Cheap Sound System

[rutamaze]

Hey, this is my first post here and I'm looking for some help on starting to mod my '97 XLT. So far it's completely stock, but I'm looking to start upgrading as $$ comes in. I'm really into sound, but don't know too much about it. Can anyone help recommend where I should go for not too much money? I'm looking for probably just subs; I think I can get an amp from a friend, but I'm not sure. I'd prob like to spend ~300 for subs/amps at most. What would you guys recommend to be a good setup to go with? I'm not worried about the head unit or a box... I can build one easily enough. Thanks.

 

[raginraj]

there's a lot of different setups on this site... i would do a search on the Explorer Audio forum. it's a sub-category in the Explorer Tech section.

 

[Drewfus04]

I have 2 JL 12w6's in a personalized box made by JL just for these subs that I bought off a friend for $300.

You can get quite a lot with $300 for just the subs w/o a box. I'd go with JL. But if you want something not so bad with a cheap price tag, go sony.

 

[Jonny813]

First off, if you are into sound don't settle with a cheapy system. Contrary to what Drew says, unless you have a friend or a hook up that can get you a system, $300 won't go that far. I have shopped ALL around. I'd say get some good speakers first, that will run you around $200-300 alone(for above average speakers), I bought MB Quartz 5x7's for my Ex Sport and they sound fabulous(I even have a stock head unit still). I cannot stress how much of a waste of money it will be if you buy cheapy stuff. As for a sub and amp setup, you need a good amp just as bad as good subs... Now Drew is right about JL, they are top of the line and are well worth the money. The subs can go quite cheap, like $120 for 12w0's but don't expect to touch a JL amp for under $300 that will give you that much power.

Bottom line, it really depends on if you are looking for quality or power. You can get some cheap subs that sound horrible that will hit hard. But I'm really into how good it sounds, so I do have a biased on this subject. I think it has to do with the kind of music you listen to as well, I listen to 99% rock so I don't need subs that can hit hard.

It depends on alot, but some in my opinion... Stay away from Sony most of all, they are crap. I prefer Alpine to most in the lower price range, Rockford Fosgate is decent. Infinity has some good products. But for $300, if you want quality at all... dont bother with subs, it won't happen.

 

[rutamaze]

I'd say get some good speakers first, that will run you around $200-300 alone

thanks for that suggestion, i hadn't really considered just going with improving the components. are there any in particular anyone could recommend. also, as im a dunce who still enjoys the good sound, do they need extra amps? i would imagine they do.

 

[Jonny813]

They don't need a seperate amp, they will play good off even the stock head unit. If you had the money I'd say get a good head unit and speakers at the same time, about 99% of aftermarket headunits have an amp that will put out about 22 watts, 50 watts max. But, you don't HAVE to have an amp or new head unit for them to work. I still have a stock headunit with good speakers and it sounds great, and gets as loud as I want to hear it, which it does crank up high.

As for suggestions there are several good speaker brands. I have an very much enjoy 5x7 MB Quartz, they are in the mid price range. They run around $150 a pair(when I bought them that is). In the cheaper price range, I think around 60-70/pair, not sure anymore, but Alpine is pretty good. Aim on getting 5x7's, they fit exactly in the speaker slots, no cutting required. I was looking at a bunch of 6" Speakers when I first started shopping untill I found out they won't fit unless they cut some out of the door. I have heard good things about Infinity, don't know about price, should be sub-$100. Audiobahn is good. Its something you should shop around for yourself, go to stores and compare the speakers. Any brand though(even Sony, yuk) will sound better than stock.

**Edit**
Also, if you get speakers, Install them yourself, they are a breeze to install. And it will save you probably about 60 bucks.

 

[Drewfus04]

rutamaze, if you're looking to spend $300 on a pretty nice system (subs/amp..w/o box) I'd probably go with this deal.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?j=1&id=pcmprd13300050004&skuId=999913400050004&type=product

They are on sale right now as part of a "party package". I'm going to get a set for my sister's car. Power acoustics may not be the best but for 2 subs/amp with all that wattage, they can't sound that horrible. You may want to buy another amp to power those two subs though... I'd still be fine though. It's over $200 off right now, so I'd say that's a damn good deal for the money. Good luck!

 

[Jonny813]

That deal doesn't look bad, but I dont like that brand. Although Im pretty sure the # of wattage has nothing to do with the quality of the sound. IMO, depending on what you want/what you listen to, 150-200 watts is enough. I'm very biased though, when I listen to music I want it to sound crystal clear and perfect.

Also, you might want to steer clear of subs if you still have a stock head unit. Stock head units don't give you the control you would want to actually tweek your subs to sound right.

Out of best buy's selection, Rockford Fosgate is the best.