$2500 system, what’s the best?

Hi,

$2000 is more than enough for a good system. I have a Explorer with 4 MTX thunder 8000's 12's with a 81000D MTX amp,  2 lightnong caps and a pioneer premier head unit. All together I paid $1700 including the 0/1 guage power wire.

I have had many systems. I had L7's, Re, Rockford, and alpine. I have been through many subs.  I like good sounding bass but when I have to crank it  the bass hurts.

You can't go wrong with MTX. I got my subs from Ubid.com $111 a peice.  Re are great subs I hit harder with 4 MTX pushing a 1000rms than a guy with 3Re 12's pushing 1800RMS.

Check into Image Dynamics.  There subs are absolutley amazing. My friend had 1 ID-max 12 and hit 142db. If it is expensive doesn't mean that is is good. Ask around before you purchases anything.

I prefer MTX. I love them. They are competition quality no doubt.

   Having read your post i wondered if the budget included any use of Dynamat before the 1st wire is laid in? If not most anything you buy at any price will sound just like the other systems that you were never satisfied with. If my memory serves me correctly i would tell you that the very 1st thing you do is lay Dynamat Extreme over and inside both doors and while your at it tear out the rear quarter panels and finish the job.    Especially if you are going to fiberglass all what you said because the interior will be so reflective and "bouncy" instead of dead and still. All the products mentioned are excellent in their own right but when you as a customer come into my shop and ask me what is better this or that? I will ask you "what is better blue or red?? The best systems are done way before the 1st wire is laid or screw turned. Its all about the prep, prep, and more prep that way there should be little or no "suprises" when finished. Oh yeah one last thing, i firmly believe that the problem with 98% of systems in your price range is incorrect crossover settings in the bass/ midbass and the transfer or rolloff from the sub to mids. I contend that it is this not so much the woofers, amps, or box is the problem.

thanks for letting me get my 2cents in

mark  @ sounds good to me ....tempe, az

Wow i thought this topic was dead..10 days ago...glad i checked it. Okay where do i begin:  I am going to dynamat xtreme my entire car, top to bottom.  I have an Olds Aurora so it is pretty insulated already but i am defintaely going to add alot of sound deadening material to it before i get started. 

As far as the system goes I have pretty much decided on not going with Alpine or JL.  I like the idea of going either Image Dynamics or Adire.  I've always wanted somethign different than what people have around here and i assure you not many have Adire or ID in Indianapolis.  I wanted to keep the amp and sub from the same manufacturer for cosmetic reasons but i guess that won't be the case if i go this route.  SO the next question is how do i get ahold of Adire or ID? And what brand of amp should i go with? I guess the popular choice is zapco. 

I am fiberglassing the entire set-up.  Anyone know where i can get flexible wood?

Okay so i did some homework on Adire.  Why didn't anyone tell me that they are in bed  with Rockford Fosgate??? Is this still the case?

what about ARC?? Is anyone familiar with this line.  I am looking at this setup: Arc-Foose 1200.1 amp with two Arc-Flatline 12" subs.  I can't demo these subs and amps anywhere so i'd like some input. Thanks again to everyone who has provided their "expertise".

Go to Image Dynamics website. I think that you have to purchase it through them. You can't go wrong with Image Dynamics. The are a bit pricey but they are some sweet sounding subs. They are great for SPL and sound quality.

I have had many amps. I have had Kenwood, Hi-fonics, rockford, and MTX.  The best amp that I have ever owned would be a MTX 81000d class D amp. It has a lot of power. I never knew a amp could be that powerful. You will absolutley be amazed.

If i might add look at Elemental Designs. They have some excellent subs too. Just as good as ID, RE, or Adire. They are reasonably priced too.