Ok. here's how it is. I own a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer GLI coupe and I wanna win a local sound off. What systems and setups do you guys recommend?
Thoughts to consider........... Got a spending limit? Got any rule restrictions(what class are you shooting for)? How useable do you want your car to be when all is installed(in other words, do you want to keep the back seat or is it more room for equipment)? Will you be installing or a paid installer? Couple of links for info.... http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/learningcenter/car/subwoofers_enclosures.html http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/learningcenter/car/subwoofers.html http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-W6OGghI7PlP/reviews/20030722/mobile_standards.html http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/S-W6OGghI7PlP/reviews/20030722/subwoofer_power.html There's also a tech support area of the site with some really good FAQs. Sorry if most of this is info you already know.... you just didn't give alot to go on....
As far as I'm concerned Pioneer decks and Polk Audio speakers can't be beat. I've always run Pioneer decks and I LOVE them - good clean sound, sharp looks and as many options as you can afford. I just replaced the nine year old crap factory speakers in my Dakota with some 5 1/4" Pioneer 3 ways up front and a set of Polk 5X7's in the rear and the sound is incredible. The clarity is such that I can hear subtle sounds in my music that I've never heard before. If you're going to run a powerful amp or two you should get a good strong battery too. The sealed spiral cells are soooooooooooo much better than wet cell batteries - they're completely sealed, give a ton of power for longer, recharge faster and they withstand temerature extremes much better. Optima makes good ones and Exide makes an awesome one called Orbital - I just put an Orbital in my truck and I couldn't be happier
i've personally used an ALPINE deck w/ MB QUARTZ for tweets and ROCKFORD FOSGATES for my 3 amps as well as subwoofers in a custom enclosure. i had this in my integra w/ a custom install. PHOENIX GOLD for my crossovers and internal wiring~ this is just on my acura of course, but, i entered a local sound off in my area at the time and took home 3rd place~ this was due to my install guy (a personal friend) who made everything seamless~ i also don't know what your budget is like...everything audio related on my own setup cost me between $7k-$10k once everything was paid for, but, i am not an expert in audio car stereos, i just wanted my acura to be a little "different" than a stock rolling off the lot~ if money is not an issue for you, i can imagine that you could get the high end PHOENIX GOLD that i mentioned earlier...their top of the line crossovers and equipment run about $50k. but what it does for your car stereo is unbelievable~ i have always used ALPINE for my decks, whether it was a tape deck or cd player or even my mini disc ALPINE deck, that company has been great for me~ MB QUARTZ stuff is very good for your higher range music, it's very clear, crisp and from my own experience, makes classical music sound good to even the most discerning ears~ vocals are brilliant w/ them. that's just my 2 cents...from back in the days, im sure there are HUNDREDS of setups that would blow my own away, but, like i said, im no expert in this field...i just wanted my own to be "above average" and that it was...
I picked up 2 Kenwood 12" subs and a 1100 watt U.S. Audio competition grade 5 channel amp. I know that those 2 subs and amp are enough to make my windscreen flex, but I still gotta get a decent head unit and splits. Any reccomendations? Don't really worry about the price reange so much, I have a friend who works as a guard at a local electronics store who'll get me a staff discount. hehe.
Get yourself a Pioneer AVIC X1 with Sat Nav/DAB Tuner/TV Tuner/5.1 decoder, Kenwood HQ speakers, Amp, Sub.... Here's mine:
Hey if you really want comp. style system do not look to Sony or pioneer. When looking for a good face with extreme quality output look at Alpine and eclipse you might think all an in dash cd player does is play cd's but they do waaayy more. When looking at tweeters and highs I would go with JL audio XR series components they are top of the line and really can’t be beat. They are pricy though running about $399.99 a pair but worth every penny. For amps I also recommend the JL audio eSeries for your highs and the Slash series for your sub-woofers. For Subs I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend JL audio either W3’v2’s to take it up a notch go for the W6’ v2’s or if you want the best of the best of the best the W7’s will satisfy your needs but don’t take my word for it go to www.jlaudio.com and see for your self read a bit about them check out all the awards they have won then search for a dealer and go to a store by you that is a JL authorized dealer ask them they will tell you JL is the top of the line subs and amps and they should let you hear for your self.
sorry forgot this... JL Audio — Number One Overall for Fifth Year Straight in Inside Track Survey Miramar, Florida—February 2003—Retailers nationwide have voted and JL Audio onceagain has received the coveted overall first-place position in the car audio category of Inside Track’s annual Supplier Loyalty Test survey. The survey measures how well a company performs on a wide range of parameters, all related to a successful partnership between manufacturers and independent specialists/custom installers. JL Audio finished #1 Overall among car audio companies by placing in the top four (out of 19 companies) of all voting categories. JL Audio President, Andy Oxenhorn said: "Being voted #1 for the fifth straight year is a wonderful honor and a significant vote of confidence from our dealer base." About Inside Track The Inside Track newsletter is considered by audio manufacturers and specialty retailers nationwide to be the voice of the consumer-electronics industry. Once a year, retailers complete a survey on these industry manufacturers, grading their performance in a variety of categories. Once the results are determined, the survey represents a clear indication of how companies are perceived by their dealers, both in terms of their strengths and their weaknesses. About JL Audio Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, JL Audio has been manufacturing award-winning, aftermarket auto sound components since the late 1980s. JL Audio products are sold exclusively through specialty retailers throughout the U.S.A. and distributed in fifty-eight countries around the world. Recipient of numerous awards and accolades JL Audio was recently voted the #1 Overall car audio company for the fifth year in a row by Inside Track. JL Audio loudspeakers, amplifiers and subwoofers have been awarded eleven U.S. patents for innovative automotive audio technology.
Alpine is a good make definitely, but ruling out the Pioneers, thats very laughable mate, considering it the AVIC X1 has won more awards than any other In Dash Screen/DVD/Sat Nav combi's......
Oh I dont disagree about that mobile video is ruled by kenwood pioneer and sony I was talking stictly sound quality I dont know much about video yet.
Kenwood arent bad, but they arent great. What is very good with some of the latest all in one Kenwood systems, is the quality of their screens. Chris
this 1s about 3 years old but still works i would rather have a new 1 but this 1 was free any recomendations ?
Phoenix Gold makes great competition amps and Kicker Solo Baric L7's are great speakers. I had that set up in a 97 Cougar and it pounded. Right now I have two rockford fosgate 12's, a two channel kenwood amp, pioneer cd player and pioneer 5x7 door speakers in a 95 probe and it's pretty damn loud.
Alpine hands down makes the best headunits. Sony makes excellent amps, and Infinity makes very clean and tight subs. also, DON'T buy from crutchfield. They are so riduclously expensive.
Lots of kitsters in my local neighbourhood, so no need for me to have one, just drive around with my windows down and listen to the kitsters cranking theirs up instead.............. Saves me money...................
