SQ for 2007 Cobalt on a budget!
 

So I'm looking to get a good sounding SQ system in stock locations for the time being in a 2007 Chevy Cobalt. This is a shared car and it needs to be totally usable and left as stock as possible. I've been trolling forums for deals on used gear, as I figured i'd get more bang for my sq dollar that way. Original budget was $1000.oo and I'm trying to still stay close to that budget. The plans call for an active front end and, more then likely no rear fill. So far this is the list of goodies compiled, and whats left to get,

Head unit: Pioneer P880PRS $165.oo

Front stage: -Image Dynamics XS65 two-way 6.5" $140.oo

Front stage amp: Sundown 100.4 $200.00

Subwoofer: ??? (10" single, sealed enclosure)

Subwoofer amp: Sundown 125.5 $200.00

Wiring and interconnects: Knu $50.00

Sound deadening: B-Quiet $100.00

As you can see I'm already reaching the $700.oo mark on items already purchased, but I feel I can get to my goal of budget SQ if I stay vigilant and find the deals. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated, as this will be my first active set-up in car.

Lymen

What is your stock HU like?

Stock head unit is just that a double din cd with aux in.

^ Then why not keep it?

I'd have to run a l.o.c to do this, which might happen but I rather not do everything twice. I just missed out on an awesome deal on a p800prs.

By using your stock you're actually making sure you don't do things twice. Buy slightly higher quality gear over a longer period of time and you may be ahead of the game. $1000 should be lots if you aren't including a source unit.

I figure you say it's a shared car and you want to keep it stock looking. Adding an aftermarket deck is contrary to both of those. Now the other driver has to learn how to use it and also be sure to take the face to protect it or it will be gone.

True enough dukk. Just active tune right off the amps maybe.

If a system is installed well it likely won't need much tuning to sound good. I currently have no EQ and do not use the tone controls on my deck. Proper setup of the crossover and gains is important.

Invest in a decent quality LOC and you'll be surprised what a stock HU can do. My best sounding system (SQ) used a stock Pontiac HU. Yikes.