need some suggestions (new stock car, super car audio n00b)
 

ok, heres the deal:
I just bought a used '97 Prelude, its fully loaded, but completely stock. Im not looking to rice it out at all; I just want a decent sound system that you could say, "pounds". Thing is, I know pretty much nothing about what are good speakers, what kind of speakers I should buy, how many, whats a good amp to buy, good subs... pretty much everything.
Im not going to be installing any of it, becuase I'm not ready to **** around with i know nothing about, but i just need suggestions on what to buy.

So anyways, could you guys please recommend a good setup for me to start with? Im by no means looking for an SPL system, but just something taht sounds good, rocks hard, and will last.
Im looking to be spending around $1000-$1500 bucks off the bat
I was thinking for a sub i would just get one 12"....
and thats about all ive decided...

any help, suggestion, comments, constructive criticm is GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Evan

heres a pic of the car:
http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/2111/vroom5xo.jpg

You would have enough room in the back of that prelude to fit a couple 12's, i'd suggest a couple alpine type R's, they go for about 150, great bang for the buck, or kicker comp VR's, also great bang for the buck, around the same price as well, or the JBL GTO's I think I seen their 10" GTO's for about 80 bucks, might want to go ported, anyways, theirs a couple differant subs you could look at, and get an idea from

How much of that wee trunk do you feel like using up for your stereo plans?
Will you be purchasing your gear new from a local shop, used, or from an online retailer?
Will you have passengers in the rear seats and do you want speakers back there also (many of us just run speakers to focus on the stage in front of us like at a concert and delete the rear fill)?

I guess id sacrifice most of my trunk space for a box and a couple of amps...
i would like to have the backseats for passengers...

like i said, im not looking on entering any competitions or anything, just something that will sound good...

sound good and impress friends i should say...

i found this on another website for a "basic setup"
head unit: $300-$500

4 channel amp for highs: $250-$400

2 channel amp for lows: $300-$700

sub(s) (1-10" to 2-12"): $150-$450

enclosure for sub(s): $0 (free air) - $250 (custom)

component set: $200-$500

coaxials for rear fill: $100-$400

crossover/equalizer: $100-$500

wiring and accessories: $50-$250

installation: $0 (do it yourself) - $100 (basic)...

I guess I just need some recommendations on brands and models and what not

I would start with a nice 2 way lcd car alarm. A single 12 that sports about 500 watts RMS, The Alpine type R's are nice if you go with the 500 watt model and not the older 300 watt. MTX makes solid amps I'd go with one 801D and one Thunder 564 4 channel. I would also upgrade the factory speakers with something that sounds nice to your ears. As for an HU, it's all depends what options and ease of use you are after.

If just one sub is what your thinking, maybe a Type R 15 or 12 and a TCAB could work...that would pound pretty hard. But theres probly gonna be lots of nay sayers on that

Take a look at www.edesignaudio.com i just picked up an amp and sub from them and they are amazing, got them both as a package deal for 561.75 shipped. I got it from their canadian distributor www.portimex.ca. Dealt with a guy named Brent, very nice guy and will help you out with anything. Their subs, amps and components are very very nice. I got a 13Ov.2 sub and a nine.2x amp, running 600w rms @ 4ohms for $560, and their 6000s components are supposed to be some of the best out there for the price. And supposedly their stuff lasts forever, it all comes with a 3 year warranty.