[redrage]

Its been almost 6 years since i got my car and other than installing a pair of tweeters there has been no other upgrade on the basic kenwood system with a 10 cd changer.

Having a budget of 30-35k for a new system and plan to go for a complete makeover, kindly suggest what products i can use. I prefer decent SQ with limited distortion and nice bass. Not the boom boom kind. This is what i have planned,

1) Head Unit: Clarion 785 USB if i am able to source from the US. 3 RCA preout and TA is a must.Also must have IPOD & USB compatibility,play mp3,wave etc.... & have a remote. Are there any other alternatives in the price range of 10-15k with the features i am looking for?

2) Front components: JBL 608/Infinity Kappa. After reading some ICE threads plan to go in for a 6". Please suggest which JBL to go in for along with approximate prices. (Will audition once i have decided what front and rear speakers among other suggestions i will choose)

3) Rear Speakers: JBL GTO 947/637. Kindly suggest me the alternatives for this and whats the difference if i go in for components as well.

4) Amplifiers: This is another area where i don't have a clue on which amp to choose for the setup i require and need inputs on the same. JBL 7001? JBL GTO 1004?

5) Sub Woofer: JBL GTO 1214 1200 watts.

6) Cables: ??

I plan to get this install done at EVO in Bangalore. Looking for advice from experts regarding this.

[abhinav.gupta88]

Front components- Infinity Kappa is better than the 608c

Rear , you may go for GTO 938/947. they will be better.

JBL 1004 will be a 4 channel which can power the fronts and rears of front and subs.
If you have the budget and want a dedicated amp for the sub, go for the mono else the 4 channel would do.
Also 7001 will be an overkill.
I guess the 3501 will do the job.

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by ag

Infinity Kappa is better than the 608c

Comparing a 7000 rupee speaker set to a 17500 rupee one?
The Infinity Kappa is far far smoother. But, it does sound a tinge brighter which can always be reduced at the crossover.

[redrage]

If i am looking for something better, I guess i need to use the JBL 1004 amp to power only speakers and a 3501 mono to power the sub. How much do the 1004 and 3501 cost approximately? Or can i buy the 1004 and later add on the 3501?

[hemanthisgreat]

Originally Posted by nitrous

Comparing a 7000 rupee speaker set to a 17500 rupee one?

IIRC, Infinity kappa was available for 7k in grey 2 years back. I have not enquired recently, but the prices would not have changed much.

[abhinav.gupta88]

The JBL 1004 is available for 14k with b/w and around 10 without it.
The 3501 should cost you around 7-8k without b/w ( not sure on this one though)

[DerAlte]

@redrage, if you are in Chennai, audition the system @esteem_lover's Esteem - will give you an idea up front. Xerox his system plans and implement it .

Start with the speakers first without worrying about which amp. Even Infinity Reference is a good choice as compared to the JBL 608 which is a tad brighter. For the rear, JBL 938 or 947 or Infinity ovals on the parcel shelf would be a good choice.

If you are getting it done at EVO, Sathya (@blueraven...) will definitely be able to get you some auditions and guide you. Just make sure you have a good idea what you want and make sure you debate on what you feel is right. Skip the poetics and stick to what your ears (and what is in between) say what is right.

[redrage]

Finally will be getting my hands on the Clarion 785 in August.

So till then i have decided/still reviewing on the following products to go along with the install.

Front Components: Illusion Electra 6.1
Rear: JBL 947 co ax
Amp: JBL 1004, Do i need a monoblock to get better sound from the sub?
Sub: JBL GTO 1204, Please suggest if any other equivalents or anything which is quite better and near to the price i can audition.

The Sub i have in mind is JBL GTO 1214 1200W

[redrage]

Can someone please help me on following queries?

a) Should i go in for a 5 channel amp if i go thinking an alternative on a JBL 1004/monoblock combo? to get better performance on the sub. Will it better ? if so at what cost?

b) Instead of the 947 rear fill will adding components on the rear be better?

c) Hows the performance of a GZ 30T Sub? Can i get an audition in BLR?

[abhinav.gupta88]

a. I think both are equally good. You need to decide how much power you want to give to the subs and the speakers.

b. I think it will be but then you will be adding to the sound. I only run my fronts. My rears are used only with friend / family in the back.

c. I have heard it and it is pretty decent. Good SQ and SQL capabilities.
I heard them when they were being fed about 200 or so watts.
They are rated at 400w rms and are 4 ohms SVC.
I would prefer to give them around 300 atleast.

Running at 4 ohms would mean more clarity of bass than at 1/2 ohms.

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by redrage

Front Components: Illusion Electra 6.1

Better VFM deal.

Originally Posted by redrage

Can someone please help me on following queries?

a) Should i go in for a 5 channel amp if i go thinking an alternative on a JBL 1004/monoblock combo? to get better performance on the sub. Will it better ? if so at what cost?

b) Instead of the 947 rear fill will adding components on the rear be better?

c) Hows the performance of a GZ 30T Sub? Can i get an audition in BLR?

a. Most 5 channel amps will generally have 30-50 W RMS on the 4 channels & 150W RMS for the sub. This, IMO is not good enough. Hence a 4 x 100 W RMS amp will do the job quite nicely & if you still have the budget, get another amp for the sub.

b. Certainly, but not by much, in my experience.

c. Haven't heard it. Contact Nitrous, the local wing of JBL.

[navin]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

a. Most 5 channel amps will generally have 30-50 W RMS on the 4 channels & 150W RMS for the sub. This, IMO is not good enough. Hence a 4 x 100 W RMS amp will do the job quite nicely & if you still have the budget, get another amp for the sub..

100W is 3db more than 50W. In most cases you wont notice the difference especially if the 50W amp has got good currrent dumping ability.

[esteem_lover]

Navin, I thought that 50 x 2 = 100. You had to wait till I finished college, married & had 2 sons to tell me that I am wrong.

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

c. Haven't heard it. Contact Nitrous, the local wing of JBL.

Sorry, Nitrous is not the local wing of GZ, I was referring to the 947.

[navin]

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

Navin, I thought that 50 x 2 = 100. You had to wait till I finished college, married & had 2 sons to tell me that I am wrong.

No I did not say you were wrong. I said that the difference in human hearing scale (log) is 3db which is not very noticeable. However it does depend on the current dumping ability of the amplifers being compared. Most speakers are inductive in nature and hence pose reactive loads. A amp that can dump current with aplomb can muscle a loudspeaker better.

[DerAlte]

@Saint_Reddy, do you represent Audible Dynamics products?

If so, please complete the formalities declaring your commercial involvement before advising. Please also familiarize yourself with TBHP rules regarding commercial involvement.