Need Advice! Looking for new 6.5" front components. $250-$400

[20thAnnivGTi]

Out of all the systems I've had growing up it's always been about one thing.. How much SPL can I get out of it. I just bought a new car and I'd like to start fresh and do my best at attacking a new challenge - Sound Quality.

My set up-
-2003 Volkswagen GTi 20th Anniv. Edt.
-For my sub I'm going with JL Audio's 10W3V3 using the hidden JL "Stealthbox"
Link: Car Audio - Stealthbox® - Volkswagen - Golf
-I'd like to use my OEM Monsoon d.d. Premium 6 h/u. I would consider a different unit if it looks close to stock.
>>> Where I need your help:
I was planning on going with the JL Audio C5-650 components (roughly $330) for the fronts- C5-650 - Car Audio - Evolution® - C5 - Component Systems - JL Audio - I was told I could get a lot more for my money. Is this true? I'm looking for a very realistic crisp sound not just super loud/high and in your face. Do I get speakers for the rears? C2-650x? If so what amp set up for all 4 speakers?
Would appreciate all of your input!!
Thanks guys

[trumpet]

Have you ever looked into CDT Audio? They make some great sounding component sets that offer big bang for the buck. I'll p.m. you with a couple of suggestions as I'm a CDT dealer, plus I have other brands you might want to look at.

I would focus on the front speakers and try to make the most of that first. You'll want to do some sound deadening to cut down on vibrations and block the rear wave of the mids from the front wave. I recommend Sound Deadener Showdown.

Aftermarket head units almost universally do not look OEM and also have features you want for tuning for good sound quality, but you can use an interface to keep the stock head unit. Some of the better ones are from Audio Control, Alpine, Audison, JBL, and others. You could exceed your speaker budget just with an interface processor, but you get a lot for that money.

[20thAnnivGTi]

I've heard of CDT but donno much about them. got your p/m looks like i have some researching to do! I've dampened the trunk but I'm planning on doing at least the doors, if not more. The OEM hu problem - I was thinking the same exact thing. None of them look stock however I really want the factory look but WITH the EQ options of an aftermarket hu. Interface processors, eh? more info?

[ge_off_me]

I would look into these.

WoofersEtc.com - UP6 - DLS Ultimate 6.5" 2-Way Component System

[trumpet]

I've heard of CDT but donno much about them. got your p/m looks like i have some researching to do! I've dampened the trunk but I'm planning on doing at least the doors, if not more. The OEM hu problem - I was thinking the same exact thing. None of them look stock however I really want the factory look but WITH the EQ options of an aftermarket hu. Interface processors, eh? more info?

For current model options I would say the top 3 processors for a sound quality system are the Alpine PXA-H800 with the RUX-C800 remote control, the JBL MS-8, and Audison's Bit line of processors. The MS-8 has a very powerful auto-tune feature using dual microphones. Alpine and Audison's processors use more of a traditional tuning approach. Audison is a dealer-only brand that you probably won't find for sale online with a factory warranty.

[ge_off_me]

I honestly would take the Audison's out of the running, I have heard from many people how difficult they are to work with. I would replace them with MiniDSP. They have been gaining a lot of momentum as of late.

[audiobaun]

Have you ever looked into CDT Audio? They make some great sounding component sets that offer big bang for the buck. I'll p.m. you with a couple of suggestions as I'm a CDT dealer, plus I have other brands you might want to look at.

I would focus on the front speakers and try to make the most of that first. You'll want to do some sound deadening to cut down on vibrations and block the rear wave of the mids from the front wave. I recommend Sound Deadener Showdown.

Aftermarket head units almost universally do not look OEM and also have features you want for tuning for good sound quality, but you can use an interface to keep the stock head unit. Some of the better ones are from Audio Control, Alpine, Audison, JBL, and others. You could exceed your speaker budget just with an interface processor, but you get a lot for that money.

Ive bought just about every brand of speaker out there, and finally have stuck with the CDT speakers..They are Fantastic, and I recommend for anyone..I have these up front, and cant be happierhttp://www.woofersetc.com/p-9700-hd-63it-cdt-audio-hd-65-2-way-braxial-component-set.aspx..Im sure you can get a better deal,as I did on the price from a vendor on here..WoofersEtc.com - HD-63it - CDT Audio HD-6.5" 2-Way Braxial Component Set