Calling all audio experts

marcos_guy · 11-10-2002, 03:56 AM

Ok here's the deal. I have a 1970's Marcos 3l V6 (looks like this http://www.redlinesportscars.com/VRY358H%20big.jpg). At the moment it is off the road having some work done so I thought what a perfect time to put in my long awaited MP3 carputer and decent sound system.

Unfortunately though due to the fibreglass body I don't think a sub in the boot would sound too good (your opinions are welcome) or at least it would sound as good outside as it does inside (my local policeman wouldn't be too pleased!).

So I'm looking for your guys best suggestions speaker wise to get the best sound in this car without a sub (or with if you think it would be ok). There is a lot of room inside on the back shelf, front dash, door areas and very long foot wells to mess around with. For anyone who is interested you basically drive this car laying down.

I have read a lot of opinions in the forums on different setups so I'm not trying to be lazy here. It's just with all you audio experts out there I'm wondering what you think would be best in this specific setup with a fibreglass body (also gives you guys a good chance to flex your audio muscles!). Firstly from a speaker point of view the best number, type, power of speakers to still get a good bass sound. As this is a two seater the inside isn't very big so I don't think it would take much to blow people away

Secondly sound proofing. It's an old car, it's fibreglass, and you sit about two foot away from a throbbing 3l Ford Essex lump and about 2 inches off the floor so yes the ride is at times a tincy bit noisy. As all the carpet is out at the moment anyways for a refit what would you guys suggest would be the best type in this application. I have read the reviews on DynaMat, Brown Bread, etc. but wondering what you guys thought in this specific application.

Let the debate commence....

C4M · 11-10-2002, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by marcos_guy
Unfortunately though due to the fibreglass body I don't think a sub in the boot would sound too good (your opinions are welcome) or at least it would sound as good outside as it does inside (my local policeman wouldn't be too pleased!).

So I'm looking for your guys best suggestions speaker wise to get the best sound in this car without a sub (or with if you think it would be ok). There is a lot of room inside on the back shelf, front dash, door areas and very long foot wells to mess around with. For anyone who is interested you basically drive this car laying down.

Asking us what we think is best is likely to arrive at so many different answers it probably won't help...

I would have thought that glass cars shouldn't make a difference, however if it's old and likely to rattle, sounddeadening is a must. I've leave the sound deadening to someone that knows that area better.

Anyhoo - if you're trying to avoid a sub, I'd be aiming for the Dynaudio System 360. A three way system with an 8" bottom end and good all the way to 40hz means that you can get away with no sub, and the only other things you'll need are an amp and some wiring.

It's a 2 seat car - don't waste weight and cash on rear fill - for a car this size, the Dyn's will give you pretty much all you need, unless you listen to whale mating calls while driving

Don't skimp on the amp - these things love power, and sound amazing.

C!

marcos_guy · 11-10-2002, 12:03 PM

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I know a lot of people will probably argue over what is best and everyone will disagree, but that's kinda what I want

Looked up the speakers you recommended, they look great but the price tag doesn't! My local stockist in the UK has them listed at £799. I can probably get them a lot cheaper through friends but still.....

Any ideas that go a bit easier on the wallet?

Mxyzpltk · 11-10-2002, 01:12 PM

If you're willing to use sound deadening (essential in any car IMHO), I don't see why you can't have a sub.

I used two rolls of RAAMmat in my Cougar. It sticks very well, is reasonably easy to deal with, and costs way less than Dynamat and the like.

As far as speakers go, I suggest in a two seater you put a two-element component set in the doors and/or kickpanel area. Personally, I like MB Quart.

Whatever you buy, you'll save 50% or more if you get it on eBay. I got a $700 MB Quart component set for $250 and it's brand new.

CALIBOY · 11-10-2002, 02:11 PM

Yep, you are going to get a lot of opinions....so here goes....

Doesn't really matter that the car is fiberglass, except that it was meant to be light, to that end don't use the standard sound deadening material...use the ultralight stuff...works the same but is thinner and lighter. As far as brand, doesn't really matter to me (just make sure you use the mat stuff instead of the spray).

As far as your sub question there are lots of ways to go...you could put an 8" sub in a sealed box with a lot of power to have umph but not shake the entire car apart....you could skip the sub and buy a real nice par of separates that will at least get down to 40-50 Hz....you could get the separates and install "Aura" bass shakers (if they still make them) under the seat, which emulate bass waves (people might kill me for this suggestion but looking at the picture of the car, they would probably work well here).

And as far as equipment goes, I will never buy speakers off of Ebay due to the fact that it is really hard to repair blown speakers and I wouldn't want to have to send the back for warrantee (if they have a warrantee at all!). If you buy them at a dealer and blow em, then the dealer will replace on the spot (most of the time).

C4M · 11-10-2002, 06:19 PM

I agree that the Dyn's are pricey - but the best always are! I like the MB Quart as well (check the sig!)

I would also avoid ebay for speakers - too delicate for second purchase.

C!

stinkynathan · 11-10-2002, 09:23 PM

BAH - i just typed this and lost it, cuz i was stupid

SHEEESH!

anyway, here goes:

in ANY install, i definately recommend a subwoofer. most components sets can only accurately reproduce sound down to around 50 hertz. you DEFINATELY need to fill the gap between 50 and 20 hertz. if you're looking for bang-for-the-buck woofers, check the Image Dynamics IDQ and the Adire Audio Shiva. both work in a relatively small enclosure and will sound great for you.

rear fill - don't waste your time or money. ask yourself: when was the last time you went to a concert and stood with your back to the band??? adding rear fill to a system will only add phasing issues.

i'd also always recommend sound deadening for any install. generall, dynamat is WAAAAY overpriced for what its worth. brown bread is a VERy good alternative. also check out my webpage i made about sound deadening here.

there is nothing wrong with buying speakers from ebay. i've done it, and i've been running these speakers for 3-4 years now. when installed correctly nothing should fail.

always, ALWAYS buy the best you can afford. you get what you pay for.

from what i've read, the tweeters on the MB's tend to get rather harsh. i'd definatly recommend the JL XR series. they sound awesome and you can get them for around $280 online. if they're in your budget the new adire audio Kodas *should* be an awesome set of components, but the will be around the $400 range.

as was said, by another, don't skimp on power. again, get the best you can afford. the JBl amps are great for cheap. if you're into REALLy exotic, brax, mcintosh etc. cadence, autotek, JL are awesome too (can't beat the flexibility of the JL amps).

anywayz, i've rambled FOREVER now. hope its been of some help.

BTW - sweet car

later,
nathan