I am a bit of a newb to the stereo Mod thing and I won't ask what the best brands are, but could you guys throw out some of the upper end brand names of speakers, amps, and decks so I can get started on my research?


Thanks,
JasZ

 

Head Units: Eclipse, Nakamichi, Kenwood, Clarion Pro Audio (Eclipse & Nak being the only two I'd ever personally buy).
Amps: Arc Audio, Xtant, Precision Power, McIntosh, Zapco, Soundstream, Boston
Speakers: Boston, Diamond Audio, Image Dynamic, Rainbow, Dynaudio
Subs: Image Dynamic, Kicker, Elemental Design, Memphis, JL Audio

there's obviously way more but those are the brands I choose for top quality products that sound great. I'm sure I missed a few that I like...

 

So is the best way to go to get one amp for all speakers, or power small speakers off the deck and then just an amp for sub, or what?

 

I would get a 4 channel amp for the speakers and a 2 channel or mono amp for the sub, depending if you are running 1 sub or 2. Head unit power will probably not keep up with the sub amp.

 

I'm thinking of going image dynamics 12" run by phoenix gold tantrum and the kenwood ddx7015 DVD deck

 

LS350Z's choices are great. Eclipse and Nakamichi are top notch if you don't care about mp3 support Also check out Phoenix Gold Titanium amps, and TRU tech amps. I've heard the newer PPI amps aren't as good as the older models, but no first hand experience. I personally have a McIntosh amp with Dynaudio 3ways, installing them as we speak. speakers: MB Quart and Focal are great as well. Good luck

 

Why do I get the feeling that I am going to be poor after all this is done?

 

I really wanna build my own sub-box and install it in the stock sub location. You guys got any suggestions or good info links other than the one's in this forum?

 

I've been debating between a Clarion and an Alpine head unit.

My last Clarion crapped out on me after 2 years, so I might try Alpine this time around... opinions?

 

I was thinking about getting a 5 channel Boston Acoustics Amp with all Boston Pro Speakers including Sub.

What do you think about that choice?

I like the Sony 7700MDX. Got an opinion on that?

I want a double din head unit that will look killer in the dash. Any other suggestions?

 

JasZ - that would be a great combo. I personally run an Eclipse 8053 HU to an xtant 3 channel amp (X603) to Boston Pro 6.5s up front (and a set of 5T ambient tweeters up front) and a Boston Pro 10 sub - no rear speakers.

You can probably grab some 6.5 Pros cheap now that the Pro 60s are coming out in the near future. 6.5s should be $450 or less and the Pro 60s (the newer 6.5 replacements) will run $599 I believe.

I run my 6.5 woofers in stock location and the tweeters in the kickpanels facing straight back along the doors. I run my 5T ambient tweeters in stock location attenuated -2db. Soundstage is terrific.

 

I'd go Clarion Pro Audio HU over any Alpine anyday. alpines are horrible in build quality unfortunately because they do have some nice features and decent looks. Performance wise I'd say they are both about equal.

 

Thanks for all the great feeback guys. I noticed that Eclipse and Nakamichi are popular HU. What does getting a really expensive HU get you since you're using an amp anyway? Why not grap a Sony HU and spend the extra on the amp/speakers?

 

The HU makes a big difference in sound clarity. Also features. I've only run Clarion HU, but Nakamichi kicks ***.

Can't wait till next week. Turning in my Z to install the Subs and Amp rack. Will start on the center console and door once we decide on a design to go with.

Clarion DXZ945MP
Clarion VMA7194
Boston Pro or Z5s
Boston SL65 rear
3 x JL10W6v2
2 x Xtant 1.1
1 x Xtant 2.2
3 x Xtant 3.1