First time posting in here and I don't have much knowledge on audio, so be gentle

I want to replace all my speakers, wiring, subs, etc. Everything audio besides the stock cd/radio unit.
What brands should I look at? And what brands should I stay away from?
Is there a guide/info on what exactly I should be looking for when I'm shopping for new equipment? I'm looking for something that will cost me under $1200. I don't want a box in my trunk or any of that.
Just to replace my stock audio.

 

Try www.Crutchfield.com for "what fits" and then browse around. Stick with the name brands as your budget isn't going to support the higher end ones that you might not be familure with. A big factor is where are you going to get it installed? A good installer is hard to find ... and a bad one can ruin some good gear.

 

im not certain how good the stock head unit will sound with aftermarkets. the average aftermarket speakers are 100-140w and the radio probably puts out like 12w. i pulled the stock door speakers and their magnets are about the size of a quarter and rated 4w and 4ohms. the rear speakers were rated 40w, and 32ohms the speaker magnets were a little bigger. so that tells me that stock head unit will probably not run those aftermarkets and you would need a line converter and an amp to get them going.

 

That's a really good site paul350z. I really wanted to know the basic info on the stock stuff, sizing and all.
Thanks.

 

I think that if you want to use the stock deck, you will need something like the Rockford 360.1 or the JL Clean Sweep. I think alpine makes one too but I dont know if they are available yet. It will provide you with the proper outputs so that you can run amps for your speakers and subs. It will also flatten any factory preset EQ'ing that may be built into the stock unit. I think it even comes with crossovers. The 360.1 and clean sweep probably costs $300+...about the same price for a good head unit. But I guess if the factory look is that important to you, then this is the way to go.

 

So it would be better to replace the stock headunit instead of buying all this "clean sweep"?

I just don't want to go overboard and spend more than my budget. Hopefully I can find a good dealer and installer soon. I'll write back what they say, and whatever help I get from everyone will be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

I'm not sure how good the clean sweep or 360.1 is, but with that money, you can definately buy a good head unit with options like time alignment, eq, 3-way crossovers...the works. The clean sweep and 360.1 are for the people who want to expand/upgrade their audio system who's cars have funky radios where the radio and air condition unit are attached to the same pieces...or for people who just like the factory looks. But then again...you CAN just use the factory deck...you just will have to use the line output converter and hope that your new sound system doesnt need much tuning. Another option is to buy Zapco DC amps. it pretty much does everything for you as far as crossovers, time alignment, and eq...however it is a bit pricey.