I think I have narrowed my components down to the following:
HU - Eclipse 8553
Front - Focal 165 W3 or K3, or Alpine SPX-F17T - all 3 way comp's
Back - JL XR650-CXi Coax
Sub - JL 8W7 or 10W6v2 - depends on what kind of enclosure I can find
Amp's - JL 250/1 and 450/4

My question is.. on a relative SQ comparison to higher end systems, how should this system stand up? If the stock Bose = 3 on a 1 to 10, what would this system rate? Lastly.. how loud could I expect it to get?

Since I have never had a 'high(er) end' sound system I really have no idea if I have made an educated selection of components.

 

I have a brand new unopened amp that is great for your application and cheaper than the JL.



PX300.4
600-Watt 4-Channel Power Amplifier with electronic crossover

• The PX300.4 comes equipped with a slope selectable electronic crossover capable of setting the slope rate at 12dB or 24dB per octave. The additional adjustment will allow you to maximize output power and finely tune the system response to your vehicle.

• The PX300.4 is an ideal choice if you are looking to deliver great power to your front and rear speakers. This amplifier was developed with sonic accuracy in mind delivering ultra-low distortion and exceptional channel separation.

• Dynamic Bass Optimization (DBO) - The rear two channels of the PX300.4 includes DBO which provides variable filtering with adjustable "Q" below 100Hz, far beyond conventional "Bass Q" circuits, by allowing the low-frequency output to be optimized for specific subwoofer applications. Frequencies below an enclosure's tuning frequency can be attenuated, preventing damage to the subwoofer and allowing the amplifier''s power to be better utilized.

• Full-range preamp outputs - In the event that multiple amplifiers are used in an application, this feature allows for streamlined system hookup. No high-loss Y-adapters or splitteres needed.

• 75w x 4 into 4 ohms

• 150W x 4 into 2 ohms

• 300W x 2 into 4 ohms bridged

MSRP U.S. $: $524.95

Power Output: 600W x 2 Peak Power
Frequency Response: 11Hz - 45kHz (+/- 1dB)
Signal-to-Noise (dBA): >95dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: .04% at rated output
Dimensions
(H x W x D): 2-9/16" x 17" x 12-1/4"



I am asking $275. I have yet to even open the box. I decided not to install a sound system entirely since I bought a different car. I have sold every piece of the system I bought except for this.

 

I have heard a lot of good things about Eclipse stuff, but I have never used it. I know the JL stuff sounds great for a good price. I've heard good things about the Focals too.

I don't think you have to go that high dollar for nice clean sound, and 3-ways for the fronts is probably overkill. I have the JL XR 650-CSi components in the doors and every time I hear them I'm impressed. The definition in them is far beyond anything I've heard to this point (I have not heard the Focals). The 3-ways will also require kickpanels, which, if you have this all installed, will probably run you a couple hundred bucks to have made. I'd say save the install money and get a really nice set of 2-way components.

In the rear, you really don't need top of the line stuff, since properly set rear speakers should be barely noticeable; all they are for is to fill out the soundstage a little. I am a believer in rear-fill, since every concert I have ever been to always has a slight echo from behind. Without the rears it's like listening to a boombox.

I chose to get the 10W7. My system plan was to have large bass on tap for when I needed it. It depends what kind of sound you want. I like the bass strong, but not like those retards that drive around hitting 130dB at 3AM. I didn't spend all this money on a system so everyone can hear it.

If you're interested, here's what I installed:
HU: Pioneer DEH-P9400MP
Front: JL XR-650-CSi components
Rear: JL TR-650-CX coaxials
Full range Amp: JL 300/4
Sub Amp: JL 500/1 (not installed yet)
Sub: JL 10W7 (on order, should get Friday)

Total at this point: ~$2230, including cables and stuff
All install work was done by myself, which probably saved me a few hundred dollars. The amps will be mounted on a custom aluminum amp rack in the stash spot behind the driver.

The sub will be in a fiberglass enclosure under the strut bar. These are made by Nazar, a member of this board.

Even without the sub, I am thoroughly impressed with it so far. The live version of Hotel California (Hell Freezes Over album) is rendered stunningly by the JL components. I cannot wait to hear the big drum hits in that song with the 10W7, after getting the system dialed in (again). I have a feeling I will wet myself. A Jazz rendition of Concierto de Aranjuez is ****ing beautiful. This system has played everything I've fed it well.