Budget Build for the G/F's car

[suprachica79 10+ year member]

Hey guys. I've been out of the game for a few years now and just got the idea to put together a new sound system for the g/f's celica. Right now, it has a clarion DXZ855MP (was the same cd player I had in my acura cl a few years back, couldn't pass it up when it was on ebay for $100). The speakers in the car are shot so for the build I'd like to get 2 sets of coax's, one set for the doors and 1 set for the rear fills. Also, I'd like to get a small sub and a decent amp to power it all. I'm looking to spend around $400 for everything if possible.

I thought about components but I decided against them for money and extra hassle reasons. I'm not sure what to use, if I should ue 3 or 4 ways in the front, 2 ways in the back, maybe something different. Also, found a good deal on an Eclipse SW4010 sub which I think will be enough since I'm not going for extremely loud and I've always been impressed with eclipse. Right now these are the different products I'm looking at-

Sub - Eclipse SW4010 or RE REX-10D4

Front Speakers - JVC CS-HX748 4-way or Rockford Fosgate P1653 3-way

Rear Speakers - MB Quartz FKA-116 2-way

To be honest, idk if these are good choices are not. She listens to just about every kind of music there is so I need something that will work with all music types. Also, if someone could shed some light on what specs to look for that are important or give me some ideas on what speakers would work best, that'd be great. Also, amp recommendations would be awesome as well since that's territory I know close to nothing about.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate any feedback.

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[SpeedEuphoria 10+ year member]

Most dont like rear speakers, search for "rear fill" to find out more. Personally the stock rear speakers should be plenty(she doesnt sit in the back to drive right?)

Anyway if you looking for a single sub get the biggest one, normally 12" is similar pricing to a 10" and has much more output.

They had some nice PG RSD 12" subs for cheap but they sold out. Looks like ~$80 for that PG or the MB Quart 12"

Get a nice 600 watt amp that is 1ohm stable costs about $130 new

Then worry about the front speakers and possibly a small amp for them

Buying used will save money

The PG RSD components were cheaper but still good bang for the buck but running on head unit power wouldnt do them much justice

 

[snoopdan 5,000+ posts]

pics of girl or gtfo.

 

[suprachica79 10+ year member]

Most dont like rear speakers, search for "rear fill" to find out more. Personally the stock rear speakers should be plenty(she doesnt sit in the back to drive right?)
Anyway if you looking for a single sub get the biggest one, normally 12" is similar pricing to a 10" and has much more output.

They had some nice PG RSD 12" subs for cheap but they sold out. Looks like ~$80 for that PG or the MB Quart 12"

Get a nice 600 watt amp that is 1ohm stable costs about $130 new

Then worry about the front speakers and possibly a small amp for them

Buying used will save money

The PG RSD components were cheaper but still good bang for the buck but running on head unit power wouldnt do them much justice

Well the front speakers are blown so those definitely need to be replaced, I guess I could put the rears on the back burner for the time being. I figured a 12" would be the best option but I also couldn't find an eclipse in a 12" in my price range but I'm certainly a fan of MB Quartz so that would work too. Do you think the stock head unit could power a solid set of front speakers? And any good brands or specific models should I look at for amps? Any thoughts on any of the speakers I listed in the OP?

I'm sorry for all the questions but I've been looking at the classifieds and it looks like a different language lol, and I can't seem to find any threads that really break down amp talk.

Edit - Also forgot, should I be looking at sealed sub enclosure or a ported one? I don't get what goes with what lol

 

[miker 5,000+ posts]

the HU will not sufficiently power aftermarket speakers..

Also, don't leave any stock speakers in when you upgrade your HU/ other speakers. The stock speakers, more likely than not, won't handle the extra power and will sound horrible.

I would just keep it simple and get a nice 3channel amp, some nice coaxial speakers for the front and a decent HU and a 10" in a sealed box. Also, disconnect the rear speakers.

Kicker 08ZX550.3 (ZX550.3) 3-Channel Amplifier + 4 AWG Amp Kit

 

[JRock10 10+ year member]

5 ch amp, some decent 2 ways all around, and a 10" in a probox ( ProBox Custom UTV Tops and Vehicle-Specific Subwoofers and Enclosures ) will have her sounding great to her ears and will run you somewhere around $500

 

[whitedragon551 5,000+ posts]

That Eclipse will sound great. Those RF's also will sound great. I had the 6x9 versions of those and loved them.

 

[JRock10 10+ year member]

ProBox Custom UTV Tops and Vehicle-Specific Subwoofers and Enclosures

Kenwood Excelon KFC-X173 Full Range Car Speakers - Car Speakers at Onlinecarstereo.com

Rockford Fosgate T162C Full Range Car Speakers - Car Speakers at Onlinecarstereo.com

Kenwood KFC-1661S Full Range Car Speakers - Car Speakers at Onlinecarstereo.com

Car Amplifiers - 5 Channel System Amplifiers - Multi-Channel - Full Car System Amps at OnlineCarStereo.com | Show All | Ascending Brand

 

[emilimo701 10+ year member]

Don't buy 4-way speakers. Look for 2-way coaxials or components.

And about what some other guy said, just because most people like their rears attenuated or nonexistant, doesn't mean everybody does. One of my family members actually prefers the rears louder. Those people are in the slim minority though.

get her this and pair it with one of those pink soundstream amps lol

 

[daboyfrumdabx 10+ year member]

the HU will not sufficiently power aftermarket speakers..
Also, don't leave any stock speakers in when you upgrade your HU/ other speakers. The stock speakers, more likely than not, won't handle the extra power and will sound horrible.

I would just keep it simple and get a nice 3channel amp, some nice coaxial speakers for the front and a decent HU and a 10" in a sealed box. Also, disconnect the rear speakers.

Kicker 08ZX550.3 (ZX550.3) 3-Channel Amplifier + 4 AWG Amp Kit

This is the route I'd take for a budget system. Either of the subs you listed in the OP will do fine with this amp. These for the coaxials..or better but those being the bare minimum will actually sound decent. After that, you're set.