Just got my Evo X, need some help on an SQ system

knobby22 · Sep 9, 2009, 08:35 AM

Hey fellas,

I purchased a WW Evo X with 2800 miles on the clock. Unfortunately, it came with a gutted stock system, replaced with a pretty messed up system. Anyway, I'm going to start over. Here's what I'm looking for:

High quality, simple system with an emphasis on SQ. I don't need a double din unit, and plan to replace the crappy metra dash plate with a JDM or Scosche plate. I'd like a single din unit, and use the extra space for gauges, and am seeking a full OEM look if possible. I don't plan on a sub, and plan on just a front stage.

I was thinking maybe a Nak head unit, and the Dynaudio 242 or 242GT front stage. I'll need a high quality amp to go with it as well.

The focals and the high end BAs I found bright. . .the dyns were smooth like butta to my ears, very non fatiguing. Not sure if they will fit though. I'm a big fan of soft dome tweets.

Suggestions?

My knowledge of this stuff is pretty limited and dated.

BTW, I came from a long string of high end sports cars, including both the 996 and 997 GT3, several other 996s, and a number of BMWs. I picked up the Evo after driving my friends rig, and was quite impressed. It's a hilariously fun car, and given its purchase price, I no longer have to stress over it. Makes it easier to enjoy. Will be selling my current porsche and bmw X5 4.8is.

Thanks!

Jeff

EDIT: just saw pics of that pioneer install. Maybe I'll rethink that double din setup!

WW Evo X GSR
964 Turbo 3.6 (Bad Boy)
BMW X5 4.8is
E36 M3 LTW w/S54 Conversion (track car)
Ford F250 Powerstroke 7.3L Diesel (tow vehicle)

c_reber · Sep 9, 2009, 10:30 AM

Double din's do look great in the X. Scoshe dash kit looks good and the ($$) JDM kit looks even better I think.

As for your SQ setup, not much help there, I'm a beginner on knowing what is good anymore. 6.5" speakers will fit in the front doors, but you will probably need a spacer.

Good luck, and post pics of the install when you finish!

DHMC · Sep 10, 2009, 07:36 PM

You may find the following links useful if you like Nak (CD-400 or CD-700II)
http://www.redflagdeals.com/forums/s...d.php?t=771197
http://ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?p=51635
I'm interested in CD-400 myself, but have concern on its reliability.

If you don't like the Metra, then I don't think you would like Scosche.
I would like to have the JDM panel too, but do not want to order it from Japan.
Please let me know if you know where to get it.

It is not easy to bring the best out of the Dynaudio; installation is the key.
On top of better speaker wires and cables you may also consider running a separate power supply and deadening the door.

I'm new to car audio too, but have spent a lot of time on high-end home audio,
and have learned a lot hanging around www.diymobileaudio.com

Good luck on your search for SQ and please post how it turns out.

hondmatic · Sep 15, 2009, 12:11 AM

I found these forums very helpful for anything SQ:

www.diymobileaudio.com

migs647 · Sep 15, 2009, 12:58 AM

As far as sound quality goes.... I haven't found anything better than CDT Audio. You can usually find a set from last year pretty cheap. http://www.woofersetc.com/c127/CDT-A...ation-Sale.htm.

I bought a set of the carbon fiber ones used from a guy local here. The components blew my mind. I completed them with a set of neodymium CDT Audios. For $250 I had a set of amazing speakers. I got a really good deal on the Carbon Fiber components though. But from that URL, you're looking at about the same price for components and another set of 6.5" speakers.

I had them hooked up with a JL Audio G6600. Amazing amp! The headunit was an Alpine 9886. I have never been more blown away by a sound system for clarity and accurate pitches in my life. Pity it was in a car that would have the sound disrupted by road noise and rattles.

All in all, if you're looking for a great system... check that stuff out. GL

knobby22 · Sep 15, 2009, 08:00 AM

Thanks fellas.

I'm sorting through choices now and will come up with something. Going with JL for amps, and am still auditioning drivers for the front stage.

migs647 · Sep 15, 2009, 09:01 AM

Just fyi... you're going to need a slim mount woofer for the front door. Normal 6.5" woofers don't fit in there. That's why I recommended those Neodymiums.

Fusionworks · Sep 27, 2009, 08:58 AM

Audison LRx 5.1k
great amp that can power the entire system with a small footprint. 170X2, 60X2, 750X1 @ 4ohm

I know depth is a problem, but I'm going to try an put in some Focal KRX2s in my doors...

knobby22 · Sep 28, 2009, 02:05 PM

I am going a little nutty with my system. Got together with local hard core SQ guys who are on DIYmobileaudio.com.

They favor the prs800/880 head unit, with people running either the morel or high end dynaudio. I have 3 amps on the way, all old school soundstream: Ref1000, Ref1000, and Ref300. Current thought is a 3 way active setup, with the the Ref 300 running tweets, Ref1000 running midbass drivers, and the second Ref1000 running the sub.

For the front stage, I'll do a custom morel or dyn install and run everything active. Not sure on subs yet, but I do like the Morel Ultimo. Their piccolo tweet is really, really nice.

migs647 · Sep 28, 2009, 02:22 PM

I think you could have avoided 3 amps with the JLAudio G6600. Not sure what you're trying to push as far as bass, but it would handle two 10s pretty easily. And would have done the front components and the rear mids. You sure you want the added weight of 3 amps?

knobby22 · Sep 28, 2009, 03:22 PM

Gonna see how much they weigh first and decide. I got a great deal on them, and are easily resold.

I'm putting the carbon fiber do luck trunk lid. Just sent off my gas filler cover for paint match. That'll trim a few pounds. I decided I hated the look of the low wing, love the high wing, but wanted something a bit stealthier.

Within reason, I'm not terribly concerned with weight as the evo will remain a street car. I think all three will only be 30lbs or so. Don't think I'd feel that.

mlomker · Sep 28, 2009, 07:53 PM

Sounds like you've made your choices, so I hope it works out well! The Rockford is actually the first stock stereo that I've ever had that is good enough to not bother replacing (one of the reasons that I went with an Evo).

My last system was Eclipse head, CDT audio speakers, and Kicker amps. I was very pleased with the SQ. Perhaps I don't have the best ear but I've found the amp to be the least important piece in my systems...

knobby22 · Sep 28, 2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlomker

Sounds like you've made your choices, so I hope it works out well! The Rockford is actually the first stock stereo that I've ever had that is good enough to not bother replacing (one of the reasons that I went with an Evo).

My last system was Eclipse head, CDT audio speakers, and Kicker amps. I was very pleased with the SQ. Perhaps I don't have the best ear but I've found the amp to be the least important piece in my systems...

Honestly if I had the stock stereo system in the X, I would likely keep it. Unfortunately it came to me with a gutted system, the new electronics installed by a chimpanzee on Quaaludes.

migs647 · Sep 28, 2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlomker

Sounds like you've made your choices, so I hope it works out well! The Rockford is actually the first stock stereo that I've ever had that is good enough to not bother replacing (one of the reasons that I went with an Evo).

My last system was Eclipse head, CDT audio speakers, and Kicker amps. I was very pleased with the SQ. Perhaps I don't have the best ear but I've found the amp to be the least important piece in my systems...

+1000 on CDT Audio... best speakers I've ever heard.

solipsism · Oct 2, 2009, 09:51 PM

I had the DynAudio 242's (6.5) in my doors before I blew them (full volume at -30C--stupid me). The doors have to be cut for them to fit as they are quite a bit deeper then the originals.