I am planning on upgrading my audio system and I want to do it in three phases. Could I get some advice on reasonableness and products?

Phase 1: Add a sub-box like a JL 10 or dual 10 sub along with a ~400watt amp from either Sony or Rockford

Phase 2: Replace all speakers with maybe MB Quart or possibly Focal.

Phase 3: Add a new head unit with MP3 and an in dash Eclipse CD Changer. I will install this stuff in the glove box to make the car look stock.

Questions:

1. Is this a good plan?

2. Can I build an excellent sounding system for around $3-4000?

3. I want to mount the amps, 2 total in the trunk, along the sides with custom mounting. I also want to use excellent quality and good looking wiring, fuses and distribution blocks, all exposed in the trunk. Sound reasonable? Or is the "good looks" stuff not worth it? If not then where do I put 2 big amps and the associated componenets?

4. Do I need extra power handling like caps?

5. Do I need to deal with sounds deadening? How?

6. Can anyone recommend a good installer in NoCal area??

Thanks for the help...I am very new to all of this but I have been reading and trying to learn.

Regards...Michael

 

I think you could do it for that much, though custom installs cost a lot to do usually. All the places around here told me it would be around $400 to $500 to make custom kick panels. Ask StreetEffects if he could hook you up. He sells all the good stuff and has done some sweet installs. I would also like to recommend the Focal components, I love 'em.

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97 2.2 Cl
H&R sport springs
Clear signals
Pioneer P8000 cd player 4 12" Kicker Comps
Old school punch 100
Orion XTR400
Focal Polyglass 165V

 

You can build a real nice system for that price. It of course does depend if you include the install cost in that figure. Or if you buy everything new or go with some good quality used equipment. I bought my head unit, components, & main amp from one person, the subs from another, the sub amp from ebay and will be buying a changer from Peter (www.theautophile.com) who is in CA somewhere. I'm not doing anything fancy with the trunk. I'm not worrying about looks nearly as much as I am about the sound.

 

ZMZM
You are pretty close to this guy here Luchioni@aol.com He can do a much better system for half that price. He's in Santa Monica. Shoot him some mail and tell him AJ sent you.

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Sundance Gold
Comptech spring's
Still waiting for my car audio system to arrive
Eclipse 55060
Eclipse 5962 in dash 6
Eclipse 88120TIDVC Titanium
Xtant 604X
Xtant 1001X(2)
Focal Utopia 165W3
V1-Remote for sale

 

Forget the Lightning Caps and just get a more powerful battery. You'll save time and money.

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1998 2.3CL-P Bone Stock

 

why would you get nice stuff like JL and Focal, then ruin it with sony or rockford, get better amplifiers, don't skimp

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mods include:
Xtant 6.5" components front and rear
xta603x
2 xtant 12" X series subs
plexi box front and rear with 2way mirror, sliding amp rack
clifford avant guard 4 alarm, aem pulleys and CAI, comptech headers(finally came in), Eibach springs, 18" Kosei RT Penta's w/Nitto555's 225/40/18

 

What would you recommend?