need some car audio suggestions...

[vi edit]

I've seen the word "component" come up a couple times.

What exactly is a "component" set?

Thanks for all reply's thus far

 

[Doodoo]

Component sets are speakers that come with a separte woofer and tweeter and a cross over. Most speakers have a woofer and a tweeter built in. Components are separate and the crossover makes sure the high frequencies are only played by the tweeter and mids are played by the woofer. They sound much better than coaxes.

 

[IBhacknU]

This is an example of a component speaker.

Different speakers for different frequencies, all sorted out by a crossover, included with the whole kit.

This type of set-up usually provides better sound as each of the individual speakers only has to reproduce the frequencies it was designed for.

 

[vi edit]

Ah, gotcha, sort of like component video w/ each color having it's own cable, right?

 

[Viperoni]

Basically.
Components help you get better imaging (instrument/singer positioning) by letting you move the tweeter around.
Plus they usually have better crossovers (cleaner sound)

 

[vi edit]

Cool! Thanks for the info, I learn something new everyday around here

 

[Soybomb]

Thats a pretty fair analogy for a component system I'd say. At that price vi I advise you stay away from a subwoofer unless you want something that you can hear a block away. I feel your money would be better spent on quality speakers for better clarity. Stay away from sony decks, I"ve had 2 and nothing but problems from them. A pioneer deck would be an excellent choice. When you see a power rating like 40 Watts x 4 (RMS 17) pay close attention to the "rms" rating. Its the true measure of actual power. I can definately recommend infinity speakers, I've had a couple sets and love them. An external amp wouln't hurt, but unless you want to get into really loud levels many speakers you can power decently off a good headunit. I think some of the pionners might put out about 20 watts rms now even. I also recommend Crutchfield to purchase from! Good luck!

 

[vi edit]

Yeh, the component path really seems like the way to go for me. I like my music clean. I don't really care how loud it goes, if it sounds like butt, I don't want it in my car. Also, I do like bass in my music, but I don't like it obnoxious. I have a set of Wharfedale Tower speakers for my home theatre setup, and the 6" woofer in there is incredible. These things have better base than a lot of woofers twice their size. I guess you could call it a tight bass. I'd want the same sort of sound quality in my car. I want it to sound very good and full at lower volumes.

$700 was just a rough estimate. If I can get by for $400 that's even better. I was looking at purchasing a new vehicle, but I think I may holding off on the new car for a year or two now. Since it looks like my mystique is going to be in action for another year or two, I wanna drop some $$ in it for a decent sound system to keep me happy until I do get another vehicle

 

[Zucchini]

Mainly component helps if you have factory speaker mounts that fire at your feet having the tweeters moved to your door or dash helps alot with stereo imaging Friends factory camry speakers are component, the lucky bum

 

[IBhacknU]

Zucchini is right...

if you spend you money on component speakers (which is a great idea for sound quality), be sure you take the time to research imaging. The placement of those individual speakers has as much to do with the sound quality as the speakers themselves.

 

[Mears]

Go to www.elitecaraudio.com