Is this a decent system (will it all work well together)?

[then00b]

Hello all, I am about to purchase my first system for my Mazda3 and selected the following parts (keep in mind I am on a budget). Can someone please tell me if these parts will work well together and are decent? Thanks
Amp
Power Acoustik TS1920-2
Info

Sub(s):
Kenwood KFC-W3009 12"
-Cant decide whether to get one or two subs...
Info

Head Unit
Aiwa CDC-X304
Info

Speakers
Pioneer TS-A6880R
Info

 

[RyanJayG]

another suggestion would be for you to give us your budget and have us assemble a list that would perform an sound better.

my guess is that we could WAY out do those components for the same amount.

a simple total of the parts you listed would be $550 ($650 with 2 subs)

is this all you can/want to spend? dont forget either install costs, wheither its just wires, or labor as well.

 

[TheBryGuy]

another suggestion would be for you to give us your budget and have us assemble a list that would perform an sound better.

my guess is that we could WAY out do those components for the same amount.

a simple total of the parts you listed would be $550 ($650 with 2 subs)

is this all you can/want to spend? dont forget either install costs, wheither its just wires, or labor as well.

eh...if you know how I'd just do the installation myself. Car audio is one of the easiest things in the world. Just match colors and + signs (2thumbs)

 

[RyanJayG]

I agree, but that doesn't mean he is comfortable with it, or have the time for it.

another thing, dont neglect a subwoofer enclosure as well... they still cost money as well

 

[TheBryGuy]

I second that and be sure you do some research on what type of enclosure you should get and what kind of measurements. This will make a HUGE difference in sound.

 

[RyanJayG]

one more thing... why do you want the CD player?

if you have a stock CD player then I'd suggest keeping that and using a line-output converter to a 4 channel amp. power a nice set of front coax speakers, and run a better sub bridged off the rear channels.

 

[then00b]

The price for all the parts I listed is actually $372 and $420 with another sub...
I am trying to get as close to $500 as possible...
My friend is going to build me a box for the subs, so thats fine.
I am out of wiring and install costs, which is true.
I am going to get a new head unit because I want an AUX input to connect my iPod to.

 

[RyanJayG]

look into this sub:
http://yellow.mynethost.com/~bv126368/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=52&osCsid=54234bf8aa7fc6936ef36186a24ec925

great for the $

Hifonics amps for good quality for the $ something like this: http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=224 so you can amp the sub and the fromt speakers
and front speakers I recomend you hear first hand before buying
as for HU's get whatever works for you.

also, I would recommend not shopping at crutchfield, they are overpriced.

I like www.woofersetc.com among others

 

[then00b]

Thanks for the advice. I am buying everything via eBay, Crutchfield was just where I looked for reviews and details on the items.
I wont be buying that sub simply because it wont be in stock until Xmas they say...
I cannot find any reviews of the Hifonics ZX4400 amp. Do you own one or know anyone who owns one? The amp I provided got 5 stars from all 15 people at crutchfield, although it was 30 watts less (dont know if thats that much of a diff.) and was only 2-Channel, versus 4.

 

[then00b]

I was just suggested the following system for $500 shipped:
--(1)Pioneer DEH-P3700MP MP3, remote, 2 pairs of RCA outputs
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_4039_149245002,00.html

--(1)Oz Audio Vector 12" 12" sub, 350watts RMS, nice SQ sub
http://jti-innovation.com/oz/oz_prod_vec_sub.htm

-(1)-Oz Audio Vector 6.5" Coaxials I suggested 6.5" rather than 6x8", b/c
round speakers will generally have a little better sound quality than an
oval speaker..I can get oval for around the same price though, if that's
what you want.
http://jti-innovation.com/oz/oz_prod_vec_coax.htm

--(1)MA Audio M589i 220watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohm, or 400 RMS bridged for sub.
http://www.maaudio.com/productcatalog.cfm?class=47473

 

[SpicyMchaggis]

that is quite the compilation of crap you have there.

 

[then00b]

The second list? I figured it was since Ive never heard of any of the brands other than Pioneer

 

[RyanJayG]

do you want lists made for you? what we would suggest for $500 for those 4 components?

 

[RyanJayG]

amp: $180 http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=221
sub: $150 http://yellow.mynethost.com/~bv126368/shop/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=52&osCsid=54234bf8aa7fc6936ef36186a24ec925
HU: $130 http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2407
front speakers: $66 http://www.savinglots.com/lotprod.asp?item=REF6802cf

front speakers are very efficient since you'd run them off the HU only
sub is dual 2ohm coils, run it 1 ohm on that amp

$526 + shipping

this is just one suggestion, and many of these parts can be found for even cheaper on e-bay, but you can find them yourself. I'd also add the pioneed iPod controller so you can crontrol the ipod from the HU... just eaiser

 

[then00b]

Some dealer emailed me and said hed sell me those parts, so I just figured Id put em up here. No need to make a list if you dont want. Also, keep in mind I am trying to get installation AND wiring in with the $500 price. Thanks though.

Also, that Head Unit wont work. I need one with an AUX Input (preferably on the front, as is the case on my Aiwa I picked out) in order to play my iPod through it.

 

[servoeyes]

Some dealer emailed me and said hed sell me those parts, so I just figured Id put em up here. No need to make a list if you dont want. Also, keep in mind I am trying to get installation AND wiring in with the $500 price. Thanks though.

Also, that Head Unit wont work. I need one with an AUX Input (preferably on the front, as is the case on my Aiwa I picked out) in order to play my iPod through it.

To be honest, 500$ isn't a realistic number for what you're looking to do. A decent sub in a box with an amp and install is going to run you almost that. Don't skimp on the quality of the goods that you purchase. If you do, you'll end up replacing them because they'll break or they sound like butt.

If you want Ipod Connectivity, you're looking at around 200$ for a deck with the Aux input piece...that'd be pioneer. Then figure in about 100$ for *reputable* (that means not Best Buy) install...that's with kits and having them run the aux wire somewhere useful. Now, you need an RCA to headphone cable...figure in up to $20 for a quality piece. So you're already at 320$ with install. So...you've got 180$ to play with for other stuff...that's not gonna get you a sub and amp and wiring and install. Let's put it this way, if it's a mono-block amp, you're looking at 110$ just for wiring and install labor at a good shop. That would leave you with 70$ for a sub and amp. Frankly, it won't happen. Really, you're about 250$ short of a lower-mid level setup. So...my recommendation is to do the deck (preferably a slightly higher end one than just bottom of the barrel), and save your beans to do the sub right.

 

[chuyler1]

I agree with servoeyes (as usual). Your trying to fit too much into your budget.

You said your primary reason for upgrading the headunit was to get auxilary input for your ipod right? Well put the bass aside for a second and consider a quality head unit made by Alpine, Pioneer, or Clarion that can directly control your ipod. Plug it in and change tracks, playlists, etc from your head unit. Each company I mentioned sells an add-on unit for about $100 that connects your ipod to most of their head units. This will prolly put you at $300-350 on your budget and leave enough room for some speakers.

By the time you get all that connected, you can start saving for an amplifier and subwoofer. I would recommend a 4-channel so you can power the front speakers you purchased along with a 10" or 12" subwoofer.

 

[Poseur]

Aux-input has been now arranged for stock headunits, so unless you want bling and a greater likelihood of breakin. you might jsut be best to stay stock, and get a decent 4ch amp.

 

[then00b]

-I thought there wasnt AUX inputs on the 05 stock HU's?
Also, I dont want that iPod connectivity where you control through the HU...way too messy.
I just wanna connect the RCA cable to the AUX input and play it that way.
-I still see no problem with my original system...It's got decent wattage.
-I dont need any fancy crap for the head unit, just the Aux input, preferably in front (which this has), and ability to adjust the sub(s). Ive read reviews on the HU and they say its a decent head unit with nothing fancy. Feel free to suggest a HU though that has an Aux Input.
-As for install, my friend can install it all except for the amp, which I figured is about $55.
-The subs have gotten great reviews, as has the amp I selected (although it is a no name brand I think, it has gotten great positive reviews and offers the most amount of wattage for the price, although it is a 2 channel amp).
-Do 4-Channel amps make the system sound much better than a 2-Chan amp? Basically, is it worth it to spend the bucks to get the 4-Chan?

Also, the reason my budget is so low is because I am going to give this car to my sibling when they get their license so I dont want to get a really nice system only to have it go to waste after two years.

 

[chuyler1]

Also, I dont want that iPod connectivity where you control through the HU...way too messy.

Whatever man...personally I'd rather not get in an accident...and the easy to reach and use buttons on a head unit are much safer than messing around with your ipod while driving. I'm assuming if you have an ipod your sibling(s) have one too...do you want them distracted while they're still learning to drive.

You should spend the extra bucks on a 4-channel so that your front speakers have adquate power and a crossover to compensate for the additional bass from the subwoofer. Your sub will only play the lowest of notes, your speaker have to play the rest of the audio spectrum...most people want all of it to sound good.