Phoenix Gold

[ND13]

Okay guys, I've been out of the car audio scene since the mid 90's and I'm putting together a budget system in my commuter truck, a '95 Chevy 1500 reg cab stepside. I've put in a KW KDC325 head unit, KW 6 1/2 coaxials in the doors, and KW 4x6 coaxials in the rear. I'm getting a good deal on a Phoenix Gold Octane series R5.0:4 amp and a PG Octane series R10D4 dvc sub in a sealed enclosure.

My question is this:
Is PG still as good as they once were?

I know this is there entry level series, but from the specs I've read they should be more than enough for what I'm trying to accomplish, good tight, clean sound.

[AustinKP]

PG Xenon is very good stuff. Octane is still good for the money. They put out their rated power just fine. You should be happy with it.

[ND13]

Originally posted by AustinKP
PG Xenon is very good stuff. Octane is still good for the money. They put out their rated power just fine. You should be happy with it.

I looked at the Xenon series and it would be overkill for what I need. If I were trying to compete again, I would more than likely go back to PPI and JL Audio.

Thanks for the reply. Will let you know how everything turns out.

I just talked to the wholesaler again and asked him to get me prices on doing a 2-channel and a monoblock instead of the 4-channel. The octane monoblock I'm interested in is class ab with an 18db low pass and is 2 ohm rated for the dvc. That way will be a little more $$$, but not much. And it will be cleaner since the bass won't have to share a power supply with the mids and highs.

Edit- Went with the 2 amp scenario and upgraded the sub at the same time:

PG R5.0:1 Monoblock rated for 2ohm
PG R2.5:2 2 channel
PG ZR10D4 dual 2"/4ohm voice coils

Will have it all in by Wednesday afternoon.

[Jstas]

You should be very pleased with the PG stuff. They are a larger company than they were 10-15 years ago but they still put out some good stuff. The Octane is thier entry level series but it's better than most other mid-line models from alot of other companies.

[MacLeod]

Agreed. Phoenix Gold is still very good stuff. I dont like their Xenon stuff mainly because I dont dig regulated amps but still, you will be happy with yours.

[exalted512]

JLs regulated...
-Cody

[MacLeod]

Originally posted by exalted512
JLs regulated...
-Cody

Only the Slash series is regulated. The E line is not.

And furthermore, so what?

[ND13]

Thanks for all the votes of confidence. I believe that I'll be more that happy with the PG gear. I'm glad that I decided to go the 2 amp way with the better sub. I'll need the extra excursion the ZR10D4 has over the R10D, with the sealed enclosure. It outta rock that little reg cab, anyways, huh. I told the guy I'm letting put the amps and sub in to call me when it's time to tune. I don't let anyone tune a system for me. They always seem to eff it up.

But anyways, I'll let you guys know how everything sounds Wednesday afternoon.

Noel

[exalted512]

Originally posted by MacLeod

And furthermore, so what?


Originally posted by MacLeod

I dont dig regulated amps
-Cody

[AustinKP]

Originally posted by exalted512
-Cody :D

[ND13]

The install is happening right now. I'm 38 yrs old and I feel like I did when I was 17 while I was putting in my first "real" system. Can't wait to tune it.

The wholesaler made a mistake and had to let me have the R4.0:2 instead of the R2.5:2 for the same price. Great, mo power.
I was impressed with the ZR10D4's build quality and weight. Has cool binding post, also.

Will let ya'll know how it all sounds in a little bit.

[audiobliss]

Awesome, man! Let us know how it sounds!

[ND13]

This sub "ROCKS", period. I'm still tweaking the whole system, but so far I'm very pleased. The sub is very accurate, with tight, clean SQ.

More to come, time to go play a little bit more. Gotta break out some reference CDs.

TTFN

Noel

[MacLeod]

Just think, it still has to break in! Itll only sound better with time! ;)

[ND13]

I've gotta get the installer to change his wiring around a little. I can't fade the 4x6s out, he wired them parallel with the fronts and I told him to not run them off the amp, because they're right next to the ears. It makes the soundstage behind me .

[MacLeod]

Ya shoulda gone without the rears to begin with.

If you ever decide to upgrade your speakers to components I highly recommend ditching the rears and going stictly with fronts and bi-amping them. Much, much better SQ and imaging.

[ND13]

Originally posted by MacLeod
Ya shoulda gone without the rears to begin with.

If you ever decide to upgrade your speakers to components I highly recommend ditching the rears and going stictly with fronts and bi-amping them. Much, much better SQ and imaging.

Yeah, I know but it's a budget system. I think I'm gonna unhook them for the night/drive home. You'd shit yourself if you knew what I had in the entire system $$$wise.

[audiobliss]

Yeah? Let's try it. lol

[MacLeod]

Probably not. Im quite the bargain hunter myself now that my credit is screwed and I have to pay cash!

Polk MM6 - Retail $350, I paid $160
Crossfire VR404 - Retail $380, I paid $250
Crossfire VR302 - Retail $325, I paid $175

Year end clearances of last year models is a wonderful thing! :D

[ND13]

I've got a total of $400 out of pocket and every piece is brand new out of the box and that includes installation. God it's good to be a Used Car manager sometimes. Oh , yeah all warrantied, nothing is hot.

KW KDC 325 HU
KW 6 1/2 coaxials
KW 4x6 coaxials
and ya'll can read the rest above.

Should I send you some Depends or a new pair of undees?

[audiobliss]

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Can you do my shopping for me?!?!?

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Sweet!

[ND13]

I've decided to go the component route and remove the rears altogether. My installer is going to get with me later today and let me know what he has in stock and what he would have to order. I know that Polk is one of his lines. He also carries MB, KW, Kicker, Alpine, and PG. I'll probably go with Polk, so what reasonably priced 61/2" seperates does Polk have?

[audiobliss]

Awesome! Polk 6 1/2" components up front and no backs!! Sweet!

Reasonably priced?! Aww.....you had to go and ruin it......:D :p

The MMC6500 components retail for $350; I'm assuming that's not reasonably priced, lol. If you're willing to look at the db line-up, the db6500 components are only $240.

[ND13]

Originally posted by audiobliss
Awesome! Polk 6 1/2" components up front and no backs!! Sweet!

Reasonably priced?! Aww.....you had to go and ruin it......:D :p

The MMC6500 components retail for $350; I'm assuming that's not reasonably priced, lol. If you're willing to look at the db line-up, the db6500 components are only $240.

I think the db series will be ample. I'll see what my discounted price:p will be. They should be the ticket.:D

[MacLeod]

Look into the MMC6500 first. Its a much better speaker with a far superior crossover.

They are going for $250 on Sounddomain right now so maybe you can get them for that or less. It would be worth the money.

Speakers are the one thing you dont want to skimp on.

[ND13]

Originally posted by MacLeod
Look into the MMC6500 first. Its a much better speaker with a far superior crossover.

They are going for $250 on Sounddomain right now so maybe you can get them for that or less. It would be worth the money.

Speakers are the one thing you dont want to skimp on.

I'll get the price on those and if it's feasible they'll be rocking out within a few days.

[ND13]

Got the MMC6500's ordered. They should be singing by Wednesday afternoon. The holiday weekend slows everything down. I got a pretty good deal I think, $225 installed. That raises my grand out-of-pocket total to $625. It's gonna be the nicest $625 system around, for not buying anything used or hot and to include installation and warranties. This is gonna be the longest 5 1/2 days I've had to endure for a while. It just drives me crazy to not have everything right. Oh well, I'll be patient. It'll be worth the wait.

[audiobliss]

It will be worth the wait.

You got that right!!!! $225 installed?!?! Man!! That's ridiculous! That's gonna be the best system for $800!! You're gonna be seriously satisfied with that! Congrats!!

[ND13]

The MMC6500s are being installed as we speak. Can't wait to hear them sing. Will get back when I can listen.

[ND13]

I guess if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. The idiot installer has the MMCs running in friggin MONO. I guess I'll have to spend my only day off this week and rewire the whole damn system, correctly and up to my standards. I know he did everything on the cheap for me, but that was because I gave him alot of other work to do at the dealership(dvd video systems, keyless entries, remote starts,etc).

The funny thing is they still sound great with just the right channel running thru both sides. I noticed it right off when I put my AC/DC "Back in Black" cd and there was something missing from the intro to "Have A Drink On Me".

[exalted512]

sounds like your installer is a winner:D

my components alone were $587, but considering they retail for more than a grand, i think i got a good deal.

glad you like everything, the mm6500s are bad ass:cool:
-Cody

[ND13]

Originally posted by exalted512
sounds like your installer is a winner:D

my components alone were $587, but considering they retail for more than a grand, i think i got a good deal.

glad you like everything, the mm6500s are bad ass:cool:
-Cody

What are your components?

[exalted512]

DLS Iridiums
-Cody

[swerve]

Originally posted by exalted512
DLS Iridiums
-Cody Hay you little punk. how u be gettin them deals dog?

don't them deals just wanna make you say...

YYYYYYEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

[ND13]

Okay, I temporarily fixed the wiring issue. It was really a simple fix.

I took the rcas from the radio(street wires mid level) to the 2 channel amp and ran another from the aux output to the monoblock. Works like a charm now. I'm still going to redo it all soon. I want better quality cables all around. I just don't like the look of 16 gauge speaker wire. I'm going to run 12 to the MMC6500s and 10 to the sub. It's probably overkill but I'll feel better about it and it'll look better.

So far the MMCs kick alot of arse. They'll only get better with time, too. I've still got a little more fine tuning to do , but until I finish rewiring everything it'll do.

[MacLeod]

You dont need to upgrade your cables. Those Streetwires will be fine. There wont be any audible difference in a more expensive set.

I used to run the $75 a pair cables, now I run the $14 Monster Standard RCA's. They sound just as good.

[ND13]

Originally posted by MacLeod
You dont need to upgrade your cables. Those Streetwires will be fine. There wont be any audible difference in a more expensive set.

I used to run the $75 a pair cables, now I run the $14 Monster Standard RCA's. They sound just as good.

I already have everything I'll need. I'm not changing the main rca from the HU, just the one in between the two amps and the spaeker wire. It's mainly going to be an appearance thing. I just like it all to be clean and as much hidden as possible. I might move the amps to under the seat also. I don't like them on the back wall of the cab. Although, if I move them I won't be able to see the cool blue lights around the PG logo.:p

[MacLeod]

LOL!!! Well ya gotta see those!

Im with you on the uniformity thing. It bugs me to no end even if I had to use a different brand of speaker wire to one tweeter....even if its hiddedn behind the door! :D