Don't know much about the audio scene, help me set up my system!!

[copgtp]

Alrighty boys and girls, here's the dealio:

I'm a big performance guy, and I've pretty much gone to the max on my GTP when it comes to performance, and I'm happy!

Now it's time to get my system up to date! I hate the sound of my stock components, over the years they have gotten even worse! One thing I'd like to keep is my stock CD changer, but if thats not possible, than I'll deal with getting rid of it. Here is some vital information for people that want to help me out!

Budget: $500-$800
Music Genre: Mostly Country and rock, some R&B from time to time
Components installed: STOCK (non bose)
Requirements: Need to keep the stock steering wheel controls functional. I would like a nice well-rounded sound system, not looking for a DB monster here!
Skill level: I can handle all wiring myself, with some well written instructions or help from the boards.


So thats it! Help me out here please! What do you suggest? Brands and/or specific models are welcome information!!!

 

[archemedes]

for the price you have I would say upgrade the stock speakers with ones that you like the sound of (go to a local shop with one of your cd's and listen I prefer it to not be a circuit city or best buy to eliminate the other departments noise) if you want a sub go with a single 12 or maybe a 10 (soundstream may fit you budget best, and has decetn quality)

 

[copgtp]

Thanks man! Yea, I figured speakers would be high on the upgrade list, now if I wanted to go with a sub, i would need an amp, right? thats where i start to get confused, LOL, what kind of amp do i need? all these different channels and such, soo confusing!!

 

[Toofastgs]

I would look at Polk audio db or infinity reference. All around.
Eclipse or clarion be first choice after that pioneer for radio.

12" Sealed box. Kicker, MTX, Alpine Type S

Mtx, Kicker, Even the new sony amps are decent

 

[archemedes]

I prefer 5 channel amps myself as they tend to cost a bit less than doing all separate, and packaging is easier, there are others who avoid them, it's a preference thing there

 

[copgtp]

what is with the different amps? what is controlled by a channel? is more less??? or less more??

 

[archemedes]

channel is outputs (number of speakers)

 

[Incomudrox]

Catch me on aim dude!

 

[Toofastgs]

I prefer 5 channel amps myself as they tend to cost a bit less than doing all separate, and packaging is easier, there are others who avoid them, it's a preference thing there

5 Channel amps are great for a basic set up.
I dont like the for the fact most start going to a class D rating. Great for subs but bad for main drivers if you like to listen to you music loud or you like to crank it up on those nice spring summer days, then a 5channel amp is not going to be the best

There are MANY ways you can set it up. Limiting factor is your budget.

 

[mlambert]

No, you may not have audio. Don't you know the trunk is for the dead bodies?

 

[Zach3800]

A single ten sounds the best I have had 2 12's one 12 and one 15 before and the ten sounds the best out of all of them.

 

[archemedes]

A single ten sounds the best I have had 2 12's one 12 and one 15 before and the ten sounds the best out of all of them.

that depends on some variables like type of music, box, and even sub and amp. I have had single 10's also, and think they sound fine for background music, but when I want some sound they just don't do it (preference also plays a huge part)