Going all JL Audio

[davehuff]

I'm going to be getting a system for my '07 tC soon and i need some advice. I know i want all JL Audio. I know i'm going to get the stealthbox. I also know that i want a 5 channel amp. That narrows the choice down to 2. Do i get the HD900/5 or the XD700/5? Also, I'm not sure which speakers to get. I'm mounting them in their factory locations so there's no modifications. But do i want to get the C3's or the C2's? I mean i dont want to spend too much money but i want really good sound quality. If you guys could come up with a good combination for me that'd be great. I already have a head unit picked out (Alpine ixa-w407 with the Imprint sound processor) and I've also decided to go ahead and get an upgraded high output alternator but which amp i get decides on how big my alternator will be. I've got some time to figure all of this out though. I'm on deployment right now (Navy) but i should be home in time for christmas so this will be my present to myself. Thanks in advance!

[jdtc]

This is purely my personal opinion so take it how you want it. JL is great when you're talking about subs and sub amps but, I don't believe the rest of their equipment is up to par with other manufacturers. I would probably go with memphis audio speakers as they are good quality and carry a lifetime warranty. IIRC, they are the only manufacturer that does this. It is also in my opinion to choose an amp that is produced by the same company as your head unit. I go top of the line excelon from Kenwood and Kenwood amps for my speakers, all JL for subs and sub amps.

[CadenceScion]

IMO, I would have a look at Cadence, Planet Audio or PowerBass. I have used all these speakers and they kick butt, plus their higher end lines will beat JL and Memphis hands down. Being a bass head and one whom competes in SPL competitions, I know!

[davehuff]

Ok, I'll consider other options as far as the speakers go. I really dont have much experience with anything other than subs and amps so i'll take that advice. But I'm still not sure which amp i should get. I can't decide between the HD900/5 or the XD700/5. Which one would you get if you were planning on getting the stealthbox? It comes preloaded with a 10W3v3-2 sub which is rated for 500W max at 2ohms. The HD900/5 is rated for 500W to the sub and 100W to each of the other four channels. The XD700/5 is rated at 300W to the sub, 100W to each of the front channels, and 200W to each of the rear channels. So, what should i do there? And Cadence, which speakers would you recommend the most? I'm not a fan of Memphis either so...

[CadenceScion]

As far as the amps go, I would call CrutchField, they are more knowledgeable in that area than myself. If I had to choose speakers, I would go w/ Cadence or PowerBass, Kicker, or Planet Audio. Just keep in mind w/ all audio and video, you get what you pay for, if you want quality, your going to have to spend some dough.

[BrandonL]

I'm in the process of putting a full JL Audio system in my '07 tC as well =) I know there are cheaper alternatives, but I want a full JL system and nobody can convince me otherwise, lol. From what I've heard, JL Audio is extremely clean sounding and one of the most reliable, and they're a very respected brand in the audio industry. I'm personally going to run two amps, one for the sub and one for the speakers. I have a JL Audio 500/1 V1 monoblock that is going to push a 12W3 4 ohm sub in a custom box. I am also planning on purchasing the JL Audio JX360/4 amp to push four C2-600x speakers. All of this is running off of my Kenwood DDX418 head unit, which I love sooooo much. Let me know how your audio endeavors turn out, and good luck with everything! I'm very interested in seeing your system once it's complete.

~Brandon

[navylife59]

Ok, I'll consider other options as far as the speakers go. I really dont have much experience with anything other than subs and amps so i'll take that advice. But I'm still not sure which amp i should get. I can't decide between the HD900/5 or the XD700/5. Which one would you get if you were planning on getting the stealthbox? It comes preloaded with a 10W3v3-2 sub which is rated for 500W max at 2ohms. The HD900/5 is rated for 500W to the sub and 100W to each of the other four channels. The XD700/5 is rated at 300W to the sub, 100W to each of the front channels, and 200W to each of the rear channels. So, what should i do there? And Cadence, which speakers would you recommend the most? I'm not a fan of Memphis either so...

You always want to go with more RMS power than what the rated RMS of your speakers. You will have to set you gains/levels accordingly to prevent over powering. Under powering your speakers will find your amp(s) clipping (distortion, overload, muddy bass, etc) before the maximum potential of the speakers are reached. In a perfect scenario, you would go with about 25% more RMS power in an amplifier compared to the RMS rating of your speaker. You can go with less since you will find it hard to match components solely on RMS values. 25% seems alot but when you consider potential voltage drop when running off the battery or with engine at idle speeds. As the voltage potential to the amplifier drops, an inverse proportion of distortion will occur. You could run a range of 10%-15% to be in the optimum. I am not saying that a 1:1 power ratio will sound like crap or not work. For everyday listening it should be plenty fine, but for audio competition you might find yourself on the short end of the stick when competing with more professionals.

BTW: The OEM alternator is rated at 90A at 2,000RPM. It is plenty sufficient for most systems. You will want to invest in a quality stiffening capacitor.