[anuragn]

Hi All,
I have the following setup in my Wagon R:
1. Sony HU
2. JBL GTO-938 ovals at rear parcel tray
3. JBL-CS2104 4" coaxials in dashboard

Many a times, I feel that the HU's amp is underpowered and sometimes, I need to jack up the volume to listen clearly.
Then, thought that maybe adding a 4-channel amp could ease the things a bit.
I have identified JBL GT5-644 as suitable for me (because of good reviews, and more importantly, it falls within my budget).
My concern is whether it is OK to power the front coaxials with an amp? Pl advice whether I should go ahead with my plan of a 4-channel amp or am I missing something?

Note: I am on a strictly tight budget, so pl don't ask me to first throw away the Sony Xplode, then add some matching components to complement the JBL amp and then finish off with a sub

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by anuragn

My concern is whether it is OK to power the front coaxials with an amp? Pl advice whether I should go ahead with my plan of a 4-channel amp or am I missing something?

You can.
But, you will have to HPF the fronts at 125+ Hz to avoid damaging them..

[anuragn]

Originally Posted by nitrous

You can.
But, you will have to HPF the fronts at 125+ Hz to avoid damaging them..

Thanks.
Will probably go on Sunday for the installation.
The price for GT5-644 is being quoted as 5K+ (with Bill/ Warr). Is it the actual street price or they are selling fakes?

[thelightening]

Hey do u find any Alpine amp in that budget? hope that can be something you can look for also.

Imp. GTO series is better than GT5 Series in JBL.

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by anuragn

Is it the actual street price or they are selling fakes?

Its the actual price but without bill or warranty.

[greenhorn]

trust me, adding an amp is not the solution. it will be louder, but still sound like crap.

If your HU is an older model ( no usb/aux etc) , save up a little bit more and get an alpine HU .

else

1. set your fader towards the rear before you crank it up
2. add a 2 channel amp for the rears?


alternately, if you are willing to do some cutting/shutting, throw out the front coaxials, and get some comps in the door ( this should increase clarity by a big margin)

[panky12345]

Originally Posted by thelightening

Hey do u find any Alpine amp in that budget? .

One can only find a "desi" alpine in that budget. Starts at 2600/- for 4 Channel.

[anuragn]

Thanks grrenhorn. I see logic in your reasoning. If the source itself is crap, output will remain crap.
Regarding your 2 questions:
1. Setting the fader towards the rear makes the sound boomy.
2. I too was considering a 2 channel amp, but then the soundstage would shift towards the back, front coaxials still being "weak" sounding.

Another alternative I am considering is just to replace the fronts with 4" components and forget about an amp. Will it help improving the sound? In such case, where can I get 4" components in Navi Mumbai?

[anuragn]

Hi All,
Finally taken the plunge and installed 4" Illusion comps in the front. Got the speakers courtesy Ajay (Bass&Trouble).
The comps really make a lot of difference, even without an amp. The sound is now much more clear & crisp. And the bass is very good considering their small size.
Just wondering if I also change my Sony HU to Alpine, it would do wonders to the sound. But will save money for a higher-end system till I get a new ride in the next 1-2 years.
Anyways, thanks to all especially Ajay for the speakers & greenhorn for suggesting the comps.

[thelightening]

Great Guys, I was also in the same confusion..So a 4" comps will help a lot it seems. Can you please pm me the 4" illusions details? and anyway i can get it in Bangalore.

[vigsom]

Originally Posted by anuragn

Hi All,
Finally taken the plunge and installed 4" Illusion comps in the front.

The comps really make a lot of difference, even without an amp. The sound is now much more clear & crisp. And the bass is very good considering their small size.

Just wondering if I also change my Sony HU to Alpine, it would do wonders to the sound. But will save money for a higher-end system till I get a new ride in the next 1-2 years.
Anyways, thanks to all especially Ajay for the speakers & greenhorn for suggesting the comps.

Great work - but only for now.

Going by my own experience,it won't be long before you start wishing for a change in speakers.

My advice to you - whenever you change next,maybe in your new ride,get the best that you can manage within your budget so that you don't keep thinking about upgrades.

My minimum standard set up on a budget:

• A good USB HU(Kenny,JVC)
• 6.5" Components for front(if mods are required,do it)
• 6.5" coaxes in rear doors(most cars today come with this provision)
• 4 channel amp which should be powerful enough to drive a sub later(must be able to give you at least 200W RMS with channelB in bridged mode)
• sub - stage2 - when you feel you want something more.