Classical Music ICE Setup

[mithun]

My uncle who is a die-hard fan of Carnatic Music & Ghazals wants to ICE his brand new Alto on a budget of Rs.12000-15000. He usually listens to music at low/moderate volumes. Since Bass doesn't comes into picture, there is no need for a Sub at all !

Is there any requirement for an amp ? I know that an amp produces a cleaner, clearer sound.

Which brand of HU & component speakers should he go for ?

[s0uljah]

HU : Pioneer 4950 or 6950
Speakers : Electra 5.1
Rear : Electra 6x9

Alternate choices are the JBL or Hertz comps.

[SRShrikanth]

Originally Posted by mithun

My uncle who is a die-hard fan of Carnatic Music & Ghazals wants to ICE his brand new Alto on a budget of Rs.12000-15000. He usually listens to music at low/moderate volumes. Since Bass doesn't comes into picture, there is no need for a Sub at all !

Is there any requirement for an amp ? I know that an amp produces a cleaner, clearer sound.

Which brand of HU & component speakers should he go for ?

Hi Mithun,

Being a Classical ( South-Indian with specific ref. ) buff myself, I can safely recommend what i have installed in my Indica.

Front - Blau Velocity Component speakers VC 132 should suffice an Alto

Rear - Blau OD series 6x9 co-axials.

If you do need an HU alongwith it ( if you dont have one already ), you can then decide based on your budget.

I dont forsee the requirement of any amp for the kinda music he might wanna hear, esp since it might not be played very loudly as well.

The cost can also be kept to an optimum level considering your budget.

All of the above is based on my shere experience, testing out the different noted brands - keeping in mind the kind of music I listen to.

Trust this helps.

Cheers

[Bullfrog]

I too had similar requirements of Hindustani and Western classical. Strictly didn't want any Amp or Sub. Also somewhat a similar budget.

Based on advice from BHPians went in for..

• Sony GT250 HU
• JBL 5.25" components (GTO 507) in the front
• JBL 6x9 coaxials (GTO 937) in the rear

Must say the results are excellent. Even when friends play classic rock or radio in my car.

The setup (All White market stuff) cost me 17K, but that was way back in in Jun 2006. Prices may have dropped further now.

cheers
Bulfrog

[NOTORIOUS]

Originally Posted by s0uljah

HU : Pioneer 4950 or 6950
Speakers : Electra 5.1
Rear : Electra 6x9

Alternate choices are the JBL or Hertz comps.

I totally agree with you. never auditioned electra series speakers but hertz and jbl are also equally good.

OT: Completed My 100th Post

[gbpscars]

Originally Posted by Bullfrog

Based on advice from BHPians went in for..

Sony GT250 HU
JBL 5.25" components (GTO 507) in the front
JBL 6x9 coaxials (GTO 937) in the rear

I must say that this combination works wonders for a simple system without a sub. The speaker handling is amazing even when driven out of a HU.

In my case this same combination of speakers are driven by a Alpine 9835 and I have been quite satisfied.

The songs that I play varies widely between pop, rock, western classicals, dance, trance, reggae, rap and some hindustani. I do feel the need for a sub but on most country and blues, the 937 does a wonderful job to fill in more than what it should

P.S.: For me music will always be within my car and not out of it.

[VBV]

IMHO, more than power, functionality anbd ability to chose your music is far more important while listening to classical music.

When I listen to classical a few functionalities I would like are:

- MP3 to store large amounts of music.
- Ability to move back and forth with in a track, these days some of the ICE setups have just the next and prev and have forgotten the rew and fwd buttons
- Long name displays, since usually a hindustani classical has a raga followed by a taal, the artist and the track name
- Good folder navigation is also useful.

HIH,
VBV

[navin]

Originally Posted by VBV

- MP3 to store large amounts of music.
- Ability to move back and forth with in a track, these days some of the ICE setups have just the next and prev and have forgotten the rew and fwd buttons
- Long name displays, since usually a hindustani classical has a raga followed by a taal, the artist and the track name
- Good folder navigation is also useful.

1. get an ipod
2. usually if you press the next button for 2 seconds it starts to forward.
3. good displays are only found in expensive HUs (think 15K+).
4. Alpine probably has the best folder navigation and ipod integration.

[montyguru]

Originally Posted by mithun

My uncle who is a die-hard fan of Carnatic Music & Ghazals wants to ICE his brand new Alto on a budget of Rs.12000-15000. He usually listens to music at low/moderate volumes. Since Bass doesn't comes into picture, there is no need for a Sub at all !

Is there any requirement for an amp ? I know that an amp produces a cleaner, clearer sound.

Which brand of HU & component speakers should he go for ?

you are absolutely right. an amp is not necessarily for loud volumes, in fact, it's more necessary at low volumes where everything else besides the vocals drown. you may consider going for a cheaper cassette HU which has a CD changer option to it, connecting a belkin cable and iPod to it like navin says, and a 4-channel amp. this will be good for long term than going for an expensive HU in white. there is a variety of component speakers and co-axials available, from sony, alpine, blaupunkt, jbl, polk, illusion, boston... it's best that you listen to them and decide.

[rocksterraghu]

IMO, no brand of speaker can be generalized to suit a particular genre of music. Listening is the key.

[five46]

@ ^^^ rocksterraghu...

+1

[mithun]

Thanks for everyone's responses...!

Decided to go for a Pio 2950 and not to go for rear speakers since the car will be self-driven most of the time.

So ICE gurus, please recommend the component speaker brand to fetch for crispy, clear music devoid of Bass.

And, If he decides to add an amp later will the 2950 be enough ?

[jerish666]

Go for JBL compenents.

[mithun]

I've heard that Infinity Reference is very nice for classical music. Is that true ?

[navin]

Originally Posted by mithun

I've heard that Infinity Reference is very nice for classical music. Is that true ?

My mom uses them and she listens to Classical, but then again I use them to listen to rock too. In the end you have to listen.