So, when listening to music, I'm not looking for that loud bump, but something that does hit clean. I had a 10" Diamond Audio subwoofer in my Ininfiti, but never really used it to its potential. Trying to stay on a budget, but after shopping around...this is what I have ended up with. Let me know.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PIONEER-AVH-...item43af3f378b

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JL-AUDIO-8W3...item43af16c935

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280840121739...84.m1438.l2649

Sorry for all the links. I was considering going with possibly a cheaper deck, as that Pioneer is a little pricey. But, even looking into some Jensen, SoundStream, Dual.. I believe the quality will not suffice as compared to the Pioneer.

Thoughts, questions, comments???

Thanks

 

the jensen soundstream and dual will all come from the same crap category (same cheap China buildhouse)... I've had experience with the jensen and dual first hand they both had to be replaced at least twice within a 3month period. the pioneer will be a step up in quality but don't hold them to the quality that they had in the 90's because it isnt remotely the same. How often will you watch video on the indash? besides the screen what does the pioneer offer that a monitor less deck does not have? What are your goals for this system you are building? I say the amp and sub are pretty good for what they are but there is better or similar for the money out there.

 

I always have passengers in the car, so video is constant. I also spend a lot of time not driving in the car, so a monitor is a must have. I was leaning pioneer or kenwood, so thanks for the reassurance.

I just wanted JL Audio because I understand the name is reputable, and the sound is crisp compared to a few other setups I have heard. My goal is to add some bass, but nothing extreme, just enough to know I have a sub back there.

 

Search around, there are better components available. I went with Alpine/Hybrid Audio Technologies/Morel and I am super happy!

I too was seeking budget friendly, but in the end spent a little more and I think it was well worth it. The sound quality is tops.

 

Will do.

 

Email Scott to see if he has any great deals on mid/tweet combos. I went with the Clarus c61-2 set in my doors and he cut me an awesome deal.

http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...elf-items.html

The cool thing with Hybrid Audio is that they have a "trade up" program if you want to upgrade later. Basically they buy back the lower model drivers and apply credit to a new set of upper end. Awesome product and Scott (owner of HAT) is very accessible to talk about specific system design questions when making your selection.

 

Just noticed you weren't planning on upgrading mid/tweet. Just add a deck, amp for sub...???

The component list looks like the bass will out drive the mid/tweet staging. I would consider a 5 channel amp or a two amp system to run more clean power to the mid/tweet to keep up with the sub. And I would look at a 10" over an 8". They handle a wider range and can manage the lows better than an 8" running in a "standard" sealed enclosure.

I don't have any experience with the Integrated Audio products, but they look like they are using solid products and the enclosure is super clean install. Here's a link to their MINI specific sub "system".

 

thx for the input man, will look into

 

I just help install the R56 system in a club members car. It IS a great system and sounds good but IMO it was over priced for what you get. If your more budget minded I don't think that system is it. If your looking at JL for the sub, go on their site and look at their discontinued stock. They have some nice deals.

 

This isn't entirely true... an 8" can play any frequency that a 10'' driver can in the appropriate enclosure I've had 2 8inch drivers outpace 15's and with less power. Its all in how the box interfaces with the vehicle, if these two aren't working together cohesively then you wont get the most out of the driver...

OP take a look @ PWKdesigns.com and see what he can design for your single 8" for the space you are willing to give up... this guy is a beast when it comes to acoustics.

 

You brought up Kenwood vs Pioneer. I have never had a Pioneer, so I don't know anything about them, but I have had two Kenwood screens. Both were in the Excelon series, one was double din, one was a flipout. I have had the flipout in my mini for over three years now and there is no sign of problems.

I have a 10" JL Stealthbox as well and it beats plenty hard for the small car. It is also a W3v3 style, so maybe the 8" will be just as high quality, I'm not sure. It sucks you will lose so much space with the box enclosure on that though.

I am confused why you have chosen a Class AB 2-channel amp instead of a Class D mono channel amp. They are comparable in price and you will be able to put more power to your sub without the complication of bridging channels.

Someone mentioned overpowering your other speakers. If it were me I would do new front components along with or before the sub, but everyone has their own tastes.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

and to touch on what Act 04 stated about the class A/B amp The class D will be more efficient... as far as the OP overpowering his fronts i don't think he wants skull crushing bass with lots of pressure, just something to fill out the low end. So if he keeps his gains low or sub output turned down he should be plenty good.

 

Exactly... this was the goal, to keep the gains low. \\

I may get some component speakers down the road...

 

So, I ordered everything... I understand some may or may not stand by me with the purchases, but after researching, I came to a decision.

For the Sub: JL Audio 8W3V3-4 (as seen in OP)
(My only concern is the box is a "truck sub enclosure" but the mini
hatchback is small, so space was an issue. I have a few ides of
where to mount it)

For the Amp: JL Audio JX 360/2 (Crutchfield recommended a 2 chan amp,
it might be a somewhat overpowering for a 250watt rms sub, but I can always
manage the gains)

For the deck: Kenwood KVT514

Slowly, I want to add on component speakers, and possible steering wheel controls.

But, if anyone has any ideas on mounting the box, it would be appreciated.

Behind driver seats? passenger seats? To bad I can't remove the piece between
the rear seats where the feet go (the hill spacer thing). In the trunk, dead center, facing the rear seats? I could always Velcro the bottom?

 

 

just a thought...