To move forwards...active setup

[sfoong1]

Hi all,

I have a noobie question:

I planned to move towards 2 way active or 3 way active...depending on budget..

My current setup:

HU: Eclipse CD3000
Front Component: PHD CF 6.1
Sub: JL 12 W3V2D4
Amp: Audio System F4-560 (2 channels for front and 2 channels bridged powering my sub)

My questions are:
1.) I planned to get an additional amp to power my sub so that i can moves towards for 2 way active setup.. but what amp will be fully ultilize the sub? In this case, i hope to get an amp with cost vs performance since my sub max handling is on 300W.

2.) Secondly for 2 way active, what should i set for the budget of an electronic xover and cabling? My audio System is still below the passenger sit..planned to move it to back bonnet...is 2K enough (for beginner)?

3.)Shall i change the components first before moving towards to 2 way active? or the other way around?

Upgrade will be in place during end of this year..now surveying and auditing as much as possible.. :D
Need enlightment from the sifus here..Thanks.

 

[sfoong1]

BTW..happy Deepavali and Selamat Hari Raya to all!!!

 

[loon1031]

So fast move to active setup....!
U so rich man...!

 

[FisH1986]

if ur buget is onli 2k then i suggest u to buy a mono amp this will give ur sub nicer bass compair with stereo amp.
wait u have a higher buget then only go for active 2-way because for a good xover will cost u 1k++ then after u bought ur mono block so u will have 4 way to move to active.
but if u want to move to 3-way i suggest u dont go for active just add a eq.

 

[sfoong1]

So fast move to active setup....!
U so rich man...!

nolah..planning..Just to note down what i need :)

 

[loon1031]

nolah..planning..Just to note down what i need :)

Don't too rush man..!
Step by step...!
After listen few weeks or few months, if you feel not satisfy then start plan to upgrade it...
Slowly upgrade one by one, you will feel shoik loh...

 

[Zenn]

i think u can use back your 4ch amp for the sub, instead get a smaller power 2ch amp for your tweeters. theres a AS F2-190 used unit for sale. if u want a good electronic crossover i have a macrom unit for sale.....hehehe..

with your 2k u even have extra now for the additional rca cables...

 

[jchin2]

yes...audio have to slowly upgrade one....then only can feel the difference.
so sfoong1, u using cd3000 for your hu, izzit good?does it have non fader for sub control?How much you buy it?

 

[GRexer]

Like Zenn mentioned, get a smaller 2-channel for your tweeters instead, tweeters don't exactly need much power to sound good, unless some specific tweeters, anything with the whereabouts of 50-75Wrms would be more than enough, i even know a guy who runs 3.5Wrms into his tweeters only, LOL!

Anyway... getting a used crossover,depending on whether you like it knob style unlimited step crossovers, or chip based crossovers(AudioControl, Phoenix Gold), they can probably be had for around RM500-800, additional cables probably don't cost too much, you can get the Belden 1694A for starters, they are very good budget entry level cables.

 

[sfoong1]

Definately not rushing as getting good items with right timing is important :D

Moreover, i haven't finish enjoying the current system..but just have a plans ahead...

Still learning on the e-xover related,,:embaressed_smile:

 

[sfoong1]

Like Zenn mentioned, get a smaller 2-channel for your tweeters instead, tweeters don't exactly need much power to sound good, unless some specific tweeters, anything with the whereabouts of 50-75Wrms would be more than enough, i even know a guy who runs 3.5Wrms into his tweeters only, LOL!

Anyway... getting a used crossover,depending on whether you like it knob style unlimited step crossovers, or chip based crossovers(AudioControl, Phoenix Gold), they can probably be had for around RM500-800, additional cables probably don't cost too much, you can get the Belden 1694A for starters, they are very good budget entry level cables.

Xover: Knob style vs Chip based..may i check with you what are the things i need to consider on these 2 diff base?

Cables: I plans to moves my amp to the back bonnet..so, i believe i have to change all the cables, right? I am searching information on the Belden cables you mentioning :)

 

[Izso]

I would disagree with grexer on the "tweeters don't need much power to sound good" Hehehe.. DYNAUDIO RULEESSSS

Anyway, try this out first - get an amp for your sub and an extra RCA to pull. Hook it up that way and see if it sounds good (after you muck with your xover settings on your CD3000.. if it has one).

Problem is I don't know if CD3000 has a variable builtin crossover. If it's a fixed point one, then you're better off with a external xover like what Zenn is recommending - the Macrom. Or just change HU. Or just use the xover on the amp (which isn't going to be accurate).

Does your amp have bandpass to LP and HP your mids? that's another thing to consider.

So as you can see, active isn't gonna be cheap.

 

[FisH1986]

if u want to move ur amp to the back u will have to change all the rca & if u want to run active u will have to add a few more rca

 

[GRexer]

Izso, i did say "unless some tweeters" if you missed that :_:

 

[sfoong1]

if u want to move ur amp to the back u will have to change all the rca & if u want to run active u will have to add a few more rca

Yup..You are right.. Need to change all RCA....Before i go active, just wanna make sure all cables in place.

 

[smartgen2]

hey sfoong1, i am also using eclipse cd3000 and PHD CF 6.1 kit. U like ur PHD sound? I find the tweeter's sound not laud enough, but for the mid it play good drum sound. Any idea to improve the tweeter level?

 

[sfoong1]

hey sfoong1, i am also using eclipse cd3000 and PHD CF 6.1 kit. U like ur PHD sound? I find the tweeter's sound not laud enough, but for the mid it play good drum sound. Any idea to improve the tweeter level?

Hmm..i found that the tweeter abit harsh..so i faced it roughly 45 degree upward (both sides)..drum beat not bad...but guitar sound not solid enough :)

BTW, does your CD3000 giving you a problem on some hifi CDs where the CD can't be eject out? I am facing this problem and is awaiting the replacement unit..need to wait after Raya :(

 

[smartgen2]

The tweeter harsh ar? i like the drum and the vocal. If change to a good RCA cable u think will improve it?

My eclipse CD3000 so far so good. just that it is quite sensitive when playing older CDs. Can replace ar? i thought they will just repair it. so good la...

 

[craziechild]

cahnging the cable and interconnect will jus give it a little difference... if you wan big differences or change the characteristics.. then change the amp...

cheers..

 

[sfoong1]

cahnging the cable and interconnect will jus give it a little difference... if you wan big differences or change the characteristics.. then change the amp...

cheers..

the main reason of changing all the cables is bacause the amp is too long and can't fit under the passenger seat...Since it also helps to improve the quality..i believe this is a GO ...

For big difference, hmm..i still enjoying the current system..wait till i bored, will change another amp then :D