Component Choices/Mounting locations

[Fender]

I'm trying to choose some components for my focus but I'm having some trouble deciding. I'm a car audio noob, so that's not helping either. What are you guys running and where are they mounted?

Here is a link to a comparison page of the 9 that I have narrowed it down to. I'm looking to spend $300 or under on the components, and will be purchasing amp, rear 6x9 full ranges, and a sub within the coming month.

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...22,19149,23039


Please give me your opinion on the speakers on the link, and tell me what you have and how you like 'em. I'm thinking I will mount the woofers in the doors and the tweeters on the dash, not too worried about size, I'll make them fit.

I generally listen to rock, and every once in a while some techno/dance, maybe a little country here and there.

Thanks for the help!!!

[captain_jack]

Personally i would go with the jbl's, perfects, or Alpine's. The jbl's will require a bigger amp overall as it has a higher rms rating.Alpines have a lower freq response but your not gonna run them that low anyways with a sub and whatnot. So all will work however you need to check the depth on all of them. Even the type r alpines need a spacer for our doors.....

[ROC585]

out of the ones you selected, the focals are the only ones i would use, but there are much better out there for the money.

Hybrid Audio is coming out with a new set called the Imagine Series that will be in the 200-300 dollar price point. the Clarus set may be in your price range as well, i can't remember off the top how much they cost.

http://www.hybrid-audio.com/

hybrid is far superior to anything listed so far. no matter what, go with a nice 6.5" set and fabricate a baffle out of 3/4" MDF to make them fit. if you need to know the process to make a good one, just ask and i will tell you.

6x9's are no good, and they don't fit in the focus without doing modifications that aren't worth the hassle to put crappy 6x9's in. At the very most i would put some 5.25 or 6.5" coaxils in the back if anything at all and run them off of HU power (i am not in the mood to get into the no rear speakers discussion).

[freemind]

X's 2 on the Hybrids

[Fender]

Any idea when the Imagine series comes out? The cheapest ones they have on their site right now are the Clarus ones but they are $489, well out of my price range. I've never actually heard of Hybrids before...

Also, what's wrong with 6x9's? I'm now leaning towards just keeping the stock rear ones for a while, I don't like not having rears I like a little rear fill. (let's not get that argument started.... )

I'm just looking for the best components I can get for under $300. I don't really have time to hit up stereo shops to listen to them because I'm working 50-70 hours a week and I'm a full time college student...

[ROC585]

the problem with 6x9's isn't the shape of the speaker. it's the fact that very few compaqnies actually make a nice set of speakers in that size. the other problem is that the focus doesn't accept a 6x9 AND it's not worth the trouble to make them fit. you'd be better off with some 5.25's or 6.5's in the back.

even better yet, why not use the factory rears, fade to the front to control output and not draw the stage back at all AND use that money towards the nice set of comps up front? sounds like a win win to me.

as far as when the imagine series comes out, i will have to send Scott and email. so check back, i WILL get you that answer. i know for sure that the slated price point is between 200-300 bucks (obviously we all know this could change). Hybrids would be worth the wait though, i can promise you that.

[ROC585]

here is what i got from dave @ hybrid:


Travis,
The Imagine line will be ready alittle after the new year.This will be a $200-$220 set of convertable coaxils that are going to let alot more people get their hands on Hybrid Audio Technologies product. We are VERY excited about this and it will open the door to the daily consumer as well as the high end audiophile. The 6.5 will be our first set and will feature a removable tweeter with on board crossover. When the tweeter is removed and the set is used as a component system there is a phase plug that is placed into the section where the tweeter was housed, both the twweter and the phase plug are secured using a screw(not the press and twist method used by other companys that break) Plus the imagine line also features a 100% waterproof cone so they can be used in marine apps as well. Please feel free to contact us for any more updates.

[Fender]

Cool thanks for all the help! Also, I've made a few baffles before for my 4x4, but I'm a complete noob to it. Any tips or tricks?

[freemind]

There is a guy on the Ebay that sells adapters for the 5x7" hole. Use some modeling clay to seal them off after you mount the speakers to the doors.

[ROC585]

Originally Posted by Fender

Cool thanks for all the help! Also, I've made a few baffles before for my 4x4, but I'm a complete noob to it. Any tips or tricks?

i made mine out of 3/4" mdf. the use of T-nuts will allow you to swap out speakers without putting extra holes in the baffle. coat it with fiberglass resin to protect it from moisture. between the metal of the door skin and the mdf use non hardening modeling clay to help create a seal. use the factory speakers as a template.

[Ray]

I normally just use self adhesive weatherstripping to form a seal - i never thought of modeling clay.

I normally use either 1/2 or 3/4 MDF depending on how much room i have to play with. it's really really easy to make baffles.

[ROC585]

^the modeling clay helps make the mounting location that much more rigid while creating an excellent seal.

win - win

[Fender]

Thanks for all the advice so far! What kind of modeling clay, and where do I get it?

Also, where do you guys mount your tweeters? I'm planning on putting them where the little round side window defrost vents are. I will try a couple different spots though when I get them to see where they sound best. (or *hear* where they sound best being that I can't see sound)

[freemind]

Go to Michaels(SP?)or Hobby Lobby. Use black or really dark gray.

Currently I have my tweets on the "A" pillars. I will have to wait until spring to fiberglass them in for a more stock look.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by ROC585

^the modeling clay helps make the mounting location that much more rigid while creating an excellent seal.

win - win

It also mass loads the panel - win - win - win

I wasn't doubting you, i'm just surprised i never thought of it!




A pillar near the dash, about 3" up, is where I had my tweets. They imaged great there.

[ROC585]

^ray's spot works well. i have mine about 2.5" higher than that actually and they work decently there, but i wish i had gone a little lower. you can never test too many locations.

use adhesive backed velcro to try out different locations before drilling and cutting anything. try out each location for at least a few different songs and then put them where they sounded best.


the key to the modeling clay is that it is non-hardening. color doesn't matter, but it needs to be non hardening. it goes in between the baffle and the door. michaels, ac moore, or any art supply store should have it.


keep coming with the questions, we're here to help.

[freemind]

This is a great thread. I'm glad I found this forum