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Do I really need an amplifier? And what components should I get?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by cleansky, Sep 19, 2011.

  1. cleansky

    cleansky New Member

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    I already got Kenwood 9980HD. Is it overall good unit, but if I had a choice now, I would probably look for something else in a hope that I can find better unit with less annoyances.

    Unlike (perhaps) most Prii owners with sofisticated aftermarket audio systems I am not a fan of a loud music. I am, however, fan of SQ, at least up to the level we can achieve it inside the car.

    Next thing in my list is a subwoofer and speakers. I was thinking to install JL XD700/5, HD900/5 or Alpine PDX 5 under passenger seat, but what really bothers me is that I am in fact pretty happy with the power my 22W per channel output I am getting from HU. Most of the time (read: 98%) I a listening music (hard rock, progressive and alternative rock) on the half of the Kenwood's scale, and never went to the highest volume.

    So now I am in a doubt. Do I really need a 5-channel amplifier to power front and rear speakers + subwoofer, or I can just go with one single channel subwoofer amp like JL XD 300/1 and just get a better speakers as replacement for these crappy OEMs Toyota put inside the doors?

    If I power all speakers through external amplifier like JL HD900/5, can I expect better quality even at low volume levels compared with head unit because of better specs of external amp?

    I can get a set of coaxials for the back and good component speakers for the front. Should I go with 2-way or it is better to go with 3-ways like some folks here did (like 3-way DLS and Hertz)? Or should I stick with 2-ways and just get something like Focal 165VB? How difficult is to tweak a 3-way system like DLS Ultimate UP36i if the tweeter is mounted on A-pillar and midrange is on squawker location? Is there a really a noticeable difference between high-end 2-way components and 3-ways that are in the same price range?
     
    #1 cleansky, Sep 19, 2011
  2. mainemanx

    mainemanx Member

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    IMHO, you've too many questions and too little exercise of the search function...

    Be more specific and the folks on this board will flood you with helpful answers, suggestions, advice... etc.

    In the meantime....
    -----
    Edited for sociability
     
    #2 mainemanx, Sep 20, 2011
  3. cleansky

    cleansky New Member

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    Sorry, didn't get that about Koreans...

    As about the rest, I did spend alot of time reading 100's (if not 1000's) posts here and there and was still unsure. What I wanted is some suggestions and other opinions.

    Anyway, I decided to go with 5ch amp and now will decide what set of speakers to get.
     
    #3 cleansky, Sep 20, 2011
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    Yes, for SQ you need an amplifer because all of the high end SQ speakers need much more than you deck can't put out. The extra power helps with headroom, transient response and reproducing a solid kicks drums or snare drum snap before the low end is reproduced by the subwoofer. Dynamic response is all about power and speaker control.
     
    #4 F8L, Sep 20, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  5. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    You will get "use to" 2-ways, but quality 3-way component speakers sound so much better up front. The question is where to place the tweeter. There are at least 5 different ways people have accomplished it on this forum. Go with the JL HD900/5. This is the best solution for this car. Check with mgb4tim about his sub enclosures.

    My install required the best sound, factory look to help avoid theft, and to not interfere with function (like changing a tire in the rain). You have to decide what you want, but if your going to do this, do it right.
     
    #5 frodoz737, Sep 20, 2011
  6. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I disagree. 3 way components are not inherently better than 2 ways. In fact, most competition systems I've helped judge ran 2 way systems. My Diamond Audio D971s retailed at $1500. lol
     
    #6 F8L, Sep 20, 2011
  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    F8L, have no doubt your system sounds great. My opinion is based on what I have and what was in my price range.

    cleansky, people that are into speakers, most often have stong opinions this way or that. Use your own ears to decide what you want. Taste is subjective.
     
    #7 frodoz737, Sep 21, 2011
  8. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    That is sound advice! :)
     
    #8 F8L, Sep 21, 2011
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