Help Build My New System!
 

I’m new to the car audio stuff, but I’d like to get a system in my car, a ’93 Sunbird LE, and I’ve chosen Future Shop as the place to get my components. I know the selection is limited, but:
1) It’s not TOO bad as far as I can tell.
2) I have someone who can get me discounts (Price+10%).
3) Free installation (I know squat about installation, as I said, I’m new).

So I’ve basically done some research, and made a list of products. This list is disregarding front speakers (which will most likely be Infinity 3012CF 3.5” @ $99.99), wiring (~ $50-75 estimate) and sub box (~ $100) (and possibly Dynamat?).

Choose a HU, 6x9's, 2 subs and an amp, with a budget of ~$1000 (but preferably lower), using prices listed. Also, what suggestions do you guys have on choice of each component, taking in consideration: Price vs. SQ vs. SPL vs. Compatibility?

(If you'd like to go more in-depth check for better/different products, go to www.futureshop.ca, and comprise a list of any products from the choices.)


Head Unit
- JVC (KD-G720) $229.99
- Panasonic (CQC5303) $229.99
- Pioneer (DEH-4800MP) $229.99

Speakers 6x9”
- JVC (CS-V6934) $99.99
- Pioneer (TS-G950M) $99.99
- Pioneer (TS-A6961R) $129.99
- MTX Thunder (TDX6902) $169.99
- Infinity (9612I) $199.99
- Infinity (692.7i) $249.99

Subwoofer 10” (x 2)
- Pioneer (TS-W256R) 10” $119.99
- Infinity (1040W) 10” $149.99
- Infinity Reference (1052W) 10” $149.99
- Rockford (P210S4) 10” $149.99
- Infinity Kappa (102.7W) 10” $249.99

Subwoofer 12” (x 2)
- Pioneer (TS-W306R) 12” $139.99
- Rockford (P212S4) 12” $179.99
- Infinity (1240W) 12” $199.99
- MTX (MZS1204) 12” $199.99

Amplifier
- MTX (TC2002) (2-Channel) $199.99

My other option is to get the amp somewhere else, as the amp selection for my price range is terrible. What suggestions for amps do you have for my price range, and compatible to the subs chosen? Also, should I run my front/back off a 4CH, or my back off a 2CH? Obviously 2CH for subs.

My thinkings right at the moment are:
- Panasonic (CQC5303) or Pioneer (DEH-4800MP) (HU)
- Pioneer (TS-A6961R) (6x9)
- Pioneer (TS-W256R) 10” (x 2)
- An amp.
(summing up to $600 + amp).

I have another question too, and I don’t know if it’s a stupid question or not, but the way that most subs are mounted are facing away for the cabin. I have flip down seats, if I flipped down my seats, wouldn’t subs sound better if facing forwards, rather than away from the cabin?

And another question. My front dash speakers are 3.5", and I don't know if the speaker covers will fit back on, even if I got the Infinty 3.5", so seeing as I might have to remove the speaker covers anyways, should I upgrade the size to 4" or maybe even 5 1/4"?

I know these are a lot of questions, but I’m just looking for suggestions right now on anything. Thanks in advance.

. . . .

First man PM Smartass here for all your car audio needs and prices he is helpful and good to deal with:thumbsup:

Infinity are good subs thats what i would choose out of all the others mentioned or Hifonics subs if you interested in them...MTX are ok but i wouldnt buy them thats me:smilie_da

Headunits can get you this Nakamichi CD300 MP3 CD/Receiver for $519.00 if that fits your budget:thumbsup:

If that's your cost, your friend sure as hell isn't getting you cost +10%. I work at futureshop, I KNOW.

I agree that that is not cost +10% pricing, it is good pricing but better can be done for you. Also, according to the local FS or DSM, that pricing is now reserved only for employees, not their buddies as well. Keep your friend employed as there are any number of corporate eyes from FS that read these forums. While it is always nice for a friend to give you a deal, it is not worth it if that deal costs you friend their job.

I am the only Western Canadian vendor and like you am also located on the island. Shipping time is same day if sent on the bus. You have lots to choose from as far as equipment goes.

I would look at a 4 channel amp myself. I have 3 left of the Infinity Refererence amps that I bought on sale, they would work great in this application and then allow you to expand to a larger sub amp down the road (using the 4 channel for the fronts and rears).

Free upgrade into Pioneer Premiere 10" subs at the same price as the normal Pioneer subs(adds a 2 year warranty) or for $20.00 each more, upgrade to the 12" Premiere version (a much better idea for the long term goals of the system).

Eclipse and Pioneer make some good cd players, the new Pioneer Premiere has a front panel aux input on it should you have a portable type device you wish to use. The Eclipse is slightly more $ but in my opinion is a far better cd player.

Speakers, keep it to a respectable 3.5 up front and a simple 6x9" in the back.
Eclipse makes a great 3.5" speaker for the front, the Pioneer TSG950M is a good speaker for the rear (priced at $80.00).

You have some options, see if you want to consider them and support the small guy here. Wiring kits and deadener are also in stock as well. Need install done, it's an excuse for a road trip.

Yes, but that means his friend is trying to pull a fast one and pocket some cash while putting his job in jeopardy - this is even WORSE.
Frankly, I gave my parent's a 'gift' of a brand new TV - but that was also paying off my debt. So they cancelled one another out. That's all I've done, everything else has been for me. thank god I sell iPods and I can truthfully say that I hardly save ANY money.

Totally agree, Rob is an awsome supporting vendor of the site here and you would get way better advise and support from him vs FS.

Truth...

the $$$:value ratio on headunits is always in favour of JVC.

My headunit has 3 sets of pre outs, sub control, USB port on the front, and when i bought the deck with the optional iPOD docking control that plugs into the stacker control, i paid 199 for it all at FS on the thanksgiving sale.

JVC = best value for money. Always has, even 7 years ago when i used to sell and install car audio back in Sydney, Aus.

The build quality isnt as good as Pioneer, but nothing is anymore. JVC is on par with Clarion, Kenwood, Alpine...... in the same price range for sure.

Cheers

Thanks for everyone's help! Sorry, the prices I listed are the store prices, not the prices that my friend got me, caused a little confusion there, I guess. I ended up going with a Panasonic CQ-C5403U (199.99, No discount, it was the last one, and I couldn't wait for the discount), 3.5" Infinity Ref ($40, w/ discount) and 6x9" Infinity Ref ($80 w/ discount). All of this is installed now, and I'm going to do sub(s)/amp soon. I have already bought a full Stinger 8-Gauge Install Kit ($45 w/ discount), and another guy gave me a crappy 100RMS/300max watt Visonik sub and amp for $25, just to use until I can afford to buy a couple 10" Perfects and an amp or 2 (to run subs and rear speakers).

EDIT: Oh, thank you Rob for your offers, I will most definately consider you when I'm ready to upgrade.