Disgusted With My Stereo: Help Me Plan a Better One

Roguls · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 02:46:27 PM

I have a Cd43 with H/K and upgraded BSW mids. That's it. I want something better, and want to build a clean sounding, clean looking system.

I need iPod - I can't stand not having it, especially since there are good solutions out there (none for the CD43, though - don't tell me DICE...).

I'm thinking two options, and I have questions and would like input from you guys.

H/U will be Alpine. Probably 9887. I'm biting the bullet and giving up on an uber-clean factory look. This hurts, but I want a great sounding system. Sacrifices must be made.

Now, speakers: I was thinking of just getting the BSW Rainbow set and powering them with an Alpine amp (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPF...00.html?tp=115). That would be my simplest option.

Another option would be to replace the fronts with a component set of my choice, delete the rears, and build a custom sub for the trunk.

Questions:

Amp install location...where is a good spot in the coupe?

Subwoofer: what do you think about one of pioneer's shallow subs mounted to the back of fold-down rear seats? I want to keep the system small and simple.

WRXEATR · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:06:46 PM

Sorry to hear about your unhappiness.

I'll gladly take that CD43 and your h&k speakers off your hands for you. They're not worth anything anymore anyways; you might as well just send 'em to me man.

**PurduinaM3** · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:40:05 PM

Alpine is your best option as far as iPod connectivity goes. You'll love the 9887; I've got the 9886 which is essentially the same thing without the built in EQ. I have an old iPod video hooked up to it in the glove box that is controlled through the headunit at all times and is automatically charged. The software for the iPod is the best I've used to date - 3 line screen makes it easy to see what you're looking for, and the percentage scroll helps out too. Obviously if you're browsing for a single song out of 2000+ in the library it might take a while, but I'm extremely organized with my playlists so I havent' had any problems. I also have an Aux cord that shoots through the hole above the sunglass holder in case I've got friends in the car that want to use their iPods/MP3 under their own control. It also has a USB input that sits in my glovebox for external HDD's or flash drives, so the options for it are pretty endless. It's also Satellite/HD radio ready, and same with bluetooth. Doesn't look stock at all, but for all the features it just cannot be beat.

As for my setup, I run older MB Quart Premium components up front (before they were bought out and went mainstream) and then 4" MB Quart coaxials in the rear deck (just filler speakers for anyone sitting in the back seat, dialed in so that you can't even notice them from the front). They're both powered by a JL Audio 300/4 amp, and then I've got a nice 10" JL Audio W7 powered by a 500/1 in the rear. Best setup I've heard by far in our cars, but not cheap to replicate.

Unfortunately, I've been out of the game for a few years, and this was actually a system that was built for my old car and just transfered over with a new box/amp rack. I know that back in the day, Infinity Kappa's were the best for the money, and Focal's were the best period if money was no option. I'd ask around to see whats good now-a-days and just run some good components up front and power them with a good matching amp. As far as a sub, anything small will work, and its really up to you as far as what you want sound wise and how much space you're willing to compromise (sealed, ported, open, etc).

If you have any more questions just post them up and I'd be happy to help; most people on here are against anything other than a CD43 and BSW's so not sure how much more help you'll get. With the amount of driving I do, and how much I love music, I like having a good sounding setup to listen to. To each his own.

shaeff · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:46:54 PM

^ That's a great post. I've been trying to pull the trigger on an Alpine deck, but I just hate the looks of it. (I'm not one of the "stock is best" people, but the Alpine decks just look unappealing to me)

And I don't want to mount it in the stock location either- I want to put gauges there. That's why I haven't done anything yet.

EauNatural · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:52:01 PM

Simple, clean sounding system:

Headunit - Alpine 9887
Front stage - 2-way component system of your choice (what sounds good to you)
Amp: Alpine PDX-5 or even a PDX 4.150 will work
Single 12" in small sealed box

Feed your component set a lot of juice by bridging the 4 channels out of the PDX.5 and using the 5th channel for your sub. Or get the 4.150 and use it as 3-channel amp. You can also use other amps of course but these amps seem to be good value nowadays plus it matches your 9887

I think you have many better options than the Pioneer shallow sub you mentioned. Elemental Designs has good products that are very fairly priced as well..

For your amp, mount it under your rear deck. Some people do upside down to save even more space but you can also build compact amp rack that suspends it.

Btw, in choosing your front components.. I had the old Focal 165K2's in my old car. I powered them with a JL 300/2. They sounded badass, loud and CLEAR but they were just a little too bright for me. I would pick a component set that uses a silk tweeter as opposed to a metal one for more warmth. But this all depends on what you listen too. Some people like bright.

Roguls · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 04:26:33 PM

Purduina and EuNatural,

how did you mount the sub? I actually have an old 10w3 that I could use, but the box it is in is just monstrous (old SubZero box, iirc); I'm looking for something not so obtrusive - I like trunk space. I'm perfectly capable of building the box, I just don't want to engineer anything; I know there are tried and true systems out there.

I may be leaning toward cdt components in front; definitely looking for a silk tweeter.

And those PDX amps look amazing, but they are expensive...will they really make that much of a difference?

Edit: wow, the Elemental Designs SQ10 looks perfect; .3 cube ft. enclosure? Awesome. I think that is going to be the winner...good components up front with that in back; where should I mount the sub?

Roguls · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 04:28:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WRXEATR

Sorry to hear about your unhappiness.

I'll gladly take that CD43 and your h&k speakers off your hands for you. They're not worth anything anymore anyways; you might as well just send 'em to me man.

Obviously I will be selling the CD43 to subsidize the cost of my system.

///M Kevin · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 05:13:22 PM

There are several ways you want to do this, depending on your budget. First of all, head units are really all subjective especially when it comes to its design. Find one that has all the bells and whistle that you want. Since you mentioned Ipod capability, Alpine makes a really good one. I used to have the IDA-X001 in one of my cars and if you strictly listen to MP3 music through the Ipod, then this would be the ideal deck for you. Here's the bad news. Alpine doesn't make this particular HU anymore but they do have follow-up models. However I'm not to keen on the current design. if the IDA is not the one for you, I would stay with Alpine because it's still one of the best HU companies out there.

As for speakers, go get yourself a Focal K2P component for the front door. If money is not an issue, buy some cheap Focal coaxial for the rear. The reason why you don't want to spend so much for the back is because the speakers are mainly there for rear fill. Put all your money toward a good set in the front because that's where it will make a difference. As for your sub, depending on the rye of music that you listen to, JL and Focal are the two I would recommend. If you listen mainly hip ho and you want that bass, go with the JL. I had a JL 12W6 before I changed over to Focal KW13 because the Focal has a cleaner sound and it's more suitable to an audiophile person. I placed my sub facing through the ski pass but the other cheap way is to buy the JL prowedged box from JL themselves. There's also the option of seal vs. bandpass box.

Finally for amps, depending on extravagent you want it, the best way fir me is to mount it up side down under the rear deck. I'm not sure how much space is in the E36 but I know of a few E46 guys who use that spot to mount their amps so it doesn't take up their trunk space. As for the type if amps, I like to go with Audison or Arc Audio. There are many high end amps out there but these are the two I'm familiar with the most. If money is an issue, JL amps will do the job. The ideal setup is to get a 4 ch. amp to run your components and a mono amp to run your sub or you can get one 5 ch. amp

well I hope I didn't confuse you more. Good luck on your project.

WRXEATR · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 05:18:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roguls

Obviously I will be selling the CD43 to subsidize the cost of my system.

I know man, I was just playin......

How much you want? I'm interested pending details on price.

Roguls · Sun, Aug-09-2009, 05:21:39 PM

Kev, you didn't confuse me at all.

I am definitely doing the system on a budget. High end anything is kind of out of the question. Those Focals, at 400 bucks, look awesome. But CDT has great component sets for under 200: http://www.woofersetc.com/p4609/CL51...t-Speakers.htm

Can a 1" tweeter fit in the stock location?

There are so many damn options.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 02:46:27 PM	#1
Roguls Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 195 Reputation: 0 Location: Newburgh	Disgusted With My Stereo: Help Me Plan a Better One I have a Cd43 with H/K and upgraded BSW mids. That's it. I want something better, and want to build a clean sounding, clean looking system. I need iPod - I can't stand not having it, especially since there are good solutions out there (none for the CD43, though - don't tell me DICE...). I'm thinking two options, and I have questions and would like input from you guys. H/U will be Alpine. Probably 9887. I'm biting the bullet and giving up on an uber-clean factory look. This hurts, but I want a great sounding system. Sacrifices must be made. Now, speakers: I was thinking of just getting the BSW Rainbow set and powering them with an Alpine amp (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500MRPF...00.html?tp=115). That would be my simplest option. Another option would be to replace the fronts with a component set of my choice, delete the rears, and build a custom sub for the trunk. Questions: Amp install location...where is a good spot in the coupe? Subwoofer: what do you think about one of pioneer's shallow subs mounted to the back of fold-down rear seats? I want to keep the system small and simple. __________________ Roguls New York

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:52:01 PM	#5
EauNatural Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 626 Reputation: 0 Location: NYC	Simple, clean sounding system: Headunit - Alpine 9887 Front stage - 2-way component system of your choice (what sounds good to you) Amp: Alpine PDX-5 or even a PDX 4.150 will work Single 12" in small sealed box Feed your component set a lot of juice by bridging the 4 channels out of the PDX.5 and using the 5th channel for your sub. Or get the 4.150 and use it as 3-channel amp. You can also use other amps of course but these amps seem to be good value nowadays plus it matches your 9887 I think you have many better options than the Pioneer shallow sub you mentioned. Elemental Designs has good products that are very fairly priced as well.. For your amp, mount it under your rear deck. Some people do upside down to save even more space but you can also build compact amp rack that suspends it. Btw, in choosing your front components.. I had the old Focal 165K2's in my old car. I powered them with a JL 300/2. They sounded badass, loud and CLEAR but they were just a little too bright for me. I would pick a component set that uses a silk tweeter as opposed to a metal one for more warmth. But this all depends on what you listen too. Some people like bright. __________________ E36 ///M3/4/5 Arctic Silver on Black - The Latest & Greatest E46 ///M3 Carbon Black on Black - The Former "If you haven't tried, you haven't lived" Last edited by EauNatural; Sun, Aug-09-2009 at 03:57:12 PM.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 04:26:33 PM	#6
Roguls Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 195 Reputation: 0 Location: Newburgh	Purduina and EuNatural, how did you mount the sub? I actually have an old 10w3 that I could use, but the box it is in is just monstrous (old SubZero box, iirc); I'm looking for something not so obtrusive - I like trunk space. I'm perfectly capable of building the box, I just don't want to engineer anything; I know there are tried and true systems out there. I may be leaning toward cdt components in front; definitely looking for a silk tweeter. And those PDX amps look amazing, but they are expensive...will they really make that much of a difference? Edit: wow, the Elemental Designs SQ10 looks perfect; .3 cube ft. enclosure? Awesome. I think that is going to be the winner...good components up front with that in back; where should I mount the sub? __________________ Roguls New York Last edited by Roguls; Sun, Aug-09-2009 at 04:45:43 PM.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 05:13:22 PM	#8
///M Kevin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 12,533 Reputation: 0 Location: Bay Area	There are several ways you want to do this, depending on your budget. First of all, head units are really all subjective especially when it comes to its design. Find one that has all the bells and whistle that you want. Since you mentioned Ipod capability, Alpine makes a really good one. I used to have the IDA-X001 in one of my cars and if you strictly listen to MP3 music through the Ipod, then this would be the ideal deck for you. Here's the bad news. Alpine doesn't make this particular HU anymore but they do have follow-up models. However I'm not to keen on the current design. if the IDA is not the one for you, I would stay with Alpine because it's still one of the best HU companies out there. As for speakers, go get yourself a Focal K2P component for the front door. If money is not an issue, buy some cheap Focal coaxial for the rear. The reason why you don't want to spend so much for the back is because the speakers are mainly there for rear fill. Put all your money toward a good set in the front because that's where it will make a difference. As for your sub, depending on the rye of music that you listen to, JL and Focal are the two I would recommend. If you listen mainly hip ho and you want that bass, go with the JL. I had a JL 12W6 before I changed over to Focal KW13 because the Focal has a cleaner sound and it's more suitable to an audiophile person. I placed my sub facing through the ski pass but the other cheap way is to buy the JL prowedged box from JL themselves. There's also the option of seal vs. bandpass box. Finally for amps, depending on extravagent you want it, the best way fir me is to mount it up side down under the rear deck. I'm not sure how much space is in the E36 but I know of a few E46 guys who use that spot to mount their amps so it doesn't take up their trunk space. As for the type if amps, I like to go with Audison or Arc Audio. There are many high end amps out there but these are the two I'm familiar with the most. If money is an issue, JL amps will do the job. The ideal setup is to get a 4 ch. amp to run your components and a mono amp to run your sub or you can get one 5 ch. amp well I hope I didn't confuse you more. Good luck on your project. __________________ 2006 BMW M3 2007 Porsche GT3 Last edited by ///M Kevin; Sun, Aug-09-2009 at 05:18:03 PM.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 05:21:39 PM	#10
Roguls Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 195 Reputation: 0 Location: Newburgh	Kev, you didn't confuse me at all. I am definitely doing the system on a budget. High end anything is kind of out of the question. Those Focals, at 400 bucks, look awesome. But CDT has great component sets for under 200: http://www.woofersetc.com/p4609/CL51...t-Speakers.htm Can a 1" tweeter fit in the stock location? There are so many damn options. __________________ Roguls New York

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:06:46 PM	#2
WRXEATR The Frugal and Outspoken One Join Date: Feb 2008 Age: 26 Posts: 2,573 Reputation: 0 Location: Orlando (Metro West), FL	Sorry to hear about your unhappiness. I'll gladly take that CD43 and your h&k speakers off your hands for you. They're not worth anything anymore anyways; you might as well just send 'em to me man.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:40:05 PM	#3
PurduinaM3 Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Age: 27 Posts: 15,677 In the garage: '98 BMW M3 '05 AUDI A4 Reputation: 0 Location: White Plains, NY	Alpine is your best option as far as iPod connectivity goes. You'll love the 9887; I've got the 9886 which is essentially the same thing without the built in EQ. I have an old iPod video hooked up to it in the glove box that is controlled through the headunit at all times and is automatically charged. The software for the iPod is the best I've used to date - 3 line screen makes it easy to see what you're looking for, and the percentage scroll helps out too. Obviously if you're browsing for a single song out of 2000+ in the library it might take a while, but I'm extremely organized with my playlists so I havent' had any problems. I also have an Aux cord that shoots through the hole above the sunglass holder in case I've got friends in the car that want to use their iPods/MP3 under their own control. It also has a USB input that sits in my glovebox for external HDD's or flash drives, so the options for it are pretty endless. It's also Satellite/HD radio ready, and same with bluetooth. Doesn't look stock at all, but for all the features it just cannot be beat. As for my setup, I run older MB Quart Premium components up front (before they were bought out and went mainstream) and then 4" MB Quart coaxials in the rear deck (just filler speakers for anyone sitting in the back seat, dialed in so that you can't even notice them from the front). They're both powered by a JL Audio 300/4 amp, and then I've got a nice 10" JL Audio W7 powered by a 500/1 in the rear. Best setup I've heard by far in our cars, but not cheap to replicate. Unfortunately, I've been out of the game for a few years, and this was actually a system that was built for my old car and just transfered over with a new box/amp rack. I know that back in the day, Infinity Kappa's were the best for the money, and Focal's were the best period if money was no option. I'd ask around to see whats good now-a-days and just run some good components up front and power them with a good matching amp. As far as a sub, anything small will work, and its really up to you as far as what you want sound wise and how much space you're willing to compromise (sealed, ported, open, etc). If you have any more questions just post them up and I'd be happy to help; most people on here are against anything other than a CD43 and BSW's so not sure how much more help you'll get. With the amount of driving I do, and how much I love music, I like having a good sounding setup to listen to. To each his own.

Sun, Aug-09-2009, 03:46:54 PM	#4
shaeff Maintenance FTW Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 840 Reputation: 0 Location: Tivoli	^ That's a great post. I've been trying to pull the trigger on an Alpine deck, but I just hate the looks of it. (I'm not one of the "stock is best" people, but the Alpine decks just look unappealing to me) And I don't want to mount it in the stock location either- I want to put gauges there. That's why I haven't done anything yet.

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