Everyone post their preference
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Anonymous | I'm looking to buy component speakers and (this may be a bit long) am wanting to know what to look at for my preference of music and what to expect out of certain components. I'm willing to spend as much as needed, I have up to 15,000 to spend freely (although I'd prefer not to) on everything. But anyway, could the experts post what they like best in music and their amps/components they use to get it? Like what their favorite singing voice is (alto, suprano, baritone, tenor) and what type of music and instruments? Also possibly describe what their speakers sound like? |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 757 Registered: May-04 | This is good. Very insightful way of putting it. Personally, my favorite singing voice is alto. I just think it sounds very warm and pretty. As far as types of music, I know this isn't what you want to hear but I listen to most anything. The stuff I listen to the most is older rock, some classical and jazz, and newer rock as well. As far as instruments go, I like the violin, bass guitar, both acoustic and electric guitar, basically anything with a warm, soothing sound. I guess it comes with age, though, when I was younger I was more into hard rock (rap wasn't a big thing back then). I am finishing the fiberglassing for the amps in my install, I'm using a JL Audio 300/2, with Dynaudio System 360 for components, and a JL 1000/1 and a 12" Image Dynamics ID Max subwoofer. I have test fitted everything and already listened to the system, and this is definately the best sounding system I've done yet. The components are very neutral, warm and accurate, with no emphasis in any region, just a flat, dynamic response. It accomodates my tastes very well. I say the same for the ID Max, the sound quality is amazing (I like it better than the JL W7 and Eclipse titaniums) very responsive and tight, while still able to get great SPL, especially for a single 12" sub. 15,000 will get you pretty much anything you want in car audio, so I wouldn't skimp out on anything. What are your preferences? Maybe we can tell you what direction to go with? |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 179 Registered: Jun-04 | Definitely a question well asked. I, too, favor altos. Sadly, I have to agree with Jonathan that this is probably a function of age (I listened to much more hip stuff when I was younger). Worse yet, my old age is 29. Anyway, I listen to "lighter" rock, jazz, and a fair dose of pseudo-alternative. Sample spectrum: Frank Sinatra, Van Morrison, Harry Connick, Thievery Corporation, Phish, Dave Matthews, John Mayer. I run Infinity Pefects all around right now, but will be moving to Focals (hopefully Ks) at the end of the season. Also agreeing with Jonathan, even $6000 would get you a modestly amazing SQ system. My open choices would be: * Focal Utopia W3 (forward) * Utopia 6W (back, mono) * Subs (any of these): -- Nakamichi W1200D -- Elemental Designs eD 13 Ov.2 -- Eclipse Titaniums * Amps: -- USAmps -- MMats -- Eclipse * Eclipse AVX2494 head unit So, that's about $4500 as a rough tally. A premium install will run about another grand or three, depending on how visually stimulating you'd also want it to be and whether you gut the factory power setup. I'd also pay close mind to whatever GlassWolf has to say; he's the one with the 5 jigawatts of Orions. *sigh* $15,000.... -Matt |
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Anonymous | Thanks for your feedback. Sorry, I forgot to post my preferences. I too like softer music, jazz, classical, soft rock, with the occasional hard rock. Basically, I'm looking for very warm speakers, a natural sound, not looking for harsh tweeters or pounding bass, more like something I'd experience at a live unplugged concert. As far as subs, I'm looking for tight sound quality that covers the whole freq. range and is very accurate, not overbearing at certain freqs. SPL is o.k. but not a big desire, basically maybe an authoritative punch in the chest with heavy music, but no teeth rattling kinda stuff. My car is a 1990 300ZX, so there's plenty of room to put components into due to it being a hatchback and I plan on making custom door panels for the component system. I'm willing to fabricate to make it happen. I plan on installing the system myself for the pleasure of saying I did it, plus the fact that I save a lot of money. I'm not against fiberglass work or anything of that nature. I want the best that money can buy, so can you point me in the direction of what to look at? |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 759 Registered: May-04 | Well, in that direction, I'd definately take a look at Dynaudio and Focal Utopias for the components, they both are very neutral, warm, and detailed component sets. Other considerations are the upcoming (they may be out by now) JL Audio ZR series, Eclipse components, Rainbow, and CDT, but I personally think that either the Dynaudios or the Focals will suit your tastes the best. If you're willing to fabricate it, I'd do a 3-way component system, such as the Dynaudio System 360 or the Focal Utopia W3's Matt mentioned above. Both are truly fantastic, go listen to some if you can and choose what you like best. As for amps, your budget is much, much more than enough, I'd look at Zapco, Arc Audio, and McIntosh for new amps, and also the ones Matt listed above. For head units, I'd look into either the Eclipse 8454 or the Alpine F#1 status, but the F#1 Status is 3,000 bucks and doesn't have the features of the 8454, it's about true audiophile grade raw performance. If you want video, then look at the AVX 2494. Consider 1/3 octave equalizers to get a near perfect sound balance, Audiocontrol EQT's would do nicely, or you could get Zapcos 1/3 oct eq if you go the Zapco route. For subwoofers, look at Image Dynamics ID Max, Eclipse Titanium, Adire Audio Brahma, JL Audio W7, there are many options out there. I recommend running the amplifiers at 4 ohms (even the sub amp) for maximum headroom and lowest distortion, highest Signal to noise, overall best performance. Zapco amplifiers have Symbilink technology, which converts an unbalanced signal to a balanced, 16V signal, and I recommend if you use those, then get Symbilink to extract the most performance out of them. Just take your time and weigh out your options, you can have a truly fantastic system with your budget, it just takes planning for everything. |
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Byter Unregistered guest | For front speakers, I love Boston Acoustics Pro Series. They can be a little bright, but the crossovers can tone them down. I use the flat setting (least bright). I primarily listen to classic rock (its on every station it seems) some rap, pop slop and alternative. Occasionally Country or Jazz or Classical. These speakers handle all formats well, but are amazing on piano and guitar solos. Does anyone know if I have a chance of squeezing BAs 6.5 Pro Series in my 1999 Accord EX factory location (as least for the subs). Crutchfield says I only can fit a top mount depth of 2" if I want to use the factory grilles. I find this depressing. Anyone know of a good 2" depth substitue for BA? |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 3973 Registered: Dec-03 | my current system is: 1966 dodge charger 300A alternator Orion MBR70 battery regulator (1) Optima red top battery (2) optima yellow top batteries 0 gauge power distribution Eclipse CD8454 head unit Orion concept 97.2 digital EQ stereo 30+30 band 1/3 octave Orion 300PSW pre-amp/EQ 3-band para-graphic (3) Orion 2250XTR "The Beast" amplifiers DynAudio System 360 front stage (4) Orion XTR3 15" subwoofers (isobaric) lizardskin spray-coated interior, with dynamat extreme. subs may eventually be switched for a pair of 12" IDMAX or Eclipse Titanium Pro models in an aperiodic enclosure. the system is set up solely for sound quality and show, not SPL. Granted with 3000 watts RMS it gets loud, but mainly this power is there for head room, and reserve power for transient response. This is why all 3 amps are wired at 4 ohms, or bridged and presented with an 8 ohm load. musical tastes.. pretty varied. femal vocalists.. tori amos, sheryl crow, alanis morrisette, alana davis, bjork, cassandra wilson, and jonatha brooke (the story) to name a few. also pink floyd, jethro tull, crystal method, public enemy and NWA, Dr Dre, eric clapton, ELP, CSN&Y, BB King, Coltrane, ella fitzgerald, frank zappa, Mozart, Beethoven, Vivaldi, the cure, NiN, lords of acid, Chopin, 3 doors down, quite a bit of stuff, depending on my mood, but if I had to pick one genre, I'd probably say alternative female vocals. can't really describe the sound any better than I could describe purple to a blind man. One of those things you'd need to experience. you can fit anything in the doors if you don't mind a bit of fiberglassing work. it'll look totally stock if it's done right. just for reference here's a diagram of the system in the dodge: http://www.wickedcases.com/charger/system.jpg |
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Anonymous | Thanks again for the replies. I live in California and am very familiar with Image Dynamics, Arc Audio, and Zapco. I've heard most of the subs mentioned, wasn't crazy about the W7, kinda boomy compared to an ID Max. Eclipse titaniums weren't quite what I liked, either. Not too familiar with the Brahma. I'll go listen to components and subs tomorrow. I like Zapco's amps the best out of the ones listed, I've heard many setups with their amps, some with and w/o Symbilink, and all are fantastic. I'll let you know what I think tomorrow. |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 3976 Registered: Dec-03 | Zapco makes very nice amps, and I was considering using them myself, but the Orions I used retail for $1250 each, and I paid about $300 a piece for them. The Zapco C2K amps I was considering would have totalled over $5,000 for the pair. Then I'd have had to get the Zapco symbilink cables, 1/3 octave EQs, pre-amp, and crossover totalling a few grand more. As it stands I'm using just about all Orion for signal processing and amplification, and will get similar performance with Orion's 15 volt balanced DIN signal path, so I'm satisfied. Either way both are good amplifiers.. granted my Orions are third gen, so they're hand assembled in Tempe, AZ, and are fully MilSpec compliant. The current Orion stuff isn't nearly that quality. Mine were made circa 1994. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 181 Registered: Jun-04 | I'll reiterate trying to hear a Nakamichi 1200D or eD Ov.2. Those are both high SQ subs (although the eD has an SPL throw). With the hatch, you may even consider either 3 W1200D or 2 eD 15", that'll move more air with short throw hits. With open choice, I'd probably take the 3 Naks and cross two at 80Hz and one at 120Hz. The Zapcos with symbilink are going to be about as high as you can get for signal integrity, although as GW said you'll definitely pay for them. The MMats SQ series are MilSpec as well, also hand-made, and are (IMHO) the next best option without banking it all. -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 183 Registered: Jun-04 | Oh, and another note: Find a top quality installer in your area, even if you're going to do it yourself. Pay them for a few hours of consultation -- their advice on placement, fab mods, and having someone to turn to will be worthwhile. -Matt |
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Anonymous | O.K., I've went to many shops and listened to tons of component sets and subwoofers. I liked the Dynaudios the best of all of them, so I'm going with either the System 340 or 360. Zapco was my choice of amp. Out of all the many subs I heard, I still liked the ID Max out of the choices, couldn't find anyone with the Nakamichi 1200D, though. One sub (especially one like an ID Max) is plenty for me, I don't want a ton of SPL. Eclipse 8454 was my favorite head unit, don't like the idea of plopping $3k down for an F1 status. I'm thinking of a setup like this: Eclipse 8454 Dynaudio System 340 or 360 Image Dynamics ID Max 12" Zapco Reference series 750.2 (175x2@4 ohms) for components Zapco Reference 1100.1 for ID max, ran at 4 ohms gives 800W RMS to the sub. Zapco preamp SP4-SL (the dealer told me it was an easy way to convert to Symbilink) Symbilink cables two 1/3 oct. eqs, probably the Audiocontrol EQT's. I also plan on sound deadening the car, any recommendations? My friend has a cousin who is an MECP certified installer, so he can help me with mounting locations and general consultation, I plan to mount them on the same axis in the door, maybe angled for imaging purposes, with the drivers very close to each other. |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 3993 Registered: Dec-03 | zapco has symbilink DIN size rack mountable 30 band mono 1/3 octave EQs similar to the EQTs, and easier to integrate into the system you have planned. They're about the same price as well. worth looking into. for damping, look at LizardSkin spray in liner, or a Dynamat type product. both are effective.. depends on what you will spend for deadening. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 185 Registered: Jun-04 | Fitting the 360s in those doors will be fun. ;-) Be sure to reinforce the hell out of them -- that's a lot of weight for even a BMW door panel. Too bad you couldn't find a Nak. I run two Perfect 10.1D (sealed), which is snappy, but I will go paired 12s next time. I suppose if you do manage the 8s up front you won't need much more response. Out of curiosity, did you get to hear an Elemental anywhere? If so, what was your impression? I've only heard the first gen Ks and was impressed. For deadening, you may as well do the whole thing in LizardSkin, though maybe SecondSkin STFU for the wide open areas. Avoid the tar-based ones -- they smell for months. -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 762 Registered: May-04 | Yeah. It'll be a chore fitting the 8" midbass in there, but worth it in the end. The System 340 won't be much easier, so I'd do the 360 just to have a midbass that'll play lower and a tad more accurately at low end. Cross over the Dynaudios as low as possible without bottoming out, then let the ID Max take over from there, the ID Max can drop very low and will fill in that last octave very well, you'll also have great imaging since the sub can be crossed over really low. It'll be a damn solid setup if installed correctly, you'll have no complaints with those. Nice choices. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 186 Registered: Jun-04 | Speaking of iServ... have any of you played with it yet? The 8454 has it in full-force, though I'm wondering if it's a useless feature given that all his EQ gear will be external (and non-Eclipse). Maybe not worth having the top-top deck because of it? -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 763 Registered: May-04 | Well, the head unit does have other features, like more advanced time correction if he really needs it, 5 band parametric on top of the graphic EQ, more advanced crossover, native WMA support, it also has 3 way capability from the preouts (Pro mode) which he won't use. The 8V 55 ohm preouts are another benefit, as well as the Burr brown D/A converter. The 8454 has the best components within it. If anything he could run iServ to smooth out the signal as much as possible before the equalizers take over, it might add that extra degree of a smooth curve. Really, the SP4-SL has a 4 band EQ in it as well, I guess he can use that to adjust to certain CD's if he wants. He's just gonna be loaded equalizers lol. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 191 Registered: Jun-04 | Yeah, that was kinda my point. I realize there are other benefits to that HU, but are they available in other decks without having the iServ tax on top of it? AFAIK, iServ will only calibrate to Eclipse equipment, and only expects 2-ways up front. Even if he fudged to a close model, it would probably still wind up clipping the midbass. Know what I mean? -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 768 Registered: May-04 | Yeah, I see what you're saying. Personally, I'd rather just go ahead and adjust it with an RTA myself, he's gonna have to use one with the 1/3 oct. EQ's anyway. He could hook up an RTA and smooth out the curve as much as the head unit can do, the parametric might add a lot of benefit, then adjust the 1/3 oct EQ's after that for a nice curve. I believe iServ can accomodate any speaker system, basically it's just a spectrum analyzer, and it records the info on a memory stick. The problem with it is most of the features of iServ are in Pro mode, the only thing easy mode will do is a very basic time alignment, and a LPF for a specific Eclipse subwoofer. Pro mode is best for 2 way components biamped, and a sub. Don't hold me to all of it, I always use an RTA on mine, I guess it's just peace of mind for me, I'm not totally in tune with iServ, I just kinda remember reading about it. Both the 5444 and 8454 have iServ from what I remember, and the additional benefits of the 8454 are as follows: 8V 55 ohm preouts native WMA support 5 band parametric EQ More featured crossover Pro mode capability No other Eclipse head unit offers these features, personally I think the Parametric EQ may assist a bit, but it depends on the car and his install, the 8V preouts are a given for a top SQ system. I'd keep the run as short as possible to the SP4-SL, this would assure optimum signal integrity. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 192 Registered: Jun-04 | But does the SP4 take 8V in? I wouldn't expect it to; it'll be converting to the 10V SL anyway. I get the feeling he's going to have all these in-deck features that will be negated by the rest of the setup. -Matt |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 4011 Registered: Dec-03 | I believe the SP4SL does in fact take 8V input. by the way the 1/3 octave EQ from zapco is the "EQ30SL" |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 196 Registered: Jun-04 | Well, I ask because the SP7 says "16V input", the DAII says "16V input" and the EQ30 says "3,6,12V input", but there's no mention of it on the SP4. Regardless of his virtually unlimited budget, I hate to see anyone spend $700 on an HU when $400 will do (Alpine 9835). Or, he could get the Alpine D300 for $1100, and have 99% usable features and touchpanel/video. -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 771 Registered: May-04 | The input gain of the SP4-SL is adjustable via db settings, 0, +6, and +12. It's a 16V RMS output. It does have clip indicators, though, and he could turn the head unit up all the way to clipping, then one notch down. Personally, I'd rather use Equalizers like the Audiocontrol EQT before the preamp, that way the freq. response would be flat before it splits between components and subwoofer, and I could adjust subwoofer level freely and always go back to the original setting. The EQ30SL is only sensitive to a maximum 3V RMS unbalanced output, 3,6, and 12 are for balanced outputs, so the Eclipse wouldn't work with that. The SP4-SL and Audiocontrol EQT's would work nicely. The EQT has adjustable input and output, so it would work well. The built in line driver is capable of 9.5V RMS, and can be adjusted to almost anything below that. Input gain is adjustable from +/- 18 db. The preouts, etc. aren't the only benefit of the 8454, though, the internal components all contribute to the sound quality. If he really isn't going to use pro mode and the parametric EQ, then he can get a 5444 which eliminates those features, he'll lose WMA support and the 8V preouts. |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 4019 Registered: Dec-03 | Jon, if he's using the SP4SL and the EQ30SL(s) with Zapco amps, he can run the Eclipse source with 16V inputs unbalanced to the preamp, then run out of the preamp usind DIN to as many of the EQ30SLs as he needs, one per channel, then go DIN to each amp. They should work fine as long as he stays with balanced DIN cables and not unbalanced RCAs. keep the unbalanced RCA signal path as short and limited as possible and use as much symbilink as you can. that'll keep noise to a minimum and make using the DIN cables worth the cost and effort. ideally, you'd go directly from the head unit into something like the preamp that goes from there on with DIN. heck I wish the Concept 97.2 used Orion's DIN connections, too for that matter. Ah well. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 197 Registered: Jun-04 | Well, now I'm wholly unconvinced that this is the best route. Why not get the Alpine 9835, and Alpine H700 and have much the same features without having so many unused (and at equal or less cost)? -Matt |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 774 Registered: May-04 | Wasn't too familiar with the SP4-SL. Couldn't download the PDF from the site. Thanks for straightening me out. True about the DIN cable. |
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Silver Member Username: MattlBolingbrook, Illinois USA Post Number: 208 Registered: Jun-04 | Any other thoughts from you two? -Matt |
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Bronze Member Username: Bruhneedluv2Post Number: 86 Registered: May-04 | Glasswolf listens to Public Enemy, NWA, and Dr.Dre? no disrepsct, but WOW!!! I thought most audiophiles listen to more acoustical music such as chopin, mozart, and beethoven. I guess I am not the only one that likes variety. The best test I have ever received was from classical music in any system I have ever had. that genre along with Usher's new cd will really test your system out. Usher's cd is mastered pretty well. |
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Gold Member Username: GlasswolfNorthWest, Michigan USA Post Number: 4040 Registered: Dec-03 | one of my favorite test CDs is still the MFSL release of pink floyd's dark side of the moon. yah I like a lot of old school rap artists. Ice T, NWA.. I'm a child of teh 80s. I was listening to Run DMC when they were new before rap really caught on. I just never got much into some of the new hiphop top 40 stuff like nelly and 50 cent. I think they're talentless shmucks who need better messages than "look how much money I have" in their music. Public Enemy has things to say.. things that were impacting the life they grew up living. That and the music just slams. Good driving music now and then, but not all the time. If you noticed, I had quite a bit of baroque and classical listed too though  I like old blues and smooth jazz too. yeah my tastes are pretty eclectic. no offense taken. |
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Silver Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 783 Registered: May-04 | We're not that lame, lol. I'll listen to anything that's music and not image. I agree with Glass, newer rap is getting sad because the songs are promoting the exact same image, not to mention that all the songs are overplayed and really aren't about anything worth listening to more than a few times (if at all). Classical and Jazz are probably my least played music (except newer rap), I guess my favorites are older rock, female alternative (like Evanescence, Alanis Morissette) and some soft rock. |
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