Shamefully I am that annoying newbie who is probably the 1,000th person to post a topic like this...
I have tried to do some research on my own but compiling a good car audio system seems like a complicated process, one that I don't think I'd like to rest in my hands on figuring it out on my own. I'd like some help from you guys, whom which I would assume are educated on this subject,
I have a 2005 Nissan Altima 2.5S. I have a standard cd player and standard audio set up. Since I LOVE listening to music and I want to treat myself, and my car, to having a decently nice system. I mainly listen to dance music.. all sorts. Trance, D&B, House, Progressive etc. Most dance music has a good combination of all frequencies, all of which I like to hear. I am looking for an audio set up that will be powerful yet balanced. I don't want the bass drowning out my mids and highs but I don't not want to feel the power of the bass. I would like to feel the bass, hear all the lows and get to hear the highs, mids and vocals nice and crisply without distortion.
My budget is anywhere from $1,300 - $1,500 and I'd ideally like to have that being included with installation. I have no idea what to look for or what to even consider. I'm totally lost in all of this. If anyone would be kind enough to help me out in making some choices I would be very greatly appreciated.
Hey man, thought I'd weigh in here. You've gotten quite a spread of advice but here is what I've found building my last three systems (look at my sig for the current two, my g/f's was only $500 and has amazing SQ)
First off don't buy locally, unless you want them to do the install, because markup is 100% (double their cost). Second, do your own install, it's very satisfying and saves a ton of money. Third, the consumer level stuff in *MOST* audio stores is overpriced and not worth your money in speakers and subs. While they can be quite decent you can do better with some research. Now for suggestions:
HU: Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Eclipse. This would be a good thing to buy used. Get one that is a year old and TOP of the line. This way you get all the features at a decent price. I've owned several kenwoods and love them all. Also they've never failed me.
Speakers: Get components. It makes installation more of a pain but it's worth it especially if your speaker mounts are low and you leg would cover the path from the speaker to your ear. With the seperates you can move the tweeter somewhere where it isn't blocked by your body and it will sound much better. You don't have to worry about the mid-bass. Also ditch the rear speakers, it costs more and takes more time to install for minimal return to you. If you have passengers in the back say f***'em, they didn't pay for the stereo! Some suggestions on companies:
Focal (expensive but very nice, also easy to find), DLS, Rainbow, JL (high end lines), RE, Adire
Amps: There are LOTS of choices but it's hard to sort out the good from bad, especially when so many companies make a big splash then are bought up and start making crap. Here is a list of current top of the line amps (yah I'll forget a few):
Zapco, Diamond Audio, JL, Memphis, Tru, uhh there are more. You can also find oldies that rock. Old stuff like Audio Art, Zapco, Orion, US AMPS etc is good stuff even if it's used.
You'll spend alot of time picking the right amps. You can get two or a 4 Channel to run the fronts and a sub. Make sure you look at how much power they make (RMS) at different ohm levels, this will be important when picking a sub. My best advice here is get Zapco i-force amps. They are silly cheap on
ebay when they come up and will blow away amps that are much more expensive. Case in point: my g/f runs a smaller set of the same comps I own off a Zapco i-force, I run mine on a Diamond audio. Her's sound much richer and deeper even though they are smaller. Part of the advantage is the BMW quailty and sound deadning but that little Zapco rocks and it was 1/2 the price new than my diamond was used. Also remember you don't need 100,000,000W to get loud. My shiva is running on 200W and it's plenty loud.
Subs: There are TONS of options. For you I'd get a single 12" and put it in a sealed box. I tend to move towards the online specialty companies like Adire, elemental designs, soundsplinter, Ascendant audio etc etc etc. I personally run a single 12" Adire audio Shiva. It's only $125 new and it's in 1cu/ft sealed. It makes my ears hurt fast and drops much lower than my 10" JL 10W4 ever did. A basic rule here is the bigger the cone area the lower it goes. Of course this isn't always true but it's just a guide.
Now remember to budget for install accessories too: you'll need a wiring kit. I like the JL kits I found on
ebay for $40 or so. They included all the small stuff and every little part was quality. You'll need 8ga or 4ga depending on the power of your amps. Finally if you have any money left get some sound deadning from
http://www.secondskinaudio.com It's expensive but do you doors, and trunk to start then your whole floorpan. You'll get better sound (because of less road noise) plus the added weight to your doors will give them that quailty mercedes feel when they close. Ohh and you'll need plenty of MDF. Say a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" to make the sub box and mounts for the amps etc. When you are ready for the install reading up here and asking lots of questions will get you through the install, it's easier and harder than you might think. Schedule at least a weekend of you car being torn apart and undriveable on your first install; or do it in stages.
Anyways that's my $2 worth of typing...
