Need Opinions on Major ICE for my new STI
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Need Opinions on Major ICE for my new STI
Hey All!
This forum rocks! Its great to see that I'm not the only nutcase totally involved with my subie. So, here goes...
Just got a black/ silver wheels STI about a month ago. I'm having a major system install in about 1-2 months from now with about a 10k- 15k budget. I'm going for stealth looks in the cabin and cool looks in the trunk (fiberglass, plexi, lighting, etc). But mainly, I'm a pure audiophile (****, my home system set me back over 35k for just speakers, processor, and amps) and the shop I'm using for the install looks for the same thing I do in a system...
Superb Imaging
Musicality
Smooth roll-off on the highs
Warm midrange
strong presence of soundstage
Powerful, but accurate bass reproduction
About 10 years back, I had an old piece of **** 76 benz, ****-brown, diesel sedan but the system rocked with soundstream amps and a/d/s speakers.
So here's what I've chosen/gotten so for my ride (keep in mind that I can get most equipment at cost through various sources):
Front Door Speakers - 3 Way a/d/s 641is components
Rear Door Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 345is components (5.25")
Rear Deck Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 346is components (6.5")
(I would have gone with one notch higher with Dynaudio but the a/d/s stuff sounds great and was so cheap at wholesale)
Amps - 4 of em - Old Soundstream (from the original owners of the company, before they sold and went to ****)
Reference 700sx amps (125x2 or 700x1)
(would have gone with McIntosh but even with dynamatting the STI it still is rather loud internally and I would have wasted $ for subleties I wouldn't hear)
Head Units - Alpine CDA-9815 + 6 disc changer (top din)
and Alpine HDA-5460 - new in-dash 16gig MP3 player (bottom din)
Crossover (if needed) - AudioControl or modified Professional Studio RANE Crossover modified for operation with car voltage
Wiring will be the best money can by and up to my install shop
Now.....subs....here's where I'm out of touch... My install shop recommends Image Dynamics due to their great sound quality and I've also heard high end JL Audios in my friends subie wagon and was impressed.
ANY SUB SUGGESTIONS? Thinking about 2 12's with using the whole trunk
Other details are....I'm ditching the spare and getting another 17" BBS wheel with Potenza tire to put in trunk as centerpiece to build fiberglass stereo/sub enclosure around in trunk (so entire trunk is devoted to stereo). Blue or green neon accent lighting will be used. And, lastly, custom laser cut plexiglass with logo cutouts or some other bull**** I think may be cool.
So, what are your guys opinions? Am I going the right route? And PLEASE.... PLEASE.... HELP ME WITH CHOOSING SUBS! Remember...they must hit hard but be very musical and accurate.
Thanks all!
This forum rocks! Its great to see that I'm not the only nutcase totally involved with my subie. So, here goes...
Just got a black/ silver wheels STI about a month ago. I'm having a major system install in about 1-2 months from now with about a 10k- 15k budget. I'm going for stealth looks in the cabin and cool looks in the trunk (fiberglass, plexi, lighting, etc). But mainly, I'm a pure audiophile (****, my home system set me back over 35k for just speakers, processor, and amps) and the shop I'm using for the install looks for the same thing I do in a system...
Superb Imaging
Musicality
Smooth roll-off on the highs
Warm midrange
strong presence of soundstage
Powerful, but accurate bass reproduction
About 10 years back, I had an old piece of **** 76 benz, ****-brown, diesel sedan but the system rocked with soundstream amps and a/d/s speakers.
So here's what I've chosen/gotten so for my ride (keep in mind that I can get most equipment at cost through various sources):
Front Door Speakers - 3 Way a/d/s 641is components
Rear Door Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 345is components (5.25")
Rear Deck Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 346is components (6.5")
(I would have gone with one notch higher with Dynaudio but the a/d/s stuff sounds great and was so cheap at wholesale)
Amps - 4 of em - Old Soundstream (from the original owners of the company, before they sold and went to ****)
Reference 700sx amps (125x2 or 700x1)
(would have gone with McIntosh but even with dynamatting the STI it still is rather loud internally and I would have wasted $ for subleties I wouldn't hear)
Head Units - Alpine CDA-9815 + 6 disc changer (top din)
and Alpine HDA-5460 - new in-dash 16gig MP3 player (bottom din)
Crossover (if needed) - AudioControl or modified Professional Studio RANE Crossover modified for operation with car voltage
Wiring will be the best money can by and up to my install shop
Now.....subs....here's where I'm out of touch... My install shop recommends Image Dynamics due to their great sound quality and I've also heard high end JL Audios in my friends subie wagon and was impressed.
ANY SUB SUGGESTIONS? Thinking about 2 12's with using the whole trunk
Other details are....I'm ditching the spare and getting another 17" BBS wheel with Potenza tire to put in trunk as centerpiece to build fiberglass stereo/sub enclosure around in trunk (so entire trunk is devoted to stereo). Blue or green neon accent lighting will be used. And, lastly, custom laser cut plexiglass with logo cutouts or some other bull**** I think may be cool.
So, what are your guys opinions? Am I going the right route? And PLEASE.... PLEASE.... HELP ME WITH CHOOSING SUBS! Remember...they must hit hard but be very musical and accurate.
Thanks all!
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 514
From: Boston
Car Info: 2002 Alpine White WRX
A sub sounds different to everybody, some like it boomy, some like it tight. I think the only way for you too choose is to listen to bunch of subs. Money doesn't seem like much of an object so anything you like you could get. You can check www.carreview.com for opinions about "ICE".
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
As a fellow stereo-maniac, I say go with the new JL W7's --- if your budget is that huge- these should be awesome. Personally, however, I have two 10" Infinity Kappa Perfect subs- and their sound fits your description exactly- powerful, but accurate. If you want more dynamics in the bass note, I would seriously consider 10" subwoofers. If you get high quality ones like the W7's or the Perfects, and pair em up, they can still blow you away and reach considerably far down the frequency range. Either way, dont cheap out on the subs. For musical bass, you need high quality speakers... Of course, this is from my own experience, so feel free to take this advise or choose your own path. SOUND POLLUTANTS UNITE!
i second the 10" subs. they are known for being more accurate and tighter. JL W7 are friggin amazing, although im not sure that they are going to be as clean as you want, they are known more for their loudness. eclipse titanium cone subs are very clean and loud as well. personally, the titanium over the aluminum, i would go with aluminum, just cause the price difference over performance differnece doesnt match up, but it seems that they might fit into your budget. they need about 1000w RMS apiece, if im not mistaken
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Need Opinions on Major ICE for my new STI
Originally posted by deejay
Hey All!
This forum rocks! Its great to see that I'm not the only nutcase totally involved with my subie. So, here goes...
Just got a black/ silver wheels STI about a month ago. I'm having a major system install in about 1-2 months from now with about a 10k- 15k budget. I'm going for stealth looks in the cabin and cool looks in the trunk (fiberglass, plexi, lighting, etc). But mainly, I'm a pure audiophile (****, my home system set me back over 35k for just speakers, processor, and amps) and the shop I'm using for the install looks for the same thing I do in a system...
Superb Imaging
Musicality
Smooth roll-off on the highs
Warm midrange
strong presence of soundstage
Powerful, but accurate bass reproduction
About 10 years back, I had an old piece of **** 76 benz, ****-brown, diesel sedan but the system rocked with soundstream amps and a/d/s speakers.
So here's what I've chosen/gotten so for my ride (keep in mind that I can get most equipment at cost through various sources):
Front Door Speakers - 3 Way a/d/s 641is components
Rear Door Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 345is components (5.25")
Rear Deck Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 346is components (6.5")
(I would have gone with one notch higher with Dynaudio but the a/d/s stuff sounds great and was so cheap at wholesale)
Amps - 4 of em - Old Soundstream (from the original owners of the company, before they sold and went to ****)
Reference 700sx amps (125x2 or 700x1)
(would have gone with McIntosh but even with dynamatting the STI it still is rather loud internally and I would have wasted $ for subleties I wouldn't hear)
Head Units - Alpine CDA-9815 + 6 disc changer (top din)
and Alpine HDA-5460 - new in-dash 16gig MP3 player (bottom din)
Crossover (if needed) - AudioControl or modified Professional Studio RANE Crossover modified for operation with car voltage
Wiring will be the best money can by and up to my install shop
Now.....subs....here's where I'm out of touch... My install shop recommends Image Dynamics due to their great sound quality and I've also heard high end JL Audios in my friends subie wagon and was impressed.
ANY SUB SUGGESTIONS? Thinking about 2 12's with using the whole trunk
Other details are....I'm ditching the spare and getting another 17" BBS wheel with Potenza tire to put in trunk as centerpiece to build fiberglass stereo/sub enclosure around in trunk (so entire trunk is devoted to stereo). Blue or green neon accent lighting will be used. And, lastly, custom laser cut plexiglass with logo cutouts or some other bull**** I think may be cool.
So, what are your guys opinions? Am I going the right route? And PLEASE.... PLEASE.... HELP ME WITH CHOOSING SUBS! Remember...they must hit hard but be very musical and accurate.
Thanks all!
Hey All!
This forum rocks! Its great to see that I'm not the only nutcase totally involved with my subie. So, here goes...
Just got a black/ silver wheels STI about a month ago. I'm having a major system install in about 1-2 months from now with about a 10k- 15k budget. I'm going for stealth looks in the cabin and cool looks in the trunk (fiberglass, plexi, lighting, etc). But mainly, I'm a pure audiophile (****, my home system set me back over 35k for just speakers, processor, and amps) and the shop I'm using for the install looks for the same thing I do in a system...
Superb Imaging
Musicality
Smooth roll-off on the highs
Warm midrange
strong presence of soundstage
Powerful, but accurate bass reproduction
About 10 years back, I had an old piece of **** 76 benz, ****-brown, diesel sedan but the system rocked with soundstream amps and a/d/s speakers.
So here's what I've chosen/gotten so for my ride (keep in mind that I can get most equipment at cost through various sources):
Front Door Speakers - 3 Way a/d/s 641is components
Rear Door Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 345is components (5.25")
Rear Deck Speakers - 2 Way a/d/s 346is components (6.5")
(I would have gone with one notch higher with Dynaudio but the a/d/s stuff sounds great and was so cheap at wholesale)
Amps - 4 of em - Old Soundstream (from the original owners of the company, before they sold and went to ****)
Reference 700sx amps (125x2 or 700x1)
(would have gone with McIntosh but even with dynamatting the STI it still is rather loud internally and I would have wasted $ for subleties I wouldn't hear)
Head Units - Alpine CDA-9815 + 6 disc changer (top din)
and Alpine HDA-5460 - new in-dash 16gig MP3 player (bottom din)
Crossover (if needed) - AudioControl or modified Professional Studio RANE Crossover modified for operation with car voltage
Wiring will be the best money can by and up to my install shop
Now.....subs....here's where I'm out of touch... My install shop recommends Image Dynamics due to their great sound quality and I've also heard high end JL Audios in my friends subie wagon and was impressed.
ANY SUB SUGGESTIONS? Thinking about 2 12's with using the whole trunk
Other details are....I'm ditching the spare and getting another 17" BBS wheel with Potenza tire to put in trunk as centerpiece to build fiberglass stereo/sub enclosure around in trunk (so entire trunk is devoted to stereo). Blue or green neon accent lighting will be used. And, lastly, custom laser cut plexiglass with logo cutouts or some other bull**** I think may be cool.
So, what are your guys opinions? Am I going the right route? And PLEASE.... PLEASE.... HELP ME WITH CHOOSING SUBS! Remember...they must hit hard but be very musical and accurate.
Thanks all!
H*e*l*l , go for the McIntosh. Subtle this system ain't! Who's lined up to do the install work?
soobooroo
i would go with the alpine digital x-over and dig processor with time alignment.
might as well stay in the digital domain.
nice pic for the SS amps. i just bought a refurb SS REF 604 amp.
not gonna bother with rear speakers. dont need them.
as for the sub, right now, i feel the JL W7 is top. although the BRAHMA line of subs are something that caught my attention on a car audio forum:
http://www.adireaudio.com/mobile_audio/mobile_audio.htm
although if i can get NEW ones, the SS REF series of subs are probably my favorite. and yes, SS REF rocks. too bad about them going chap 11/13...
might as well stay in the digital domain.
nice pic for the SS amps. i just bought a refurb SS REF 604 amp.
not gonna bother with rear speakers. dont need them.
as for the sub, right now, i feel the JL W7 is top. although the BRAHMA line of subs are something that caught my attention on a car audio forum:
http://www.adireaudio.com/mobile_audio/mobile_audio.htm
although if i can get NEW ones, the SS REF series of subs are probably my favorite. and yes, SS REF rocks. too bad about them going chap 11/13...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks everyone for your advice! Going to do some listening to Image Dynamics, JL Audio W7 Series, and Eclipse Subs.
ldivinag....I agree, old Soundstream Reference Subs were da sheeeet! Very accurate, musical, hit hard, and just overall quick, great sounding subs! Too bad they aren't available anymore....
ldivinag....I agree, old Soundstream Reference Subs were da sheeeet! Very accurate, musical, hit hard, and just overall quick, great sounding subs! Too bad they aren't available anymore....
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 167
From: Los Angeles
Car Info: 1999 OBS
Hey dude forget the 6x9 on the rear deck, it will just mess up your front stage. The 5 1/2" for the rear doors is enough for rear fills. I think the JL Audio W7's is one of the best in the market.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,780
From: San Diego
Car Info: Boosted Geo Prizm
JL W7's are waaay overrated. They can get loud but are not musical at all. It sounds artifical. Image Dynamics IDQ's are excellent SQ subs and do not require tons of wattage like the W7's.
Some other worth mentioning are
Brama, Dayton MKII, and Elemental Designs
I also suggest going with a pair of 10's.
Some other worth mentioning are
Brama, Dayton MKII, and Elemental Designs
I also suggest going with a pair of 10's.
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