Speaker SQ?

Ok, I've put in several stereo systems into my car, and friends cars, and family's cars.  But these were always just a sub set-up, basic fibreglassing, mostly mdf and stuff like that. 

In all the stereos I've heard, and I'm an ex-band geek from high school and can't go anywhere without music.  I have a small problem, in that I like my music loud, really loud, to the point of hurting my hearing, but thats me, i know the risks and I take the risks.  But with this habbit, I am the most obsesive complusive ever about my SQ.  As much as I like loud music,  I can't stand crappy sounding music, and usually end up turning it down anyways.

I do notice that after I don't have a sub, and then add one, my sound quality seems a little bit better at the louder volumes.  I'm assuming this is because the clean bass is drowning out the crappy bass in my front speakers, therefore I'm hearing more of the spectrum, and liking it alot more.

I have some 3-way pioneer speakers, not my favorite pick, but out of the two times my car has been broken into, they've always ended up left, so there there to stay for now.  I believe the RMS rating on these is about 50 watts, and 150 peak give or take a few.  My deck puts out a "said" 22 watts RMS, but I know that the more power I'm pulling sound of that at, the crappier my speakers sound. 

I've read the Speaker upgrade threads, and everything I can find, but I'm looking for an actual answer to MY question, even if this is something that's been gone over, and over, and over.

I want to add a multi-channel amp, judging by the prices, an alpine 4 channel amp, that put's out an again "said" 50 watts of RMS power, and along with that probably a set of tweeters with inline resistors, and use those 4 speakers as my mid's and high's

Now my question is, will this get me over that sound that I really shouldn't be listening to, and at the same time give me a clean crisp sound that a person as obsesive about it as me could easily listen to?

Thanks in advance for ya'lls help, and sorry for the rambling on.

it sure sounds like a decent setup to me. It defiantly should sound a lot better that the one you currently have. Also, you might want to consider some companys component sets that they have out there. Then you won't need to worry about a resister or anything and it will come with a nice crossover. But is sounds like your heading in the right direction for sure.

Good luck...and watch out for the theifs...

You are, like many people, going about your quest backwards by starting with subwoofers.  If you want to do it right, there is a lot more to good loud sound than a subwoofer.

Good sound begins with the source, as in the CD or radio signal.  Commercially-available CDs almost always sound better than burned ones, and MP3 or other compressed formats are almost always the lowest quality possible.  You will need a good head unit.  The cleanest signal with the least distortion and noise is needed.  Purchase a head with the cleanest sound, not with the flashiest graphics.  Generally heads without built-in power amps sound better than ones with power amps.  Next choose your front main speakers.  Go shopping at good car stereo shops and listen to as many speakers as you can before you make a decision.  Generally component sets sound better than coaxials, and generally coaxials (2-ways) sound better than 3-way or other multi-element speakers.  Do not even LOOK at power ratings for main speakers, listen to them to decide what sounds good, then purchase an appropriate power amp to match the speaker's capabilities.  Lastly, you will want a subwoofer.  I again recommend listening to them, but subwoofers are far less critical to the ear than are your main speakers and most good-quality subs sound very close to one another if they are set up correctly.  Choose your subwoofer and match the amp to its capabilities.  ALWAYS purchase the best quality gear you can afford.  And do not forget that you must power your amps with electricity from your alternator, so if the system you choose exceeds the capability of your vehicle, you must upgrade the car's electrical system before beginning to install your gear.

Next step is perhaps more critical than any of the actual gear you bought, which is the installation.  Properly installed equipment will always sound better and play louder than the same gear with a crap install.  Use sound dampening material on your vehicle, at least in the doors where speakers are mounted.  Use as much as you can afford as many places as you can.  Doors, floor pan, trunk, rear shelf, etc. are all critical to creating a good sound space in your car.  Ideally you want a vehicle where you cannot hear the road as you drive before any sound gear goes in.  This process can cost as much as the sound system or even more, and properly treating a car can take several days.  Next build or pay for a subwoofer enclosure custom made for the woofer(s) you purchased.  Off-the-shelf enclosures will almost never sound as good as custom-made ones, plus it can be made to precisely fit into your vehicle.  Have the front speakers installed so they are properly aimed at the listening area, which may mean custom kick-panels or door modifications.  Have all the amps set up properly with gain matched to the source and balanced to each other and properly crossed over for the subwoofers and speakers they supply.  Test the system and eliminate any rattles, buzzes or hums in the interior.  Meter the car to see if you need an EQ, and if so have it installed and set up properly.

NOW you can rock out at whatever volume you like and have good clean sound.  It can be an expensive, time-consuming process, but it'll be worth it in the long run if it is something you value.  Cheers and have a good time.

Oh, and if you're worried about theft, invest in a good car alarm system and park inside or in a well-lighted public area.  :)

Another great original post by DYohn.  I love them.  Keeping this one in the archives, too.

"Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"  DYohn spells it out.  I'll tell you what, you're REAL careful to let your car live a long and healthy life once you've prepped it for sound.