Hi guys, longtime lurker here. Proud owner of 2003 sebring/red. I am looking to upgrade and am a bit overwhelmed with all the good stuff available out there.

Currently, I have:

HU - alpine 9813 (I think that's the right number - its a couple years old but I like it fine for now, no need to replace)

Front speakers - CDT 6.5" components (CL61 I think) - I like them fine also, not likely to replace unless someone feels strongly that I could do a lot better here in a way that could be vastly appreciated in this car...

Rear speakers - lucid panels with kenwood 5 1/4's - just for fill, no need to replace

Sub - clarion powered 7" - forgot the number - this will be replaced. It does about what I expected, but ready for more power here.

Upgrade thoughts ...

I am thinking it is time to get an amp for the fronts. They hold 90W RMS according to he manufacturer. Any suggestions here? Looking to spend $300 or less for this part. *update* was just looking at soundstream ref300.2 at ~$280. Good choice?

I'll keep running the rears off the HU.

For the sub, I am thinking about darkknight's box solution - Option 5: Box with Alphasonik 800 series sub and Alphasonik PMZ1600DA Mono amp: $425. Comments on this choice? I doubt I will ever use all 600W lol but the price and fitment are very appealing...

I will be getting an optima yellow top also.

I have one other concern. I installed all the stuff that's in there now myself even though I had never done a stereo install before. I found enough helpful info, mainly on these forums, to pull it off. My main concern was some stranger scratching up my interior, or just basically doing a second rate job. I believe installing the amps and sub is going to be really pushing my time and ability constraints though. My plan is to look for a shop in town that does custom work and keep my fingers crossed (I live in Shreveport, LA, so we'll see...). I seem to recall most people saying Bestbuy/Circuit city installs are hit and miss at best. What do you guys think a fair price for installing two amps and a sub box would be?

Am I missing anything else important? Dynamat?

Thanks for reading and any input is appreciated

Rhino

 

You will be extremely happy with Johns groupbuy boxes/amps. Top notch stuff. The 800 series if one of the best subs Ive ever owned.

 

Thanks for the feedback NYC

 

[QUOTE=Rhino,May 5 2006, 06:44 PM] Hi guys, longtime lurker here.

 

Go to bed!


You can't go wrong with the Alphasonik 800 series, and John will take great care of you.

 

Look whos talking I'm wide awake... I've been working at the new shop cleaning up the space and setting up...

 

Thanks for the input john, sent you a pm

 

Yup, I usually have nothing better to do than stay up and read S2ki. I usually do this until about 4am, when I have to take my scheduled late night poop.

Too much info huh?

 

doh!

 

Oh c'mon, dont act like you dont have the late night McTwitches and the McStomachgurgles......