Dr Zoidberg wrote:

PencilHead wrote:
Dr Zoidberg wrote:

PencilHead wrote:
Glenn Richards wrote:

PencilHead wrote:

My nephew has just bought his first car - 1995 Renault Clio and
wants to add a meaty sound system to it. He bought an older car
to save #500 for the sound system. He doesn't need a
multi-changer but would like a "flashy" head unit with sub,
amp and speakers.

Head unit : Sony CDX-F5500 (#105)
CD changer : Sony CDX-656 (#90) or CDX-757 (#150)
Subwoofer : JBL 10" (#30) and enclosure (#40) - Motorworld
Amplifier : Sony XM-4060 (#135)

This comes to #400 with the CDX-656 changer, or #460 with the
CDX-757. The more expensive changer is worth the extra if you can
run to it, as it has better anti-shock memory and can play MP3
discs. Both sound very good, I can attest to this as I had a
CDX-656 in my Fiesta and later my A3, and I have a CDX-757 in my
A4. In fact the only major difference between the setup in my A4
and what I've recommended above is the head unit - mine is an
MDX-CA580, which is no longer available. (I also have an
MDX-66LP minidisc changer, but MD seems to be more of an
enthusiasts' format these days so I haven't suggested MD.)

Apart from the sub, everything can be obtained at MCS Direct. The
amplifier can operate in 3 or 4 channel mode - I would recommend
running it in 3ch mode to power the front speakers and sub, leave
the rears running off the head unit's own amplifier.

It's also worth spending some money on decent cables. Nothing too
esoteric, but a decent phono cable with gold plated plugs and OFC
cable will give quite an improvement in sound quality over the
crappy one that comes in the box.

There's no point however in going for anything purely on the
basis of how "flashy" it looks. As with home audio, the most
important thing is how good it sounds.


Thanks for the advice - very helpful.

Is there any benefit to having dual subs?

More bass , but unless you are fitting some damn good component
speakers in the front and amping them then a single 10" sub will be
more than powerful enough to provide all the bass you will need.



Makes sense!

My nephew is intent on more bang and glitter then a good sound
system - I now turn my back and let him get on with it.

Indeed.
I have a pair of good quality kenwood components fed by a reasonably
high end Sony HU in the front and a 10" JBL sub in the rear powered
by a Kenwood amp and it does me very nicely. A clear sound with meaty
bass that stops just short of ear splitting volumes. IMO for personal
use while driving you don't need much more than that unless you want
to show off while parked up

Just a thought, if he points the subs backwards and cranks up the
volume, will the car move faster on impluse power?

Yes , but only while the speaker cone is moving in the right
direction. Once it starts to head back the car will slow down again.
Get big enough speakers and you'll effectively wobble back and forth
:0) --
Alex


I had a Fiat that did that - it didn't need a sound system

(Come to think of it, I think it had an 8 Track...)