New car: want opinions on sound system upgrade
 

I bought a new (used 94 MX6), which came with a Pioneer deh 2300 (lol I know), factory 6x8's in the doors and rear, and an empty dynomatted drunk. The problem? I'm used to the stereo in my other car (see below) and do not like the poor sound quality/slight distortion when the stereo is turned up a bit in the new one. I do not want to transfer the stereo from my old car to this one (I don't want 5 1/4's in this car, only want a 10" sub in this car etc.) as I am keeping my old car. However since the mx6 is now my daily, I would like to upgrade the sound system a bit.

I was thinking about just getting a 5 channel amp, replacing the 4 6x8's with new ones, and buying a 10" sub. I do not want to build kick panels. Would it be difficult to get a custom job done on the doors and maybe put 6 1/2's in there? (and disconnect the rears or leave them in, but just fade everything to the front).

I am not looking for a world class SQ system, just something that sounds better than what I have now (which is mostly factory) without spending a pile of $ (maybe 1000 - 1500 max).

Any opinions and suggestions (on the type of setup and equiptment) are welcome.

That's easily do-able but to keep it under budget and still quality gear I would suggest going used on some/most of the gear.
If you've got factory 6x8's it should be easy enough to get some 6.5's in there. Just build your own templates to accomodate. Get a decent pair and give them a healthy amount of power. Try that out and you may decide you don't even want anything in the rear.
Lot's of great gear in the For Sale section here. You should be able to find some quality gear that will get you to your goals under your budget easily enough.

Yeah, for sure, thanks for the reply. I don't mind buying used, but it seems like some people get ripped off buying used online so I've been a bit hesitant about doing that. I guess I'll just have to be careful & buy from people who have a good reputation/rating or who can meet in person.

I was also hoping to get some feedback / opinions on some brand names since i've been out of the car audio loop for a couple of years. I know DD, CDT, and some other companies have made a good name for themselves over the past few years, perhaps some more have (at decent prices) lately that I have not heard about??

I would really like feedback opinions on a couple of things..

1. I am looking for a 10' good sounding sub (sq more important than spl) in the 250-500rms range. I was looking at the JL Audio 10w3's and 10w6's. Does anyone know if there is an alternative that's just as good/cheaper etc? or would this be a solid choice?

2. Component set. I do not know if this is fact or not, but is it a fact that if you compare 6 1/2's to the exact same quality 6x8's, the 6 1/2's will sound better?

3. What's are the top component sets right now that go for under $500? The reason I ask is because one option is to just save up for some 6 x 8 polyglass focals for the doors and down the road upgrade the tweets on the dash to focal. If people think the 6 1/2's are essential for a component set I may try and find a used set of focals or 6.5 boston pro's or another brand that is highly recommended in that price range. Thank you.

There are very few really good sounding 6x8's available. I would suggest you stick to a quality 6.5" and give them some good healthy power.

Pioneer 720PRS is a nice 6.5" set that can be had for a good price.
I really like the Boston Acoustic Pro set and have owned a few. I would put them right in with the Focal K2P set.
MB Quart makes a few 6.5" sets that sound good and can be had for very good prices online.

Lot's of amps in the For Sale section here. Even I have a pair of nice matching amps (and some SQ 12's for that matter) for sale in there that would suit your install.