Expert Advice needed...HU & speakers

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Jun 26, 2003 | 03:05 PM

MTMS4

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Expert Advice needed...HU & speakers

I'm thinking of fitting one of the following head units in my STi;

(a) Eclipse 8053
(b) Alpine 9815
(c) Pioneer DEH-P940MP

with Kenwood Excelon dual-mag peakers (KFC-XR61P), either 5.25" or 6.5" (basically because they are very light and supposedly drop straight in without spacers; can someone confirm/deny this ??). Other possibilities are Focal poly-Ks or Diamond HEXs ?

So, first of all, would the above head units coupled with ONLY the Kenwood front speakers (no amp, no sub) work ?

I'm trying to keep weight down to a minimum (not cost).

If an amp is needed can anyone recommend something small/light.

Anyone know whether these Kenwood speakers will drop straight into the front mounting holes without spacers (someone has posted that they do....maybe the 5.25" ones ???).

I like music (i.e. I can't do without a stereo) but I'm not an audiophile so I'm not after top-knotch sound reproduction and I'm not after that "thumping" beat......

Comments/advice much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bill.

Jun 27, 2003 | 09:35 AM

slonomo

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Bill,
One of the basic unwritten laws of car stereo is: never power component speakers from a head unit! I think the crossovers are the culprit: they eat up a lot of power that would otherwise go to the speakers.

Jun 27, 2003 | 12:28 PM

MTMS4

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Slonomo,

Thanks for the advice......this will be the first time I've ever installed an aftermarket system; I'm usually quite content with the OEM one (SOA threw me a curved ball here).

I'm going down to a couple of local stores over the weekend to see what they recommend.

So, the basic choices would be HU+coaxials or HU+components+amp ? (you can tell I know very little about this !!).

Jun 30, 2003 | 07:30 AM

slonomo

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I would recommend : HU + amp + components, as I am sure most people would. But I am a stereo buff, so I would always choose the most expensive option.

Even if you go with coax speakers, consider an amp. It does not have to be big, expensive, or with 1,000 watts. A modestly powered amp from a good manufacturer will work well.

Jul 2, 2003 | 09:19 PM

kami333

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Any recommendations on one?

Jul 3, 2003 | 10:10 AM

MTMS4

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Zapco amps ???

Slonomo,

Thanks for the advice. I stopped by my local stereo shop and they recommended an amp too......they mentioned Zapco in particular. Never heard of Zapco before; are these quality amps ?

Bill.

Jul 6, 2003 | 07:25 PM

surfertech

Registered User

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 73

yea they are good amps! and for your Hu i would go for the eclipse.. great sound quality! but they get a little pricey

Jul 7, 2003 | 03:20 PM

MTMS4

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Thanks for all the advice guys; much appreciated.
Bill.

Jul 8, 2003 | 02:18 PM

jobs99

Registered User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 167

From: Los Angeles

Car Info: 1999 OBS

Zapco are really good sq amps. Are you planning on multiple amps? If not maybe a 5 channel amp will do for you. Like the Soundstream TR800-5. (50 x 4, 200 x1 sub) but if you will run front speakers only w/ a sub get an 4 channel amp, ex. Kenwood KAC-X501F, 50 x 4. Use the 1/2 channel for the front, 3/4 bridged for a sub. You definitely would like to have a sub at least 10" in a sealed box, it only takes a small space in your trunk. If you dont like subs, get an 2 channel amp then with 50 x 2 watts, ex. eclipse EA2212 (50x2) or a zapco 2 channel.

I'm not really familiar with the kenwood comps, but i've seen pics of them in wrx doors so i guess they fit. I think they only have 2" mounting depth so it should fit. The Diamond Audio speakers fit too. As of the Focal polyk speakers, they fit with spacers and adjusting the window rails inside the door, i dont know if the sti and wrx have the same mounting depth though.

For the HU, go with Eclipse if you like the best sq. I use alpine because it's detachble face and eclipse are not. If you like to play mp3's you need to buy the optional e-com. And don't forget to get the 37601 balance line adapter to get the best signal clarity from the CD8053 HU. You will need an external amp if u get the 8053 because it is only a CD Tuner not a receiver, it doesnt have power for speakers. The next model 8443 does (50x4).

Here is the pricing on the items your looking at:

Eclipse CD8053 $500
Eclipse E-com $299
Eclipse 37601 balance line adapter ???
Kenwood KFC-XR61P $ 329
Eclipse 2212 $180
Zapco ??? more....

I guess the Eclipse Hu, Eclipse balance line adapter, kenwood comp, and a 2 channel amp is a good start, you can always add / upgrade more amps, speaker/subs in the future.

But you have to listen to the speakers first, you might like the brands, only you can decide which really sounds good to you coz we all have different taste.

Here's a link on eclipse:

http://www.eclipse-web.com
http://www.freewebs.com/eclipse-car/faq.htm

zapco
http://www.zapco.com

Diamond Audio
http://www.diamondaudio.com

Focal
http://www.focal-america.com/

Online stores for reference:

www.onlinecarstereo.com
www.thezeb.com
www.sounddomain.com
www.cbrstereo.com