Recommend me a system! (sub 2k)

[bdawg]

Maybe vague, perhaps even answered a thousand times already, but I did go back 10 pages of threads and found nothing.

I'm in the process of restoring a car and, well, I have an opportunity to fit something from the ground up.

My budget is about 2k and I'd like to include a method of plugging in my iphone/ipod to it - aux will be good enough.
I don't want my whole boot taken up by a ridiculously large sub, but I am looking for a punchy sound.

No idea how the E30 (Tech 1, 2 door) is set up for speaker enclosures so I'd love either some pointers to previous threads, or a complete low down.

I don't need sat nav, so I don't want a huge flip out screen. Brand I'm not fussed with, but have always believed in Pioneer.

Cheers

[miniblob]

From what you've said, i would keep it pretty simple and you'll get some good sounds with that budget!!

I would definately invest a bit of that money in soundproofing, as it sounds like you'll be after quality more than quantity!!

The h/u (source)will be important, make sure it is good quality!!
Then, I would just get a quality pair of components up front (make sure they're well fitted and soundproof behind them, etc) and a 10" sub in the boot (make sure it's in a good quality box of the correct size - it doesn't need to be big!).
Either get an amp each for the components and sub, or get a 3/4ch amp to run it all!!

As for suggesting exact products - there are so many out there, you're just gonna get people's personal preferences!!!

I would prob go for secondhand stuff (at least the amp anyway) to get something better quality for you're money too!!!
Have an ask about on the talkaudio forum and look in their classifieds section!! You could get a grands worth for £300 if you don't mind used equipment!!

If you're buying new (or even used actually!), make sure you listen to some different component speaker sets - at the end of the day, you're only keeping you're ears happy and you may not agree with other people's reviews!!!

Personally i'm going for Nakamichi (h/u), DLS (components) and JL (Sub) in my car, with matched DLS and JL amps!!

Whereabouts in london are you?? People may be able to help out - or recommend a shop to you then!!

[miniblob]

Alpine h/u £399 clicky
DLS Components £195 clicky
DLS 10" Sub £380 clicky
DLS A5 Amp £685 clicky

Leaves you almost £350 for sub box, soundproofing and cables!!!
That lot should sound the dogs danglies!!!

All just picked at random off CAD - no affiliation, etc!!

You could spend a lot more, but you could spend a lot, lot less if you're not worried about top end stuff!!!

Or go for used gear and get top end quality for half price or less!!

Hope this helps a little and gives you food for thought!!

[bdawg]

Hey - that's really helpful stuff, thanks a lot.
I'm in North London for what it's worth.

Is the E30 susceptible to vibration and rattles then? I understand soundproofing can seriously increase weight?

Don't mind used amps actually, quite a good idea.

[miniblob]

Sound proofing does add weight, but it's well worth it!!!
If you're worried about the weight, you don't have to put it everywhere!! Deffo put it behind/around the speaker locations, and the boot!!! The more you soundproof, the quieter the car is, the less you need to crank the system to get the same volume, which leaves more headroom/quality!!!!
Can't remember what it weighs, but you'll find the weights for bulk packs, etc, on the car audio websites!! When it sounds heavy, compare it to a fat mate in the passenger seat!! Lol!!

Main issues i've had with rattles is the bootlid and rear number plate!!! Soundproofing on the inside and people have found various 'solutions' to stop the rear plate vibrating!! A firm bit of foam behind it and some good screws should help it!!

I've gone for all new stuff in the past, but prefer used stuff now - just so much value for money!! Got what would've cost almost £3k new for just under £1k on ebay last year!!!! All looks as new!!!!

Surprised no one else on here has piped up with ideas!!!!!! Hope you find what you're after!!!

[bdawg]

That's excellent advice thanks - you're also not alone, I've had many people advise me on the merits of buying 2nd hand, as long as they get serviced again.