Car Audio System for new Alto K10

[anupam.iwin]

Hi Friends,

Will be buying an AltoK10 soon(First car for me). I need your sincere advice about the Car Audio system I need to buy. My requirements are -
1. Good Sound quality and Moderate Bass.
2. Aux In and USB/Mini USB port
3. Availability of some good preset modes
4. Easy to fit and upgrade(I mean adding a sub-woofer or upgrading a speaker in future)
5. Reliability
6. CD/CDRW/MP3 compatibility and FM tuner is all I need.

I am not sure about how much it costs to buy a moderate system, so pardon me. Initially I won't be able to spend anything more than 10,000 INR. However, I would be able to spend a few bucks more and add something after a few months. Also, I have used few Sony products at home and satisfied with the sound, but havn't experienced anything else. Also mention the price of the products recommended.

Thanks in Advance.

[Raghu]

I would suggest going in for a receiver with a subwoofer control so that it will be easier to add subwoofer in future. Pioneer 4290 is a good choice for that. It has AUX in, USB, ipod connectivity and SD card support too. It has 2 pre outs - front + subwoofer/rear switchable; hence it will be easy to upgrade your sound system. It costs - Rs. 9,990/- (MRP)
 
And regarding speakers, go for 4" speakers from jbl, hertz, or polk audio and even pioneer for a basic setup. In the rear add oval speakers by any of the above said brands, over a plank or fit them in box made of MDF wood. It will give decent bass.

A 4" speaker should cost nearly 2K and oval shall cost nearly 3.5-4K.

[anupam.iwin]

Hi Raghu!!

Many thanks for your help. I was quite busy for the last few days so couldn't reply back. However, I would need a bit of more help from you. Let me list down few more queries -

1. Please elaborate what is front+sub/rear switchable. Is it like either (i)2 Front + 2 Rear or  (ii)2 Front + 1 Sub. Is it so?
2. Should I go for round speakers for the front and oval for the rear? Can you please let me know advantages of oval over round?
3. What is the difference between 2 way or 3 way speakers?
4. Searched for JBL speakers in the jbl website, but found that oval speakers are of only 6 x 9 size. Only one round speaker is available of 4". Will it be Ok to buy them?

Pardon my little knowledge about car acoustics. Seeking your help again. Thanks a lot.

[anupam.iwin]

One more question? I have seen that Sony has some 4 way coaxial speakers and 2 way seperate  speakers, but couldn't find these in JBL. So, now what is the 4 way thing and what is the 2 way separate speakers thing??? I am really confused. Obviously I will listen to JBL and Sony both before making the decision. But I think Hertz and Polk audio will be really out of my budget. Please suggest some from Sony also. I would be in a better place to do a comparo.

[Raghu]

1. Please elaborate what is front+sub/rear switchable. Is it like either (i)2 Front + 2 Rear or  (ii)2 Front + 1 Sub. Is it so?
Yes.. Correct

2. Should I go for round speakers for the front and oval for the rear? Can you please let me know advantages of oval over round?
Ovals gives bit more of bass because of the size advantage.

3. What is the difference between 2 way or 3 way speakers?
2-Way -> 1 midrange woofer + 1 tweeter
3-way -> 2-way + a super tweeter

4. Searched for JBL speakers in the jbl website, but found that oval speakers are of only 6 x 9 size. Only one round speaker is available of 4". Will it be Ok to buy them?
Yes. 4" fits properly in dash in your car
You can add 6"x9" in the rear


4-way claims to have a bass woofer + mid range woofer + tweeter + super tweeter !

2-way seperates means component system, that has a midrange woofer + a tweeter + an external crossover. Crossover splits the frequencies appropriately to tweeter & midrange.

Hope it helps.

[anupam.iwin]

Thanks a lot Raghu....
Indeed, you clarified all the confusions. However, soon I may bug you again

[anupam.iwin]

Hi Raghu,
Bugging you again!! I recently went to the Auto market near my Home and searched for Pioneer HUs, but they couldn't show me the 4190/4290 SD. They only had 3190/3290 UB, I think. One shop showed me HU from Boston and Alpine. I listened to the setup and zeroed down to Boston(The Alpine one was not having Card reader slot as well as with 1200 INR higher price). As my car is now in Asansol(having a so-so auto market, not like Kolkata), I have only limited options for HU and speakers. So I bought the Boston one. I can't remember the model number right now, but it has 3 RCA and 52Wx4, USB and SD card and other standard features. I bought it for 8240 INR with Bill and 18 months replacement warranty. However, I also got two 4" speakers(worth 1200 INR) from Boston free with the HU.
I haven't bought the Rear speakers yet. So, now my question is, If I have to choose between JBL, JVC and Boston within similar price band, which one will be the best. My budget is 3500 - 4500 with B&W. I checked one Boston 350W 3 way 6"x9" for 4800 INR. Sound was good. Haven't tested the JBL one(probably the GTO 948/947 with price around 4500 - 4800 INR). Please advice. I will be buying it within 1 r 2 days.
Thanks in Advance.

[Raghu]

Make it all Boston!
Well, NOT saying it casually. Its always better to voice match the front and rear speakers. So go for Boston rear speakers.. they sound very good.

Voice matching is applicable only for speakers .. subwoofer. amps & tweeters can be of any brand. Its just an opinion; finally individual tastes matter most.

[anupam.iwin]

Thanks Raghu, Will surely do it. Let me listen to Boston as well as JBL one. Then I will decide.