ok - then I retract my original constraint on no amp

 

OK

Since SQ is your primary concern, I would start with a Pioneer DEH-880PRS or Eclipse CD7200mkII

Both have their up and downsides. I personally prefer the SQ and ease of adjustment of the Eclipse - but some prefer the SQ of the Pioneer, and all else being equal, once the system's tuned, adjustability of the tuning isn't so much of a concern. Either one will set you back $550 from Crutchfield (might be able to snag a deal on an Eclipse CD7100 or Pioneer 800PRS - but I wouldn't buy from anyone but an authorized dealer).

 

Speakers are a whole different can of worms. There is so much variety in sound reproduced...it's nuts.

What I'd recommend is going to a high end home theater shop, ask them to demo a system that is warm, a system that is neutral, and a system that is bright. Take a favorite CD of yours to use, and play the same track at approx the same volume on the all the systems. Decide if you like warm, neutral, or bright sound.

Following that, start visiting some of your local car audio shops and listen to what they have using the same CD. Keep in mind that what they have on display will not be what it sounds like once it's installed in your S, so the goal is to pick a set of components that is warm/neutral/bright according to what you like.

Don't buy anything yet. We're just auditioning to find what you like. That will give us a little bit better idea of what to recommend

 

Amps are a bit easier to work with.

The first task is to decide where you're going to install the amp. I have both amps (sub and mids/highs) installed inside the cabin, behind the seats. If you're tall, that probably won't work as well for you . Another favorite is where the spare tire mounts or over the fuel tank.

Where you'll mount the amp determines what size constraints we have to work around. I love my Sundown amps, but they're slightly taller than my Audison (which is a great amp, just crappy woofers for the time being).

 

I know I could drive myself crazy defining my preferred sound quality. I remember when shopping for home speakers, I was equally impressed - but for different reasons - with the Martin Logans, B&W Nautilus 802s, and Merlins...

I ultimately preferred the Merlins, though didn't ultimately buy because I couldn't justify the price. Couldn't go back to the ML or B&Ws because couldn't stand the compromise.

Is this enough to point me in the right direction?


In terms of amps, would look for the smallest, most inconspiquous, easy to install thing that is worthy of the term amp.

Thanks so much Sputnik. Really appreciate the time you're putting into this for me.