R32 GT-R System Recommendations?

[lwells]

I was going to hijack Kor'axis thread, but that's not really fair Anyway....

My R32 GT-R will be coming in later this year, complete with dead stock audio system :throwup:.

Anyway, I have been canvasing options, but I am also a complete newbie to car audio (although not other forms of audio). I have a general idea of what is considered the good stuff from doing some reading over at CAA, but as for designing a system I don't even know where to start.

Well, actually, I lie: I have been looking at a Clarion VRX935VD for a headunit as you can get them imported for about $1500 (yes, I know, warranty blah blah blah) and there isn't a major issues with getting it fixed to work in Australia with PAL inputs, aussie frequencies, and Region 4 stuff (in fact, Clarion Australia will do this). Does anyone have any experience with this headunit? Any other recommendations? If my tax return doesn't stretch that far (cmon Johnny H, gimme a hand here ) I might go for an Alpine 9815 or 9835.

Now, moving along from that is where I really get lost. People start talking crossover, monoblock, component, etc and my eyes glaze over. So, perhaps the more knowledgable out there can help.

To give you and idea of what I am after, I like sound quality (so I was thinking something along the lines of Focal, Phoenix Gold, Hertz, etc) and while I am not a base junky who wants sonar range for their bass, I would like something that can give me a good dash of bass should I be in the mood. Budget is reasonably flexible, say somewhere in the range of 1000-2000 (excluding headunit). If need be I would prefer to buy a smaller number of quality parts I can compliment later when budget allows, than just buying everything and having to sacrafice quality.

Anyway, let the recommendations roll in

LW.

[CerealKiller]

can't go wrong with Focal splits (either polykevlar or utopia) - if you search hard enough you may be able to score some utopia's on CAA for around $600 (they retail double that).

how many subs or amps are you planning on using? rear speakers?

just to give you an idea of a R32 set up, I've got:

source: old Alpine tape deck w/ 6 cd stacker (changing soon)

splits: Focal Utopia 165 W2

rear: Alpine DDDrive 2-way (came with the car) - powered off HU

amp: Alpine 4 channel (4 x 75WRMS bridged 2 channels to be 1 x 180WRMS)

sub: JL Audio 10W3

sounds good and can pump quite loud when needed. The only thing I'd like to change other than the HU is the amp - Audison SRx3 (2x75WRMS + 1x250WRMS)

[lwells]

how many subs or amps are you planning on using? rear speakers?

I'm not sure: I am open to opinions. As for rears, yes I guess that would be a good idea. Would Phoenix Gold Titanium Elites be a silly choice? They seem to be about $1000 for a component set....

LW.

[CerealKiller]

considering the GT-R is a coupe, rear speakers are often left out as you hear most of your sound from the fronts. If you must have them power them off the headunit.

Talk to FHRX about it, he has lots of good ideas.

[lwells]

I am hoping FHRX might post....

Edit: Regarding the rear stage, perhaps just cheap set of cross-overs or something to provide fill rather than range?

LW.

[CalaisT3RBO]

The stock speakers are ok, I run mine off a Alpine MP3 deck. im happy with them

[lwells]

The stock speakers are ok, I run mine off a Alpine MP3 deck. im happy with them

Yeah, but I am about of an SQ freak, so "ok" doesn't really cut it. Besides I have to replace the headunit anyway, so may as well get some decent speakers at the same time.

LW.

[Mr_G]

Hey mate, I have a set of Focal 3 way Polyglass Car Splits connected to a 5.1 amp in my room, and has AWESOME SOUND. These are my mains and you really do get quality. Since I have the 3 ways, the woofer is only 6.5" and theres 2 of them. The power their receiving is 100w RMS, but you can get some pretty tight and clear bass out of them, sometimes doubting me on whether I should connect a woofer to the system...

A few ideas you could consider, is to get a small 10inch kicker solobarick. Has enough bass due to the square technology, and you just need a sufficient amp to power it. I think you can pick up a Jaycar 400wRMS one for around $300 from what someone was telling me, which should be plenty.

For speakers, I reckon give the Focals a go, pretty good stuff. I also like MB quarts as they sound pretty clear and crisp. Try get a seperate amplifier to power these such as a nice 4ch and the speakers will sound better than off the deck.

As for the deck, Im in the process of looking for a screen with DVD, and thats quite a good price on the deck so go for it

Cheers

[lwells]

bump. Still after suggestions

LW.

[Fhrx]

Lets speak about speaker placement first. Seeing as you're sitting at the front and your ears face forwards too we need to concertrate on getting the quality sound at the front. Leave the rear speakers stock and run them off the head unit. The sub would be nice out on the bonnet but due to space, it will have to live in the boot too.

Moving along to the power, I would recommend two amps. One two channel class A/B to run the splits. One class D mono block to run the sub.

Talking about brands, for the amps I am going to recommend ones like Audison, Zapco, Tru-Tech, ARC Audio or Boston.

Before I can recommend speakers I need to know what genres of music you listen too. If you list to softer genre (classical / blues / jazz etc) I would recommend speakers like Diamond M661, Focal Polyglass 165V2, Rainbow CS 265 P3 and Morel Dotech Mk II. For harder genres (like metal, RnB, hip hop etc) I would recommend speakers like Kicker RS6, Boston Pro6.5, Hertz HSK 1600, Image Dynamics CXS64 and Phoenix Gold X6.5.

Subs, audition subs like JL Audio 12W6, Image Dynamics IDQ12D4.V2, Diamond M612, Focal 33A, Hertx HX300, Phoenix Gold X12D and Adire Brahma.

Don't forget to factor in things like cable and sound deadening either.

[lwells]

Fhrx: Thanks for taking the time to respond

Speaker placement: unfortunately, the sub will have to live in the boot although I will be doing some customising -- not to show off the amp(s)/sub(s)/etc, but to do a stealth install (I believe audio gear should be heard, not seen ).

Amps: Ok, so a monoblock (for the sub, yes?) and a two channel for splits -- if I got three-way components is a two-way amp still good enough? Would it be worthwile maybe getting a 4-way?

Speakers: I guess I spend most of my time listening to hip-hop, but I have very eclectic music tastes, so I listen to a diverse range of music (some blues and jazz, some rock, etc etc). Any particular thoughts on the Phoenix Gold Ti Elite 6s?

Subs: I am guessing those are all 12" from the model numbers. Is there any truth to the idea that its good to get a sub from the same manufacturer as the speakers?

Certainly won't be ignoring cabling/deadening issues, but I will deal with them when I actually have the car. I plan to build up a system in the meantime, then worry about install around Nov/Dec'ish.

Cheers,

Lucien.

[Fhrx]

Amps: Ok, so a monoblock (for the sub, yes?) and a two channel for splits -- if I got three-way components is a two-way amp still good enough? Would it be worthwile maybe getting a 4-way?

What ever you run at the front, the larger the two channel amplifier, the better.

Speakers: I guess I spend most of my time listening to hip-hop, but I have very eclectic music tastes, so I listen to a diverse range of music (some blues and jazz, some rock, etc etc). Any particular thoughts on the Phoenix Gold Ti Elite 6s?

PG Titanium Elites are one of the best speakers around so if you can get yourself a set then do it. If not, buy a set off me.

Subs: I am guessing those are all 12" from the model numbers. Is there any truth to the idea that its good to get a sub from the same manufacturer as the speakers?

No truth in that at all. Some companies specialise only in subwoofers. You match the components based on the tastes of the listeners. Remember good quality bass comes primarily from the enclosure and clean power, not cone size.

[lwells]

Thanks again Fhrx, your input has been great

PG Titanium Elites are one of the best speakers around so if you can get yourself a set then do it. If not, buy a set off me.

I am not just asking because I want to (ab)use your knowledge. As I will be trying to build up this system slowly, and with some parts either not available in Aus or only at stupidly high prices, actually buying parts through you is unlikely (except for wiring, etc) as you are limited by the pricing parameters that the manufacturers provide you and I am hoping to grab second-hand parts (near new) where possible to save money.

However, I fully intend to get in contact with you when it comes to installation -- your reputation in this area proceeds you

Anyway, thanks again -- I really do appreciate it.

LW.

[Fhrx]

Um... thanks?

No problems. I try to help where I can.

[lwells]

Um... thanks?

No problems. I try to help where I can.

Heh... just trying to explain. I realise your a business person, and since I am using your knowledge/time, I would like to give back rather than just use your knowledge and then piss off. I guess the main way I can do that is when it comes to installation

Anyway, got myself a set of barely used Phoenix Gold Ti Elite6's for $760 delivered which seems like a good price. Soooo, now just need to start sourcing the other bits and pieces.

Edit: By barely used I mean they haven't been used at all. Just had the packet opened to inspect

LW.

[ferni]

I just typed out a whole reply, but it ended up just describing my system - not what you asked, let me try

crossover - this is something that sits between the speaker and amp to filters out frequencies that the speaker should be playing, ie Low pass for a sub, High pass for splits etc...

Component can mean different things - but generally instead of splits = 2 speakers, component = 3 speakrs - bass, midbass, tweeter...

Monoblock is a powerful amp that will take a stereo signal and output a powerful mono signal (used for a sub)

Umm what else... not sure - definatly sound deaden your doors (or get it done)

i have focal splits up front, high end clarion HU, crap sony rears, low end alpine amp 40wrms x 4 (to be upgraded), and no sub

i want a JL W3V2 10" sealed ( < 1cu ft small box ) and amp to power it to finish off my system

[lwells]

Thanks for the ferni -- at least I can now understand what these audio geeks are saying

LW.

[lwells]

I also meant to say, has anyone get an opinion on the Clarion VRX935VD? I know Alpine gear is very well respected, and Eclipse (obviously), but what about Clarion?

LW.

[Fhrx]

I'd rather the Clarion over many of the head units. We did one not too long ago in a Lexus.

The newest Alpine IVA-D900R is a better unit but Clarion have not released their brand new monitor yet so we're all excitingly awaiting to see what it can do.

[lwells]

I'd rather the Clarion over many of the head units. We did one not too long ago in a Lexus.

The newest Alpine IVA-D900R is a better unit but Clarion have not released their brand new monitor yet so we're all excitingly awaiting to see what it can do.

Mmmm.. I have been looking at the examples on yoour website

The Alpine is that much more expensive unfortunately When I can get the Clarion for under $1200 (from overseas), spending $4000+ on the Alpine just doesn't make sense

Any idea when Clarion is planning to release its new display unit/s?

Cheers,

Lucien.

PS. There is a typo on your specials page. Xenon is spelt as "Xenin"