complete brand name car stereo systems... suggestions?

[scarabY2k]

Hi

I'll be outfitting Cup, my nb with new speakers, amp and a subwoofer. She currently sports a Sony CDX-RA700 head unit. I'm wanting to complete her sound system with all Sony components.

The head unit is 3 years old and if need be, I could go with another HU. My question from your personal experience, should I finish with Sony, or should I seek another brand name.

I am aware that many car stereo systems are hybrid i.e., HU with different brand name speakers/amp/sub, and i'm okay with going with another brand name sub, such as JL Audio, Kicker etc, BUT i'd rather go with the same brand name setup.

EDIT:
Okay, maybe I should be a bit more specific on my price range. I can see myself paying 250-300 for a new head unit. I could spend 1000-2000 on a sound system incrementally. I'm not wanting a competition system- that's the budget that's out of my range.

Any personal experience and suggestions?

Until then, I'll be fishing around on the Crutchfield website

Thanks

[HudsonValleyVDub]

I'm not up on car stereo stuff but I will say this, if you're trying to save money, stay the hell away from Sony! Sony is expensive and inferior to a lot of stuff out there...again, I'm talking home audio and TV components but I can't be too far off. You pay for the name, not quality with Sony. That's been my personal experience. And it sounds like, if you like Sony, you don't need the likes of Polk, Infinity etc. Those are probably too high end. I'd look for amps and speakers in your price range and do a little homework on those brands. And be sure to properly match the amps power to whichever speakers you choose...so name brand isn't that important IMO.

[scarabY2k]

Okay, maybe I should be a bit more specific on my price range. I can see myself paying 250-300 for a new head unit. I could spend 1000-2000 on a sound system. I'm not wanting a competition system- that's the budget that's out of my range.

This is my first Sony HU and it's okay; and like i've said, i can go with another HU. I've owned Pioneer, Alpine and Kenwood before, and am somewhat privy on other brands JVC, Clarion, Polk, JL etc. I'm not locked into Sony so any suggestions are welcome. If need be, I can go with another brand name, hence the reason of this thread- looking at all options

Thanks for your personal experience. Other than my HU, the only other experience is my home MiniDisc deck and my PlayStation2

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

I'm not up on car stereo stuff but I will say this, if you're trying to save money, stay the hell away from Sony! Sony is expensive and inferior to a lot of stuff out there...again, I'm talking home audio and TV components but I can't be too far off. You pay for the name, not quality with Sony. That's been my personal experience. And it sounds like, if you like Sony, you don't need the likes of Polk, Infinity etc. Those are probably too high end. I'd look for amps and speakers in your price range and do a little homework on those brands. And be sure to properly match the amps power to whichever speakers you choose...so name brand isn't that important IMO.

Not true at all! You completely forgot about their super crappy laptop/notebook computers! I have one and it is by far the WORST laptop ANYONE can buy! It had a lot of great features, but now the wifi doesn't work, the touchpad freezes and clicks EVERYTHING the mouse randomly hovers over on its own, the battery life after 2 days cut in half and now i'll be luck if it lasts longer than 8 minutes unplugged, the letters on the keyboard randomly get stuck down and can even pop off the computer when they "unstick", and don't get me started on all of the Sony JUNK software that comes with the computer and takes up about 30% of harddrive space!

I haven't had good luck with my Sony Laptop/Netbook, my Sony PS2, my sony Viao Desktop computer, or our Sony Tvs. They work well for a short while, but then just start breaking themselves! I wouldn't recommend Sony ANYTHING to ANYONE!

Sorry for my rant . But my vote is 100% look elsewhere! Alpine, Pioneer, and JVC are great and Alpine IMHO is about the best bang you can get for your buck!

Titan came with aftermarket Apline speakers in the front doors and they EASILY overpower the stock monsoon rear speakers of the same size at ANY volume! When I looked them up, they are about the lowest of Apline's range too! They sound great and are inexpensive! I can't imagine what some of their more high quality systems would do!

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

Not true at all! You completely forgot about their super crappy laptop/notebook computers! I have one and it is by far the WORST laptop ANYONE can buy! It had a lot of great features, but now the wifi doesn't work, the touchpad freezes and clicks EVERYTHING the mouse randomly hovers over on its own, the battery life after 2 days cut in half and now i'll be luck if it lasts longer than 8 minutes unplugged, the letters on the keyboard randomly get stuck down and can even pop off the computer when they "unstick", and don't get me started on all of the Sony JUNK software that comes with the computer and takes up about 30% of harddrive space!

I haven't had good luck with my Sony Laptop/Netbook, my Sony PS2, my sony Viao Desktop computer, or our Sony Tvs. They work well for a short while, but then just start breaking themselves! I wouldn't recommend Sony ANYTHING to ANYONE!

Sorry for my rant . But my vote is 100% look elsewhere! Alpine, Pioneer, and JVC are great and Alpine IMHO is about the best bang you can get for your buck!

Titan came with aftermarket Apline speakers in the front doors and they EASILY overpower the stock monsoon rear speakers of the same size at ANY volume! When I looked them up, they are about the lowest of Apline's range too! They sound great and are inexpensive! I can't imagine what some of their more high quality systems would do!

LMAO...I stand corrected! I'd never spend laptop kind of $$$ on Sony! So I have no experience in that dept.

I would keep the Sony HU that you have and look for a different brand for my amps and speakers. There no reason they have to all be the same brand when you're talking about component systems. I've always liked JVC myself because they were always good and won't break the bank.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

LMAO...I stand corrected! I'd never spend laptop kind of $$$ on Sony! So I have no experience in that dept.

I would keep the Sony HU that you have and look for a different brand for my amps and speakers. There no reason they have to all be the same brand when you're talking about component systems. I've always liked JVC myself because they were always good and won't break the bank.

JVC is first on my list. before buying Cup's current HU, I was drooling over a JVC head unit at Best Buy, which was discontinued when I was finally ready to buy, so I got the Sony instead.

To give you a rough idea of my audio direction:
Head Unit- current unit or upgrade to another.
Speakers- replacing doors and rear panel speakers would like to match with the HU Brand
Subwoofer- leaning toward a kicker 10" low profile.
Amp- to drive subwoofer, mono signal.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

JVC is first on my list. before buying Cup's current HU, I was drooling over a JVC head unit at Best Buy, which was discontinued when I was finally ready to buy, so I got the Sony instead.

To give you a rough idea of my audio direction:
Head Unit- current unit or upgrade to another.
Speakers- replacing doors and rear panel speakers would like to match with the HU Brand
Subwoofer- leaning toward a kicker 10" low profile.
Amp- to drive subwoofer, mono signal.

Sounds like you have a good plan. May I ask why you want to keep
the speakers the same as the HU? Any will work but maybe there's something I don't know here..lol.
a 10" is huge no? An 8" won't work for ya? I've heard some slammin' 8" woofers in boxes that would fit great behind the rear seat but...lol...maybe you want them to hear you coming! Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Oh, and another little bit of info. Crutchfield is extremely overpriced so be careful. Use them to find what you want but shop around on price. I used to like how you could type in the vehicle and it would tell you what would fit and give you suggestions. I'm not sure they do that anymore.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

Sounds like you have a good plan. May I ask why you want to keep
the speakers the same as the HU? Any will work but maybe there's something I don't know here..lol.
a 10" is huge no? An 8" won't work for ya? I've heard some slammin' 8" woofers in boxes that would fit great behind the rear seat but...lol...maybe you want them to hear you coming! Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Oh, and another little bit of info. Crutchfield is extremely overpriced so be careful. Use them to find what you want but shop around on price. I used to like how you could type in the vehicle and it would tell you what would fit and give you suggestions. I'm not sure they do that anymore.

Well, Cup's sound system isn't gonna be a comp system, but I thought it would be cool to match as much as I could, especially that she'll be in a show here and there- maybe it's no big deal for a casual beetle show- i dunno. Just thought the look would be good with hope of excellent quality.

8" subs huh? who knew. I know they exsist, but wasnt sure on their performance. I'm gonna have to do some more research on them. BTW, i'm deleting my rear seat and doing a custom sub cabinet. It won't be a beheamoth- I want to have a little cargo function to what i'm doing. I'll give the 8" scenario some thought. Again, i'm looking for low-profile subs and not such a huge magnet/basket. I know that Kicker makes a nice 10" lo-pro, and i've heard them before- I'm not trying to wake the neighborhood, and am considering doing just one sub; i've just got to reconfig my speaker design.

And I TOTALLY agree with you on Crutchfield. I'm using them for reference purposes and I'll shop around from there.

I'm really liking the input and criticism. Thanks for the input

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

Sounds like you have a good plan. May I ask why you want to keep
the speakers the same as the HU? Any will work but maybe there's something I don't know here..lol.
a 10" is huge no? An 8" won't work for ya? I've heard some slammin' 8" woofers in boxes that would fit great behind the rear seat but...lol...maybe you want them to hear you coming! Good luck and let us know how you make out.
Oh, and another little bit of info. Crutchfield is extremely overpriced so be careful. Use them to find what you want but shop around on price. I used to like how you could type in the vehicle and it would tell you what would fit and give you suggestions. I'm not sure they do that anymore.

We're in 2010! Anything smaller than 12" is considered small! Its been pretty difficult to find a 10" subwoofer enclosure for my Cerwin Vega subwoofer

[Supercharged98]

Remember, the head unit produces the quality of the sound that the speakers put out, so I would get a better head unit, first.

I have used Alpine, Kicker, JL Audio, Memphis Audio, and MTX. I didn't like using Kenwood, Clarion, Sony and JVC.

I like using a Alpine HU and amps, Kicker door speakers and Memphis subs. This system was my most clearest sounding one I ever put together. The most bang for the buck.

[HudsonValleyVDub]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

We're in 2010! Anything smaller than 12" is considered small! Its been pretty difficult to find a 10" subwoofer enclosure for my Cerwin Vega subwoofer

<~~~~Putting cane down, "Listen..I'm not THAT old" ..lol. I know what you mean but I'll tell ya...some of those 8s will kick some azz. They probably won't thump you outta the car like some of the kids today like, but they can sound pretty damn good. But if he's going to remove the rear seat, then may as well go for the 10s.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by HudsonValleyVDub

<~~~~Putting cane down, "Listen..I'm not THAT old" ..lol. I know what you mean but I'll tell ya...some of those 8s will kick some azz. They probably won't thump you outta the car like some of the kids today like, but they can sound pretty damn good. But if he's going to remove the rear seat, then may as well go for the 10s.

I've been thinking about those 8" subs... so do you have first person experience on how they sound? Are they available in low-profile?

You've hit my objectives spot on! I'm wanting a nice sub, for a nice full bass, but i'm not trying to wake the neighborhood. Now I love to crank it too, don't misunderstand me, but i'm not trying to achieve a "boom in the hood" system.

The 8's just might work better for my application. The back seats will be gone, but part of my objective is to keep Cup as a car that will be able to haul a cooler and a suitcase- so the 8's might fit the bill. Give me your reviews my good man.

[Toad]

I wouldn't suggest going all one company for the entire setup. Unless you're getting sponsored by them, theres no point. I can't really think of a company that makes head units that has awesome speakers and amps too, except alpine, and for the price of their speakers, you can get better ones.

[crown220]

I myself have an 8w7 powered by a JL audio 500/1 AMP. let me tell you this sub blows most 10" out of the water. People think i have a 12", but when i tell them its only an 8"...
so i love my 8", small but very powerfull.

[dmbluebeetle]

Oh, come on now....

everyone knows Sparkomatic is the only way to go.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

Oh, come on now....

everyone knows Sparkomatic is the only way to go.

DUDE!!!! No joke, I was thinking about them this morningx1000.....why? Well I was just curious to which brand is "the new sparkomatic" or "the new Kraco"? No, i'm not going with either brand, I was just wondering.

Originally Posted by Toad

I wouldn't suggest going all one company for the entire setup. Unless you're getting sponsored by them, theres no point. I can't really think of a company that makes head units that has awesome speakers and amps too, except alpine, and for the price of their speakers, you can get better ones.

That was another thought that crossed my mind- after the sparkomatic thought When the thought stewed around in my head about the all one brand concept, and I've come to your conclusion; all one brand is usually a sponsored vehicle- guess I should stop watching all those car shows

From what i'm getting from you guys and even from witnessing other systems of friends, I'm gonna go with the multi-brand system. Just need to narrow down which units to get. As far as subs are concerned, i'm looking at JL Audio and Kicker, but still weighing other suggestions. I'm gonna take my time, analogize the data and make my decision.

Originally Posted by crown220

I myself have an 8w7 powered by a JL audio 500/1 AMP. let me tell you this sub blows most 10" out of the water. People think i have a 12", but when i tell them its only an 8"...
so i love my 8", small but very powerfull.

Thanks for the info good buddy! I'm gonna look into JL's product line; until then, could you give me the model#'s of what you have- some pics of your setup would be sweet too

After a day's work and thinking about the data you all are giving me, the 8" sub config is sounding better all the time. I really think this is gonna work with the enclosure idea rolling in my head.

Appreciate all the input. I'm lovin' this thread!

[Toad]

Those are the JL model numbers...

w7's are crazy subs and any size you pick will do awesome. I had an 8" square kicker in my beetle for awhile and i really liked that too. JL's amps and subs are legendary, and they are worth their high price. i dunno about their speakers though.

whatever you do.. set a budget for each part of the system so it all sounds equal. don't go out spending $1000 on a sub and sub amp (you'll see when you price JL's stuff) and then spend $200 on speakers and run them from the radio's internal amp... all you'll have is bass.

If you really don't want to wire up a 4-channel speaker amp... alpine does make this for thier newer head units: Alpine KTP-445 (ktp445) - 4 Channel Amplifier | Four Channel Amp - Sonic Electronix
I really like the though of that unit.. i don't know how good it actually is, but i'll prolly get that for the cabrio eventually when i rip out those factory speakers.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by Toad

I wouldn't suggest going all one company for the entire setup. Unless you're getting sponsored by them, theres no point. I can't really think of a company that makes head units that has awesome speakers and amps too, except alpine, and for the price of their speakers, you can get better ones.

Originally Posted by Toad

Those are the JL model numbers...

w7's are crazy subs and any size you pick will do awesome. I had an 8" square kicker in my beetle for awhile and i really liked that too. JL's amps and subs are legendary, and they are worth their high price. i dunno about their speakers though.

whatever you do.. set a budget for each part of the system so it all sounds equal. don't go out spending $1000 on a sub and sub amp (you'll see when you price JL's stuff) and then spend $200 on speakers and run them from the radio's internal amp... all you'll have is bass.

If you really don't want to wire up a 4-channel speaker amp... alpine does make this for thier newer head units: Alpine KTP-445 (ktp445) - 4 Channel Amplifier | Four Channel Amp - Sonic Electronix
I really like the though of that unit.. i don't know how good it actually is, but i'll prolly get that for the cabrio eventually when i rip out those factory speakers.

yeah, I discovered the model numbers after the post and I went to JL's website

Too bad we don't have a drool smiley- mang those 8" JL's are right up my alley. Haven't priced their amps yet, but I heard the same thing you're telling me- they're pricey but worth it.

Good to hear about the Kicker subs too. And thanks for the Alpine link- bought and Alpine for the wife-unit many moons ago and was well pleased. Of course Alpine speaks for itself- it it's got "AL" in it's name it can't be that bad ***snort***.

[Sqhhr]

In my hhr it has hertz speakers and audison amp. I the hu is an alpine. I recommend hertz above anything. Their hi-energy line is amazing. The hertz Amos are nice also. Great power and prices. As far as hu im partial to Alpine. The 9887 is a good hu if you're not going to be using external processors. It has good eq and crossovers in it. That's my. 02 on the matter.

[crown220]

I'll take some pics later today of what is currently in there. I have a ported box made to JL specs< but it will be coming out this weekend as i will be making a fiberglass custom box. Either that or a hidden stealth box< not sure what i want yet>>>>but it will be completed this weekend for sure.