1996SL2's Progression Thread

Discussion in 'General Car Audio Discussions' started by 1996SL2, Feb 6, 2010.

  1. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    Hey everyone! Ok well this is my first car, a 4 door 1996 SL2 Saturn Sedan. Its Champaign. lol I got it from some old woman who only drove it to church, you know the deal. It has 55000 Miles on it, and i got it for 1200. So I got the upholstery cleaned, it doesn't smell like old, and now the next step is a sound system. Im going to be updating what I'm going to do to my car throughout this thread, hopefully with lots of pictures.
    (Can't get a pic of my exact car up right now, Ill have one up probably by tomorrow)

    My current "system":
    I have an AM/FM radio. And 2 side speakers- 1 per door. Factory.

    I've never had a car, much less installed a system, so the first thing is getting equipment, and I don't know what is a good brand and where to start. I would love suggestions! Money is relatively no issue, but i would like to go for the best sound possible, and right now I'm only willing to drop about 6-700 unless it is absolutely needed. I know that the first thing I need is a HU, or headunit. I would eventually like to get some tweeters, a nice amp, subs, speakers for the doors, and anything else to make my car kick ass!!!
     
  2. fstrfvo

    fstrfvo Full Member

    Well to start look at head units that have good pre amp outputs. The higher number the better. 4 volts is good but Eclipse does make some that have 8 volts. The higher number means a cleaner signal to your amplifiers. Make sure you get a HU with front, rear and sub outputs. That is a good place to start. What size speakers does your car take?
     
  3. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    4x6's in the doors and 6x9's in the rear deck i believe.
     
  4. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    Im guessing those sizes are right. And I'm busy with class so I am having trouble getting those pics up, maybe tomorrow night. So would you recommend an Eclipse HU, I want function and for it to look awesome!
     
  5. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    Ok well the camera... its not working out. Got dropped from a table :(. But I have been shopping around for subs, and I think I found it down to a few choices, and would love input. I am going for SQ, and listen to a lot of rock music, and some occasional rap. However, I also want loud SPL, but I believe any of these subs will do more than enough.
    Alpine R's
    Alpine X's
    (Some number; possibly 12's) JL audio w7's
    Onyx LSM12v2
    Adire Brahma

    I know that these are different tier subs, such as alpine and JL. I was wondering if 4 150 dollar subs, such as type R's, would be better for SQ or SPL than 1 JL. Im not too thrilled about spending 800+ on a single sub, so I want to make sure it is completely THE BEST choice I have to buy a single expensive sub.
     
  6. Lazy Eye

    Lazy Eye Full Member

    Well really it's all about the box bro
    You could use a few of these in a good box and it could sound better than an expensive JL..

    http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9357_Hifonics+HFi+12D4.html

    If you had the time to put into building a good box than I'd go that route just to show people it's not all about expensive subs
     
  7. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    I am planning on making my own box, and making it quality. Why would I just buy a nice sub and leave it in a crappy box lol. Thanks for the suggestion, however I would still like to get a sub that is better than a 40 dollar one lol. You could send me whatever you have and buy yourself a 40 dollar one?
     
  8. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    I did a setup with 2 of those subs and it sounds awesome. Second loudest and best sounding in my town actually. Out of ire choices though, I would go with a couple type r's in a nice big box with the right power to them. You better look at some nice front components too cause you will need em.
     
  9. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    wait two of

    http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+HFi+12D4.html

    these? really?
    Because these dont look great lol. But im a noob at car audio... and a highschool student so if the sound quality is really not that diffferent I would love to save hundreds. But that brings out the question, why are there 900 dollar subs that are rated super high quality, if there are 40 dollar subs that are just as good? and should i buy these or spring for quality?
     
  10. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    Edit: Sorry, accidentally posted the same things twice.
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2010
  11. jonnyv713

    jonnyv713 The Young Gun of CAT

    Well, I aint sayin they are as good as $900 subs but they are a good sub and are really good for what they cost.
     
  12. 1996SL2

    1996SL2 Member

    Hey! I have been busy with things going on in my life...
    I decided what I am getting and ordered most of it already:
    Headunit: Alpine CDA-117
    Subs: (2) Alpine SWR 122d
    Amps: Polk Audio PA500.4, MRP-M1000
    Component Speakers: Alpine SPR-17S, SPR- 17C

    I ordered my HU, Subs, and main component speakers. Feedback is more than welcome on what I already have, and cheaper(?) quality alternatives to the amps.