Need advice (audio)
 

I visited an audio shop yesterday to upgrade my audio system and here is what I got:

They recommended me a setup below:
- 1 Relay box (basically a switch so I can connect my Ipod)
- The connector for Ipod will be located in the glove box
- 1 Crossover (Audio Control 4XS)
- 6 channels digital amps (1 amp per channel). They offered me amps from Flying Mole (model: PM-C161dc)
- Monster cables on all connections
- Display boxes setup for the amps in front trunk.
- Labour fee

Note: I am going to still use the stock speakers (the rear has Infinity Kappa speakers) and stock head unit. I already have CD player and changer.

Information about the amps (look for 1 channel ones) can be found here:
http://www.flyingmoleelectronics.com/products/cascadeseries.html

The specs are as follows (PM-C161dc is for DC and goes for about $500 each in here):

Rated output: 160watts/4 ohm x 1ch
Frequency Response: 5Hz to 25kHz (4 ohm/+0, -3db)
Distortion rate (THD): 0.05%(50watts at 1kHz, 4 ohm)
S-N ratio: 120dB(400Hz to 30kHz BPF)
Input Sensitibity/Input Impedance: 1V rms / 10kohm (VRmax)
Power Consumption: 0.6A/1ch (without LED), 5A/1ch (with LED)
Power Supply: DC 12 to 14.4V
Dimensions: 46.5(w) x 132.5(H) x 327(D)mm
Weight: 1 kg

They quoted me $7000 for the setup above. The amps cost about $3000, about $1500 for switch, relay, cables, and $2500 for display boxes and labour. System has lifetime warranty including labour. Wanted some opinion from your guys about this.

Thanks!

$7,000 for you car stereo upgrade and you don't get a new head unit or speakers?

I for one just upgraded my head unit and speakers (Kenwood Excelon KDC-X889, iPod interface, and MB Quart speakers for the dash and doors) for under a $1,000 installed and love the improvement. Next I plan to add an amp and perhaps a subwoofer for some additional base, but I won't be looking at $3,000 amps.... that's a bit out of my league.

I am still trying to fine tune the set up and finding it a bit hard to dial in. Some songs sound under-bassed and others distort. Sort of frustrating.

Your set up must sound amazing...keep us posted.

RIDE

That is a very nice setup under $1000.

The only reason that I keep the stock head unit because I want to preserve the porsche look. All I wanted is to run everything from my Ipod :)

I am planning to replace the stock speakers myself to cut some labour cost, but if the stock ones can sound incredibly good with the expensive amps, I will just stay with it...

The room in boxster is already small and I don't know if this set up is really necessary (1 amp per channel). I am also having distortion problem with my current set up and I just couldn't take it anymore. It's even more noticeable after I put in the rear units.

Yeah... I got the $400 Kenwood deck on eBay for just over $200 brand new and the iPod interface was also about half price.

I am hoping that replacing the stock amp with something better will give me some additional improvement. I am sort of frustrated right now trying to dial things in and am also getting more distortion than I expected after the upgrade.

As for keeping the Porsche look...I struggle with that as well, but really love the modern look of this new deck.

RIDE

Sounds like overkill!!!!
 

Yikes! :eek:
160 watts pushing stock Porsche speakers???

Unless you keep the volume way low, you'll surely blow those babies.....I doubt the stock speakers can handle more than 40 w rms.....

My advice......Pull back on all those amps, improve the stock speakers, and get yourself 1 6 channel amp or 2 multi channel amps to handle things. Will be cheaper and more efficent, and will still sound a lot better in the long run.

Well... the rear speaker is not stock and can handle the amp I would think. I agree that the doors and front speakers may blow at some point LOL. I guess I'll have to start finding replacement 5'' and 4'' speakers soon.

I've just enlisted the boxs for a car show this December so I'm just gonna go with the amp. With all the $ spent, at least I should make it worthwhile.