Hi folks,
Lot of good info in the forums. Seems however, that no one owning an "old lady" twin turbo volvo S80 sedan (does a 14 second quarter mile...and cops don't give it a second look) does audio upgrades;-) Car is very quiet on the inside, even the trunk has 1"+ sound deadening in it.
OEM system ain't awful (100W rms into 6 drivers), but needs some TLC to get a better sound out of it. I'm purely looking for SQ at reasonable volumes (no clipping, no hearing damage if possible!).
Music types: old rock, hot chics that play piano (diana krall, Amy Lee - evanescence, etc), some jazz, all the way to numerous "MTV unplugged" sessions such as Alice-n-Chains. At least those are the more difficult to make sound good.
For the "four" doors, I've heard recommendations for Focal, Eclipse, Kappa Perfect and a few others. Too many choices....really. And demos in the store do nothing for me.
Sound stage in car ain't half bad (rear deck speakers barely put out any sound, and the tweeters in front doors are aimed at the opposite window, which works nicely). My thought is to just yank the rear deck speakers anyway and let the doors handle the mid/highs, and the trunk handle sub bass.
Subs (thinking pair of 12" at back of trunk) in custom enclosures. I've got about 1.1 cubic foot (7" depth) of net space to work with on either side of the rear of the trunk if I don't interfere with the cover for the spare tire. I could do a bit more space if I make the subs "readily" moveable in case of a flat tire. (have lifted that cover once in four years just to see what was in there)
Haven't gotten to the head unit or amps yet, but would likely look to a 100W RMS x4 for the coax/components in the four doors. And drop another few hundred watts in for the subs. (I realize the tradeoff between SQ, frequency response and efficiency). Car has a 150amp alternator already, so power should not be a huge issue.
So, questions:
1- Anyone know what size the door speakers are in an S80?
2- given a budget of say $1000 for subs/amp and another $500-750 for four door speakers (two component, to coaxial) and an amp, any suggestions? Or tell me I'm spending in reverse and I'll change it :-)
thanks in advance,
andy
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subs -n- speakers for volvo S80 SQ suggestions
I'm glad to see someone with some sense for once!! lol First of all, only giving your subs a few hundred watts or so I would definitely get just one sub, that would be plenty to keep up with what your wanting. Second , where do you live, maybe there is a dealer on here who is close to you.
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Well for starters I would plan on a singe sub, and a 4 chanel amp. Run the front to chanels to a mid to high end 2 way component set, and the aft 2 chanels to a sub.
You don't really need 2 subs for a SQ install. Most of the SQ guys here only run one, and they still get crazy loud.
Lets see, for a sub I would sugest a JL 12W6V2, (one of the best sounding subs out there IMO), or one of the other SQ subs the guys on here can point you to.
As for the components, I hate to say it, but its really up to you. The JL XRs and ZRs both sound really nice for the price. The Focal KP2s are an excelent speaker (and pretty close to your price range) I would also look into Seas, Peerless, and morel.
I know you said listening at the store isn't helping you decide, but if you can tell us what you like (punchy mid, bright or mellow tweeter, and so on) we can narrow the brands a little more for you.
You don't really need 2 subs for a SQ install. Most of the SQ guys here only run one, and they still get crazy loud.
Lets see, for a sub I would sugest a JL 12W6V2, (one of the best sounding subs out there IMO), or one of the other SQ subs the guys on here can point you to.
As for the components, I hate to say it, but its really up to you. The JL XRs and ZRs both sound really nice for the price. The Focal KP2s are an excelent speaker (and pretty close to your price range) I would also look into Seas, Peerless, and morel.
I know you said listening at the store isn't helping you decide, but if you can tell us what you like (punchy mid, bright or mellow tweeter, and so on) we can narrow the brands a little more for you.
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solacedagony
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I totally agree w/ Joey and Jeremy. I would also recommend an Image Dynamics sub, or for a great deal, diymobileaudio.com has their sub (SQ oriented) for a low price. Any of these subs would work fantastically.
Seas, Bravox, Elevation Audio, Focal, etc. would all work good for components. I'm sure some other guys will put up some more names.
Seas, Bravox, Elevation Audio, Focal, etc. would all work good for components. I'm sure some other guys will put up some more names.
thanks for the advice.
I didn't like a friend's MB Quart components, as the tweeters were just too bright (harsh; my ears are getting old...).
I like clean, low, non-boomy bass, enough to shake the mirrors, but no need to pop the glass :-) warm mids.
Hard part is accurate reproduction of female vocals, piano, and bass (as in the upright or electric instrument) and clean acoustic guitar (I like to hear the guitarist's fingers move along the frets). Sounds like some good recommendations on components as well. Guess I would say I'd prefer a warm "tube sound" to anything else.
Really the only reason I thought of two subs is to keep the trunk useful and make use of "both sides" of the trunk. I've seen one or two installations with the subs firing toward one another, and the SQ wasn't bad at all. I'm sure that's very subject to tuning and available space.
Location: coastal NJ (middletown) exit 114 on the GSP. I'm in Tyson's corner or alexandria VA (DC metro area) working most weeks. Commute inbetween is my music time.
Off Topic: saw evanescence in the hammerstein ballroom in NYC last week. Outstanding acoustics (hall was designed for opera). Sound fellows did a great job going between heavy metal and piano solos. (and did I mention, Amy Lee is just plain hot?)
I didn't like a friend's MB Quart components, as the tweeters were just too bright (harsh; my ears are getting old...).
I like clean, low, non-boomy bass, enough to shake the mirrors, but no need to pop the glass :-) warm mids.
Hard part is accurate reproduction of female vocals, piano, and bass (as in the upright or electric instrument) and clean acoustic guitar (I like to hear the guitarist's fingers move along the frets). Sounds like some good recommendations on components as well. Guess I would say I'd prefer a warm "tube sound" to anything else.
Really the only reason I thought of two subs is to keep the trunk useful and make use of "both sides" of the trunk. I've seen one or two installations with the subs firing toward one another, and the SQ wasn't bad at all. I'm sure that's very subject to tuning and available space.
Location: coastal NJ (middletown) exit 114 on the GSP. I'm in Tyson's corner or alexandria VA (DC metro area) working most weeks. Commute inbetween is my music time.
Off Topic: saw evanescence in the hammerstein ballroom in NYC last week. Outstanding acoustics (hall was designed for opera). Sound fellows did a great job going between heavy metal and piano solos. (and did I mention, Amy Lee is just plain hot?)
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swimmerdude
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For an SQ sub, I would have to reccommend the Fi Audio Q. It was tested by a very respected SPL and SQ competitor and various other people, and they felt it sounded just as good as a JL W6v2.... and it is a fraction of the cost. I have read and seen some pictures of the Q's also being used in SPL application because they have a lot of potential(even though this really isnt your interest, just pointing it out).
It seems you want a more smooth, laid back component I would say(because you dont want the sharp highs). You could check out SEAS, Dynaudio, or DLS(I just ordered a pair and should have them in by the weekend). These are some higher end sq companies that i have read to be known for their smoothness.
You sure have a lot of money into your sub/amp though.... you could prolly get away with spending $600-700 on the sub/amp and puting the rest towards a very nice frontstage and amp.
It seems you want a more smooth, laid back component I would say(because you dont want the sharp highs). You could check out SEAS, Dynaudio, or DLS(I just ordered a pair and should have them in by the weekend). These are some higher end sq companies that i have read to be known for their smoothness.
You sure have a lot of money into your sub/amp though.... you could prolly get away with spending $600-700 on the sub/amp and puting the rest towards a very nice frontstage and amp.
[quote="anomaly65"]
I didn't like a friend's MB Quart components, as the tweeters were just too bright (harsh]
I have never been a fan of MB tweets either. They make some nice speakers, but every time I hear a set installed they are just to darn harsh.
Ok back to the good stuff. My ideas still stand with the component sets. Seas, and peerless would fit your taste well. Same with the JLs, but I would put them next. The focals KP2s would do well in the mid range area, but the TN52 tweeter can be pretty harsh, unless your really carefull with the install and tuning.
I still think 1 sub will be better for you. IMO its better to spend your money on one really nice sub (better design / SQ / materials / build quality) than it is to spend the same amount on 2 cheaper subs.
And
It cuts down on how much power you need from your sub amp, giving you more money to spend on the front stage. :happy055:
I didn't like a friend's MB Quart components, as the tweeters were just too bright (harsh]
I have never been a fan of MB tweets either. They make some nice speakers, but every time I hear a set installed they are just to darn harsh.
Ok back to the good stuff. My ideas still stand with the component sets. Seas, and peerless would fit your taste well. Same with the JLs, but I would put them next. The focals KP2s would do well in the mid range area, but the TN52 tweeter can be pretty harsh, unless your really carefull with the install and tuning.
I still think 1 sub will be better for you. IMO its better to spend your money on one really nice sub (better design / SQ / materials / build quality) than it is to spend the same amount on 2 cheaper subs.
And
It cuts down on how much power you need from your sub amp, giving you more money to spend on the front stage. :happy055:
The door speakers are 5.25"anomaly65 wrote: So, questions:
1- Anyone know what size the door speakers are in an S80?
and with your budget you've got plenty to choose from and a decent sq car for starters.
Another option for your rear deck would be to pull the 6x9"s and throw in a 6.5" adapter, then throw some mid bass in there.... that combined with on decent sub should be more than enough for you.
As for your fronts... If you don't want your highs to bright, stay away from anything with titanium tweeters. Silk domes are much softer on sensitive ears.
Side note: Come on you guys, he's looking for sq and you've got two Fusion dealers on here (Me and Smoker) and nobody mentions Fusion.
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cargodz wrote:Side note: Come on you guys, he's looking for sq and you've got two Fusion dealers on here (Me and Smoker) and nobody mentions Fusion.
How about this. Send me a set, to listen to, and I will sugest it in the future. :happy055:
Its hard for me to sugest something I have never heard, or I would.
Good points all. I'm gonna pull a door or two panel this weekend and see exactly what i have to work with space wise (I think there were several options on those cars over the years) and make sure i don't wind up with something too deep/etc.
I took a look this AM and i do have a couple secure mounting options in the trunk for a sub. If it's moveable, or just located to one side, i don't lose the trunk as a useful place to put stuff.
And would you believe my other ride is a Harley Road King? (i got the volvo because it depreciates faster than anything in it's class, and a 'cherry' off lease return can be had for less than 1/2 the original price). extended warranty recommended for sure ;-)
I took a look this AM and i do have a couple secure mounting options in the trunk for a sub. If it's moveable, or just located to one side, i don't lose the trunk as a useful place to put stuff.
And would you believe my other ride is a Harley Road King? (i got the volvo because it depreciates faster than anything in it's class, and a 'cherry' off lease return can be had for less than 1/2 the original price). extended warranty recommended for sure ;-)