Years ago, I compiled a system that was pretty awesome. A Blaupunkt H/U, an ADS P120 Powerplate, driving a pair of top end Boston Acoustics (can't remember the model) and a pair of Philips 8" subs running off a Harmon Kardon CA260 which had a built in crossover. The ADS and Harmon Kardon amps were both 60 wpc at some imperceptible THD level of 0.010 or something. It was crystal clean, the highs were amazing and the Philips delivered tight, beautiful base.
I know Philips may seem liked the strange name out of nowhere but it was a different company back then, European, high end stuff, they were the Co-developer with Sony of the original Compact Disk.
I had the installation done at what was surely one of the top 5 Pro, Car Audio installers in the nation at the time. I had to practically beg them to do it too. All I bought from them were the speakers and they wanted me to buy their stuff, but finally agreed. So I drive my 6 year old Toyota Tercel passed all the Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rolls Royces into the service bay. The guy asks me, "are you sure you want to put all of this stuff into a Toyota?" I hand him the keys and say when you guys are done with this thing, I am going to love being in the car, so yeah I'm sure.
Songs I hated sounded great on that system.
Fast forward to today. I have not bought aftermarket equipment in forever and have not kept up with things.
So I need some advice from the experts on here. Looking at a max of $500 for now. Very willing to take it slow and build up in phases, to me the highest quality in bits and pieces is worth the wait.
All I have is my H/U right now, an Eclipse CD7000 which I stumbled upon as an open box special for $200 last night, I told them if they put it in for that price I'd take it. Sold.
The question is, are there any affordable speakers that will give me full blown highs, like my past speakers or do I have to spend a fortune?
Can I also just get by with the internal amp for now, with great speakers or do some need to be separately amped up.
I am guessing that amps have improved to the point where affordable ones are almost as good as my old ADS or HK? Or is used high end a better option?
I bought it at a Big Box Retailer (didn't know if you can use names) should I trust them to do a solid install or seek out a specialty shop?
The car is an old Toyota Camry, yeah I know another one.
Thanks for the help.
