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  1. #1 Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    Ok I was wanting to put a nice sound system in my grand prix gxp but I don't really know what all to get. What kind of head unit? What kind of subs and amp should I get for the cleanest sound? I'm not a fan of heavy distortion. Moneys not a big issue but I still don't want to pay a small fortune so preferably something reasonably priced. i want the most bang for my buck though.
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  2. #2 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    PittState Automotive Tech GAFF's Avatar
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    Get some JL audio.. Im running a 12 inch jl w7 in sealed jl box with 1500 watt kicker mono amp and i love the way it sounds. I got all the things cheaper than you can now..

    What i got it for:
    JL W7 12'' - 200
    JL W7 Box - 50
    Kicker 1.1500 amp - 350

    Retails new

    Sub - 800
    box - 125
    amp - 650

    Look on the local ads for cheaper stuff you can come across some new stuff like i did for cheap
    SOLD 1999 GT Silvermist TS
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  3. #3 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    In Memoriam Rocket468's Avatar
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    I really am a fan of Kicker speakers and amp, Pioneer for hu
    My EX wifes other car is a broom.
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  4. #4 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    PittState Automotive Tech GAFF's Avatar
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    I had pioneer HU got rid of it for a kenwood the newest one its sick.. and I had 4 different sets of kicker subs.. Love the kicker subs and i have kicker doors and deck.. But love the JL more.
    SOLD 1999 GT Silvermist TS
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  5. #5 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    PittState Automotive Tech GAFF's Avatar
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    Just dont get off brand and youll like it. with the right set up and good amp
    SOLD 1999 GT Silvermist TS
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  6. #6 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    If you have the money and want clean sound i'd recommend looking into the better stuff like Focal audio.
    I used to be a big A/D/S/ fan for both amps and speakers but they went down hill when Directed bought them 10 years ago.


    Unfortunately everything i've heard from kicker was garbage. I've heard good things about JL bought have never had a chance to listen to anything from them.
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  7. #7 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    Like most audio threads this is quickly turning into people simply preeching their personal preferences. But ultimately thats what it comes to is PERSONAL preference. What sounds good to someone, might sound like crap to others.
    Also, brand names are bought and sold like crazy in the audio world, what was once a well known and respected brand may still exist but may now be crap.
    So that being said, you gave us absolutly no parameters to suggest anything. Heres some questions to answer in order to help us help you.
    1) money, you say its not a big issue, but it has to be at some point. I've designed systems for people going up to over $15k (including installation)
    2) Head unit. What features do you want? Navigation? SD card slot, ipod jack etc??
    3) Subs.... possibilities are endless here. Is this for you in the car or for people 100 yards away? How much trunk space do you want? (don't worry about amp(s), we'll match that/those to the sub(s) later.)
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  8. #8 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    Audio Moderator I800C0LLECT's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Carpepoon View Post
    Like most audio threads this is quickly turning into people simply preeching their personal preferences. But ultimately thats what it comes to is PERSONAL preference. What sounds good to someone, might sound like crap to others.
    Also, brand names are bought and sold like crazy in the audio world, what was once a well known and respected brand may still exist but may now be crap.
    So that being said, you gave us absolutly no parameters to suggest anything. Heres some questions to answer in order to help us help you.
    1) money, you say its not a big issue, but it has to be at some point. I've designed systems for people going up to over $15k (including installation)
    2) Head unit. What features do you want? Navigation? SD card slot, ipod jack etc??
    3) Subs.... possibilities are endless here. Is this for you in the car or for people 100 yards away? How much trunk space do you want? (don't worry about amp(s), we'll match that/those to the sub(s) later.)


    I'd like to take it a step further...trial and error. Because audio can very much be turned into rocket science if you don't have much of a life, sometimes it's better to try different speakers/installs for said purpose. Then work backwards with your problems. It's rare that an install is perfect the first time around.

    Now...Nobody knows what you like op. You need to expound on what you'd prefer to use as a source and what type of music you like. BUT NOT because different speakers are good for rock vs. rap or other ridiculous arguments. But because it allows us to place emphasis on where it's needed. You wouldn't spend 10 grand on a subwoofer installation when your favorite CD is the same Rebecca Pigeon song that loops infinitely *shudders*
    11 is louder than 10!
    Audio Build Logs: DIYMA and GPONA
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  9. #9 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    You lack one thing.

    A number for your budget.

    If you dont have a number, then I can't help but merely comment on other people's suggestions.

    If you want lots of bass with as little distortion as possible you want this:



    Its big, powerful, and costs nearly a grand before shipping.

    And it weighs 80 lbs on its own so have fun shipping it.

    Theres this one as well:



    but its not as clean sounding, but its amazing for output.
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  10. #10 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    How about we wait until he chimes in before we start suggesting such overkill. RE Audio is badass (good old Adire technology). FYI Matt, for overkill I suggest a 22" MTX Jackhammer.
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  11. #11 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    LMS 5400 = 4.56 L one way displacement

    jackhammer = 4.4 L one way....

    I wonder which ones louder down low?
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  12. #12 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    GT Level Member maverickdog8's Avatar
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    Just save some money in the long run and go with something from either Sundown Audio or Incriminator Audio. Both VERY good brands. Excellent sound quality or SPL subs from both.
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  13. #13 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    or actually compare the product for the price, performance and suitability to the application?
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  14. #14 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    or...go buy something in your price range...if you don't like it, move on. Subs aren't as important as most people think but at the same time it really brings a system together.

    Buy a sub...use manufacturer's suggested specs(I think RE does a good job of that?) and match that sub with some decent components up front. Personally, after $250 the price performance ratio REALLY goes down hill with component speaker sets.
    11 is louder than 10!
    Audio Build Logs: DIYMA and GPONA
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  15. #15 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    GT Level Member maverickdog8's Avatar
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    They have a million different choices for best sounding, loudest, clearest. Your best bet would be go to Caraudioclassifieds.org and ask around. See what people think. I've learned alot from that website to be honest.
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  16. #16 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    I'd rather point towards DIYMA.com - Car Audio Forum & 12 volt Community Board

    There's always going to be individuals who base installs on trendy knowledge vs. fact. But I've noticed that DIY maintains a small niche group that really likes to spend the time to put science behind their ideas vs. "I saw this at a comp..." If the op is really interested in learning the truth vs. parading about with more snake oil salesmanship ideas I'm sure he'll figure out the mess we call car audio.

    Oh yea..."best sounding, loudest, clearest..." I'd like to say that you can probably spend $150 on raw drivers for an install and it could rival Focal Utopias, Be, Dyn...etc. The weakest link in car audio IS the car. Those high priced drivers might make a difference in a perfect environment but our cars are terrible as it is. What it really comes down to in a vehicle is your installation. 10% hardware, 90% install.
    11 is louder than 10!
    Audio Build Logs: DIYMA and GPONA
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  17. #17 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    SE Level Member deathjunior's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by I800C0LLECT View Post
    I'd rather point towards DIYMA.com - Car Audio Forum & 12 volt Community Board

    There's always going to be individuals who base installs on trendy knowledge vs. fact. But I've noticed that DIY maintains a small niche group that really likes to spend the time to put science behind their ideas vs. "I saw this at a comp..." If the op is really interested in learning the truth vs. parading about with more snake oil salesmanship ideas I'm sure he'll figure out the mess we call car audio.

    Oh yea..."best sounding, loudest, clearest..." I'd like to say that you can probably spend $150 on raw drivers for an install and it could rival Focal Utopias, Be, Dyn...etc. The weakest link in car audio IS the car. Those high priced drivers might make a difference in a perfect environment but our cars are terrible as it is. What it really comes down to in a vehicle is your installation. 10% hardware, 90% install.

    I agree entirely with this. I'd even possibly say the install matters more than that. Whatever you do, do it right. Plan through each part of your sound build. To give an example for my next audio build i have already planned out all the components: speakers, wiring, amplifiers, enclosures, sound deadening, design, prices etc, as well as how ill install it where the wires will go, how big the box will be and other parameters. I have even gone so far as to make sure of some of my ideas by posting them on here before i start purchasing just to make sure it will look and sound good once i'm finished.

    You won't have to buy the nicest speakers and subs out there. You especially wont need to go as far as JL audio components and speakers. Great quality stuff but it'll cost you an arm and a leg and if you don't install it right it'll sound just the same as any other driver of its size. Pick out a budget and do what you think is best. Begin discussing whether or not you want to do stock sized speakers, or over sized speakers like 6.5's in the doors or running an amplifier to the speakers and things like that.

    Once you have an idea of what direction you want to go with the car and what budget you have given yourself the forum as a whole can help you a whole lot more. Theres a lot of good audio products, perhaps to many, so your going to have to narrow down what you want use to help you with.
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  18. #18 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    Quote Originally Posted by deathjunior View Post
    I agree entirely with this. I'd even possibly say the install matters more than that. Whatever you do, do it right. Plan through each part of your sound build. To give an example for my next audio build i have already planned out all the components: speakers, wiring, amplifiers, enclosures, sound deadening, design, prices etc, as well as how ill install it where the wires will go, how big the box will be and other parameters. I have even gone so far as to make sure of some of my ideas by posting them on here before i start purchasing just to make sure it will look and sound good once i'm finished.

    You won't have to buy the nicest speakers and subs out there. You especially wont need to go as far as JL audio components and speakers. Great quality stuff but it'll cost you an arm and a leg and if you don't install it right it'll sound just the same as any other driver of its size. Pick out a budget and do what you think is best. Begin discussing whether or not you want to do stock sized speakers, or over sized speakers like 6.5's in the doors or running an amplifier to the speakers and things like that.

    Once you have an idea of what direction you want to go with the car and what budget you have given yourself the forum as a whole can help you a whole lot more. Theres a lot of good audio products, perhaps to many, so your going to have to narrow down what you want use to help you with.

    Due to a car environment, you'll never be able to fully analyze the potential of your design and placement. All you can really do is "test" locations and cross over points in real time. Once you've nailed cross over points, tonality can be much simpler than people expect. But at that point it's best to have an RTA and equalizer. People don't always properly perceive what they hear. A problem at 8khz could be solved by adding at 16khz. But because our vehicle environment is imperfect we won't know until the before/after measurements are compared.

    Even our measely phones can act as an RTA these days
    11 is louder than 10!
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  19. #19 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
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    Quote Originally Posted by deathjunior View Post
    I have even gone so far as to make sure of some of my ideas by posting them on here before i start purchasing just to make sure it will look and sound good once i'm finished.
    example?
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  20. #20 Re: Need help with sound system for grand prix gxp 
    SE Level Member deathjunior's Avatar
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    well so far ive posted one question and messaged a few others who posted on it matt, but im pretty sure you actually commented on my thread
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