upgrading sound system

Need some feed back on upgrading sound system.
Can't make up my mind on dsp amp, new components and coaxial speakers. Here's what I'm looking at. JL audio 800/8i, Audison Forza ap f8.9 bit and Helixv8. As for speakers Hertz mille pro or Morel Maximo Ultra components and coaxial. If anybody can help with some ideas. Budget is about $3000.

 

Any subs in your system or all coax and separates? I'm running the VX1000/5i and love that amp. In listening tests I liked the Audison, but admittedly each persons tastes are pretty subjective.

 

Right now I have a Audison sr 4.300, JL Audio powered sub and Focal plug and play speakers.

 

That's gonna be a hard decision on the dsp amp. Unless youre seriously unhappy with the focals it's be worth it to see how any DSP amp makes em sing before switching out. That might narrow down the choices. But it's way easier to do it in one shot for sure.

 

My focals are istoy 690 and ictoy 165. I found out later that these are just replacements not an upgrade. Paid a good penny for them which is kind of sad.

 

It happens. The hertz seemed to have more (cleaner) highs and the Audison seemed to have a little more mid bass to me. Again could be the sound room or just my preference.

 

The helix v8 hands down...by far superior over the others.

I think your budget is a little thin.

Also, don't even think about going this deep on the factory head unit.

 

Keeping the stock stereo?

 

My head unit right now is the Kenwood ddx 376bt

 

The head unit has some DSP function. It might be enough. Soundsgoodstereo has some good 6.5 adapters for the doors. Good equipment is almost as important as a good installer. Knowing someone who is familiar with your brand of speakers and fine tuning is where the cost gets crazy.

 

Thats better than stock, but looks a little long tooth'd. If you are going through a major upgrade, might want to budget for a Kenwood excelon line head unit. You'll get the higher voltage preouts that will come in handy when you are tuning your dsp....plus all the nice creature comforts like Android Auto/Apple Car Play.

Doing a quick google search, it looks like the Morel Maximo's are just 2 way component (unless i'm missing something) so those are out. The Hertz are 3 way so thats good, have you looked into AudioFrog (thats what i run)? You could get the GS series 1" 2.5" & 6" driver for around the same price, or upgrade to the GB and have an amazing setup.

Will you be tuning your dsp yourself or having a shop do it? I run a Helix DSP Pro Mk2 and its an amazinly powerful dsp. Properly tuning a stereo with a dsp isnt ultra difficult, but there's a learning curve and you'll need a calibrated microphone.
Take a look at my tuning guide for the helix to make sure you are ready to go through these steps.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/my-take-on-stereo-tuning-using-rew.84015/

 

That's a great setup. Decided to go with the Helix V8 for it has dsp/amp...five star audio in FL. have it for $1410. Gonna go ahead and get Hertz Mille Pro 3 way and coaxial. Sure wish you were my neighbor here in El Paso to help with install. Now finding a good installer here is a task in it self.

 

Be really careful when choosing an installer. There are some really bad shops out there even with extremely simple setups that turn into nightmare's....and yours is not going to be simple.

I would start off by looking for an authorized retailer for Helix near you (even if you dont purchase from them) and start to looking at reviews, the install isn't going to be that difficult, but the tuning takes skill/knowledge and just like tuning an engine, the shop needs to be familiar with the specific software you are going to be using. Dont go to any shop that says "yeah i should be able to do that"
Edit: It looks like there are two Audio Express' in EL Paso that are Helix Authorized. I would go there. We actually have an Audio Express in my town and i believe they do good work. You may want to try buying everything from them and have them tune it while your at it.
https://www.msc-america.com/dealer-locator/



I would also recommend that you sound deaden your doors while you are at it.

 

What about subs?

 

I have got JL 8" powered sub

 

Finally got everything done. Installed Audison af m 12.14 bit, Audison prima 3 way upfront and Audison prima coax in rear. NTX audio innovations did tuning for me. Sounds really good but now I want more. Thinking of getting a Audison complimentary amp and putting Hertz Mille Pro 3 way.

 

How about Audiofrog GB Series 3 way?