jasper

Okay guys,
Need some advice. I am a performance/looks oriented guy so my knowledge in the audio area is very, VERY limited. I want to replace the stock sound system with a decent aftermarket sound system and still retain the ability to use the stock cd changer. The components I would like to replace would be the stock speakers/tweeters and headunit. My budget is 700-800 including labor. Is there a mounting kit for the GS400? Last year, I bought 2 Clarion amps (APA4162 + APA2103) and a Pioneer Sub (TS-W27C) for 200 bucks brand new. I was going to install them in my previous vehicle until current events made me a proud owner of a GS400. I don't want a system that can be heard half a mile away. I just want a system that blows the doors off the stock system and sounds crisp and clean. What components should I look into? What kind of budget setups are available? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Jmai22

700-800 is a pretty slim amount to be working with including labor. a head unit alone can cost around that much. i may be a little biased because i own a eclipse headunit but they are great. it is super clean sound and high quality. anyone serious into car audio or has used an eclipse head will prolly tell you the same,

i'm not too familar with the 2nd gen but i'm not too sure if you can still use your stock cd changer. good luck

jasper

Jmai22,
I am not looking for an LCD screen setup or something that hardcore. That would be considered High end in my book. I was looking along the lines of cd headunit and speakers. Ok...let me rephrase the question. If you had 700-800 dollars to work with, what is the best bang for your buck sound system (components) would you get? This sound system should be able to destroy your stocker in terms of sound quality.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

For the amount of money you're talking, I suggest replacing your stock speakers in the front and rear doors with better quality ones. (If you do not replace the speakers, and put your money into other things, you'll get minimal SQ improvement.) After that, consider a subwoofer replacement with a new secondary sub amp (looks like you may be able to use what you bought). Once you start messing with your stock headunit/amp, the price will go up very quickly, you'll get less bang for each buck, and you'll have many more technical issues to deal with. Replacing everything is worthwhile to do if you have the ears, the budget, the time, and the right installer. If not, keep it simple.

jasper

Thanks Engin_ear for your input. Would anyone know of any good install shops in the Chicago NW burbs? Preferrably near zipcode 60194.

BabaBooey

-Alpine 7894: $300, You get your 3 preouts for future upgrades. You also get time alignment and MP3 capabilities. Excellent unit.
http://www.ikesound.com/800.htm (the link doesn't go directly to the product, you've got to find it)

-Autotek SS 450.2: $200, Autotek makes some of the best amps for the price IMO.
http://www.mmxpress.com/autotek/autotek_amplifiers.html

-Crystal CPE60c: $200, Best prepackaged speakers that I've heard under the $300 mark. If you want easier an installation, check out Crystal's coaxials speakers on the same website. http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/CRYCPE60

Right around $700 with $100 available for wiring. I can probably figure another setup for you if you absolutely must have a subwoofer, but I'd recommend sticking with just the speakers and quality HU for now and build upon that in the future. I wouldn't recommend spending a dime on rearfill while on a fairly tight budget.

engin_ear

iTrader: (1)

That's Percy's area - you might want to PM him.

Baba gave you pricing on equipment, which is great if you're self-installing. If not, expect to pay significantly more.

RL90LS400

Jasper, I would recommend you go to ABT Electronics. They have the most high quality installation I have seen North of Chicago. Not sure about how cheap it is though, probably a little pricy if you're on a slim budget.

-Rob

jasper

Thanks RL90LS400, I know of ABT..they are right next to my work...on Waukegan Road. I will pay them a visit.