Hello, was just wondering if anyone could help me design a solid system for my Acura TL 2004 w/ nav which I will have professionally installed once I acquire all the parts. I am open to suggestions and help with this.

I would like to keep the factory head unit if possible and definately want to keep the steering wheel controls. Other then that, I just want a system that won't have line noise like crazy. My budget is flexible somewhat, but I'm not looking for top top top of the line.

 

Any more info on budget and expectations?

My system consists of Dynaudio Esotar tweeters and midrange with Dynaudio 9" Esotec midbass. A pair of 15s infinite baffle and a few JL HD amps to power everything.

The reasons why I think this is a good system, the Dyn Esotars are as close to real life dynamics and sound as I've ever heard. The 9" midbass in the doors gives a certain realism that the stock size 6.5" can't give. The 15s take up virtually zero trunk space, weigh very little, will get loud, have wonderful sound quality, and require very, very little power. The HD amps are efficient, very low noise floor, small enough to fit under the seats, and make a ton of power. Each speaker will play a huge frequency range so I'm no limited by equipment, I can run virtually any crossover point I want to try without hurting anything. That's why I picked my equipment.

Something that would be a step down and cheaper but still very good would be the JL XD amps, JL C5 components, and a single 10 or 12W7. This setup will sound very good especially for the price. If I had to start over today, this is the system I would build. You'll have to decide if you want to go active with a processor or not. If you do, I recommend the Bit One or PS8 but it might be a good idea to start off with the passives and work your way up to active.

You'll want to take the signal before the factory amp, straight from the headunit for the lowest noise floor. If you go with the JL amps you won't need a line driver to boost the head unit's signal. Most other brands will requires a line driver since the headunit only outputs .8v at full power.

I wish I had more time to go more in depth, I'm sure there will be some other good suggestions.

Oh, and look up infinite baffle if you really want to save your trunk space while sounding great........ (for you eggy).

 

would you recommend the JX series amp by JL? and does it make a big difference if i leave the rear and center speaker on the factory amp but use an aftermarket amp on a new set of components in the front? im a musician and love bass and detail but cant afford to do what I would like to do the system

 

i was gonna come in here and say

"in before IB"

....but ihc beat me.

OP, u can piece something nice together with a middle end budget. Or even a small budget if u buy used and piece parts together strategically.

I think for the 3rd gen, IB would be the best route to go for 95% of us.

15s only, though.

To answer your question, i never seen anything special with the XD or JX line. The hd's are pretty damn good, though.

 

what other amp would you recommend? to my understanding that the HU puts out an unbalanced signal.

***I really dont mean to jack a thread but just want to learn and not open a useless thread***

 

JL HD or XD

 

@ I hate cars - Thanks for the response! That sounds like 2 pretty solid setups, let me ask though, what does the processor do for the system exactly? Also with these setups you kept the stock head unit and steering wheel controls?

 

Is this something I should look at ....

http://longisland.craigslist.org/ele/3457770211.html

This looks like all JL audio product, for an OK price, I mean does this pretty much cover everything I would need?

 

Its hard to tell from the add what is there? amps? speakers? could be everything you need or just a few things you can use...........

my build maintained the stock HU and all steering wheel controls and voice prompts, etc. Bass level is now controlled with a remote JL knob rather than thru the HU, but that is the only difference.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/mild-grade-fever-854353/

 

yeah, you can do much better with 1500.

 

eggy, what setup do you have? Also do you know of any good places to do the install work at in the NY area?

 

What does "IB" stand for?

 

Infinite baffle

 

Although IB sounds the best and requires the least amount of physical space I think an installer will charge you a lot to do it. Unless their familiar with doing IB installs on a TL. I think a lot of places would rather throw a subwoofer in a box and call it day.

 

^^ I agree with your statement, but its a super easy car to do IB and the fricken seats don't fold down anyway so its a no brainer!

 

Pioneer z140bh
Audison Bit.1
B&C 10NDL64
Audax PR170M0
B&C DE500
ID full horn bodies
3 JL audio hd 600/4's
18" aa smd
Sundown Audio 4500d.

Only 1

Can't remember the name at the moment

Edit

It's called audio designs

It's on 10th ave & west 25th street

 

just my 2 cents( despite that audio taste is very personal) but, having heard JL premium speakers 6.5 separates- HERTZ audio was way cleaner and had more richness, cleaner and crisper highs than old news JL's....take a test listen before buying any speakers- different audio stores to be objective - and not be persuaded by pressure or opinion. I used to Love Boston Acoustics.. Mb Quart Used to be great-, jl audio- ( same), listen to recorded music- not live radio to decide.

 

JL's C5 line is one of the best bang for the buck comp sets. What line did you listen to? There's a huge difference in their bottom of the line stuff and high end stuff. I ran their TR series in my beater commuter car to replace the blown factory speakers and they were worse than most stock speakers.