Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > Ford Australia Vehicles > Small and Mid Sized Cars > Fiesta, Festiva and Ka

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 19-03-2006, 01:06 PM   #1
Swaytan
Swaytan
 
Swaytan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 431
Question Car Audio

I got myself some cash & need to put a proper audio system into my stock standard Fiesta. On or just over the 3k mark.

Which brands should I be looking at? I guess it'd probably be a purely opinion based thing.

I guess the question I should be asking is, if you had 3k & needed to buy an audio set up for your car, which brand would you go for?

I'm a metal head, so don't really need pounding, huge bass, just really punchy bass. Should I be looking at 10 inch subs as opposed to 12s or 15s? I ask that because in the band environment, smaller/mid sized speakers generally give a tighter more controlled sound.

The brands I can think of are Pioneer, Kenwood, Fusion & Audiobahn, that's about it.

Swaytan is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 03:03 PM   #2
LethalLeigh
Get in the van!
 
LethalLeigh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Adelaide, SA
Posts: 1,110
Default

I just asked a similar question in another thread:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=41015

Should save anyone repeating themselves. As for the subs though, I'm a metal head myself and I find smaller subs are the way to go. I listen to a lot of NIN and the like and they make short work of 12" and 15" subs. You need something with good rebound and the larger diameters don't allow for it. I've near on blown up a $5000 system on that theory, although a cynic would blame it on being Xplod equipment in the first place.
__________________
The Dad Bus (TM): 2004 BA XT Wagon, soon to be set up as a camper and tourer.
LethalLeigh is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 03:30 PM   #3
Swaytan
Swaytan
 
Swaytan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 431
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by LethalLeigh
I just asked a similar question in another thread:

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=41015

Should save anyone repeating themselves. As for the subs though, I'm a metal head myself and I find smaller subs are the way to go. I listen to a lot of NIN and the like and they make short work of 12" and 15" subs. You need something with good rebound and the larger diameters don't allow for it. I've near on blown up a $5000 system on that theory, although a cynic would blame it on being Xplod equipment in the first place.
Thanks mate, will look to your post!
Swaytan is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 05:13 PM   #4
joshf2
striped
 
joshf2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 656
Default

i dont recommend any jap brand speakers, they are typically more suited to electronic and dance music.

stick with american brands, ie rockford fosgate, JL audio, kicker and mtx.

amp wise, 4x50wrms should be sufficient, and hopefully have a line out so you can piggy back a sub amp without have to use line splitters.

speaker wise, 6.5" co-axials will do, dont bother with 6x9's in the rear, i dont believe they sound as good as a round speaker.

amp - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=755 ($799)
speakers - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=784 ($179)
subs - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=765 ($219x2)

its not that im plugging doran, its just that theyre the only place i know that do JL audio.

so just for the components above, youre looking at $1416, plus you'll need another $300 on cables, line converters and another $250 for a box.

that leaves you with about $1000 for a headunit (if you want to replace it) or for installation costs if you dont do it yourself.

the only problem ive ever found i had with car audio is the amount of choice you're presented. the more money you have, the more things you can choose from, and when i built my last stereo, i went through 4 different decks, 5 different sets of subs, 3 different brands of amps before finally settling on a $10k system.
joshf2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 06:23 PM   #5
Swaytan
Swaytan
 
Swaytan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 431
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by joshf2
i dont recommend any jap brand speakers, they are typically more suited to electronic and dance music.

stick with american brands, ie rockford fosgate, JL audio, kicker and mtx.

amp wise, 4x50wrms should be sufficient, and hopefully have a line out so you can piggy back a sub amp without have to use line splitters.

speaker wise, 6.5" co-axials will do, dont bother with 6x9's in the rear, i dont believe they sound as good as a round speaker.

amp - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=755 ($799)
speakers - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=784 ($179)
subs - http://www.doranproaudio.com.au/prod...asp?prodID=765 ($219x2)

its not that im plugging doran, its just that theyre the only place i know that do JL audio.

so just for the components above, youre looking at $1416, plus you'll need another $300 on cables, line converters and another $250 for a box.

that leaves you with about $1000 for a headunit (if you want to replace it) or for installation costs if you dont do it yourself.

the only problem ive ever found i had with car audio is the amount of choice you're presented. the more money you have, the more things you can choose from, and when i built my last stereo, i went through 4 different decks, 5 different sets of subs, 3 different brands of amps before finally settling on a $10k system.
All questions answered, thanks for that mate, can't wait to get things movin...
Swaytan is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 11:30 PM   #6
Pieoter
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 792
Default

If ur gonna be spending 3k i would definatly be getting good splits (splits are what make 99% of the sound and if these are crap u will get crap music). Don't bother with 2 subs, 1 is enough and much easier to manage.

Look to spend around $250 per speaker pair (Splits for front, co-ax for rear). $800 for amp (The rockford p4004 is one i would recommend). $500 for a sub and around $600 per headunit.

If your doing the work yourself $600 should get u buy. But be sensible and don't go overboard with the cabling, U DON'T need 0gauage power, $2000 RCA's etc.
__________________
COLORADO RED FIESTA ZETEC
MODS - Window Tint, Bmc Panel Filter, Euro Plates, Ghia grill, Momo F16 leather gearknob, Momo Leather gearboot, WQ Zetec Front sway bar, WQ Zetec Sway bar links, WQ Zetec bushes.
ICE - Alpine CDA9827, MbQuart Reference 6.5inch splits, MbQuart Reference rears, Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 3 12inch Sub, Rockford Fosgate P4004 + P3001.
Pieoter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 19-03-2006, 11:45 PM   #7
Professor Farnsworth
Fossil fuel consumer
 
Professor Farnsworth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Mod For: Pub, Bar, Sales Yard, Show 'N Shine, Photoshop, AU to BF, FG to FGX, Territory & Sports Bar
Posts: 17,077
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Many years of valuable contributions to the forum, including some superb build threads. 
Default

I have a soundstream mule 12inch sub with custom box that i've had in 4 different cars now, it is AWESOME. It's tight on metal, and deep and clear on dance/rap. The sealed box looks like crap, but it makes it sound fantastic. I had it in a ported box but it polled and sounded shizen.

They're not cheap, but as far as subs go, soundstream rock.

As far as fronts go, i'd go for pioneer bullets, or for something better pioneer yellow cones, of if you have $600+ to spend on the fronts, go Focal Utopia, they are like nothing else. I left the rear speakers factory in my last system (ba xr6) and it was fine, but just chuck some pioneer 3 way 6x9's or 6.5inch three ways in for good measure. Most of the sound will be coming from your fronts anyway. I used to have a Coustic 4x50 amp running my sub/fronts and that was really good, cost a bit over $400 a few years ago. Go for something around that mark, or if you have a bit extra, go for an alpine (especially if you're going to get the Focals/yellow cones)

Deck ? Pioneer, or Alpine. Pioneer have got some pretty slick units out there for a few hundred, if you have a bit more to spend, go the Alpine.

Pioneer Head Unit: $400
Focal front splits: $650 (run off amp)
Pioneer Rear 6x9's or 6.5" two/three ways: $180ish (run off head unit)
Coustic Amp: $450
Soundstream sub & Box: $550 (run of 2 channels bridged from the amp)

Total: $2230 + fitting.. you'd be close to your $3000 target, and it would sound freaking awesome.

Hope this helps.
__________________
2023 Superb Sportline - Steel Grey
2024 RS 3 Sedan - Mythos Black
2024 Mustang GT - Vapour Blue (built 31-10-2024 - waiting for ship)
Professor Farnsworth is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2006, 12:59 PM   #8
MISTA FIESTA
Da Shifty One
 
MISTA FIESTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,586
Default

The only problem ive had with changing the front and rear speakers is the lack of vibration control especialy the back there is nothing there. With subs its even worse. Ive looked into some sound deadening stuff and its like 100 bucks plus just for a tiny sheet. Mind you im only running a 330 watt amp which is powering the 2 subs and 6x9's and the car vibrates bad. Imagine what a 3g setup would do????
__________________
2013 Ford Fiesta ST - Frozen White - AU 0072/XXXX
- Mountune ST180 Intake Hose - Mountune Quick Shifter - J1 ST180 MAF Adapter - K&N Apollo CAI - Triple R Front Splitter - Richbrook Shorty Aerial - DMB Gel Overlays - LED Interior Bulb Upgrade -
MISTA FIESTA is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2006, 01:02 PM   #9
Professor Farnsworth
Fossil fuel consumer
 
Professor Farnsworth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Mod For: Pub, Bar, Sales Yard, Show 'N Shine, Photoshop, AU to BF, FG to FGX, Territory & Sports Bar
Posts: 17,077
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Many years of valuable contributions to the forum, including some superb build threads. 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA
The only problem ive had with changing the front and rear speakers is the lack of vibration control especialy the back there is nothing there. With subs its even worse. Ive looked into some sound deadening stuff and its like 100 bucks plus just for a tiny sheet. Mind you im only running a 330 watt amp which is powering the 2 subs and 6x9's and the car vibrates bad. Imagine what a 3g setup would do????
With 2 x 12inch subs AND 6x9's in the rear of a car the size of a shoe box, i'm not surprised it rattles badly! The setup in the Falcon was one 12 inch with factory rears, bias to the front splits and it sounded awesome. With 2 x subs you don't need 6x9's if you tune the frequency response right.
__________________
2023 Superb Sportline - Steel Grey
2024 RS 3 Sedan - Mythos Black
2024 Mustang GT - Vapour Blue (built 31-10-2024 - waiting for ship)
Professor Farnsworth is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2006, 01:57 PM   #10
MISTA FIESTA
Da Shifty One
 
MISTA FIESTA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,586
Default

At the moment ive only got the front and 6x9's running with no subs or amp and the rear rattles. Go figure??. But honestly there is absolutely no padding anywhere.
__________________
2013 Ford Fiesta ST - Frozen White - AU 0072/XXXX
- Mountune ST180 Intake Hose - Mountune Quick Shifter - J1 ST180 MAF Adapter - K&N Apollo CAI - Triple R Front Splitter - Richbrook Shorty Aerial - DMB Gel Overlays - LED Interior Bulb Upgrade -
MISTA FIESTA is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2006, 02:07 PM   #11
Professor Farnsworth
Fossil fuel consumer
 
Professor Farnsworth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Mod For: Pub, Bar, Sales Yard, Show 'N Shine, Photoshop, AU to BF, FG to FGX, Territory & Sports Bar
Posts: 17,077
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Many years of valuable contributions to the forum, including some superb build threads. 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MISTA FIESTA
At the moment ive only got the front and 6x9's running with no subs or amp and the rear rattles. Go figure??. But honestly there is absolutely no padding anywhere.
haha fair enough. My girl has a fiesta too, was going to kit that out for her, but as sound deadening is $100 a metre even for the lesser quality stuff, it could get pricey.
__________________
2023 Superb Sportline - Steel Grey
2024 RS 3 Sedan - Mythos Black
2024 Mustang GT - Vapour Blue (built 31-10-2024 - waiting for ship)
Professor Farnsworth is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 03:02 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL