Audio System Overhaul

[BrooseDaMoose]

Scratch that! I ran into a buddy that built my first system back in like 1992! He said to go with the NAV ZEN and the new Alpine 8-channel amp. For the speakers, the Alpine Status 3-ways up front and 2-ways in the back. Yes, he is partial to Alpine but I trust him. He said this will get me where I want to be. He said he would put two 12’s in the back but I think that’s too much. I’m happy with the stock sound up until around 15 on the volume. I like the idea of keeping the 8” and just replacing it with a better speaker.


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[UNBROKEN]

Don’t buy something because some guy from 1992 likes it. I’ve heard the new Alpine stuff…it’s pretty average. They’re just playing on the F1 Status name that actually is really good. Listen before you spend money…always. And preferably in an actual car and not on a sound board….to your music, not what the salesman wants to play for you.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Don’t buy something because some guy from 1992 likes it. I’ve heard the new Alpine stuff…it’s pretty average. They’re just playing on the F1 Status name that actually is really good. Listen before you spend money…always. And preferably in an actual car and not on a sound board….to your music, not what the salesman wants to play for you.

Well, he's not just some guy from 1992! I went to school with this guy. Back in 1992 he owned his own shop and was making a killing! Now he just supplies the local shops with car audio equipment and is doing very, very, well. I know this guy and I trust him. I explained to him what I want and that's what he suggested. Remember, I am only looking for a little more volume and some bottom end at those levels. I think the stock system sounds great until you get past about 14-15 on the volume. I think the Alpine will get me to where I want to be which to you is probably just average. I mean, do you think it's a waste of money?

 

[UNBROKEN]

If you’re looking to spend the $800 that 3 way set retails for I’d be looking at the Focal Flax 3 way set instead. But like I said…listen before you buy. Everything has a sound signature…make sure it’s what you like before you drop cash.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

I’ll check them out. He said he could give me the Alpines 3-ways for $700, the 2-ways for $500 and the amp for $725. I’ll ask him about the Focals though because I like Focal stuff. I like my bass to be more of a “thump” as opposed to a “boom”, if that makes sense. He’s also telling me I need to run more than one amp because the B&O is a 10 channel. All I know is this is getting to be a real PITA to figure out. If the amp is a 10-channel, I need to figure out what channels go to what speakers. Or just run an 8 channel, a four channel and a mono to put each speaker on its own channel.


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[UNBROKEN]

If you put each speaker on its own channel you also need a DSP to run active. With all of those speakers and passive crossovers technically you can run everything on 5 channels with the right amp.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

A 5 channel amp? How would you configure it to power all 14 speakers? I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to configure it all with an 8 channel amp! I'm at the point where I think I have to run two amps to power everything. I don't think the subwoofer will have enough running off just one channel of the Alpine.

 

[UNBROKEN]

A 5 channel amp? How would you configure it to power all 14 speakers? I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to configure it all with an 8 channel amp! I'm at the point where I think I have to run two amps to power everything. I don't think the subwoofer will have enough running off just one channel of the Alpine.

Your 3 way set comes with passive crossovers that take 1 speaker wire in and split it out to the speakers. Channels 1/2 run the front passives totaling 6 speakers. Channels 3/4 run the rear passives totaling 4 speakers. Channel 5 would be bridged on the subs for the last 2 speakers. It’s 12 by the way, not 14.
If you for some reason added a DSP and went active you would still need 11 channels because the subs would share one.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Your 3 way set comes with passive crossovers that take 1 speaker wire in and split it out to the speakers. Channels 1/2 run the front passives totaling 6 speakers. Channels 3/4 run the rear passives totaling 4 speakers. Channel 5 would be bridged on the subs for the last 2 speakers. It’s 12 by the way, not 14.
If you for some reason added a DSP and went active you would still need 11 channels because the subs would share one.

It's a 14 speaker sytem. There's 1 in the dash, 3 in each front door makes 7, 2 in each back door makes 11, 2 in the rear pillars makes 13 and the subwoofer makes 14. The stock amp is a 10-channel and supossedly 980 watts. That's from the B&O diagram and spec sheet I got. What's throwing me off is the NAV ZEN A2B only has 12 outputs. I was thinking about grabbing the signal from the front door midrange to go to the midrange in the rear pods.

 

[UNBROKEN]

It's a 14 speaker sytem. There's 1 in the dash, 3 in each front door makes 7, 2 in each back door makes 11, 2 in the rear pillars makes 13 and the subwoofer makes 14. The stock amp is a 10-channel and supossedly 980 watts. That's from the B&O diagram and spec sheet I got. What's throwing me off is the NAV ZEN A2B only has 12 outputs. I was thinking about grabbing the signal from the front door midrange to go to the midrange in the rear pods.

I give up…but you don’t keep all 14 when you go aftermarket. They’re not needed. Components in the back aren’t needed either…a simple coax will work just fine.
You won’t retain the center or d-pillar speakers.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Why are you giving up? Just because I’m new to this system and have questions? I thought that was what this place was for! I used to ask dumb questions about my Ford Ranger to but now I’m one of the guys helping noobies with their dumb questions! I mean, I finally understand what you’re getting at but it’s only because I kept asking questions. The only dumb question is the one you didn’t ask. Thanks for your help.


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[BrownBomber]

If you’re looking to spend the $800 that 3 way set retails for I’d be looking at the Focal Flax 3 way set instead. But like I said…listen before you buy. Everything has a sound signature…make sure it’s what you like before you drop cash.

I absolutely agree. The flax 3 way is far superior to that alpine set. And has a beautiful sound for the price.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

I wouldn’t say they are “far” superior. Far superior would be the Focal ES 165KX3’s! The Morel Virtus Nano Carbon 63’s are also a good choice. I think they have a more punchy bass than the Focals but the Focals have a warmer tone. I think the Alpine will be fine for what I’m doing and I’m getting them for $700!


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[BrownBomber]

I wouldn’t say they are “far” superior. Far superior would be the Focal ES 165KX3’s! The Morel Virtus Nano Carbon 63’s are also a good choice. I think they have a more punchy bass than the Focals but the Focals have a warmer tone. I think the Alpine will be fine for what I’m doing and I’m getting them for $700!


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I guess it's all subjective.. I have nothing against the new f1 status stuff. For me personally, it doesn't hold a candle to the flax stuff. And the es krx3 had great mid bass but I didn't care for them over the flax. That's just me. Either way, it will be a great improvement over the factory equipment. Post results when done!

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

I pulled the trigger today and decided to go with the Alpine system, This is my list:
NAV TV A2B
Dash: Alpine 30MC, $130 (May not use. Still undecided)
Front doors: Alpine Status HDZ-653, $700
Rear doors: Alpine Status HDZ-65C, $525
Subwoofer: Alpine RS-SB10, $525
Amp: Alpine PXE-C80-88, $750
I was able to hear a similar set up in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and like how it sounded. It's exactly what I was looking for. Plenty loud enough in the vehicle and the bass was really tight. I think I will be happy with it and that's all that matters. Saving some cash is always a bonus!

 

[Cruising68]

I pulled the trigger today and decided to go with the Alpine system, This is my list:
NAV TV A2B
Dash: Alpine 30MC, $130 (May not use. Still undecided)
Front doors: Alpine Status HDZ-653, $700
Rear doors: Alpine Status HDZ-65C, $525
Subwoofer: Alpine RS-SB10, $525
Amp: Alpine PXE-C80-88, $750
I was able to hear a similar set up in a Jeep Grand Cherokee and like how it sounded. It's exactly what I was looking for. Plenty loud enough in the vehicle and the bass was really tight. I think I will be happy with it and that's all that matters. Saving some cash is always a bonus!

Congrats. Not my favorite components but it should sound WAY better than stock at a decent price. Looking forward to your review. Imo the Nav-tv is required for anybody remotely serious about an upgrade.


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[BrooseDaMoose]

So the NAV TV ZEN is only available in a 6 channel now. I called them and they said they were having too many issues with it. They said 6 is enough to run everything. Just got to figure out how to set it up. Shouldn’t be too complicated though.


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[Cruising68]

That’s a little disappointing going to 6 outputs. Fortunately I have had zero issues with my 10 channel.


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[banniar]

I noticed that I could only find a 6 channel version when looking recently. Strangely enough, it doesn't look like the part number is different, only the provided harness. Sadly, it doesn't look like they are discounting the device with the reduced channel count.

In any case, I'd think having 4 channels is really the most you'd need if you are going with an external DSP solution like you've spec'd out.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

I noticed that I could only find a 6 channel version when looking recently. Strangely enough, it doesn't look like the part number is different, only the provided harness. Sadly, it doesn't look like they are discounting the device with the reduced channel count.

In any case, I'd think having 4 channels is really the most you'd need if you are going with an external DSP solution like you've spec'd out.

I'm going to be using the onboard DSP in the Alpine Amp and a AudioControl DM-RTA Pro Kit to dial it in.. I'll be splitting two of the six channels to make 8 going into the amp. That way I can power all 14 speakers like I wanted.
1- FR
2- FL
3- RR
4- R D Pillar
5- RL
6- L D Pillar
7- Dash
8- Subwoofer