Car audio - recommendations?
 

We're lookin' to spend a few $k shortly on some car audio (head unit, amp, speakers, etc.)

Its been awhile since I've had an after-market system installed, so I'm rather rusty knowing what's good out there these days.

We're after a quality system (not a boom box on wheels).

Any suggestions or recommendations on components?

ebay got the good deals.

send me your budget and what type of vehicle, i used to do sound comp with my car =]

I looked into this about 3 years ago and wow things are a lot different now.

same as before, stuff at best buy is overpriced and sounds like crap when they put it in your car.

depending on where you live, there should be a car stereo store or shop, they will have the answers. I think JL makes a really nice setup in your car which you can control the EQ through a bluetooth phone, not sure but check the manufacture.

If your looking to add some subs and DONT have a low frequency/sub output on your headunit, then go with JL cleansweep. Don't let the shop talk you into anything else. The cleansweep is TOP when it comes to getting clear low frequency sound. tapping into your back speakers is worthless and you might as well just toss some 6x9's in a box on your back seat :1orglaugh

what are you looking for with components tho? looking to add tv's or a headunit with Nav?

Emphasis on component recommendations - not where to buy.

Who is "WE"

DLS 3 way components up front, and 2 ID max 12's, each with a zapco 9.0 amp, and a zapco 4.0 for the tweet and mid, and a zapco 2.0 for the mid-woofer, run an eclipse headunit with an alpine or pioneer processor and youll be golden. like i said let me know your budget and i can better help you out. been in the game for 7 years

I agree - we have an excellent audio/video specialty store locally - I'll be dealing through them for the components and install. I consider BestBuy the Kmart of car audio. :1orglaugh

I'll likely go with a small sub - nothin' too big or powerful (45-yr-old ears, after all :1orglaugh) - just enough to boost the low frequency to round out the spectrum.

Head unit/amp/6x9s/sub - no TV or nav system - strictly audio.

just have a look in the cars that you are ticketing ;)

I sell high end speakers out of the back of my van.

stick with pioneer

Approx. $2k - $2500 for components (install extra).

i wouldnt do 6x9's an oval isnt a TRUE speaker...if your looking for a small sub look into an ID-Q, or something by elemental designs. go to e(design)audio.com , you can build an awesome stereo on their site and they give you package deals. I have personally used their stuff and its second to none, not to mention their prices are AMAZING

DLS iridium 6.3 set 900 + install and it will be the last set of speakers you ever purchase

I've always gone with Pioneer in the past (supertuner series headunit, 6x9s) - but I'm open to new stuff on the market as well.

Ouch - I think my last install of a headunit and speakers back in '04 was about $325.

you can never go wrong with eclipse, even their entry level headunits are great! they have the best head units around. Pioneer and alpine arent really all that great with their main stream stuff.

Thanks Phil - I'll have a look at the Eclipse line...hopefully the local dealer carries a selection (or has a supplier).

i'm partial to infinity perfect series...boston acoustics high end stuff too...

Big fan of the alpine stuff myself, especially for the headunit :thumbsup

i just put 5k of alpine in my car ( front to back ) sounds nice as hell

gonna blow my back window out soon tho :upsidedow

got pics? 5k on alpine coulda went alot further with a better company to be honest with you. alpine isnt the way they used to be 5 years ago, hell neither is pioneer. stick with the lesser known smaller companies and your guaranteed to get higher quality for less $$. Why do you need to purchase the stuff in a store where its marked up? get it straight from the manufacturer, talk with them they will help you find what you need. you can get a competition quality system, not a boom box as u say, but a SQ (sound quality) driven vehicle for 2500 without a doubt. if you need help with what you want to do or want to give me a better explanation of what your trying to accomplish im more than open to help.

man i miss the days of car audio.

I put together some amazing systems in my day and we used to do IASCA events.

:thumbsup

Just to conclude the thread - thanks everyone for the input.

I've picked out an Eclipse headunit, JL speaker system (including sub), and JL power amp unit. Should sound sweet when its done. $450 for the install, which isn't too bad.