audio advice?

[mikey]

To preface, I really don't know much at all about car audio, so I'm not looking for a top of the line, jawdropping system. Hell, I still listen to MP3's with a tape adapter... That being said, I want to finish piecing together my sound and get it in the car. All I've got so far is an OEM E36 cd player and an a/d/s PQ10 amp.

-What speakers would you recommend to me, keeping in mind that I don't want a sub? I listen to all types of music, usually on the highway with the windows down (very loud).
-Should I get a crossover (I don't even know exactly what that is), and is an audiocontrol 4xs a good one?
-I've heard people say that it sounds better in an E30 without rear speakers, would running just the front components be a bad idea without a sub?
-Is there anything else completely obvious that I am foregoing?

Clearly, I am a complete audio newbie – please educate me. Thanks for all of your help.

[Addissimo]

I take it that you don't like your hearing very much.

I don't really see a point in you getting a crossover, the only thing i can really see you using it for, would be to put a highpass crossover on the front at about 60-80hz, and a read below for the other reason.

since you're not running a sub, I'd throw a decent pair of 6.5's in the rear deck, as in just a woofer, and low pass them at about 100hz.

I'm not sure how the e36 business cd player connects. Does it use RCAs or what? You'll want to look at that, because it if has line level outs, you'll probably want an amp that will accept line level inputs (oem integration). I have no clue if that pq10 does or not. It's old enough i'd say it doesn't, but ADS was pretty cool back in the day, so it very may well.

If you're willing to do custom kickpanels (no need to be fancy, MDF works & looks fine) I'd look around for nice 6.5" drivers.

I don't know what your budget is, but off the top of my head, I've had amazing results with the Adire Koda, which unfortunately is no longer produced, but there is a 4ohm version of the Adire Extremis, which has great midbass, but you'd probably want to run it 3way, and thats just too much work. There are a couple nice drivers from focal, and Dayton audio makes some great speakers with value.

Alot of people have had great results with this:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=295-374

Really, just go to www.diymobileaudio.com they're great over there, and full of knowledge.

If you're looking for a pre-designed speaker package that will easily fit in your car, but probably not sound all that great, I'm sure people will have some good recomendations for you.

The one thing that I can't stress enough, is to mount whatever speaker you choose to a piece of wood. If you get highoutput midbass speakers, there is no way the metal, or plastic kick panel will help the speaker reach its full potential.

-Addis

[KenC]

The a/d/s PQ10 doesn't accept line-level inputs. Just straight RCA... not even an internal crossover. It's a pretty stellar little amp though... I run one in my car now.

[Lair]

I still have an old a/d/s amp in a drawer. It'll be pressed into service when I get the vert on the road.

OP - do you prefer tight, punchy bass, or big, boomy bass?

[mikey]

Addis, thanks for your recommendations, and I'll check out that link. To be honest though, I would rather not have to fab up new panels for 6.5" woofers.

The a/d/s PQ10 doesn't accept line-level inputs. Just straight RCA... not even an internal crossover. It's a pretty stellar little amp though... I run one in my car now.

So that means no cross-over for me? What else are you running?

OP - do you prefer tight, punchy bass, or big, boomy bass?

Tight, punchy bass, I think :p

After reading through a few more threads, it seems like a lot of guys are getting good results from no rear speakers and a small sub. And as I understand it, the best sound from a sub comes from making a box and porting it through the rear shelf into the cabin? I'm going to sift through more threads....

I think my budget is around $400, give or take a little. Any more advice as to which components (preferably 5.25"), and possibly a sub that fits my bill? Should I stick with the PQ10 or find a new amp? Thanks again for all the help, I really appreciate it.

[einstein57]

mb quart q's up front and fosgate p2 or p3. that will keep you way under your budget and sound pretty clear. Although i've never been a fan of factory units except for my 89 harmon kardon unit in my range rover. That thing sounded awesome with a new amp and bazooka. Probably the cleanest system i've ever had and i've put in a few several thousand dollar systems. All have been stolen of course.