I'm really new to the audio scene. Up until now I have simply enjoyed the sound of my AEM Intake while at W.O.T but I have come to really appreciate how truly aweful the oem stereo is.

So with that, I'm looking at either an alpine 9851 or 9853. I'm going to pair it initially with just a set of components (more on that in a bit).

I'm not a real car stereo nut, I just want something that sounds good. I may add rear speakers or a sub down the road. I have always loved alpine so I'm back there again. I read the specs but I'm not sure which is for me.

As far as components in the 150-250 range that are a good fit for the stock pods in our cars, what would you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance!

 

Either of the alpines you listed are good. I personally would get the cheaper one....I dont believe there is a big need for a fancy feature packed headunit in an car like an s2000.

With that said, 250 dollar components are usually pretty good, and will require an amplifier. If you can swing another 200 bucks for an amp, youll be extremely satisfied. Let me know of your entire system budget, and Ill set you up.

 

My budget is around 600 initially. For that I wanted to get the new alpine deck (probably the one you recommend), component fronts, and maybe speakers behind the deck.

So the way I see it is I have a couple of options:

Option 1 Deck with good components and rears
Deck - 250
component speakers 150-250
rear speakers - 100-150

Option 2 Deck with better components and 4ch amp
Deck 250
upgraded component speakers - 250-300
4ch amp - 200

Ultimately I would like to add a single sub in the rear well.

Thanks in advance!

 

Recommend option 2.

 

Its really that much better huh? Thats what I was afraid of. Okay, so I'll raise my budget a bit.

what would you all recommend for the components and a 4 ch amp?

I have always liked infiniti speakers. I would probably want to keep components around 200 - 250 and the same for the amp.

 

You make the recommendation pretty easy: Infinity Kappa Perfects, normally between 200-250 online.

I think the Soundstream Van Gogh 500.4 is a great amp choice for the $$$, but I think Soundstream recently altered their product lineup, I THINK the Picasso series replaced the Van Gogh.

 

I haven't heard of soundstream before. A looong time ago I used to also lie Precision Power and Pheonix Gold amps. What are your thoughts on these.

For those that have a 4 channel amp, where are you guys putting them? Can we get them under our passenger seats?


Here is a 4 channel phoenix gold amp.
http://www.etronics.com/product.asp?stk_co...tore=&catid=306

Surprisingly inexpensive. Also, I noticed etronics has the kappa's for 165 which is pretty reasonable.

 

hey everybody, just wanted to bring this to the top as I want to purchase this stuff this week. Any thoughts on a 4 ch amp for around $200 would be appreciated.