Hey guys,

I read through all the FAQs...but it's over my head. I have a few very simple objectives and criteria and hoping you all will chime in with a recommendation. Thanks a lot in advance!

1) Only looking for HU and speaker upgrade - not looking to add amp / sub, etc
2) Would like to leave interior looking stock - radio door, speaker covers, etc.
3) Would like to maintain use of the stock controls
4) Using USB, satellite primarily as source
5) A nice to have would be DVD
6) Price is not an issue but no need to be completely reckless (ie, less than $2K)
7) I have an 07 if that makes a difference

Thanks so much guys. Appreciate your recommendations

 

Now that we have those questions out of the way, we need to get to the biggest question:

What is your goal with the build?

Sound quality

or

Volume


(note that sound quality carries volume with it, however distortion free music appears to have less volume than distorted music - a la MB Quart/JL/Alpine/etc)

 

Sound quality please! Thanks.

 

Absolutely set on not having an amp?

Are you doing the install yourself?

If so, do you have any prior experience?

If not, do/es your buddy/ies have prior experience?

 

Pretty set on no amp. Don't really want to add anything to the car.

Not planning to do install unless someone can convince me I'm qualified.

No prior experience. So, likely to take to a shop...

THanks!

 

Can you use a phillips screwdriver, wire strippers, and crimpers?

 

lol....can you get good sound quality that you can hear without an amp??

 

yes, I think i can manage that

 

Sorry but you're not going to get any type of SQ without an amp.
You can buy the best speakers out there but without sufficient power, it still gonna suck.
I mean its OK if you don't want to add an amp but don't expect a any type of SQ especially when you're driving with the tops down.

 

We're getting to that...


OP:

Since you can use those 3 tools, you can install an amp, HU, and door speakers all on your own.

I'd really recommend going with an amp. Contrary to popular belief, amps are not strictly to make "loud" music. They're necessary to really bring out the best of any speaker that you install.

You have a budget plenty big enough to cover an amp, and they're relatively easy to install (and can be done in such a way as to lose very little space and be completely removable at a later time.