My newest project -
1996 VW Golf GL.
I just got this car about a month ago. It's the newest addition to my work car collection, which means I couldn't do anything with it that would eat into the cargo space.
First priority was finding a headunit.
I got an iPod for Christmas, so I ended up with a JVC HU in my Audi that could directly control the iPod. I loved the fact that it was possible to do that, but JVCs interface sucked, and I won't even mention the sound quality (Or lack there of). I definitely wanted another ipod controller, though.
When it comes to SQ, I always have a tendency to look toward certain headunits. Nakamichi, Alpine, Eclipse, etc. Nakamichi is usually insanely expensive, and I didn't want to break the bank. Eclipse required add-on boxes for all of their HUs, and that wasn't something I wanted, either. My search originally lead me to the Alpine 9886. I was just about to buy it when I first saw the
iDA-X001. I was intrigued... It had a really nice display, and an interface that almost completely mimics the iPod controls. It didn't have a built in CD player, but I never use CDs anymore anyway. I ended up going with the X001 based on SQ, Interface design, and display. I've had other Alpines in the past, so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.
Next up were speakers, since stock paper speakers suck.
I was originally looking at MB Quart, since I have a pair of MBQ Reference series 6.5 Coax that I was happy with. Unfortunately, MB was bought out by another company in 2002, and had gone completely downhill. I was always impressed by Diamond Audio, but they took a huge dive about the same time.
I started searching around, and my search eventually lead me to CDT. I remember hearing a few different sets at comps in the past, and I was always very impressed by them. I was never impressed by the price, though. They were always very expensive. I started looking anyway. I was surprised to find that they had quite a few options available that were within my price range.
After reading through the specs, I started seriously eyeballing the
Euroframe Components. At $199, I thought "Hey, I can't go wrong."
I figured I would check eBay before actually purchasing them. (eBay is addictive.)
I ended up running across a set of
CL-62s. The price was $149, but the auction said "Blem". After carefully reading the auction, which stated the blems to be "Flaws in the paint on the basket", I decided to check on the specs. After all... once the speakers are in the door, I won't see the paint flaws, anyway. I checked Woofers etc, and was surprised to find the specs to be substantially better than the ones I was originally looking at.
I decided to purchase two sets. (I have two golfs).
They arrived a week later, and I was completely surprised by what I saw. They had absolutely no blemishes at all. I looked close, too!
The original plan was to put the speakers on the shelf until I got an amplifier, but impatience got the best of me, and the next day I was installing them in my car. Okay... maybe I started that night when I got home from work.
What can I say though... It needed to be done.
Stock speakers...
CDTs...
I also have 80 sq ft of Second Skin Damplifier Pro on the way. UPS Estimated delivery date is this coming Monday. I'll probably have it in by Tuesday night.
Now for the things I don't have yet...
The plan for this system, in order to save as much space as possible, is for a 4 channel amp mounted under the back seat, and a single 12" sub tucked away in a custom box in the rear corner of the car.
The amp was an easy choice...
Cadence TXA-6004. 150 Watts per channel, 4 channels.
The plan is to run channel 1 and 2 to the components up front, and bridge channels 3 and 4 to run the 12 in the rear.
The sub I have chosen is an
IDQ 12 V.2.
I'll be building a Fiberglass box for it in a place that will be out of the way for my job.
That's all I have for now.