R32 GT-R System Recommendations?

[lwells]

Just wondering Fhrx if its the Clarion VRX935VD thats the most popular CD/DVD/LCD head unit or what your recommendations are?  I guess the competition is the Pioneer AVH-P or the Alpine CVA range.

Just that I'm looking for something in that ballpark & wondering what your current recommendation would be from a value for money point of view.

Cheers,

Penfold

P.S.  Sorry for hijacking the thread Iwells but it sounds like you'd be interested too.

Marty: Any thoughts...?

Cheers,

Lucien.

[Fhrx]

Thoughts on what dude?

All of the larger company's master units are quite nice. The Alpine IVA, Pioneer P7550 and the Clarion 935.

But the Pioneer has a surround 5 channel amplifier built in.

[lwells]

Any thoughts on which is better, but I think you have pretty much answered that Any idea when the new Clarion VRX might be out?

LW.

[400HP]

I was going to hijack Kor'axis thread, but that's not really fair Anyway....

Well, actually, I lie: I have been looking at a Clarion VRX935VD for a headunit as you can get them imported for about $1500 (yes, I know, warranty blah blah blah) and there isn't a major issues with getting it fixed to work in Australia with PAL inputs, aussie frequencies, and Region 4 stuff (in fact, Clarion Australia will do this). Does anyone have any experience with this headunit? Any other recommendations? If my tax return doesn't stretch that far (cmon Johnny H, gimme a hand here ) I might go for an Alpine 9815 or 9835.

Now, moving along from that is where I really get lost. People start talking crossover,  monoblock, component, etc and my eyes glaze over. So, perhaps the more knowledgable out there can help.

To give you and idea of what I am after, I like sound quality (so I was thinking something along the lines of Focal, Phoenix Gold, Hertz, etc) and while I am not a base junky who wants sonar range for their bass, I would like something that can give me a good dash of bass should I be in the mood. Budget is reasonably flexible, say somewhere in the range of 1000-2000 (excluding headunit). If need be I would prefer to buy a smaller number of quality parts I can compliment later when budget allows, than just buying everything and having to sacrafice quality.

Anyway, let the recommendations roll in

LW.

Hi there.... Just going on the original topic for a sec.. I'm probably not one of the "more knowledgeable" ones out there but I found myself in a very similar predicament to you only about 2 months ago. I had a stock system in my 33 GTR and had no idea what to do and went on other peoples recommendations TWICE and ended up with systems I didn't really want TWICE. I went from:

1) stock ->

2) JBL Splits + Fusion amp +Pioneer deck + stacker + Sony subs ->

3) Same splits + same amp + JVC MP3 deck + JL 12W0 sub.

Finally I've found what I really want and its just clear punchy bass, really crisp sound quality. So in this sense it sounds like you want something similar.... I decided I didn't want the sub anymore (removal for track days, wanting my boot back) so in the end I have taken out my sub and head unit and I have what I consider "a smaller number of quality parts I can compliment later when budget allows". Now I have the Alpine 9835 I imported from overseas and its an excellent deck. I recommend it highly. And no sub.

I gave Marty (FHRX) a call and he came up with the suggestion to overpower the splits and run full range while sound deadening the doors. While this is nowhere near a "complete" system with loud sub-woofer bass. I find it quite clear and the mid-bass is punchy (enough for me). And it fills the front seats perfectly. There's still a few things left to do and I actually would consider more sound deadening but I thought this may be one approach you may consider esp. if you can get some good splits and amp with your deck.

It's like saying the RB26 looks different to the SR20.

But they are the same aren't they Anyway free plug for Marty, if you're in doubt just give him a call. Marty has been more than accomodating for me and has made every effort to answer my (probably stupid) questions as well as let me and a friend listen to his demo car etc.

[wolverine]

on the sound deadening, i spent a fun monday installing sound deadening into the front doors (supplied by fhrx). rear wheel arches are next.

i will help a friend in the next few weeks and we should be able to document/photograph the steps if anyone is interested.

if you are considering sound don't forget this, it is worthwhile.

[lwells]

400HP: Yeah, Marty seems to be a bit of a legend

wolverine: Did you use Dynamat? Mind if I ask how much it was?

Ok, I have now selected and bought my speakers/subs:

1 x Phoenix Gold Ti Elite Comp6s

1 x Image Dynamics IDMax v.3 D2

1 x Existing speakers for rear fill.

Given that, can anyone (Marty ) suggest some specific amps? Those PG Xenon amps look very nice -- and I saw Marty's comments on CAA which seem to be very postive -- but any other specific suggestions (ie. model numbers?).

Thanks again guys for all the input -- appreciated

Lucien.

[Fhrx]

The Xenon amplifiers are very nice and intially (they're new) we've had very positive results. Even our competiton car is Xenon amplifier equipped. For your system listed above Iwells, I would suggest the following dude:

To run the front:

Xenon X200.2

To run the sub:

Xenon X600.1

For full retail prices, see the products page on our website. For your prices, email me.

[lwells]

To run the front:

Xenon X200.2

To run the sub:

Xenon X600.1

Hey Marty,

I was thinking of aiming a little higher and grabbing the X200.2 and X1200.1 to leave a little "headroom" should I wish to change things latter: is this wise, or just a waste of money?

I will contact you about some "real" pricing after I get my tax return and know exactly where my finances stand.

Edit: I meant to say, I am not all that hung up on getting PG branded stuff.

Thanks again,

Lucien.

[Fhrx]

No, it's certainly a smart move as the more power you have, the more control over the sound you'll have.

I just didn't want to give you the biggest ones unless you mentioned it. :D