Ok I was wanting to put a nice sound system in my grand prix gxp but I don't really know what all to get. What kind of head unit? What kind of subs and amp should I get for the cleanest sound? I'm not a fan of heavy distortion. Moneys not a big issue but I still don't want to pay a small fortune so preferably something reasonably priced. i want the most bang for my buck though.
Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp
- Thread starter Rkrajnov
- Start date
GAFF
PittState Automotive Tech
Get some JL audio.. Im running a 12 inch jl w7 in sealed jl box with 1500 watt kicker mono amp and i love the way it sounds. I got all the things cheaper than you can now..
What i got it for:
JL W7 12'' - 200
JL W7 Box - 50
Kicker 1.1500 amp - 350
Retails new
Sub - 800
box - 125
amp - 650
Look on the local ads for cheaper stuff you can come across some new stuff like i did for cheap
What i got it for:
JL W7 12'' - 200
JL W7 Box - 50
Kicker 1.1500 amp - 350
Retails new
Sub - 800
box - 125
amp - 650
Look on the local ads for cheaper stuff you can come across some new stuff like i did for cheap
If you have the money and want clean sound i'd recommend looking into the better stuff like Focal audio.
I used to be a big A/D/S/ fan for both amps and speakers but they went down hill when Directed bought them 10 years ago.
Unfortunately everything i've heard from kicker was garbage. I've heard good things about JL bought have never had a chance to listen to anything from them.
I used to be a big A/D/S/ fan for both amps and speakers but they went down hill when Directed bought them 10 years ago.
Unfortunately everything i've heard from kicker was garbage. I've heard good things about JL bought have never had a chance to listen to anything from them.
Like most audio threads this is quickly turning into people simply preeching their personal preferences. But ultimately thats what it comes to is PERSONAL preference. What sounds good to someone, might sound like crap to others.
Also, brand names are bought and sold like crazy in the audio world, what was once a well known and respected brand may still exist but may now be crap.
So that being said, you gave us absolutly no parameters to suggest anything. Heres some questions to answer in order to help us help you.
1) money, you say its not a big issue, but it has to be at some point. I've designed systems for people going up to over $15k (including installation)
2) Head unit. What features do you want? Navigation? SD card slot, ipod jack etc??
3) Subs.... possibilities are endless here. Is this for you in the car or for people 100 yards away? How much trunk space do you want? (don't worry about amp(s), we'll match that/those to the sub(s) later.)
Also, brand names are bought and sold like crazy in the audio world, what was once a well known and respected brand may still exist but may now be crap.
So that being said, you gave us absolutly no parameters to suggest anything. Heres some questions to answer in order to help us help you.
1) money, you say its not a big issue, but it has to be at some point. I've designed systems for people going up to over $15k (including installation)
2) Head unit. What features do you want? Navigation? SD card slot, ipod jack etc??
3) Subs.... possibilities are endless here. Is this for you in the car or for people 100 yards away? How much trunk space do you want? (don't worry about amp(s), we'll match that/those to the sub(s) later.)
You lack one thing.
A number for your budget.
If you dont have a number, then I can't help but merely comment on other people's suggestions.
If you want lots of bass with as little distortion as possible you want this:
Its big, powerful, and costs nearly a grand before shipping.
And it weighs 80 lbs on its own so have fun shipping it.
Theres this one as well:
but its not as clean sounding, but its amazing for output.
A number for your budget.
If you dont have a number, then I can't help but merely comment on other people's suggestions.
If you want lots of bass with as little distortion as possible you want this:
Its big, powerful, and costs nearly a grand before shipping.
And it weighs 80 lbs on its own so have fun shipping it.
Theres this one as well:
but its not as clean sounding, but its amazing for output.
I800C0LLECT
Audio Moderator
I'd like to take it a step further...trial and error. Because audio can very much be turned into rocket science if you don't have much of a life, sometimes it's better to try different speakers/installs for said purpose. Then work backwards with your problems. It's rare that an install is perfect the first time around.
Now...Nobody knows what you like op. You need to expound on what you'd prefer to use as a source and what type of music you like. BUT NOT because different speakers are good for rock vs. rap or other ridiculous arguments. But because it allows us to place emphasis on where it's needed. You wouldn't spend 10 grand on a subwoofer installation when your favorite CD is the same Rebecca Pigeon song that loops infinitely *shudders*
maverickdog8
New member
Just save some money in the long run and go with something from either Sundown Audio or Incriminator Audio. Both VERY good brands. Excellent sound quality or SPL subs from both.
I800C0LLECT
Audio Moderator
or...go buy something in your price range...if you don't like it, move on. Subs aren't as important as most people think but at the same time it really brings a system together.
Buy a sub...use manufacturer's suggested specs(I think RE does a good job of that?) and match that sub with some decent components up front. Personally, after $250 the price performance ratio REALLY goes down hill with component speaker sets.
Buy a sub...use manufacturer's suggested specs(I think RE does a good job of that?) and match that sub with some decent components up front. Personally, after $250 the price performance ratio REALLY goes down hill with component speaker sets.
maverickdog8
New member
They have a million different choices for best sounding, loudest, clearest. Your best bet would be go to Caraudioclassifieds.org and ask around. See what people think. I've learned alot from that website to be honest.
I800C0LLECT
Audio Moderator
I'd rather point towards DIYMA.com - Car Audio Forum & 12 volt Community Board
There's always going to be individuals who base installs on trendy knowledge vs. fact. But I've noticed that DIY maintains a small niche group that really likes to spend the time to put science behind their ideas vs. "I saw this at a comp..." If the op is really interested in learning the truth vs. parading about with more snake oil salesmanship ideas I'm sure he'll figure out the mess we call car audio.
Oh yea..."best sounding, loudest, clearest..." I'd like to say that you can probably spend $150 on raw drivers for an install and it could rival Focal Utopias, Be, Dyn...etc. The weakest link in car audio IS the car. Those high priced drivers might make a difference in a perfect environment but our cars are terrible as it is. What it really comes down to in a vehicle is your installation. 10% hardware, 90% install.
There's always going to be individuals who base installs on trendy knowledge vs. fact. But I've noticed that DIY maintains a small niche group that really likes to spend the time to put science behind their ideas vs. "I saw this at a comp..." If the op is really interested in learning the truth vs. parading about with more snake oil salesmanship ideas I'm sure he'll figure out the mess we call car audio.
Oh yea..."best sounding, loudest, clearest..." I'd like to say that you can probably spend $150 on raw drivers for an install and it could rival Focal Utopias, Be, Dyn...etc. The weakest link in car audio IS the car. Those high priced drivers might make a difference in a perfect environment but our cars are terrible as it is. What it really comes down to in a vehicle is your installation. 10% hardware, 90% install.
seeing what other people think doesnt help you figure out what you think sounds good.
http://www.createforum.com/petereuro/
See the hall of shame, its what not to do.
http://www.createforum.com/petereuro/
See the hall of shame, its what not to do.
deathjunior
New member
I agree entirely with this. I'd even possibly say the install matters more than that. Whatever you do, do it right. Plan through each part of your sound build. To give an example for my next audio build i have already planned out all the components: speakers, wiring, amplifiers, enclosures, sound deadening, design, prices etc, as well as how ill install it where the wires will go, how big the box will be and other parameters. I have even gone so far as to make sure of some of my ideas by posting them on here before i start purchasing just to make sure it will look and sound good once i'm finished.
You won't have to buy the nicest speakers and subs out there. You especially wont need to go as far as JL audio components and speakers. Great quality stuff but it'll cost you an arm and a leg and if you don't install it right it'll sound just the same as any other driver of its size. Pick out a budget and do what you think is best. Begin discussing whether or not you want to do stock sized speakers, or over sized speakers like 6.5's in the doors or running an amplifier to the speakers and things like that.
Once you have an idea of what direction you want to go with the car and what budget you have given yourself the forum as a whole can help you a whole lot more. Theres a lot of good audio products, perhaps to many, so your going to have to narrow down what you want use to help you with.