New System Components

I'm putting together a new system, and I have a few options for components...I already have a JL 500.1 slash series amp (500 watts RMS at either 2 or 4 ohms), that will be going into the new system, but apart from that, not much will be carried over from my old system.

Oh, and FYI, the system will not be going into an Alero, they will be going into a 2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab...so there will be a lot less cabin space to fill with sound, and a lot less room for the sub box etc.

I'm hoping the good old Aleromod community will be able to steer me right, as I do still have an Alero, and did try and mod it (even though it probably hurts my resale value more than anything else)

here are my options for the different components:

Deck:
Alpine CDA-9855
or
Kenwood Excelon KDC-X889
(I kind of like the Kenwood for the color screen, but I hear the Alpine has better sound quality...I'm hoping one of you has some experience with one or the other, I'm looking for a deck with an ipod interface in perticular)

Component speakers + 6x9s:
JL, or Focal
(I've heard really good things about Focal from my friends, but the quality of the 500.1 amp I have is really making me lean towards the JL)

Multi-channel amp for components +6x9:
Alpine MRV-F345
JL Slash series 300.4
(I can get the alpine amp for at least $300CDN cheaper, but again, I'm a little swayed by my previous experiences with JL, plus the 300.4 would match up with my 500.1 nicely)

Subwoofer:
Single Alpine Type R 12" more than likely in a ported/slotted box for extra boom
Single JL 12" W6v2 in a ported box like the above Alpine amp for the extra boom
2 12" JL W3v2 subs, in probably a sealed box to save space

I'm open to new ideas for a subwoofer, but I'm more looking for sound quality for the type of music I listen to, and I'm getting away from the 'boom' side of things...my typical music is heavy metal, and rap, hence my choice of 12" subs, although I do listen to the occasional dance tracks.

I also want to stay away from large setups in the back of the truck, as I'm going for a stealth approach, cause I freaking hate having my stuff jacked and having to make stupid insurance claims...which again, explains my single sub setup


big thanks to anyone who can help me make up my mind, the choices just aren't making themselves as obvious as they usually do.

[BLK03GXS]

Well congrats on the new truck...

Stick with the Alpine deck. From what i have had experance i allways rely on alpine, clean sound, lots of features, and easy to setup, and easy to use.
I have the cda-9835 so i know from experance...

Speakers, There are some good JL's out there, i have JL 6x9's but i would go for the focals, They are awsome. Or some nice type R speaks.. lol

AMPS: I have used the mrd-m345 its a nice amp, runs speakers AWSOME REALLY good for componants. No experance with the JL 300.4
Allthou yes it is nice to have matching amps, is 300 bones worth it? or is it even going to matter because you have a truck.. the amps are going to be under the seat or hidden away...

Subwoofer: Well if you have a truck.. and want to keep the rear seats, Then your VERRY limited to what you can do for woofers... your BEST bet unless your verry skilled with Glass, and or wood, then go with a STEALTH box from JL they sound awsome, and you wont know they're there.. THE problem there is... That your prolly only gunna have room for a 10, or 2 of em. AND the stealth boxes dont allow for large motor structure woofers (Like the R series for example). So in short, you have to make a choice.. if you want to keep the seats and keep it simple, then you are going to have to settle for something other then 12's... most likely... but that can be discussed later.

but yea.. post Q's back... or PM, glad to awnser them for ya

Thanks for your answers, and the good thing about them, is all of those items you suggested are all at the same store, so I wont have to go back and forth to get all my stuff

The truck is an extended cab, not a quad cab, and really...the only one who would ever be riding back there would be my dog, so I could really care less about losing the seat space...I'm also more than likely going to be getting a custom box built so that it will fit properly, and maybe I'll even make it so that it looks like a seat

[BLK03GXS]

harder to do then you think... custom box that is...
is the seat split? like 70/30 fold? if so you can take up the small section.
But it would be hard to fit 12 under the seat... and replacing the seat with a kustom glass encosure that will replace the seat will be expencive....

[mikegett]

I would suggest trying to keep the JL amp. Alpine isn't bad, but they are starting to go the way of false advertising in some products. The JL will give you 75 watts at 11- 14.5 volts. The alpine will only give 75 at 14.4 and 50 at 12 volts. In reality, your vehicle will normaly see about 13. Not much of a difference but the JL's amp will stay constant to the RMS through the entire range. A very nice feature. I have also noticed that alpine has stopped listing alot of there detailed specs. You have to look in the manuals just to find out the THD of there products. If the company can't list it, I would prefer to stay away from it. Just my opinion.
JL makes some very nice speakers, but they are no way in the same catagory of focal. Of course, this is all a matter of taste. I would suggest deciding on the amp. Having the store hook up the amp of your choice to both setts. Be sure to use the HU you have decided on as well. The JL's will cheaper than the focals and you may be very pleased with the sound. If you can afford it, you might stay away from the 6x9's. Your cabin is still pretty small and coloring may happen from there lack of depth. Try to put the extra money into a better component sett or three way. Focal has some serious setts of three and four ways. They can be customized with 10's and are made for smaller enclosures for adding space. If you still want the extra sub then look into there volumes required. I would also stay clear of any spl sub if you want clarity. The larger w6 will probably have more boom and less clarity than the type r or w3.

[jamcllw]

IMO put the W6 sealed box. They have the best sound quality of any JL speaker including the W7

just to clarify....the Frontier King cab does NOT have any back seats...it has jump seats which fold up and are completely out of the way, so I have plenty of room for a box.

[BLK03GXS]

well then
LUCKY YOU

GET 2 1000watt monoblocks, and 2 13.5 w7's ... hahaha jk

I'd rather not blow out my windows thanks :P

[BLK03GXS]

Hey my moto "Go big or f*** off

haha