fuzzyping

Assuming the components will fit, I think I'm going to get the Seas L18RNX/P woofers with the Peerless 810921 tweeters. Anyone else running these?

Ok, so I feel comfortable going with the Seas. I'll check out my door after work and see how much room I have available. P.S. I really appreciate everyone's patience with my n00b questions. If you ever have any questions about computers/networking (and it has nothing to do with Windows), shoot me a PM. SSA forums FTW!

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Not that I mind, but it hampers any rear fill plans later on (without purchasing a new/different amp). Do folks here concur that Seas are a quality choice for the front stage? I hate buying any speakers unheard, but I trust the folks here (well, some of you). ;-) Yeah, I do a bit of everything. I'm a UNIX/Linux/BSD administrator, so I've got plenty of networking and security expertise as well (one sorta goes with the other).

Good stuff. I'm still confused about the mismatched components (with regards to ohm). I don't know anything about active crossovers, so I'm trying to envision how this works with a 8-ohm woofer and a 4-ohm tweeter wired off the same channel. I guess I should have researched the DIY stuff further before diving into this purchase. It all started so easy with Crutchfield. ;-) P.S. I wish someone would ask me about computer/networking chit, then I could feel back in my element.

The L18 and P18's are very sexy. I'm not sure if a 7" woofer will fit, much less a 3" depth. I like the 27TFFNC. This is a stupid question, but... the Sundown SAX-100.4 doesn't do 8 ohm. How would that work with a 8 ohm woofer and 4 ohm tweeter with active crossovers? 2002 Toyota 4Runner Thanks, -J.

Stupid me, I forgot to measure. I know that the mids from Polk db6500's fit in there fine. Those only need a 2" top-mount depth though. Make some recommendations, I'll measure when I get home. Thanks, -J.

I'm not planning on doing the whole vehicle, so I can probably get by with 1/4-1/3 of the roll. Let me know.

You want to split a roll? I only need part of it for my 4Runner.

Yes. I've also talked with Mark/Aaron at SSA and they're hooking me up with a SAX-100.4 and SAE-1000D. I'm concerned that the 1000D may be overkill for my system. Unfortunately, Mike @ SoundSplinter is out of SVC RL-i8's (which would have gone nicely with the SAX-100.2). If it sounds like my head is going 16 different directions, it's because it is. -J.

I'm open to anything at this point. -J.

I'm trying to decide on a set of 6.5" components for my new system. It's a daily SQ driver that I've already exceeded the budget for with the following: HU: Pioneer DEH-P5900iB Comp Amp: Sundown SAX-100.4 Sub: Sound Splinter RL-i8 DVC 4 Sub Amp: Sundown SAE-1000D I wanted to get Focal 165-V2's, but can't find a reputable online seller (local retailers are overpriced). I settled for the 165-V1's from Sonic Electronix, but I've never heard them in person... and I think they have a similar tweeter to the 165-A1's, which sounds harsh. I've read plenty of good anecdotal evidence in favor of CDT components, but I've never heard them in person. And there seem to be a *lot* of different models to choose from. I'm leaning towards the CL-E61, CL-E61CF, or CL-62 (if they'll fit) classics. I'd like to get the best sound for under $300. Any suggestions? Thanks, -J.

If you knew me better you'd know I plan *nothing*. Seriously, thanks for the heads-up. I just called the vendor back and cancelled the Memphis amps, replacing them with a single JL 300/4. The sub amp will have to wait a month... for me to save up more cash or the wife's rage to dispell (whichever comes first).

Yes, denim was very helpful. Unfortunately the Sundown is really in another stratosphere (as my physics teacher used to say). At least in cost, and possibly in performance (compared to the Memphis PR). If the Memphis amps are crap, please let me know. I can return the amps, it will just cost me shipping both ways. I could always save up for the Sundown, but it's going to suck having those speakers lying around until then. I just wonder if the Sundowns aren't overkill for my modest installation. I hate to throw prices around here, but even the JL Audio 300/4 is $100 cheaper and carries a good reputation. kk Thanks, I'll be absorbing that over the next few days.

I'm sure the RL-i8 will be a hit (pun intended). Unfortunately, I had the discount pulled out from under me, so I had to re-re-evaluate my components and amps. Here is what I finally put together, everything else was ordered today. Receiver: Pioneer DEH-P5900iB Front: Focal 165V1 Component Amp: Memphis 16-PR100.4 Sub: SoundSplinter RL-i8 DVC4, sealed ~0.35 Sub Amp: Memphis 16-PRD500.1 I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I have no experience with Memphis Audio, but everything I've read suggests they make some quality amps at a good price. I would have loved the Sundown SAX-100.4, but it was simply out of my budget. Crossing my fingers that it all comes together well... P.S. Any suggestions on forums/sites for learning more about the electrical system? I need to get a handle on caps, yellow tops, and the math behind car audio.

I ordered my RL-i8 from Mike last night. For anyone considering Sound Splinter for your sub, everything you hear about Mike is true... good guy, very helpful. I should have it at my door by Friday, pics soon thereafter. -J.

After discount, I think it breaks down like this: Focal 165V2 - $200.00 JL Audio 300/4 - $175.00 JL Audio 500/1 - $192.50 ... before tax, of course. I'm all for supporting the little guys as long as they kick ass. -J.

An update... I've decided to go with the Focal 165V2's for the front stage. I love the tweeter on the K2P's, but I simply can't afford them, even with the employee discount that's being passed on to me. I don't hear enough of a difference between the V2's and the KF's to justify the cost difference. I've also been convinced to ditch the Alpine amps and go with JL Audio. Thoughts? Receiver: Pioneer DEH-P5900iB Front: Focal 165V2 Component Amp: JL Audio 300/4 Sub: SoundSplinter RL-i8 DVC4, sealed ~0.35 Sub Amp: JL Audio 500/1 Thanks, -J.

Ok, so I might hold off on the rear fill for now and focus my investment on some better front components. The consensus seems to be that the titanium focal tweeters are too harsh, so I'll probably head over to Tweeter tonight and listen to the Focal 165KP's with the neodymium tweeter. I have a friend who works there, so I might be able to get his discount. To be continued...

Any particular components you'd recommend? Are the focals frowned upon? I thought they sounded pretty damn good myself, but admittedly I have an untrained ear. Thanks, -J.

First off, does such a thing exist? I've been out of car audio for ~15 years and am just now getting interested again thanks to my recently purchased 2002 Toyota 4Runner. The stock stereo is such a flake, particularly with the sunroof and windows open. I've been scouring the internet trying to get up to speed on the current technologies and find out which products would be the best value for a modest SQ system. I originally purchased a set of Polk components but am about to return them after hearing a set of Focals. Although I have plenty of space for something monstrous, this is my daily driver which doubles as a two-child-car-seat chaeuffeur. Keeping the cargo area _mostly_ intact is a serious goal, followed closely by a self-imposed budget and great sound. So far, I'm looking at the following components. I'm not familiar with the boutique amplifier makers (Sundown, etc), but I'm interested to hear recommendations where applicable. I'm very curious as to whether I really need something as powerful as a SS RL-i8, but I suspect it's just as good for modest systems as it is for SPL fun. Receiver: Pioneer DEH-P5900iB Front: Focal 165A1 Rear: Focal 100CA Component Amp: Alpine MRP-F250 Sub: SoundSplinter RL-i8 DVC4, sealed ~0.35 Sub Amp: Alpine MRP-M450 Thanks, -J.

Getting back into car audio after a lengthy absence. The only thing I remember about my last stereo (15+ years ago) was the MB Quart components. I've since become a computer nerd, but I think I still have the chops to put together a modest system for my 2002 Toyota 4Runner. P.S. Oh yeah, and saying hi from Westminster, MD.

Honestly, I have no idea. I just started getting back into car audio after a ~15 year hiatus. I've been researching subs and somehow ran across SoundSplinter recommendations. Next thing I know I'm here reading posts from denim and mrray. -J.