Top products from r/BuildaCarAVForMe

Alright here we go:

1. DSP's: I've only had experence with a rockford 3sixty.2, but even with that i say that processed audio is exponentially better. That being said, here is what i've gathered are the best DSP's from r/carav. The jbl ms8 which is discontinued but you can find good deals on ebay. The Rockford 3sixty.3 which i personally recommend; and finally the miniDSP with everything added in. You will definitely need some tutorials on EQ'ng and RTA software if you plan on installing these yourself.
   
   
2. Regarding components, you have to go to a audio shop to really get a feel for what you like. Are you fine with mid level components or the audiophile grade? for great mid level i recommend Hertz DSK. For audiophile grade i would go for Morel Tempo's. the coaxials in the rear doors are less important. You can go for some cheaper pioneers which will do the job and still sound good, or find some matching coaxials to your components if you wish.
   
   
3. Go for a 4 channel + a monoblock. I would choose this Cadence D100.4 and a Zapco 1000W rms monoblock. I hope your electrical is decent. If you wish to spend a little extra you can look into a HO alternator or possibly just a bigger audio battery such as XSpower, Kinetik, or Shuriken.
   
   
4. Two tens would be good, but a single twelve would take up less space and not require as much power which is always good. I would get a single Fi SSD which is great for either sealed or ported enclosures. If you want tight bass get a sealed enclosure, if you want to bump hard get a ported box built to specs. Either way, don't buy a prefab, get it custom made.
   
   
5. SOUND DAMPEN EVERYTHING. Dynamat is great and i use it, but many r/carav enthusiasts go for Noico which is also butyl rubber dampener which is much more cost effective. Do your doors, rear deck, and trunk.
   
   overall it should be: $1,880 with everything added in, the most expensive component set, and wire harness. You could spend the extra little bit on a replacement starter battery geared towards audio (the brands i recommended). You will need to double check, but from what i found your alternator outputs 130A, and it should be able to handle up to 1200W comfortably. Set your gains accordingly with a multimeter.
   
   
   Regarding the install, you can do it yourself but it will take much longer than you think it will. With determination and plenty of video tutorials or outside help you can finish it very well. If taking off your cars panels, electrical work, and woodwork/drilling sound daunting, get a professional to install. It can be anywhere from $400-1000 extra depending on what you have them do (component install, DSP programming, sound deadending, amp wiring and install). You can get discounts on labor if you buy stuff from them, so again, please do listen to setups from your local audio shops.

I have a 2012 accord, and the 08-12 have the same body style, so I know what you need and some potential problems you might run into.

You should replace the radio because it'll make a dramatic difference in the sound quality, same with adding an amp. Also, if you want to put quality speakers in, you'll need an amp or you'll risk blowing your speakers.

Problems you'll run into:

• With a new head unit, you'll lose the function of the screen on top, but I think it's a good trade off for the sound quality
  
  
• You can't have speakers in the front doors that are too deep because it'll hit the window, but there are good shallow mount speakers to put there.
  
  
• The back deck WILL rattle, even you you put a good amount of deadener on it, deadener will still help a good amount though. To solve this problem, deaden it, put weather stripping along the back of the deck where it meets the window (I doubled it up where the brake light is back there), and I drilled two small holes from inside the trunk and zip-tied it down around the metal frame under the deck. This worked great for me and I have two 13" subs in a ported box. If you're looking for one 10", it'll definitely work. It might look a little janky, but that's the only way for it to not rattle.
  
  
• To have someone install everything, run the wires, and deaden what you need deadened (which is, at minimum, the front doors and front door panels, rear deck, trunk, trunk lid, and probably the the pillars in the back), you're probably looking at around $300-$600 for about 4-6 hours of work, depending on where you take it to. And some charge more for installing if you didn't buy the parts from them.
  
  In your other post on /r/CarAV, you said you have a couple grand to spend, so I'm going to put a complete SQ system together that you'll be able to keep for a long time and move from car to car.
  
  
• KnuKonceptz 4 gauge amp kit - $50 (they have a cheaper 4 gauge amp kit, but it doesn't have a big enough fuse on it)
  
  
• 100' KnuKonceptz speaker wire - $20
  
  
• RCA cables (need 2 more pairs) - $10 x 2
  
  
• Dash kit - $50
  
  
• Wiring harness - $12
  
• Antenna adapter - $10
  
  
• Steering wheel control interface - $80
  
  
• Kenwood excelon headunit - $260
  
  
• 6.5" Focal component speakers for the front - $250
  
  
• 6.5" JL coax speakers for the back deck - $140
  
  
• Baffles for the speakers on back deck - $8 (you need these if you want to hear these speakers because of noise cancelation from the sub)
  
  
• 10" pioneer sub - $300
  
  
• Crappy pre-fab sub box - $60
  
  
• Custom box for your car - $120 + $15 if you want a grill (They will build it to the specs of the sub, which is 1 cu.ft. sealed if you go with the pioneer)
  
  
• Kenwood excelon 5 channel amp - $500
  
  
• 25ft^2 of sound deadener - $55
  
  
• $1815-1890 + $300-$600 installation + your tax rate
  
  You probably can find some of this stuff cheaper on amazon, but they're not a registered dealer so you're SOL if something goes bad.
  
  I'd go in to the store, get two quotes, 1) just to install all of this stuff you bought online and 2) what it would cost to buy everything from them with installation and see which is cheaper. The cost for dealers on door speakers and subwoofers is literally half of what they sell for, not head units though, they have very little mark up. Chances are the store might end up being cheaper if you tell them exactly what you're looking at online and how much you're planning to spend on it. Win-Win for you and the dealer, he get's business and you get a better price and similar quality products if they can compete with the online prices. Plus you'd be supporting a local business, unless you were planning on going to best buy, car toys, or something like that (don't do that, go to a local place). And if you buy all this stuff from a dealer and have it installed there, if anything goes wrong you can take it back and have them deal with it.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Not sure what you decided to go with but IMO if you get a sub in your trunk then your speakers will sound like they're better. Many people on this subreddit will bash this recommendation but I'll give it anyway.

$150 prebuilt subwoofer box

$55 amplifier

$15 wiring kit

$9 optional converter

The converter is needed if your radio is stock. I also think it makes the install easier regardless as it is one set less wire to run & you won't have to take apart your headunit.

I think this is the best intro level set up for a subwoofer if you're looking to spend about $220.
It will definitely impress you if you haven't heard/had bass in a car before. Also very easy to set up and you can do it in about 3 hours with no experience.

Edit: forgot this amp comes with a built in high/low converter to feed straight off the speakers. Converter may be easier but is optional.

Subs- Sundown SA-12 $398
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003ZWBG7Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415981560&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Amp- Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D $233
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004T0YAMG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415981758&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40

Amp wiring- Knukonceptz 4awg $26
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050I6KII/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415981794&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Head unit- Look for a Alpine UTE-42bt or 52bt on eBay. I picked my 42BT up for $80.

And I would recommend building a box to the specs of the Subs. Go to here and it'll tell you http://www.sundownaudio.com/index.php/products/subwoofers/item/sa-series.html

I know it's a little over budget, but it's the best of the best. If you would like I can adjust it. Your total should be around $737 and whatever the mdf costs. You could honestly just drop one of those subs and it cost you about $538 and still sound amazing.

Okay for a great sounding sub try this Ive heard good things about image dynamics being a great sound quality sub, and for a amp JBL makes a great amp with a clipping detector so you know you set the gains correctly to make your sub last for a long time. Then add this box this a sealed box so if you feel the sub isn't loud enough I recommend building or buying a custom ported box for it down the line, not buying a prefab and wiring kit

Together it equals $480 (I recommend ordering by phone for sonic electronix cause they will give you a good deal buying all that from them.

Do you have a aftermarket headunit in you car already or is it stock?

I would go with

$300 w/install kit Pioneer 80prs

$90 8" silver flute for doors

$60 XT25 tweeters

$70 subwoofer box

$80 Skar VD subwoofer

$170 MB Quart 5 channel amp

$60 knukonceptz wire kit

$40 Noico sound deadener


Over budget, $870, but that is some good kit for the money. I am not sure which wire harness you need since you aren't keeping the stock bose amp.... that would be a great thing to ask in crutchfield chat window.

Run the 80prs in network mode, cross your sub/mids at somewhere between 80 and 200, mids and tweeters anywhere from 2500 to 5000hz. Tweak around until it sounds best to you. Should sound great.

Coaxial speakers just means that the tweeter and woofer and built together, so you only have to install one thing. Components come with an external crossover(sends bass+mid to woofer, high end to tweeters) that everything connects to, which lets you place the separated tweeters in a separate location.

Dunno if your particular focus has seperate tweeters, or coaxial speakers, see if this video is your car. If it is then the size looks like 6"x9", which would be great if you like bass because 6x9 speakers are the next best thing to a dedicated sub-woofer.

Don't see any well-known brands of 6x9 speakers on Halfords, but Amazon.co.uk has some nice looking choices. Like these JBLS, if they will fit.

You'll have to take time to do a little research, to know what the exact size is. Or rip off the door panel and break-out the tape-measure.

You will need to buy an amp and sub. It looks like your headunit has preouts so that is good. You can put together a fairly decent sub stage for $500. if you can build a box yourself that will help you budget quite a bit. if you want to save room and still have a pretty decent bump in low end I would look at a single 12" sealed.

Subs:

http://store.soundsolutionsaudio.com/products/sundown-audio-ev3-12-subwoofer-e12v3-500w-e-series.html

http://store.soundsolutionsaudio.com/products/dcon-12-sound-solutions-audio-12-400w-dcon-series-subwoofer.html

Amp:

http://store.soundsolutionsaudio.com/products/twisted-sounds-ts1kw.html

http://store.soundsolutionsaudio.com/products/nvx-bda7501-amplifier.html

wiring kit:

https://www.amazon.com/KnuKonceptz-Kolossus-Gauge-Amplifier-Installation/dp/B005CIJBKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484576902&sr=8-1&keywords=knukonceptz+KOL-AK4

if you have to go with a prefab box i would do something like this if it would fit:

https://www.parts-express.com/denovo-audio-knock-down-mdf-10-cu-ft-subwoofer-cabinet--300-7085

hahaha wow okay, I'm looking for more of a balanced system, but I do want the bass to be noticeable for sure. My total budget is looking to be around 500-550. that is including buying a box and all the connecting wires. I know people who can help install it so no money there. I play much more dubstep and rap, basically nothing else. This is the box I plan to get.

Thanks for the response. Looking at the Subwoofers with good ratings I found 3 models that I think would be good for me.

I could go with 2 of these

Kicker 10C124 Comp 12-Inch Subwoofer 4 SVC (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036MOQCM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_I25mybM8C1RZ8

Or 1 of these

Rockford Fosgate P3D4-12 Punch P3 DVC 4-Ohm 12-Inch 600-Watt RMS 1200-Watt Peak Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UFHXNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_u55mybA45BVQA

Or 1 of these

12W0V3-4 - JL Audio 12" Single 4-Ohm W0V3 Series Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D5ZCDDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_v65myb8P643ME.

All of the configurations above come to around the same price. I'm thinking one higher quality subwoofer would sound better than 2 of lower quality, correct? I'm planning on using a sealed box. Which one of these would be the best choice?

These are my recommendations. Are your 6x9's old? Because, they are cheap speakers, but they still shouldn't distort like that.
Some good 6x9
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003KN2TGM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1398354095&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70

Some good 6.5" rounds
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003KN2TF8/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1398354234&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
Finally you said you wanted to maybe add a second 15"? This amp has 2 channels, so you could add the second some at any time. As for knowing if it is 2 or 4 ohms, you can use a digital multi meter (dmm) to measure the impedance in the sub. This is a 2 ohm amp, but a 4 ohm isn't hard to find.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003CYL7LW/ref=mw_dp_mdsc?dsc=1&qid=1398354444&sr=8-12
I hope this helps!

I got the Prime 500x1 and it’s pretty solid. Good sound and the spec sheet say it’s pushing over 600 watts. Seems like a good value for about $130...


Rockford Fosgate R500X1D Prime 1-Channel Class D Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF6HYDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NgG3Db1MM47Y2

I've been happy with pioneer speakers. Don't spend too much on them, at some point spending an extra $100 on door speakers doesn't really make a difference. Something like these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BF6HWCM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465009811&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=6.5+car+speakers&dpPl=1&dpID=41ZDTeKAdUL&ref=plSrch or these http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A0LZHYS/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?qid=1465009811&sr=8-12&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=6.5+car+speakers would be fine, just make sure you buy the right size speaker for your car.

Will do! :) when you say P1, are you referring to this combo: Rockford Fosgate P300-12 Punch 300 Watt Powered Loaded 12-Inch Subwoofer Enclosure by Rockford Fosgate http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AQ2W6W/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_Hzy2tb07YN0CV


Or this: Rockford Fosgate P1-2X12 500 Watts Dual Rms Subwoofer Enclosure by Rockford Fosgate http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V9GR62/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_1Ay2tb1KTZ020 because I don't think that would fit in my car... Hahaha

Does this budget include an amp? How about the enclosure?

If you're trying to do all of this for $150 (NEW) then something like this RF powered, loaded enclosure would probably be the best you can do. Wiring will be extra.

Speaker Amp $145

Save a little with this Knukonceptz wiring kit $50

Sub amp $150

Puts your total at $620. You may be able to find a cheaper speaker amp, I'm just a fan of Alpine, and I love mine!

Alright. Yeah I can do 250. Was thinking of getting the wiring here:

http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KOL-AK4

And it looks like the D4 version is the same price!

http://amzn.com/B003ZWBG7Q

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PJ1VL8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Equalizer:26$

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TU5R1E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_3&smid=A1FMHNVWMGI839

2 speakers: 46$

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S4XNEO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_4&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Amp: 46$

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKP7TY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Wiring: 16$


Would you mind reviewing this then? I know it's not going to make the ground shake, but it will be a lot better then an 86's stock audio, and it has room to upgrade.

what about these, I did hear anything over 2 way is not good and unnecessary
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosgate-R165X3-6-5-Inch-Full-Range/dp/B00BF6HWCM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1500052255&sr=1-2&keywords=car+speakers

"Silk dome pole mounted piezo tweeter"

also you think the planet audio 8 inch subwoofer is good? It is the only replacement as far as I know that will be aperfect fit, Unless I use the foam repair kit

Just a little progress report.

I got it all in and wired up and I gotta say the memphis' sound fantastic. I got a little 6" basstube to stick behind the passenger seat to fill in the lower freqs as well. It's plenty for this application and has decent extension, starting to roll off at 30hz.

I also got a ton of sound deadener for cheap too which I plan to install after exams.

One last question tho. I am having difficulty flattening out the frequency response; having a 1-2dB dip at 220hz and 1kHz, and then a 1-2dB spike at around 100hz. The head unit has a 10 band eq but I am not having much luck flattening out the response. Any tips? You think a car audio shop would do something like that for me?

I’ll be the guy to give you some advise seeing there has been no post in 13 hours, I’m no professional.

$35 copper 6ga amp wire kit Walmart - Locally

$50 KnuKoncepts 4ga OFC amp kit Amazon

Only use OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) Wire

$127 Audio Controls LC6i LineOut Converter Amazon

This let’s you keep your stock radio and add the two amps

$140 Alpine MRV-F300 SonicElectronix

Power your new door speakers for increase loudness and clarity

$80/pair NVX 6.5” Component Kit SonicElectronix

Two sets would cover your doors, they are a high enough rms where the amp will not blow them as long as you have it tuned properly and it’s not turned all the way up! Distortion kills speakers! I would disconnect your rear deck center speaker.


$101 2X Alpine W12S4 12” Single 4ohm Subs SonicElectronix

$90 Ported Subwoofer Box- almost optimal size. SonicElectronix

check your trunk measurements you might have to go with a smaller sealed box*

$150 Alpine MRV-M500 Subwoofer amp SonicElectronix

You will be slightly over budget. Self install or nothing. Many areas to improve in the future. Goodluck

I can't seem to find the 1.5 cubic feet box. Would this one work?

Also, which would be better: Alpine SWS-12D2 or Alpine SWS-12D4

And what size of amp should I get?

Head unit :some kenwood /pioneer that you like- $200ish

Front : [These ] (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_20992_JL-Audio-C2-650.html) - 250

Rears: [These] (http://www.sonicelectronix.com) -100

Sub: [this one] (http://www.amazon.com/SA-12-D4-REV-3-Sundown-Subwoofer/dp/B003ZWBG7Q)

Amp: [this] (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_64240_Kicker-CX600.1-12CX600.1.html)

Sound deadener : Stinger roadkill $100ish on sonic

I have $300 on Amazon so I could add a couple hundred if needed but now I'm only thinking about 1 sub. I'd say $300-$400 for all of the equipment and then installation is separate.

I'm thinking of Rockford P3 600W for the sub, 12 in. Ported Enclosure as the box, and Zapco Mono Class d for the amp.

Would this work alright or should I get a different amp for only 1 sub? Also, should I get the 2 ohm sub or the 4 ohm sub? Let me know what you think.

This box
is what I ended up with so luckily I chose one with closer to 1 cu (.90).
Also, I picked up the same Pioneer you linked to Walmart but picked up on Amazon. Looking forward to this so much.

What about this one

So after looking over the suggestions I threw together my version of the system.


Head Unit

Front Speakers

Rear Speakers

4 Channel Amp

Sub

Sub Amp


Now I just need to figure out what RCA's to get and what sound dampener to get.

I'm so sorry for bugging you but should I send back the fosgate amp for the one you linked? Or will it not matter much or at all with those daytons. Just wondering since the fosgate was 30 dollars more than the one you linked, what the difference would be between the amps.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF6HYDE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_D7vnzbTTEKNZR

You're gonna get a lot of hate for the brands you have there. You really get what you pay for with car audio and that amplifier is more likely to set your car on fire than it is to power those subs. As far as that head unit go with something like this instead.

So with these subs, where would I go to get a box? And since I'm an idiot, is that price for both subs or just one? And I'm not sure what you mean by, "tuned to the low 30's". Finally, if I'm getting two 750w speakers, doesn't that mean I should go for a 1500w amp?