Hey, I don't know much about car audio, but a friend is willing to install some stuff for me as long as I buy it first. I'm looking at a new deck, front and rear speakers. I'm wondering what the best cost/quality deck is, with retaining the dash controls, I don't need a fancy display, just something that puts out a quality sound and if possible has an ipod interface. And again for the front and rear speakers, what do you suggest in terms of price/quality? I also have a pioneer 200w 2channel amp sitting in my room that I would like to throw into the mix for the front speakers and and run the rear speakers off the deck... any suggestions?

 

I perfer having fun with my vtec so i leave my radio alone

 

I would personally run without the rear speakers for now. I prefer minimal (if any) rear fill and you may be the same way, you just don't know it yet.

Do you have an iPod? If so, get a new Alpine with the fullspeed ipod controls. Otherwise, it's mostly preference. I like Alpine's, Clarion ProAudios, Nak's and Eclipse HUs.

For the speakers, I'd look at Infinity Kappa Perfect's, Alpine Type-R or X's, or a number of Focal's, although speakers are a personal choice and should be auditioned in person.

You didn't mention a preference for either having a sub or not having one, if you'd prefer to have one check darkknight's group buy on the enclosure and subs, I think he also offers amps in the GB.

Wiring, check out DK's thread again, or ask around here. It depends on your budget, my budget wasn't all that high for my S2K system so I got decent cables/wire but not the same as I've installed in previous cars...

edit: oh yeah, get a modifry DCI to retain/enhance the stock dash controls functionality with the aftermarket HU.

 

alpine 9856=$200
fullspeed ipod cable=$30
Modifry DCI=$100
Lucid rear panels with Kenwood speakers=$170
Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.5 components=$250

$750, for a bumpin system... you can add a sub later if you're still not satisfied. Or, you can save the $170 on the Lucid rear panels and put that toward a sub/amp combo. I think 100w going to each Infinity Kappa is plenty for in-cabin sound.

 

I agree with Will......however if you become a member you get a discount on the DCI. I got 10% off for being a gold member. The money you save on the install will more than pay for your membership.

 

No you wont. It will sound terrible. DO NOT get Kappa Perfects if you are not planning on getting an amp. Your system will sound much better if you skip the Lucids, get the Kappas, and get a nice amp.

 

[QUOTE=NFRs2000NYC,Jul 1 2006, 02:22 AM] No you wont.

 

I've been looking at both the 9853 and 9856. After doing the comparison of the two on Bestbuy.com, it seems the 9853 has more features, is this wrong? Which one would you suggest? BTW, the 9853 is selling for $210 and the 9856 for $200. Thanks and sorry for the hi-jack.

 

The only reason i'd reccomend getting the 9856 over the 9853 is if you have an ipod. If so, a $30 cable is all you need to connect it to the stereo and the interface is the fastest of any head unit that i've seen, of any brand. The 9853 requires a separately purchased module that you have to hide somewhere to interface between the Ipod and the stereo, and the interface is slow and cumbersome. No Ipod? YOu're right; the 9853 does have a few more features--it's just priced about the same because it is a previous years' model.

 

He said he has a Pioneer 200w 2 channel amp that he will use. Should be sufficient for the Kappas.