Just starting out on a buget

[Cartman]

I've got the stock system in a '96 Sport and want to upgrade it, I want to get a good system but can't afford it all at once so can you provide a break down of what I need and in what steps to get it.
I'm looking at the MTX custom box that fits nicely and looks very nice in the rear pocket for a 10" sub but it seems quite costly. The other thing is if the RMS of the sub is 200 watts do I want an amp at around 200 or less then that.
What else needs to be done,

 

[sideswipe]

In my opinion, start with a nice HU, and then get a nice amp and sub(s). Then go for the highs (pioneers or kenwoods).

 

[leenjen]

yeah, you want to get the aftermarket headunit first. then you can get the sub/subs and amp. if you get the MTX tunderform, then 200 watts rms will work fine.
for less money you could buy another sub and amp, and just put the box in the back. it will sound a lot better than that small MTX enclosure. and it will be cheaper. but if you need the space, you might as well get the MTX, JL, or Qlogic box.

 

[Cartman]

Don't the aftermarket head unit look kinda crappy, there is that space around it that is just blank.
Further question if I get a new head unit what kind of power do I want, How much do I need to drive a new set of 5x7's. Can you reccomend a certain model?
What is the real size of speakers that fits, most say 5x7's but I've been told that 6x8's fit.

 

[mrsteve]

Okay here's the deal. Any aftermarket headunit you buy will underpower any aftermarket speaker sold today. The average output in RMS watts from an aftermarket headunit isn't more than 20 watts. Even if it says 30. Don't pay attention to the peak wattage it isn't important what-so-ever. To send the appropriate amount of watts to an aftermarket speaker you need an aftermarket amplifier. If this is outside your budget, find a speaker with a high sensitivity rating and a low RMS rating. You will get the most sound out of your speakers with the low amount of wattage from the headunit. All speakers 5x7 and 6x8 fit in the stock locations.

Also if you are installing this equipment all yourself wait until you have enough money to buy everything at once. This will save you lots of time during the stages where you have to take apart and put back together the interior of your X.

I would advise you not to go with any of the "stealth" enclosures unless you really need the space. An amp could be mounted where the "stealth" enclosure would be and a small 10" sealed box would not take up very much room at all. Also if you needed the space you could just unplug it and carry it out.

Stay away from JVC and Aiwa headunits...they are aweful. Stick with brands like Kenwood, Pioneer, Clarion, Eclipse.

Many of your questions can be answered with out even posting a new thread. The audio forum has grown in popularity very quickly over the summer. If you can't find your answers through a search, many people here know what they are talking about and will help you the best they can.

Steve