flat.

[sqcomp]

Not that I agree or disagree (at least at this point), but we need something to back up both claims (tolm & NT) of better sound...

...or are we talking from a point completely subjective experience?

[sqcomp]

Now, in my experience with amplifiers, it's not the amplifier's power that changes the sound...One can accurately argue the signal Voltage does "change" the sound. Of course that is valid. It changes it with amplitude as that's what we perceive differences in the most accurately IIRC, but that amplitude isn't what we're referring to...

...but rather the crossover section or any on board EQ ability that changes the sound.

This is not all encompassing. What about Butler Tube drivers? "They sound warm!" Of course they do! You're listening to induced distortion...

Take "warm" and rename it "clutter" or "noise" and it doesn't appeal to most. Would I take a stab and run one? Oh hell yes! They have a certain ambiance and/or mystique (very much like running McIntosh amps). Oh but wait, that's all about subjective topics now isn't it?

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-eatdrink033.gif

[NT05]

Good point Sqcomp. I'm still just not under the impression that a 180.00 Pioneer amp is up to the task. May as well buy a kicker.

[sqcomp]

I would tend to agree in a general sense.

What I'm usually going for in my purchase of an amplifier is build quality first, dynamic delivery in terms of Voltage/output, and then features.

For me, I'd be in competition bliss if I could find an amplifier that was simply just that, an amplifier. No bells or whistles to alter the sound. Where I am now...I don't truly give a F what others think. I'll flip on competition mode and eat souls if I choose...

[NT05]

Well, time to get my truck together with a new GPS head unit, so I went with Kenwood for it's use with Garmin maps.

[sqcomp]

What else is going in?

[NT05]

Keeping my truck simple nothing real high end as far as processing or competition is concerned. Using Alpine S series for front and rear speakers and Alpine R separate tweeters up front as well. The Sub is a 10" MB Quart and my amp is a PDX9 from Alpine. Like I said, keeping it simple but still running quality components.

[sqcomp]

I hear that.

I'm going the opposite way...I'm pulling out a nice set of Alpine 177a x series components from my other car and not replacing anything back. Getting ready to hear nothing but the engine itself.

[NT05]

The wonderful world of moding, always evolving us to make change. Sometimes it's great just to hear the motor. My turbo car or I should say my toy was always just a great joy to hear and now I'm doing the opposite of you. I'm putting all the high end stuff that I posted at the beginning of this thread in that car.

[NT05]

Here are the subs going in my xb as well as some other goodies:

[sqcomp]

I know those xB platforms can sound REALLY good out of the box. With some slight modification to the stock locations and some processing I was involved with assisting an acquaintance up here win the 2011 IASCA world championship in the Amateur class using his xB as a platform.

[NT05]

That's fantastic man. I just hope to end up with really crisp clean sound. I'm using the 6.5 JL subs in the doors and the JL 10" subs in their own enclosure in the hatch. I think I can create a pretty good set up with them along with my two sets of Focals for front and rear.

The BIT 10 will definitely help with the processing. I'm ready to start my install at the end of the month.

[sqcomp]

With that clean crisp sound, remember that it'll take time to dial in. You won't have perfect sound straight out of the box.

[NT05]

So true, That's the part that can be pain-staking. But no different than tuning a car I guess. Lap top in hand and hours of harmonic balancing....lol.