Originally posted by M30revival@Nov 9 2005, 07:02 PM
Bro Van,
Thanx for the pointers.
Call me when you are here next week. I would like you to audition my setup and give me your opinion.
1. For the HU I intend to keep the stock unit for now (it is actually an OEM Kenwood 2-DIN 6-disc MP3 player). I intend to keep this HU for a while to maintain the stock look of the dash. In future, I'll upgrade to another 2-DIN HU with time-alignment and xover. 2-DIN unit cost a lot now so I want to make sure that I don't over spend now!
2. I am into SQ so I want to make sure I get the right equipment to drive the comp. The Focal set I mentioned is original set. The installer want to let go to me below market price but I have heard from IASCA that the Focal Polyglass is not easy to mix with other hence I want to opt for comp that is easy to drive. Any news on the DLS UR6S?
3. I am ok with used amps because my current setup also have 2 used amps and they are adequate for my taste. My HU is quite limited so I need one that has external crossover and EQ to help on tuning. I am inclined to buy used amp but if there is limited option, I'll probably follow the path of another member to get a new 6-channel amp. Do it one time to save on upgrading later. You know who is that right.
4. As for cabling, I'l just get it from the installer. I do a set of cables that I might just used it on this car instead of wired up my HI-FI rear speakers. I got if quite cheap from my friends. I want to check out what other installer can offers. If not, I'll stick with Klasse. I have been to Technichi before and but have not heard a full setup yet. I have been to ACP because a lot of IASCA members are always talking about their CDT comp range and TRU Technology amp. I have heard some high end set up like pisces's camry but those are beyond my budget.
5. So, any of your used gears fits my set up suits my requirements now?
Sorry I missed this reply of yours earlier ... was reading all the other stuff and forgot about this one ...
Okay - shall ring you up when I'm in KL for a chat. I'm no sifu so my opinions may not be the best or correct all the time. But thanks, I'd like to listen to your system and enjoy the music for sure.
1. Okay, let's stick with the stock Kenwood HU for now ... surely it wud be adequate for the job. As for the upgrade HU ... there aren't that many 2 DIN HUs that wud fit the bill so you're better off using 1 DIN unit and use a filler to cover the other half / convert as storage place. IMHO, most 2 DINs units are all show and bling-bling but lack the qualities of their 1-DIN siblings. In fact, no 2-DIN unit that I know comes close to matching your current Pioneer 8650 or Affan's as well - I cud be wrong still.
2. The Focals that you're refering to is from the old Focal range - it shud be the entry/mid level model if I'm not wrong. The model line up were Polyflex, Polyglass, Polykevlar and Utopia being the flagship model. The Polyflex and Glass models were fitted with the somewhat infamous TN45 tweeters that need warm sounding amps to tame them down a wee bit. No issues about the mid units response though ... sweet vocals and firm mid bass where you need them. My only worry is how much are they going for being new "old stock" units as these are 3 plus year old designs.
3. Yup ... considering the constraints of the stock HU, you may need an EQ above all .... external x-overs are secondary unless you wanna run active at this stage. If not - for now, let's control the speakers and the sub using the onboard x-overs on the amps to simplify the system la. Upon upgrade of the HU and the proposed 6 channel amp, you cud keep or ditch the EQ as you deem fit. Yup ... as your next step, either go with a 4 channel amp for the fronts and a monoblock for the sub or just opt for an 5 or 6 channel amp with a strong sub channel as you've planned.
4. As for what you've heard at ACP or any other high end installers place, always take those comments / tips / and what nots with a pinch of salt - as you shud with my opinions as well. Audio is very subjective and personal in many respects hence what works for those guys may not work for you. The only trouble with my friends at IASCA is there are some hard-core brand worshippers there hence they can see no further than those very brands that they swear by. I've heard heaps of CDT and TRU stuffs and while I agree that they are good hardware, they are NOT the all and be all in the ICE realm. In fact, as always there are equivalent or better hardwares out there for the same price that mite strike your senses or fancy too. Research, read and above all listen before you part with your hard earned cash - I was given this advise by my sifu and I share this with all my friends too.
5. Yeah - get some decent but cost effective cables and wires unless you're spending some major bucks on your system. These shud do the job nicely - in fact, I may still have a 5M pair of Phoenix Gold Dual Link RCA and Stinger Hyper RCA cables lying around at home along with some ol Belden raw cables. We'll talk further when we meet up then ...
Cheers,
