CWanner73

I'm looking for recommendations. I'm planning on spending $1500-2000 so I don't want to end up with a system that's loud but crappy quality in the end. System is for a 2015 Mustang GT. I recently purchased a 2023 Kia Niro with a Harmon Kardon system which makes my Mustang's system sound like garbage. So I decided to upgrade the system and add wireless carplay. My goal is to end up with something with a bit more power, a lot more bass, and still producing the equivalent or better quality sound as the Harmon Kardon system. I spoke to my son-in-law who works at a car stereo shop and he recommended a Pioneer head unit and DS18 PRO-X 6.5" Mid-Range Loudspeakers for the doors and back deck. He said that's what the sell the most and they will take a lot of wattage. They are geared towards budget building and I wasn't liking the audio quality on their display systems. I did some more research and decided to go with a Dyanavin 8 system, but I'm not 100% on that either. I looked into better DS18 speakers since he can get me a discount and found a PRO 6.5" Neodymium Full-Range speaker, but I am also looking at Kenwood KFC-1696PS in a 2-way. I don't need anything over 100 Watts RMS as I'll probably only go as loud as twice the factory system power. I am also planning on installing an amp with a 12" ported sub box from my son-in-laws shop since they build them in house and seem to get some really good thump. Are these good choices for my goal system or if not please help point me in the right direction. Thank you in advance.

mclsound

iTrader: (3)

Check out
mclaudio.ca

Excellent gear on there

Kickingback

The DS18's you are referencing are not what I would call quality sounding speakers at all. They sound okay but only for a limited range. They are Professional PA sound reinforcement type speakers designed for high SPL (volume) not full range sound quality like the Harmon kardon system you're comparing it too. I’m fairly confident if you like the sound of the Harmon Kardon, you will not like the sound of the DS18 6.5 pro style drivers. I’m a huge proponent of all things pioneer, at least their old school CD units. I currently run a DEH-80PRS, but I have that primarily to play CD's, hi-res. My understanding (I’m new here but active in 3 other popular forums on car audio and HT audio. 40+ years in this hobby. That Dyanavin 8 looks to be a nice unit as well. Most of the knowledgeable people seem to like the Alpine and Kenwood Exelon, currently. When selecting HUs, find a quality unit that has the device interconnectivity support that you will be utilizing.

I'm sure your son-in-law means well, but given the advice already provided, not thinking it's as much in your best interest as what he may be getting spiffs on this month.



Just because you can get a discount, don’t box yourself in. I learned years ago that it’s always cost a little more to do things right, but it’s always expensive to the them cheap.

What year, make and model is your Mustang?