OMG... I've been looking at several sound systems for last 3 months and I still can't decide my mind.. Need you guys feedback on this. These setups are from Alpine website and I thought it would be helpful for noob like myself.

Bass Engine System 1:


Bass Engine System 2:


Play it Loud System 2 (Going with one sub, not TWO):


Here is the list of components that I'm going to purchase:
Headunit: Alpine CDA-9830 or CDA-9831 (still didn't decide on it)
F Speakers: Alpine SPX-137R 5.25" component system
R Speakers: Alpine SPR-69LP 6" x 9" coaxial 2-way speakers
Amp for Bass Engine System1: Alpine MRP-M350 (Mono channel)
Amp for Bass Engine System2: Alpine MRV-F545 (4 channels)
Amps for Play it Loud System 2: Alpine MRP-M350 for sub
Alpine MRV-F345 (4 channels)
Sub: JL Audio 12" W3v2 D4

Now, I need your feedback on which design would I be most benefited from. I know I started couple of threads about this before but I'll say it again. I'm not looking for any hardcore competition sound system. I just want something that's better than our CLS stock sound system and that's well worth $1k that i'm going to put down for this. Obvisouly, last design would cost me the most but if it's worth it then I guess I would have to go with it.

Also, what kind of wiring (installation kit) do I need to purchase for these setups (8 gauge, 4 gauge,.....etc). Anyone know a good installtion retailer in Atlanta, GA. So far I only know Hifi-buys. Please Help

Thanks in advance

-James

 

One more thing, between first two systems, how much of difference would I notice when Front speakers are coming from amp rather than its HU?? Much for normal ppl to even notice??

 

"Now, I need your feedback on which design would I be most benefited from. "

Just out of curiousity, did you ever go listen to an expensive home system? I know you've done a ton of research, I was just wondering if you'd taken any time yet to do that.

So let me make sure that I understand. You are debating among the following:

1) An amp on the sub and deck power to the four corners

2) A four-channel amp running the fronts and the sub, and the rears off of deck power.

3) Running everything off of an amp or amps. (Ignore Alpine's made-up marketing names for these - they don't help much.)

OK, first off, if you can afford to have the front speakers running off of an amp instead of deck power, you should. I know that some newer decks (like Alpine's V-Drive) have some better deck-power amps than before. That's cool. But if you want better sound, you need the fronts to be running off of an amp. THose X-types should NOT be running off of deck power - if you went with system 1, you'd need to downgrade your F speaks.

Secondly, about running the rears off of an amp. Since I don't think they help much, I am not worried about running them off of an amp NEARLY as much. You could run them off of deck power if it helps your budget (that system diagram has been used for a long time, btw). Those 6x9's are more efficient than the F speakers, and if you want them quieter than the fronts, you won't need to send them much power at all.

Third, if you can afford to run everything off an amp, it always sounds better. But don't make tradeoffs in F speaker quality or subwoofer quality or amp quality to do so. The benefit with your R fill on an amp is mostly one of max volume, not sound quality, and if you were more worried about SPL I think you'd have two subs, so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Added: Whoops. So if you are tight on a budget and deciding, go with the middle system if you have to. If you are tight on cash, don't spend money amping R 6x9's that will play louder than you want off of deck power anyway. System 2 will let you fade them down and still have independent sub level control off of a Bass Engine HU, as I recall.

 

Question Ed.

Just placed an order for my headunit on www.crutchfield.com and wanted to check with you if this sounds legit. I got Alpine CDA-9830 for $224.99 with free shipping. It's listed at $249.99 but there are two units left in their outlet which brings the price down to $224.99. They claim that it still comes with same warranty as if I were to get it at $249.99.

Also, they are throwing in Metra kit #7868 and wiring harness. You think this sounds TOO good? It's too late to do anything since i just placed the order but wanted to ask if this sounds normal.

 

I don't know about Alpine going-rate pricing, but Crutchfield always tosses in the kit and harness - it's their long-time poicy, and one reason why their prices are usually more than eBay. Out of every online store, I would trust Crutchfield the most as far as giving you the right thing and honoring warranties and all that.

They are usually not the absolute cheapest, but then, neither am I : )

 

Exactly, you are paying for technical support and customer service for Crutchfield, unlike eBay.

 

Well actually it was cheaper than eBay. 9830 brand new on Ebay was around 260.00 including shipping.

 

Baboya, What part of the ATL are you in so I can recommend a good installer?

 

Atlanta, GA... close to lenox area.. I'm willing to travel if work is good and won't charge me so much =)

 

Well we got two problems, first a lot of stores don't like to install equipment bought elsewhere and second usually good work is not cheap.

The first place I would recommend is Area 41 (678-594-0141) in Kennesaw. Both Terry and Jim do good work and shouldn't charge you too much. If they don't workout please PM me and I can make another suggestion.

 

I'm sorry. I know I said i would be willing to travel but Kennesaw is FAAAAAAAR. Any other retailers in Atlanta that I coud try?? I will call these guys this afternoon for price quotes, but no one gives exact amount over the phone from my experienece. They always want to see you in person.

Yeah I agree, they want me to purchase items from them but you save SOOO much over internet that's why I can't help it. Plus I have a tight budget.

Just for my curiousity, did you get any work done at this place? seems that you are from SC I was wondering how you know places in Atl, GA.

 

I'm Batman knows everything.

 

hey 'I'm Batman" I just called that Area41 u recommened and they are pretty pricey. For example, for single 12" sealed box, he quoted me at $100.00 and installation for sub, amp is at $140.00 which includes wiring kit as well as RCA cable. I asked him about HU installation and he mentioned that I need to purchase Bose Adapter b/c Alpine headunit cannot be directly connected to Bose stock amp in our speakers. Is this all true?

 

Good, fast, cheap. Pick any two.

 

those prices don't seem to bad. yes you need a wiring harness for alpine headunits.

 

Good and Cheap, thats a combo hard to comeby.

 

I dont' get it... what two?? i was asking if I need that Bose adaopter this guy was trying to sell or was he just trying to rip me off? I do have wiring harness for the unit, it came with the unit when i purchased it from crutchfield.. could this be what he's talking about.?? b/c he said adapter should cost about 70 bucks

 

as far as i know, the wiring harness that you got from crutchfield should be adequate. Just crimp/solder the harness to the HU then plug it in to the stock plug and u should be good to go.

 

He MIGHT be using a Bose-differential signal adapter as needed in some other cars. The Acura doesn't need it in my experience, but maybe he has one that works well and ensures noise elimination.

 

Uh, I called area 41 to find out if they had Focal utopias setup so I could listen to them. The guy said "No we dont have them setup because they are a high end setup, but I can gaurantee you they are a great speaker because we install them in porches & Benz all the time....." I thought to myself; who cares! Im very leary of anyone who tries to sell something on the basis of prestige.

 

I am surprised that a Diamond dealer didn't even mention the Diamond seperates.

 

They are also a focal dealer & I asked specificaly about the focal utopia.