Help me Build my system ($2000)

[dubs89]

I am looking to build a sound system for my 2008.5 mazda 3. Here is what I am hoping to get with the $2000, let me know what parts you would suggest or if you think I should omit some parts because my budget is to small.

- 1 or 2 subs
- A amp for the sub(s)

- Replace the stock interior speakers
- A amp for the interior speakers

- A new deck
(I especally need help with this becuase I am unsure of what to get that wont look goofy... Where it displays the time and track number will I just end up with a stupid looking hole?)


I was looking into the exile X1200.1 amp for the Sub(s) and think I like this... let me know what you think.
Please note that I do wish to have a even balance of quality and loudness.

~Thanks!!

[Dave_The_BMXER]

What size sub(s) are you thinking of running?
Have you considered a 5 channel amp?

With your year I think you can keep the time display with the aftermarket deck install.

[dubs89]

What 5 channel would you suggest?

I was thinking 12 Inch
Perhaps the Digital Designs 3500 :P

And that would be great news fi I could keep the date time thing

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Damn that subs a monster. Any 5 channel I can think of is out haha.

I believe member dentinger has a set of New in box Alpine Type R components for sale for a reasonable price, they would make a good set of door speakers.

I am a fan of JL, Alpine, and Pioneer equipment myself.

have you checked out canadiancaraudio.com they seem good at building people systems within a budget.

[mazdas3sporte]

hey are u the same guy i was talking to on canadian car audio! good to hear u joined

personally I think Alpine subs are shit , the type X i like some what not really
, iam into rockfords but their going under and they already closed a factory, theres also a problem with the subs cracking, if u have the money for DD then hell go with that, i havent heard one bad thing about them, JL is good to but a bit pricey, Pionners are good , 2 12;s 800W rms for both only 120 bucks.... even if their ok subs their only 120 dollars,

with 2000 u can set up a very nice system, I remmber u said u wanted bass so try to go higher end subs and if u have money left over then go for the p600 pionner deck or the alpine 9887(top of the line)
with 3 bills u can pick up type X components from alpine as well, 110W rms

[S.F.W.]

[quote=mazdas3sporte;370567]then go for the p600 pionner deck or the alpine 9887(top of the line)
/quote]

Why would you go with a single din deck? In the 3 you really need a double din deck. Keep in mind though, a good double din deck, is going to be between $700-$1000.

[skunk2]

2Gs is a decent budget for a front and sub stage, no aftermarket deck.
are you planning on buying online or locally?
installing it yourself? do you need trunk/hatch space when it's all said and done?

i'm with SFW...double din is the way to go on the 3 so it doesn't look goofy which will take a good chunk off your budget, maybe half. wiring will cost you maybe in the $200 mark depending where you get it. building your own box or buying a prefab?

as you can see it adds up real quick, maybe start building the system one piece at a time. the headunit can be a single din that's totally up to you.
my advice would be to start with the source unit and and your front stage.
ditch the rear door speakers, if you have a decent enough component set coupled with an amp you wont need the rears. then get your subs and amp later.

i would recommend elemental designs for amps and speakers, others would tell you to spend your money elsewhere but I run them, have personal experience on their equipment and i'm happy with them. the 3 years i've had them, i never had any problems. wiring you can get from knuconceptz pretty cheap.

if you are gonna run a power hungry amp/s make sure your electrical is up to the task. did i mention deadening yet? :)

[mazdas3sporte]

i heard u dont need deadning untill u actually get the complete system and crank it up, its stupid to waste money on the sound insulating products untill u know u need it, the install for a complete system will run u over 300 . especially if ur getting component speakers, double din is the only option i would take to make the consol look good, besides that u can relocate the aftermarket deck to the cig lighter area for 45 to 60 bucks , and that way u still have the cool look of ur stock deck, Ive probebly been to every major audio shop in Toronto , Richmondhill and Sauga, they mostly shit talk about other audio places setups so dont listen to their recomendations go for what ur taste is,

[rajin929]

Try to get the best deck you can within your budget. The deck is the main part of any system IMO - if you decide to upgrade your system in the future to something higher end, at least your deck will be up to par.

From there, I'd get mid grade speakers and amp and do a nice, clean install. Like others have said, try to go for a 5 channel and run a single sub.

The best gear will sound like crap if not installed properly.

[dubs89]

Thank you for all the suggestion!

I have decided that I will first choose the deck and sense my budget is not the largest I will go with a single din. Do you think I will need 8volt?

Give me some suggestions on the decks I think ill spend about $500 on this.

THANKS!

[skunk2]

like rajin mentioned get the best deck that fits in your budget that has the features you want/need. there's a lot out there so it's a little hard to suggest something. a deck with an 8V pre out sounds good. and try to look for something with front, rear and sub preouts.

[mazdas3sporte]

8v is pretty much as good as u can get ,

I would suggest you look at the alpine 9887, Pionner p700 or p800 (both very good decks 4V pre out not 5 or 8). If your looking for a 8V preout your best bet would be to go with eclipse cd7200 which is right around ur budget at around 5 bills, its the most expensive and best eclipse out their but doesent have built in amp so ur going to have to purchase a seperate amp for ur speakers as well. u really cant get anything for the same price as the eclipse with the same features, anything else ur looking at industrial competition decks which can cost thousands and u really dont need it, even the 7200 u will probebly not use half the features.


ps if ur going with digital designs ur making the best decision, ive been searching for 3 weeks 24/7 for my system and ive heard nothing but good from DD, besides that u can look at Hifonics, JL, Orion,Zapco, stay away from alpine subs they are shit even the Type x is not so good, go to shops and sample the diffrent sounds, and if u can fit it in ur budget get a custom box, it costs anywhere from 160 to 3 bills depending where u go and how its tuned.
heres the links

http://www.eclipse-web.com/us/cd/cd7200overviews.html

http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/POCEN/Products/Car+Audio+Video/Source/CD+Receivers/DEH-P800PRS

[dubs89]

Very nice post! and the deck doesn't need a build in amp sinse i want to buy a separate one anyways....

[jaimie08mazda3]

the place where i went to get all my stuff cost me about 800 *didnt buy a deck* with wiring and installation *i wired them up through the rear speakers. i like clarion but thats my personal choice. go with say 2 10"s and a 600W 2 channel amp and some deck with built in sub control. that would be my way to go. good luck