Even my g/f realizes how bad the stock system sounds, and she can't judge sound quality worth a flip. So it is time to upgrade.

I have 850.00 and need to get a system decent system. It doesn't need to be the greatest and lastest. I just hit 600 miles and enjoy listening to the car as much as I do the radio. I did some searches on the site, but none of the results were relevent.
I'm hoping that the collective powers of the members of this board could unite and brainstorm a decent system for a car audio newbie.

What i'm thinking:

HU: Alpine CDA-7894 325.00
6.5 Component Sys: Infinity 605cs 6.5 125.00 fleabay
Sub:? leaning towards the JL Audio 10W1 for ~ 75.00 fleabay
Sub Enclosure: Lucid 10" 100.00 or powered sub
Amp:? Would like 1 amp to power comp sys and sub

BTW: I can install the head unit, and the sub. Prolly get components sys and amp done professionally. I'm expecting that to cost ~ 100?

Thanks in advance.

lyndon_h

 

Try upgrading the existing speakers, and adding Lucid's rear panel speakers. I just did this with Kenwood 3 ways, and it is a very noticeable improvement. Then you could go with new head unit, if the speakers were not enough of an improvement. I am still running the OEM head unit, and I am more than pleased. This is just one mans opinion, I would rather spend the money on other improvements for the car.

 

Ditto. . . . I am also still running the OEM headunit. I installed some Polk 3560 components up front and some 4 inch Lightning Audio Coaxials in the rear. It made a world of difference.

 

thanks for the advice guys. Hows the bass? I don't want alot of bass, but I want enough to hear the lower frequencies of my music.

 

Well, what you've listed so far totals $625. It's going to be mighty difficut to find a quality amp + install for $225 more. If you can do the install yourself, you can put that hundred bucks into gear...

Ok, here you go:

HU: Alpine CDA-7894 $310 http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=554
Comps: Infinity 605cs $105 http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=451
Amp: Rockford Punch 500x $215 http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=772
Sub Enclosure: lucid $100
Sub: Elemental Designs E10kd2 $125 http://www.edesignaudio.com/ep/kseries.htm
Wiring: IXOS amp kit $37 http://www.thebassmechanic.com/Merchant2/m...duct_Code=KTC38
Honda wiring harness $15 best buy/circuit city/etc

That totals $927 ($77 over budget)

Although I'm not a huge fan of Rockford amps, in this case it seems to be a good fit. It will give you ~65Watts per channel to your speakers and bridge up channels 3 & 4 to give your woofer 250 Watts. You could also install your stock speakers in the rear panels and run them off of the HU.

Another thing you may consider is running the components and rears off of the HU and buying a small amp for the sub, something like a JBL 300.1 for $149 http://www.ikesound.com/Prod_Details.asp?Prod_Id=148
If you did that, you would need an e10kd4 sub, but you would be right on budget, at $861...

Let us know what you think and maybe we can come up with some more suggestions.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lyndon_h
[B]thanks for the advice guys.

 

Thanks SC_Highlander. I'm trying to stay away from the rockfords fosgotes. I live in Texas and the 100+ degree summer days wont agree with a brand that is known for overheating. I know that you recommend the Blaunktports (sp). I read some of your previous post.

I really appreciate your info about cooking up the amps. I was thinking that I would really need a 5 channel amp, but if I have an highpower after market HU, I'll prolly be alright running the door speakers off it it. The fact that I can get a 4 channel amp, really widens my opportunities.

 

I'll probably do my system in a piece - meal fashion. I think I'll start with the door speakers. I'll prolly need to get a component speaker set because I'll need to replace the stock tweeter. I'll wait on the sub until I test out the sound of the upgraded door speakers.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lyndon_h
[B]Thanks SC_Highlander. I'm trying to stay away from the rockfords fosgotes.

 

If you're not that interested in rattling your doors off with bass, why are you putting in a sub enclosure?

My suggestions...upgrade the head unit, Alpine is a great route. Upgrade the speakers, but don't go balls to the wall...remember, it's a noisy convertible...$200-$250 is MORE than enough for those. Get an amp if you must, but you may want to see how much you liike the upgraded power just by going with the new head...I'm reasonably happy with the power on my Sony, but I would liike to upgrade with an amp, not for the power, but so I can run 4 sets of speakers AND the bass shakers.