OMG . . . please help! My stereo was stolen . . . AGAIN! 
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 127 Registered: Jul-04 | Well, I am so pissed off right now. Not only did I have my stereo stolen 10 weeks ago, but now my newer and better stuff was just stolen AGAIN! Luckily my head unit was left this time (because I take the face plate off). They broke the lock cylinder out of my door and ripped apart my back seat (which was locked) to get at my 12" Alpine Type X in a nice Alpine ported box, and my US Amps DE-1000 This is all AFTER I just installed an alarm Anyways, I am through with booming car audio. I might just consider getting some decent component speakers, and that is it, but I know nothing about them (never had them before). What do you guys think of the Focal Access 165A 6.5" component speakers for a 1999 VW Passat? I would get two sets . . . one for the front and one for the rear. Would this offer me adequate bass without a sub? Could I power these directly off of my Alpine CDA-9835 deck (with 27W RMS per channel) or would I have to get an amp? I want this setup to be as discreet as possible (i.e. if I have an amp it must be well hidden) so that it is not stolen again. Man I wish I had video surveillance in my car!! Or razor blades hidden in random locations would be satisfying too :D Thanks for your help guys! Bryan |
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Bronze Member Username: ChenzevyPost Number: 51 Registered: Mar-05 | you must be an idiot or a p:ussy how the hell you get ur system stolen TWICE? ive never gotten my stuff stolen and people know what i have you gotta make it cleat that there will be consequences if your stuff gets stolen |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 128 Registered: Jul-04 | INFORMATIVE responses are appreciated. I think it goes without saying that the last post is ridiculous . . . Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: Jonathan_fGA USA Post Number: 3593 Registered: May-04 | Joe, honestly that was a pretty childish response. You can talk about consequences all you want, if your stuff did get stolen, chances are you won't have a clue who stole it and you won't find out if the thief is intelligent. The Focal Access line isn't all that spectacular IMO. If you want more bass from a 6.5" driver, you need to look into something with a little more oomph like the Adire Extremis or RE X.X.X. mids, they have a very long throw and powerful bass for their size, you'd need a good tweeter to match them though, something with a relatively low resonant frequency and can play down to the 2-2.5khz region. Highly depends on the money you want to spend. You would need an amp to power them. Most stereos get stolen when people show them off in the wrong neighborhoods (not accusing you), but if you had any stickers, bumped in the wrong place, or the wrong guy just saw it, it likely is what got your system stolen, if not from someone who spread the word around. |
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Bronze Member Username: Bnd_rulezPhoenix, AZ USA Post Number: 80 Registered: Mar-05 | Yeah. I always turn my stereo down when entering my apartment complex, and getting into work. Better safe than sorry. The razorblade trick actually works quite well. But it leavse a mess |
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Silver Member Username: TheelfkeeperStockbridge, GA USA Post Number: 192 Registered: Feb-05 | the main thing is, don't tell people what you got and don't show it off. they know, then tell someone else....ect and eventually it'll get around to some as s hole that will steal it. watch where you leave the car too. that sucks that you got yout stuff stolen, hope you find the person who stole it. add the system to your insurance if you can afford it and if they will cover it. good luck with the comps too |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 129 Registered: Jul-04 | Thanks everyone! I will look into the suggested comps (Adire). It is important that they give some decent bass, as I will be going without subs. I was actually thinking about maybe getting two small 5" subs and mounting them in the 6.5" speaker locations in the rear door sof my Passat if that is possible (for a little bass). I know Focal makes a speaker of this size. I wonder if it is possible to make a little enclosure hidden within the door? I don't think they take a very big enclosure . . . Any suggestions on this idea? By the way, I am very cautious with where I play my stereo. I only play it when I am on the freeway. As soon as I am off the freeway, the stereo goes off. Someone must have just saw that I had no faceplate in my car, and decided to check it out. I am not like some morons who put car audio stickers all over their cars screaming "STEAL ME PLEASE!!!" :P I just have really bad luck, and now because of these idiots I can't enjoy a bumping stereo in my car anymore Thanks once again for your help, Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: TheelfkeeperStockbridge, GA USA Post Number: 200 Registered: Feb-05 | yeah, i'm looking at different components too (still, lol) and Jonathan seems to be the component guy on here btw. i'm looking to try and do the same thing your talking about, somehow putting an enclosure in my doors for some JL 6W0's for midbass. i never get why anyone who isn't like sponcered and stuff would put stickers all over their car, as you said it screams "Steal me please." kinda sounds like an inside kinda job, like someone you know since its happened before and you are cautious. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 130 Registered: Jul-04 | I don't think it was an inside job or anything . . . It is probably because my car is tinted 5% all around Any suggestions on awesome 5-6" mini subs? Can you buy the 6W0's on ebay? Regards, Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: TheelfkeeperStockbridge, GA USA Post Number: 217 Registered: Feb-05 | i can't find the 6W0's on ebay or anywhere else online, don't know if these are any good or not, but i know diamond and mb quart makes a mid bass kit. |
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Bronze Member Username: GeekbikePost Number: 83 Registered: Dec-04 | I'm not sure sure how insurance works in Ontario, but in Alberta, my insurance plan automatically covers up to $1500. For extra coverage, it costs only $3/$100 covered. Insuring a $5000 system costs a little over $100/year. And also, you can claim full MSRP on everything. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 131 Registered: Jul-04 | Yes, I know all about insurance . . . I work for an insurance company. I am an actuarial student, and we use mathematical statistics to analyze trends and set insurance rates. But yes, I am covered for $1500. That is what i got last time, and that is what I will get again this time. I was going to take out extra coverage, but hadn't got around to it yet because I didn't even have my new stereo installed for three weeks before it was stolen again Regards, Bryan |
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Bronze Member Username: NitescortPost Number: 47 Registered: Mar-05 | most if not all insurance companies wont cover equipment(subs, amps, caps, etc...) thats not bolted to the car. and amp racks dont count unless they too are bolted down. |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2175 Registered: Nov-04 | If you want revenge, try getting a portable electric fence power supply. Then attach it to your car's chassis. It will give anyone trying to break in a suprising shock. This is only a theory, don't try it on cars that you love. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 132 Registered: Jul-04 | Hehehe :P I've thought of that before Isaac . . . not a bad idea :P You were one of the people that helped me decide on my last setup. Could you help me on this one? What do you think this would be like in my '99 Passat? - Alpine CDA-9835 Head Unit (which I still have) - Focal Utopia 165W2 components in the front - Orion 8004 amp powering the Utopias - Factory components in the rear, on deck power (which will only be playing if there are people in the back) - No subwoofer because it would just get stolen Please give your opinions/suggestions. Would my sound be decent with just one set of Utopias, and that is it? Woudl the Utopias give decent bass? Thanks! Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2177 Registered: Nov-04 | Car thieves are low life scum bags. I have more respect for a bank robber than a car thief. Your setup is not as good as before, but it'll do fine. Have you thought of getting a bass tube subs? It's small in size and probably not worth stealing for the criminals. It'll sound better than having no subs at all. If that's not possible, you could purchase 6.5" woofers for the doors. I've seen them on eBay for $40 each. Have you thought of buying some "Pyramid" stickers and covering up Orion brand name? Same for Utopia speakers. It probably will get those prof criminals off your back. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 133 Registered: Jul-04 | Thanks Isaac  That Pyramid sticker idea is so funny, yet it would probably be effective :D I think thieves would know an Orion amp if they saw one though . . . What i like about the Utopias is that they are flat black, and the thieves won't notice them in the doors. as of yet, they have pulled off my door skins. It's a Passat, so the skins are a pain to take off too . . . Anyways, I don't need huge bass, but I would like some great SQL. For such expensive speakers, I figured the Utopias should sound good all on their own? I was just running factory comps before . . . I think I am just going to keep my CDA-9835, buy a used Orion 8004, and buy one of the following component setups for the front: - Focal Utopia 6.5" 2-way components ~~~ $800CAN used - Arc Audio ACS 265 6.5" 2-way components ~~~ $450CAN board model - DLS Iridium 6.2's (6.5" 2-way components) ~~~ $800CAN new Which setup would you pick? If I can get some cheaper components or coaxials for the rear, then I might do that too. Otherwise, it will just be factory VW Passat speakers off of deck power in the rear. Thanks for all your help again! Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2182 Registered: Nov-04 | In the dark, most thieves will see the logo Pyramid before they recognize the shape of the amp. Those are very high priced components. If you have the money then I'd probably purchase one too. I'm not too keen on used things, especially speakers. Lot of them get abused by newbies. So if it were up to me, I'd go with DLS new, Focal 2nd. There are some great CDT models under $800. I have Diamond Audio M661 and Polk Momo M6 components. They sound great. I paid $150 for Polk and $300 for the Diamond. You don't have to spend that much to get great sounds. What's good about speakers is that, you can tailor it to suit your taste by adding/replacing drivers/crossovers. For example, if you want crisp highs, add a hard bullet tweeter, if you want clear vocals, add a midrange etc. Active crossover wins hands down over passive. Stock speakers are pretty bad. You might want to pickup Infinity coaxial. On eBay, the go for $50. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 134 Registered: Jul-04 | Thanks again Isaac I do not worry about the quality of the used Focals. . . they were owned by a professional installer, and they are his personal speakers. His RSX is incredibly nice, with mods valued way more than his already valuable car :S I have no doubt that he took verygood care of them. That said, would you still go DLS? Is the used ORION 8004 (in like-new condition) a good deal at $350CAN (i.e. about $290US)? If I can get the Infinitys for only $50, then what the heck :P Might as well . . . I can get Infinty Kappa Perfect 6.2 sets for $300CAN (about $245US) but the centre caps things are pushed in a little. Does this affect sound? Is this a good or crappy deal? I was thinking of maybe a pair for the rear . . . Thanks again! Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2186 Registered: Nov-04 | If the guy can guarantee the speakers are in excellent condition, then maybe Focal. If you look at PPI's PC/PCX series amp, it should be in line with Orion 8004 amp. I would purchase PC/PCX before 8004. Older Orion amps were great, but their current lines aren't as good. Dented centre cap on Infinity shouldn't effect sound quality, but it can get annoying watching it. For $245US, you might as well buy a new one. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 135 Registered: Jul-04 | Yeah, I have heard that the newer Orions aren't as good as the older ones too. But would the Orion 8004 still be pretty good? I can get it locally, and the price seems right. It is harder to buy stuff of of ebay etc. when you live in Canada because then we have to pay 15% tax, large shipping, custom's brokerage fees, etc. I can get used Kappa Perfect 6.1s in mint condition locally for the same price ($245US). Do you think that would be good in the rear with the Utopias in the front? Regards, Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2194 Registered: Nov-04 | Yes the new Orions are still pretty good compared to the new PPI series. You can say that for most new amps nowdays. Are you thinking of putting Kappa Perfect 6.1 in the rear? It would be too good for it. You don't need that high quality at the back. $150 Infinity coaxial will do just fine. You want the best possible sound from the front, and mid bass from the rear. Anything else would be a waste. If you order from eBay and ask the seller to use USPS, it'll cut down on duty/taxes. Still way cheaper than purchasing locally. I'll give you an example. A $500 amp would cost you $119 total in taxes and duty. That same product in Canada will cost $900 plus 15% tax. So no matter how you look at it, it'll end up being cheaper. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 136 Registered: Jul-04 | I can now get the Focals for $750CAN used, so I think that is what I am leaning towards. This is about $610US. Do you guys think that the Orion 8004 will be adequate? It is ceratinly in my price range . . . Thanks! Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2196 Registered: Nov-04 | The Focal and Orion 8004 will work just fine. If you compare the price you're paying with CrapBuy or CraptureShop, you're still saving tons while getting a great product. I mean they sell RF 8002 amp for $899! One of the biggest ripoffs ever and no one's complaining. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 137 Registered: Jul-04 | Oh, I posted at the same time as your last post and thus missed it. Yes, I am aware that USPS has only a $5 customs brokerage fee. I would say that more than 50% of sellers refuse to ship with USPS for some reason though I don't have a problem with buying stuff on ebay, and in fact, almost all of my car audio bought so far is off of Americans on ebay. The nice thing about buying locally used is that I can pay cash, and scrap the taxes and shipping. I don't think I could get Focal Utopia's on Ebay shipped to me with all taxes and brokerage fees paid for only $750CAN. I think I found a pretty good deal. Can you explain something to me . . . isn't the 6.5" speaker of a component set a midbass? If not, then what is the difference? If there is a bass-focused 6.5" speaker that I can put in the rear locations, then I would do that. By the way, are you Canadian? Thanks for your help guys! Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 138 Registered: Jul-04 | A couple of more items that I can get: - Concept CC-1004 amplifier ~~~ $320CAN used - Orion XTR Components ~~~ ??? used I have never heard of Concept . . . are they good? What do they compare to? Also, I was thinking of maybe these Orions for rear fill. They guy said that they are like midbasses, and I want bass out of my rear speakers . . . Regards, Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2208 Registered: Nov-04 | I wouldn't waste my money on Concept amp. At $320, you're not getting much bargin nor quality. Orion HCCA 250G4 will cost about the same and is a much better amp. Same applies to PPI PC2300.2. If the Orion component is in great shape and reasonably priced, then go for it. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 139 Registered: Jul-04 | OK, looks like I am going with the Focals and the Orion 8004 I would like some bassy speakers to put in my rear door 6.5" holes, as I don't need rear fill and I don't want a sub in the trunk. Any suggestions? Regards, Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2212 Registered: Nov-04 | There are 6.5" subs that you can purchase. It's not as good as 12", but it should work in your situation. You might be able to find some 150w - 200w models. Look for some 6" pvc pipes for enclosure. It will make up for lack of space. I think the only place that sells 6" pvc are plumbing stores. Most will only carry 4". |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 140 Registered: Jul-04 | Can you give me some suggestions for 6.5" subs? Are these also knwon as midbass speakers?? I am lost . . . Also, do they have to be enclosed? I see a Kicker midbass set (not sure if this is a "sub" or not) that is free air. Doesn't this mean that an enclsure is unnessessary? Can you please fill me in on the lingo? what is the difference between the woofer of a component set, a midbass speaker, and a sub?? Thanks again, Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2214 Registered: Nov-04 | Midbass is bass that's above 80Hz - 100Hz. It's meant to compliment the sub (80Hz - 120Hz or below). If a sub produced all the lows, then you'd get midbass as well as the lows. This would have some impact on imaging cause midbass are directional. The woofer is similar to midbass except it will only go as high as 300Hz. Since you won't be having any subs, 6.5" woofer will work for you. You don't have to put in an enclosure, but you will get tigher bass with it. If you look at the inside of the car door, it's pretty much like an empty tin can. Not very good for sound acoustics. Have you been to an audio shop? Every single speaker they demo is in an enclosure. That is why it always sounds better there than in your car. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 141 Registered: Jul-04 | Yeah, I have been to an audio shop before, and they like to make a sort of enclosdure for the door woofers, although it is pricey. This is because the grille on a VW (at least on the Jetta, not sure about my passat) is not in line with the speaker hole, so you have to build an angled port using MDF rings. Can you give me some suggestions for a 6.5" woofer? Ebay links would be awesome too :D Regards, Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2216 Registered: Nov-04 | Here's the eBay numbers for a 6.5" woofer: 5765134200 5765089644 5765526884 5765873960 |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 142 Registered: Jul-04 | Thanks for the link Isaac. GlassWolf's article says that rear fill is unnessary. http://wickedcases.com/caraudio/rearfill.html I would like a little bit of something for my rear passengers though. I would like something a little higher quality than the Ebay links you posted. I can get some used mint condition Kappa Perfect 6.1s for $300CAN . . . would that be OK, or would it detract from the Focals too much? I can always fade to the frotn more, as long as there are no passengers in the rear . . . Thanks, Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: AraknidBOCA , FL U.S. Post Number: 388 Registered: Nov-04 | If i was you after the first time they got stolen, i would take all the important stuff out of the car at night(Subs ,Amps, face plate)pain in the as$ but it will keep it safe. wake up alittle bit earlier put it back in and take it back out again once you know your gonna be in for the night. |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2218 Registered: Nov-04 | Glasswolf's article is talking about having full range speaker in the rear. The eBay links I gave you were for low bass only. So it wouldn't interfere with imaging. You could also purchase a regular coaxial speaker and add a passive crossover so that it'll only give you mid bass. $300 for the rear is a bit expensive. You will do fine with a $100 one cause it doesn't have to produce any low nor very high sounds. If I were you, I'd buy 6.5" woofers for the rear. It'll give you better overall sound without a sub in the trunk. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 143 Registered: Jul-04 | What if I want good SQL for rear passengers as well? Would it hurt to put Infinty Perfect 6.1s in the rear? Would it actually detract from SQL in the front, or would it just not add to it. I'm not sure if I am clear in what i am asking :P Thanks! Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 144 Registered: Jul-04 | By the way, my gear is stolen during the day while parked at at train station, not at night, so taking the gear out isn't really possible. Regards, Bryan |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 146 Registered: Jul-04 | What do you guys think a pair of Kicker F6.5c's would sound like as rear woofers (to make up for my lack of a sub)? Would I be able to power both the Focal Utopias up front and the woofers in the rear off of the Orion 8004 amp? Would this all sound good? Would I need a crossover or anything special for the mini subs? Can you recommend ways to hook this up? Thanks!!! Bryan |
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Unregistered guest | stolen equipment ........ ugh..... yeah ........... i quit investing in car audio more than a decade ago. i spend very little time in my car and when i am in the car i am more concentrated on (the road) other things. may i suggest investing in real audio equipment (hi-end-home-audio). a car's acoustics are simply ridiculous and there really isnt any location in a car to install speakers where they should be to reproduce quality sound. if you still insist on having louder sound in your car; may i suggest cheap-cheap k-mart coaxial speakers and a cheap self powered bazooka. if u get robbed u will be out just a coupla hundred bucks, instead of thousands. by the way, save your money and buy a house. then, you might have a better chance of keeping your audio equipment, if you have an enclosed garage. get a mean dog and a gun. i feel for anyone that gets robbed. |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2239 Registered: Nov-04 | Bryan, you should be okay with 8004 powering front and rears. If you had active crossover with the amp, then you will have better control of the components. If not, you can always buy a coil for the rear 6.5" woofers. They're around $12. |
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Silver Member Username: BdonkersgoedOntario Canada Post Number: 152 Registered: Jul-04 | Well, I waited too long on the Orion 8004 and it is already sold Now I have to look for something else. I was thinking of maybe getting two 2-channel amps (one for fronts, one for rears) and I am going to keep an eyes out for Focal 5" subs to fit in my rear doors instead of the kickers. Thanks! Bryan |
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Gold Member Username: CarguyPost Number: 2257 Registered: Nov-04 | Have you thought of looking at PPI's PC/PCX series? They are still very good in SQ and price. |
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