Help me build a system!

[PearlJammzz]

So the basics:

-I am HEAVILY looking into an Eclipse 7200 deck and will most likely get it unless when I go try it out in the store, there is something I really don't like. This has no internal amp FYI.

-I have the tang bang subs, 2 of them and will be using them. No 8-12'' subs for me!

-I mostly listen to rock, and some occaisional hip-hop or older-school rap (tu pac, bone thugs, NWA, Snoop, etc etc.) so I want something that will sound good in that inviroment.

-Not looking to win competitions, just something that sounds extremely chrisp, clear, hits well, and is a balanced setup.

So far I am looking at getting a good 4-way amp and a set of components for the front (6 1/2'' doors and 1'' tweeters). With the 4 way and no internal amp on the deck I would essentially lose my stock rear speakers and have 1 amp out to each sub, and one to each component setup yes?

-I want a clean setup, ie, no big amp just chilling on my firewall or anything. Would LOVE to fit it under one of the seats and I guess worst case would be frunk. Would prefer not to have it in the frunk though as it's a black car and it'll most likely overheat there more than from the tan interior.

Anyone run w/o the rear speakers? Notice much of a difference or loss is SQ or the ability to hear at freeway speeds w/ tops down?

Any suggestions on a component set and/or amp? I am not looking crazy high end, but I want it to still be quality. No 600 dollar amp and 500 dollar components. Figure ~200 on components and haven't really priced amps yet but am guessing a decent one runs 250-300?

Thanks and please share your knowledge. I wont be adding any sound deadening material and thus will prob. use just baffles. There is a thread arguing for/against them already so lets not digress here please .

[Mr2insane]

i can get you in that range on some polk audio if you are interested. The only thing is they discontinued their amps and they have not release the new amps. New amps will be out next month. PM if you need some prices on components and speakers.

[Luni]

Cause youre looking for small footprint and good performance, I recommend an Alpine PDX-4.100 for your amp. Its 4x100 and it will power your front components and rear subs no problem. Its small enough to mount under the seat, and it has plenty of power which is a must if you want your system to sound CLEAN and LOUD.

You know Im with you on your head unit decision. Eclipse is the way to go for me. Wouldnt buy or recommend anything else.

You already have your subs, they should be fine.

For front components this is where theres problems giving out advice. I could recommend you JLs, Rainbows, MB Quarts, etc, but ultimately its what you think sounds good. Its all good tho, you know Ill be with you for it, Ill be showin you all the ropes installing this mofo. So word.

But yeah, that Alpine PDX-4.100 seems like its a helluva deal if you get one from ebay, its a good deal for your money, and I love its small footprint. Like how it will go under the seat.

[PearlJammzz]

Thanks Rob, that amp looks sweet as hell and what I was looking for. A little spendy, but from what i have read online it seems more than worth it and it'll fit nicely.

For speakers I think I'll hit up a few shops around town and listen, get a general feel to go along with what other people say and go from there so any recommendations in this area are welcome .

Thanks MR2insane, I'll hit you up for sure if I decide to go w/ some Polks. Seems a few of their component sets (momo) get pretty good reviews and are priced well.

Anyone run w/o the rear speakers? Notice much of a difference or loss is SQ or the ability to hear at freeway speeds w/ tops down? This is still my major question, everything else seems opinion (well, I guess this is too but most important opinion I am seeking lol).

[Luni]

I maintain and stand by "get rid of the rears". All they do is ruin your soundstage. Ive owned my MR2 since 2001, its had the speakers and system thats in it (in some form or fashion) since then. Its plenty loud rollin down the freeway to enjoy it, feel the bass, and do what it needs to.

I dont, and have never ran the crappy rear speakers. Borinals sounds excellent too, and hes running the same sort of setup in his car (I designed his stereo too).

Get rid of the damn rear speakers and stop doubting my widsom!

[MANDALAY]

On your budget get rid of the rear speakers.
With proper processing and dollars , high dollars those rear locations are an excellent method to raise and stabilise the front stage as the MR2 has very poor factory locations as do most cars. You will however most likely need a time delay on the subs as they are to close. Phase reversal might help but the system will not be in true phase.

[Luni]

Whats cool about this deck Mandalay is it has the option for a self tuning mode. Theres a mic you plug in, and it plays the pink noise (I think that the term for it) through the speakers, and it can determine frequency response, distance, phasing, etc and automatically set it to as flat as the software allows it to be. Eclipse as a company seems to have really good logic and firmware on their units. I love the way they sound. I am sold on them through and through.

And keep in mind hes not an audiophile like you are, so the phasing, the staging, etc is lost on him. LOL. To him, his crappy pioneer speakers connected through deck power to his pioneer reciever sounds good. Hes kind of a n00b.

[PearlJammzz]

haha they sound acceptable for the 30 bucks I spent on em . A good component set (was looking at the morigionally about 2yrs back when I bought the deck) just sounds leaps and bounds above stock, add in 2x 6'' subs and amp everything while having a superior head unit, I think I am in for some pretty damn good sound. Again, not show worthy by any means, but as far as sounding good for the money, shouldn't be able to beat it by much .

Fine fine oh Sultan of Sound, I wanna take yours on the freeway and see how it sounds after we do yer ball joints (assuming that fixes ****). Tops OFF!

[Luni]

K, Thats fine. Youll have no problems hearing what you want.