Roy. A

Hello, just found this site and it looks pretty cool, I'll thank people in advance for any assistance they can provide.

First, I know nothing about car audio, or any type of audio for that matter, I just know that I want my car to sound more like my living room which houses my HSU speakers/subwoofer, that modest system was purchased via online recommendation and I'm very happy with it.

my budget is $1500 max and that needs to include taxes and installation

I was at futureshop the other day and the sales guy made some suggestions,

$99 Pioneer deck, $299 10" dual MTX sub enlcosure, $169 4 channel MTX amp, $199 Infinity component 5 1/4 component speaker, he said around $300 for installation, sorry, i don't know model #'s of any of that gear but I'm sure it's all basic entry level stuff, so,

Question #1, Is this a good way to go? I've bought a ton of stuff in the past from the same store and never any problems with returns/exchanges, i really like that.

Question #2, I've noticed on this forum most guys use custom boxes/subs, how is that better than pre built combos like the guy at Futureshop showed me? When I was shopping for a home sub prety much everything I looked a was a box/driver/amp combo, all designed to work as one unit and tailored accordingly

Question #3, the sales guy also suggested some $75 speakers also but said I could go with 4 of them and then get another amp, he this would sound better but if I was only going with two speakers to get a "component set", whatever that means.

most of this tech stuff is beyond me, I just want a sound system that gets installed right and sounds decent

I also went to a local car audio shop to compare prices, they obviously had better gear but the guy there said he couldn't do anything for me below the $2000 level and after 14 days he would charge me for any install related issues while the futureshop guys seem pretty cool and casual

thanks very much

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

Post more info if you can that is pertinent to you. The vehicle year, make, model is a big start. The overall goal of the system, future expansion etc. Would you be open to a recommendation on a installer in your area and a box builder in your area. This would save you some $ and allow you to upgrade the audio portion of your budget with that savings. Once you answer these questions, it will be far easier for me to start matching up some equipment for you.

Roy. A

2000 Deville, there won't be any expansion, goal is to approach the general overall sound of my HSU system, I can't post the link but it's at the hsu website , their Enthusiast 2 package

sorry, not sure what you mean about the installer and box builder, like I said, I know jack about this stuff,

thanks for your input

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

A specialty car audio shop is going to have a much broader range of products available to you to choose from. While the better products also have a larger pricetag associated to them, don't let that one guys comments sway you. A charge for install issues after 14 days is total BS. That is the last time I would visit any shop. My shop works closely with the other ones in the area, matter of fact I trained the installers at two of them and I have no issues sorting out problems for them at the same time.

I have a couple of people in your area that I refer to for installation and for a box being built. If you build the box, you are going to have a much more predictable outcome for you bass response. If you go with a generic prefabricated box, expect moderate results. If you want a referral to a installer in your area that is going to be less than the $300 quoted, I will recommend one to you.

Cutra

iTrader: (3)

Getting better gear is easier.
Get the gear and then go to an install shop to get it installed.
You can get much better for the same price.

Remember you get what you pay for.
p.m. me and I will help you if you want.

Roy. A

so the futureshop deal is no good? I much prefer a place I can buy the gear, have it installed all at once

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

I will package you up a great system, then refer you to a good installer who can build your box also. This is going to maximize your budget and allow you to get far better products.

Cutra

iTrader: (3)

Well if that is what you want to do...do it....

Killer_klown187

iTrader: (20)

Mr2nr has a very good strategy here, and its going to get you WAY more and might even still walk away with more money in your pocket long run. Also supporting a local shop as per a big box store...

Cutra

iTrader: (3)

If you would like any old school gear let me know. I have tons...