New system, lots of questions (dodge intrepid)

[Phrozt]

I have an 01 dodge intrepid ES. Because of the ES package, stock speakers are really pretty decent. It's got a 5.1 system with tweeter sattelites by the mirrors. Because it's an intrepid, it's got a pretty big sound stage, so I'm going for SQ in front, SPL in back. General budget of $750-1k for 6.5/6x9/amp, $1.2-$1.5k for subs/amp. I can be a bit flexible on that price.

I'm looking to replace everything and get subs.

I've been doing tons of research, but as you all know, numbers really don't compare to real world information... especially with audio.

For the 6.5 speakers, I'm 90% sure of going with the Infinity Perfect system:
http://www.cardomain.com/item/INFPERFECT51

For the 6x9s in the back, I was also going to stick with infinity:
http://www.cardomain.com/item/INFKAPPA6937I

Now.. because both of these sets are good for SQ, I was going for some SPL in the subs to compliment the whole design.

I've really been all over the map on my intentions with subs, because there are so many options. I've got some ideas, but I'd like to hear yours. Also, I'd like to know what you guys think of memphis subs. I don't see much at all about them on the net, but the dealers I've talked to swear up oneside and down the other that they are great subs - dealers that deal primarily in Rockford systems even. At the moment I'm leaning towards RE xxx's

any and all input, good/bad/ugly is highly welcome. Also.. feel free to rip me a new *******/make fun of me/whatever. I'm a noob.. I know it 🙂.

 

[dodgerblue]

phro ,i like your style, your last comment -make fun of me -etc - great sense of humor more of us need it!there are many suggestions that come up even though you might have about 1k to spend still a narrowing down of your system is still needed,for the deck i would def find one with 3 way crossovers with bp built in-the alpines with bass engine pro some of the eclipses a couple of pioneers etc,i would concentrate on the front stage only-it will save you money and you can always add on later-rear speakers will add little to your front stage ,i would look at a 4 channel amp to run your seps up front all active on the deck-and the 399.00 price tag on the infinitys dont add up-if going active-no passives i would look at the peerless csx car mids and lpg compact alum tweeters at madisound.com or zalytron.com-if you have the space for the large tweeters dayton rs180 and dayton rs28 tweeter from partsexpess.com both sets will cost less than 180.00 and sound better ,there are many budget amps out there that will do the trick,the mbquarts are good performers etc,as far as subs and sub amps go the market is flooded,if price is a huge issue image dynamics are selling some impressive looking oem subs on ebay for 90-110 ea - 20 mm xmax small box etc-no warr though treat them right! hope this helps a bit -youll learn you dont have to spend a crap load for good sound just some patience and info---ps make sure you insulate those doors before the mids go in! 50-100.00 and some man hours.

 

[Phrozt]

Here's an update of some concretes that I decided on. I'm probably going to be putting the order in tonight, so if there's anything that you want to smack me for thinking about, please let me know now!
yeah.. I'm going for rear fill.. but that's just because I'm special in the head. I've actually talked with a few people on rear fill.. venting vs not venting. Even people who were specific to the intrepid. The one guy that was most knowledgeable actually showed me a pic of his moddified rear deck that had 2 5.25s in custom drilled holes, and then vents over the holes from the stock 6x9s for his 4 audiobahn subs in the back( http://dodgeintrepid.net/photopost/data/511/2576DSCF0080.JPG ). He said it was probably the best setup out of all 3 cars that he's done, because of the vented back. However, after talking with me and adding in my personal modification abilities (or lack thereof), he decided that it *would* probably be best if I had rear fill and didn't worry about venting the back - because of how the intrepid is structured.

After days of pouring over this info, countless conversations w/numerous individuals, and postings on .... 6? message boards, I've finalized the following:

HU:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-NUMi4A8PW7i/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=280150&I=113KDCX589

6.5s
http://www.cardomain.com/item/INFKAPPA607CS

6x9
http://www.cardomain.com/item/INFKAPPA6937I

powered by
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_1703.html

WEEEEE

Now.. the tough part is subs and sub amp. Currently researching heavily the Resonant Engineering SX and XXX models, as well as the Soundsplinter rl-p 12 and 15 models... with more research into Kicker.

 

[dodgerblue]

one thing is true in audio, car or home we all have our preferences,i can only state my opinion from my exp. does not mean it fits your expectations ,as far as the rear fill goes there is no problem having it as long as you can tune it to mesh well with the front stage and not smear it to the rear like some-most do,as far as spending 250.00 on those 6-9 infinity traxes definately money better served elsewhere- imo,i would actually save the 250.00 and use the holes from the 6-9,s as the ventsfor the subs , lowend will sound better and your front stage will be-- well, front stage, the sound pressure of the subs in the trunk distorting the 6-9,s sharing the same space does not exite me,maybe i lean to much towards sq ,that budget pg should do you fine plenty of power ,those infinities are efficient and dont need -and will not handle much ,they tend to be on the bright side , good luck

 

[Phrozt]

I've had about an equal amount of people suggest venting as suggesting going w/the rear fill. I talked pretty in depth w/one guy a few nights ago who's single-handedly done 3 cars with various setups. He said his nicest sounding car was one where he custom bore 2 holes for 5 1/2s and then used the 6x9 holes to vent for subs.

After talking with me and getting an understanding of where *I* come from (in terms of skill), he suggested that I should go with rear fill, and said that I would be happy with the result. He also owns the exact model of my car...

Honestly.. I'm going to try it with rear fill, but I can always take them out when I get my subs and see the difference. If I like venting better, i can stick those 6x9s on ebay and get a pretty good return price...

That and, the only REAL way for me to learn this stuff is to try my various options myself!

I do appreciate your input, though.