hey all,

I am quite new to sound, most of my cars came with an upgraded audio package that was 'good enough' for me (ie: Monsoon system, Kicker system etc).

So far I am pretty dissapoitned with this stock sound unit so I am going to use my recently purchased head unit (Pioneer DEH-7800mp).

So I think now I want some speakers (front and rear??) and an AMP to power them, nothing too crazy but something thats going to make my rock/metal music sound good.

I listen to Tool, foo fighters, the killers, weezer, and a lot of classic rock.

I like a good bass-ey sound.

What do you reccomend??

And do you think Circuit City is good enough to install it?? I dont have much room where I live to do an install (apartment).

Thanks,

ANY help is appreciated.

 

Sometimes you need to watch out for chain store installers. Sometimes you can get lucky and get someone who actually knows and cares, but i've heard way too many chop up install stories to ever recommend anyone go to them for install.

As for equipment, it's really up to you to decide what you want. You have a headunit, so what I would do is start listening to as many component sets as possible and finding out what sounds good to you!!! that is the most important thing, I can tell you what sounds good to me, but you may think it sounds like poo.

I would do:
* nice components in the front doors in pods (Zenclosures, WickedCAS), or in kick panels (Bing)
* a single 10" will be perfect listening to the genres you listen to - in a single under strut box (Zenclosures)
* a 2 chan amp for the components
* a monoblock amp for the sub
* wiring
* sound damping

Leave out the rear speakers for now, use that money towards better front speakers. If later on you feel you are missing something, then add a set of coaxials.

You should be able to pick up some nice quality gear within your $1000 budget.

 

since i have not heard of any of those artists i guess i should not recommend equipment

 

Well I said circuit city becuase the guy who does their installs (or manages them) does amazing work. He does a lot of work for car shows and has pictures up with every celebrity and all his custom jobs which are flawless in my opinion!...and does Orange county choppers audio (Since I live there).

Anyway

 

Actually, something to keep in mind when you're shopping/spec'ing equipment, for that music what you're really looking for isn't really deep subbass, it's more upper/midbass. Kick drums, bass guitar, etc.

Some equipment that can do tight, punchy midbass will rock that style music.

Good Luck.

 

I do agree for the most part, however a lot of the younger/newer rock/alternative/metal bands are including some synthesized/electronic low end in their tracks. Back in the day I would have suggested nothing larger than an 8" for rock, but these days a nice, quick 10" will work perfectly. I would advise against anything larger than a 10" though. Go for a 10" geared more towards SQ (rather than SPL) because GENERALLY a SQ sub will be quicker/cleaner/punchier. Do it sealed, not ported.

 

I listen to a ton of metal and it's interesting to hear how different albums are mixed regarding the kick drums. On some albums the kick drums sound like they're completely reproduced by the midbass speakers while on other albums the kick drums have much more impact because the CD is mixed to add in the subwoofer a bit more. I agree with the previous recommendation to go with a single SQ 10" subwoofer. For rock/metal, a "punchy" sound is definitely what I'd want.

And about the good bass-ey sound, I felt the exact same way when I first started out with home audio a few years ago. Over time I realized what I wanted wasn't more bass...it was less treble. I have since found that brands which are characterized by a softer upper-frequency range (Polk Audio, DLS, etc.) are what I'm after. In my opinion, speakers which have this attribute sound more bass-ey without having to actually be more bass-ey.

 

Wow, good info so far guys.

 

I would definitely start by listening to as many different comp sets in a car environment. Pick out some comps you want. If you can't listen to a lot in a car environment, then in a store listening room will have to do. at least you can get somewhat of a feel for what sound you like.

Then you can match up a nice sub to them, then pick out amps to power everything.