Need recommendation/advice for CarAudio system V2

As we all know that the majority of our ICE market/exposure in Malaysia is very shallow, and often results in really bad cut-throat incidents, or many unsatisfied installations;This thread serves as a Q&A section for all new/existing ICErs seeking advice on their ICE'ing journey.

The "rules" are simple:
no flaming/bashing and try not to spam (posting irrelevant post).
You may ask us any ICE related question, and we will gladly assist you. Don't be shy regardless of "noob questions"!
Do note that it is also best to refer to this first post before proceeding as your questions may have been answered already and that will save us all a lot of time

When asking, please remember to STATE YOUR BUDGET.
Better if you give exact numbers (or range, eg: rm1000-rm2000)
"not so expensive la" is not considered a budget

also do state clearly if you're willing to buy used items/equipment (be it 2nd/3rd hand and so forth) and if you're able/willing to DIY

that GREATLY reduces your cost and could most likely allow you to go for decent/good reputable brands while spending around the price point of non-reputable brand (chicken/duck/cow brands)

Other info such as the following will also be helpful to get faster and more accurate responses:
- Your ride (Proton saga, perodua myvi etc)
- Prefer SQ/SPL/SQL (SQ being sound quality, SPL being sound pressure level, and lastly SQL being a mix of both SQ/SPL)
- File format/medium used in your source (flac, mp3 or ipod/CD/USB etc)
- Genre of music you listen to (classical, jazz, metal, etc)
- Setup type preferences (3 way, 2 way, active or passive etc)
- Other requirements (if any) (want to retain steering controls/original HU, new car dont want to void warranty, need to entertain rear passengers as well etc)

...or you can just copy and paste the following format when posting:


Do note that while it is not required for you to follow the above format, and you can ask pretty much ANY questions pertaining to ICE in this thread, (eg: "is focal a good brand?") it is recommended for new ICErs to follow the format so that the veterans can easily assist/answer your inquiries

Best of luck on your ICE'ing!

Useful links:


Previous threads for reference:
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/184622

Some audio terms used in this thread and their meaning:

SQ/SPL/SQL:
Sound Quality/Sound pressure Level/Mix of both

Sound quality setups emphasizes with sound quality and typically do not emphasize much on bass reproduction/"blasting" music.

Sound pressure level setups on the other hand, as the name may implies: sound volume/decibels is the utmost priority, typically associated to bass reproduction/"blasting" music, cars that you can hear thumping as they close in.

SQL is merely a mix of both, wanting the best of both worlds.


Source/Reference links:
http://bcae1.com/ (do read up if you have the time)

Note: If there's anything you think I should add, send me a PM.
sifu maybe can start pm me what general FAQ you'd like posted on first page so no need to keep answering the same Q's over and over again

Contributions:
- MrJinggles & mADmAN from the Audiophile Sub-forum for first post layout/template

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Nov 19 2012, 05:40 PM

reserved

Huh.. the midbass for focals have always been lacking from those heydays. Perhaps it's just a matter of tuning.

But personally I've never heard a Focal setup that I've liked. Not even the Utopia BE which is kinda sad considering that's their flagship.

focal k2p had pretty good midbass i remember. when it comes to bass, rigidity in installation is key...

You know anyone with the utopia setup that's willing to TT?

Utopia and come TT? He would rather go earn more money.

Ok la poor fags don't get to audition Lo

Hmm.. the Utopia BE was actually in my own car. I was testing all the different speakers my installer had before settling for Dynaudios.

most focal users upgraded oledi la, hehe..... focal was a good starting point when serious about SQ

so nice can provide audition? demo unit or something?
where you did your installation btw?

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Added on April 4, 2012, 10:32 pmTechnically you "cant" upgrade out of a utopia BE right? since you know, focal flagship and all, and cost in the 5 digits for just the component set alone.

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Apr 4 2012, 10:32 PM

never heard of the term:

"it's a never ending journey" ?

most expensive doesnt mean better sound maa....

anyway, how many ppl u know using Be? haha...

was talkin about kp & k2p, very popular last time, old utopia also quite good, not as expensive as current one..

tired to keep walkin' man

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Added on April 4, 2012, 10:50 pmto be honest, zero. hell, not just the utopia line, i dont even know ANYONE who has focal brand in their cars lol.

this brand is just totally dark for me which is something i'd like to shed some light on

This post has been edited by Quazacolt: Apr 4 2012, 10:50 PM

That's the road on ice

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Added on April 4, 2012, 11:49 pmI also wanted to audit focal that installed in a car..
If im not wrong, one of the set in the howie's poisoning room is focal right?

This post has been edited by will92: Apr 4 2012, 11:49 PM

Quazacolt : Yeah, I have a pretty good relationship with my installer Peter from CV Audio. He's a great guy and his motto "Never leave my shop if you're not smiling".

I tested the flagship Utopia BE cuz I buntut gatal, not that I was going to pay that sorta money for a speaker set! But he did offer me a pretty tempting price la, lucky for me I didn't like it. The crossover is crazyass huge I tell you. But those knobs and all are pretty nice.

The flagship Rainbows are amazing though. Thank fully the Dynaudios were cheaper back then so opted for the cheaper alternative.

ICE is a never ending journey - true. But it helps to start off your journey with the best of the best so you don't upgrade so much. Buying entry level stuff is a waste of time knowing what I know now. Either you spend good $$$ and be satisfied with a damn good setup now that'll last you at the very least 10 years or you keep saving the money until you can afford it. Upgrading is a very expensive thing to keep doing!

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Added on April 5, 2012, 8:49 amyeah, perhaps my installation technique wasn't suitable for it. The K2Ps didn't sound that great for me. I had aluminium speaker rings and back then my dynamat was in better condition (than now). Anyway - that's ancient history la. I'm happy with my Dyns.

This post has been edited by izso: Apr 5 2012, 08:49 AM

u guys heard of Coral? using the speakers right now.

coral is somehow related to audison is i am not wrong...

some sort of their sister company for the budget line.

I've only heard the brand Coral from Howie. But that's not necessarily a bad thing since Howie is capable of working magic with all sorts of brands.

Every brand is good, the problem is whether it suit you or not

I do like some brand that i don't sell, because i got no money to buy the luxury brand and looks