I’m a Noob to ice

Hi all. Im a noob to ICE and wanting some help. Just a few questions. What are the things to look out for when buying a sub, head unit, amp and speakers, crosover and tweaters?? I understand about the big brands etc etc. But I've been reading a few reviews in car mags and some no-name gear get every good raitings. Also any help about understanding how to get the best out of sound systems and layouts of sound systems in cars would be great. Cheers Guys and Gals

http://www.bcae1.com/ Is the single best resource I can recommend. If you really want to start understanding car audio, this is the place to start. On layouts? I've always been frustrated with the lack of good layout information on the internet too. It makes it hard for beginners to visualize a complete system. I'll quickly list the common components in a "complete" system. 1) Aftermarket Head Unit      When going with a head unit, here would be my priorities: (a) brand reliability (sending hu's in for repair sucks (b) sound quality - a simple search here will tell you which units get respect in this category (c) features - make sure you get a unit with the features you want (these usually include usability features (crossover, etc.) Note: don't place too much stock in pre-out voltage. It means very little. Matching sensitivity is matching sensitivity and is just as possible with a 2v out as a 4v out. DO -at least- get 2 sets of pre-outs. 2) "Mains" Amplifier (usually 4-channel)      Priorities again:      (a) Brand reliability      (b) Sound quality      (c) Features and 'enough' power 3) Subwoofer Amplifier (usually mono or bridged 2-channel)      (a) Brand reliability      (b) Features and 'enough' power --------notice that I didn't list sound quality here. I don't think you can go wrong sound quality-wise with subwoofer amplifiers, unless you really want a competition quality system. That said, don't get junk. 4) Subwoofer (plays the bass) There are a few kinds of enclosures. this site provides some very very basic information about different subwoofer enclosures. The one thing worth noting about subwoofers. You should ALWAYS measure the space you have for a subwoofer box and use this information when buying your woofer. Some woofers are meant for large/small/sealed/ported enclosures. If you pick the wrong woofer, it can sound like bad, even if it is a very good woofer. All subwoofer buying decisions should start and end with what size and what kind of enclosure you want, mixed with remembering what your goal for the subwoofer is. Do you want to show-off? Or just have good deep bass in-car? Be very honest at this step. Too often I see newbies say, "I just want good in-car bass." They are then sorely disappointed or break their subwoofer when they're trying to show off with their friends. 5) Front speakers - these are the most important speakers in the car. You should have ONE of each type of speaker up front. There are a few ways to do this    a) Coaxial (all-in-one speakers - usually cheaper)    b) 2-way Components (tweeter and midrange driver)    c) 3-way Components (midbass, midrange, and tweeter)    d) Separate midbass, midrange, and tweeter crossover handled by a separate electronic crossover (advanced system setup) The ONLY way to select main front speakers is to go into stores and listen. DO NOT buy main speakers until you've listened and compared many different speakers with YOUR favorite music. Throw all the specs out the window. Size, efficiency, etc. It doesn't matter. Buy the best sounding speakers for you. 6) Rear speakers - reduced importance. Some people like having rear fill in the car. This is a personal preference thing. I don't like it. I think it detracts from the stereo front. 7) I'm going to mention this because it is JUST as important as ANY of the above components.. INSTALLATION. The best quality components can sound HORRIBLE if attention is not paid to the quality and care of the installation. It doesn't have to look flashy. It doesn't have to look any way at all. It should just be -right-. You need a good seal around speakers. Tweeter and woofer should be as close as possible and as on-axis as possible. Close attention to power and quality ground should be paid. etc. You mentioned crossovers. Crossovers of some type should be used on every speaker in the car. Some head units contain very flexible built-in crossovers. Others want to use the crossovers on the amplifiers. Others buy outboard crossovers. These are all fine. Each has benefits. Simple sub/mains systems can usually be great with either head unit or amplifier crossovers. When midbass is added, an outboard xo is usually required. Last tip before I turn it over to you to ask questions: don't worry at all about an equalizer right now. Equalizers should always be added LAST and only after you've listened to your system for a couple months. New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

That's some real good advice and clarity that we don't see that very often.  kfr01, I'm always thinking that someday you will burn out but you just keep on going....lol...  That's some good info on the complete picture.  It's rare that I see someone tackle such an open-ended question but that answer serves the purpose nicely.  Well done!Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

Cheers guys for your info. At the mo I have a Kenwood headunit with Sony (stop laughing now) 6 1/2 speakers in front and back doors with a Sony (again, stop laughing) 600w amp driving one 12 inch subwoofer. Its got awesome sound...loud and all that but I wan't to get a real top quality sound with cool gizmos to show off so thats why I think its best to learn..starting with the basics so I can build a good reliable loud sound system. Cheers guys

Well, the nice thing about having a system already setup is that you'll have an easy time upgrading in steps. What do you feel is the largest weakness to your system? Your bass is probably sufficient for now. I would probably work on your front stage and amping your front stage with a quality amplifier next. :)New Project: 2003 Pathfinder

Wow kfr, thata alot of info there!! Think you'll get that much help on other forums...I think not!

stevdart wrote: That's some real good advice and clarity that we don't see that very often.  kfr01, I'm always thinking that someday you will burn out but you just keep on going....lol...  That's some good info on the complete picture.  It's rare that I see someone tackle such an open-ended question but that answer serves the purpose nicely.  Well done!

Stevdart:  No, no burn out here.  :-) I have weeks when I post a little less than others, but I always come back to this forum because of the people and maturity level of the forum.  I am constantly learning on this forum, and that keeps it really fun. 

New Project: 2003 Pathfinder