Newbie could use a little help

[GTLTDGOLFR]

I've got a new Subaru GT. It comes w/ a pretty decent radio/changer, two way (component) 6.5 speakers in the front and 6.5 (no separate tweeter) in the back. I'm looking to upgrade w/ quality but have limited funds. My current plan is as follows:

1. Replace the fronts w/ JL XR650-cxi's.

2. Replace the backs w/ JL VR650-cxi's or JL TR650-cxi's.

3. Add an amp (thinking Rockford Fosgate P 850.4 or Pioneer Premier PRS-D4000F.

Here's where I can use help:

1. Is this generally a good plan? I'd buy the components on line and have them installed locally.

2. Speaker choice: What do you think? What about the choices for the back?

3. Power amp: Which is the better choice? Is there something else considerably better for the same $$$.

4. I plan on skipping the subwoofer to save $$ and space. I'm more of a sound quality guy than a loud music guy. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for the help.

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[Thieroff 10+ year member]

1. Install it on your own

2. If you have a strong front stage you don't even need rears man, I don't run any, go to a place that sells JL and listen to them to see if you like how they sound, try out a couple of sets, all models have a different character

3 Buy an amp to match the components you choose, I always buy something more powerful that a speakers RMS, headroom is always good

4. I like subwoofers, and you can get a small enclosure type sub and throw it in your trunk to fill out the bottom end, even most strong front stages can't play much under 60hz if they are mounted IB in the doors, they simply can't move enough air, putting them in pods may yield different results, depending on the drivers used, power and airspace

CT

 

[fasteddie7200 10+ year member]

The best advice that I can tell you is first go to a local shop and listen to JL audio speakers. They make some of the best products but you may not like them. For example, the highs are to bright or the bass is not enough. Also while your there, shop around from different speaker brands. Ask them if they will install them if you bring the product to them. If they get funny with you, ask them if they can match the price of the product they have with the price online. Once you find the speaker that you like then you can shop for your amp. Always match the RMS watts from the amp to the speaker. Its better to over power than to under power your speakers. Rockford is better than Pionner Premeir as amps go but you can look at Alpine, JL audio e series, and even MTX are pretty good.

 

[GTLTDGOLFR]

Here's what I ended up with:

JL Audio XR650-Cxi speakers in the front

Stock speakers running off stock stereo in the back

Polk Audio MOMO MM2104 10" subwoofer in a closed box

MTX Audio TC6004 4 channel amp

It's been suggested that my investment to work as well as I'd like requires the addition of JL's cleansweep or Alpine's equivalent. I'd really like to not spend another $300. Any thoughts on that would be appreciated.