My budget is around $900.. looking to get front speakers, a 12" sub, and an amp... already got an aftermarket HU...

So, i went to a audio shop today.. and..
The audio shop recommanded this w/ that budget...

Fronts: MB Quart Reference ($299)<-their price..

Sub: Image Dynamics IDQ 12" ($200) <--their price..

Amp: Memphis MC3004 ($405)<--their price..

I'm kinda debating' between the IDQ's and Eclipes..
For the front the guy told me that MB Quart is one of the best.. that it would blow away Infinity, Boston Acoustic... etc....
As far as the amp goes I have nothing in particular...
Any other recommandations?...

Quick nubbie question... Since I'm only using the amp for the two front speakers and a sub..
Do I need a 2 channel amp or 4 channel?.. or does it not matter?.. thanks a lot..

 

Many on this board do not like MB Quart. I like them. Don't get the reference. Get the premiums (PCE 216). Most shops will come down to 350 or below on them as they will still be making money at that price.

The sound is sharper than some other brands, but I like the "sparkle". Also, the system sounds good at 70 mph with the top down. A sub in the trunk has been most dissapointing, as I am used to a sub in a hatchback.

A 4 channel amp will work, but you will get better output from two separate amps, one for the sub and one for the components.

 

Well, most people will expect this..but......

Out of five thumbs

Speakers..... (much better speakers can be had for less money)

Sub..... ...Not bad, not good, average....could do better

Amp I hate memphis....i just think their products are made for the Escalade toting crowd.

I will find you what you need within your budget, give me till monday.

 

I agree with NFR. These shops must be getting serious kickback to recommend this crap to people. And it's not like its all crap, but its expensive for what you're getting.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SCoach
I agree with NFR.

 

hmm.. is it better to go with two seperate amps then?.. is it worth it?..

 

It depends on what you want to do. I've had my system changed quite a bit since the shop made their "recommendations."

I started out with:

1) Clarion 745 HU
2) Focal 165CV and extra Focal tweeters
3) Memphis "baby bell" 4x55 and 400x1
4) Treo 10" sub in custom fiberglass enclosure (ported)

Although that sounded pretty good, the amp would overheat and shut off (not enough power), and I wasn't happy with the bass or some of the other stuff.

So, I've switched to:

1) Clarion 745
2) Focal 165KP's and additional tweeters
3) Audison LRx2.250 (on mids/highs)
4) MMATS 700x1 (on sub)
5) Same Treo 10" sub.

Everything sounds great, EXCEPT, my sub. So, I'm changing the sub out. I was going to do a Focal sub, but just recently learned that it won't be the best sub for the S2K, so I'm going go with an Eclipse Aluminum sub in a SEALED enclosure.

Now, for you, depending on what kind of sound you want and how much you want to spend, you may want to get one four-channel amp to power your whole system. Probably something like the Soundstream Tantrum or Phoenix Gold amps. That will give you plenty of power.

I'm a fan of MB Quart, and before this, it's all I ever liked and used. However, I'm quite satisfied with the Focals, and yes, there are other good choices out there including the Infinity Kappa Perfects and Diamond Audio.

As for a sub, stick to what NFRs2000NYC recommends:

Eclipse
Alphasonik

And possibly even the Alpine Type R series.

As I've learned the hard way, do it right the first time!

 

The IDQ is an excellent sub... for $100. If that $200 is installed including a box, maybe then it's a good deal. Precision Power also makes some excellent sounding subs for very little $$. They're not the hardest hitting or the best sounding on the market, but in their price range I think they're hard to beat. If you want to spend under $200 for a sub, I would recommend PPI, Eclipse, ID, and MAYBE JL or Alpine.

MB Quarts are way too bright for me. Right now I have a set of silk dome Oz Audio tweeters which are supposedly some of the smoothest on the market(not as laid back as my Dyns though) and even at -6db they're still a bit much for me! With this high door location, tweeters become much more agressive. I would listen VERY carefully to as many subs and components as possible before making a decision. In the end, it is what sounds best to you that matters the most!

Tim