Help me get started on putting together a system...

[JungleMan]

Well, I want to put together a basic system for my 1991 Pontiac Firebird and I'm not really sure where to start. This will be a relatively mild setup. I am not aiming to have the most killer sound system on the block, I just want something with great volume and clarity //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

I have a great head unit already, an Alpine CDE-9845, and my source is either high-bitrate MP3 from my Creative Zen Touch going through the Aux input, or my XM receiver with FM modulation. What I still need to get are two 4x6 speakers for the dash and two 6x9 speakers for the rear. It would also probably be a good idea to get an amp to go with these, as I don't imagine the head unit would have enough power to get the most out of these speakers.

I want to spend no more than $500 on all of it, but preferably less.

- Can someone point me in the direction of what brands of speakers and amps I should be considering? I know that ultimately the decision will be determined by my personal preference, but I want a few good places to start.

- What type of amp would I need to get? Would a 4-channel amp be the best idea? I'm not entirely sure if I'm going to get a subwoofer in the future (space constraints mostly). If I did get one, it would be something small, possibly one of the tube ones or just a single 10".

- About 95% of what I listen to is rock...indie rock, alternative rock, along those lines. Sometimes I listen to electronica. I rarely if ever listen to rap.

Thanks!! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/fro.gif.c695f1f814b01c4ad99fe7f8cccadd29.gif

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[JungleMan]

Come on, some suggestions please //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[djman37 5,000+ posts]

spend your budget on front components, an amp and install. If you want rear fills, use the HU power for those and pick up a >$100 2-way set.

 

[2wheeler 10+ year member]

I'd get a pair of 6.5" components, a single 10" or 12" sub and two amps. About 100x2 for the comps and about 300-400x1 for the sub.

That's the type of system I'm running and it's by far the best sounding system I've ever owned. If you can make this kind of system fit and are interested then let us know. Many great deals pop up here, but I'm not gonna spend an hour searching out a system unless you might actually use it.

 

[JungleMan]

Oh, here's a note: I NEED rear speakers since one of mine now is non-functional. Even if they are cheap ones...which I get the impression it's best to focus more on the front speakers.

Hmm, I've heard about the components vs. the regular 6x9s. Being a total car audio novice, I'm probably going to get this installed professionally (or at least from a car-audio-savvy friend), but exactly how different is the installation anyway? I would imagine it's probably best to ask around at the audio shops for a real price quote, but I want to know if it's something that is seriously worth the extra money/labor.