joeg26er

I have just started looking around for speakers for my 94 GSR Sedan.
I got an Alpine CDA7892 and for some reason it makes my stock speakers sound
like crap - all the bass went out and the highs are sometimes a bit peaky.

Is there something wrong with the head unit or is this what happens when you use a
different headunit with the stock speakers?

What speakers are the best sounding for the money?
I called Crutchfield and they said that I should get Kickers components for the fronts
and the K69 Kicker 6x9 for the back since they will fit without mods. Also tried to
sell me on a US Acoustics 85x4 amp to power the system since the Alpine is
"underpowered".

I stopped by Sound Advice and the guy there said that I should get at a minimum
$300 Boston components (if I want components) and $200 cobalt 6x9s and an Orion
5 channel amp $300.

The guy at Best Buy was too busy to help me...besides - did not look like they
carried very good selection - was I wrong?

I want good sound - not competition sound or "boom car" sound.

Your opinions and thoughts are valued and welcomed.

rcurley55

Here's what I would do...

First off, yes that alpine headunit is "underpowered" While many manufacturers have been putting out higher quality internal amps, they still fall very short of any external amp.

You should first decide if you want a subwoofer or not. Typically, I suggest the following system to anyone who wants a clean sounding system...same formula, works every time....4 channel amp, components up front, stocks in the rears and a single subwoofer. Run two channels to some front components, the other two channels to the sub, and use the headunit to power the rears.

I've found that if you buy a 75x4 (or stronger) amp you will have plenty of power for a good set of components and a 12" sub. This combo only takes up about 1ft^3 of space in your trunk (depending on subwoofer choice) and keeps total system cost under $1000 including all installation materials. Seeing as you already have a headunit, you are easily on your way to getting a good system. Of course, that $$ amount can move either way depending on your tastes, and the type of gear you purchase.

If you want just stock speaker locations, get some 6x9's and some front components, and a 4 channel amp, and you are good to go. I like infinity reference for a good cost/performance ratio.

o_Rage_o

Good advice

Personally, I'm going:

Infinity Components up front (amazing sound, not too bright tweeter, very smooth response)

Stock speakers in the rear

Power 400.4 Fosgate Amp - 50x4 RMS at 4 ohm power to the internal speakers

Power BD500.1 Fosgate Amp - 400x1 RMS at 4 ohm for a single sealed infinity perfect 12.1 sub (great SQ, amazing response 18hz!!)

The advice to power the sub and the components off the same 4 channel amp is good for saving money, but if you get a cheap mono block for the sub its easier to balance the system. You might also try some dynamat or
b-quiet on the door around the speaker to get some cleaner midbass out of the speaker

Good luck!.

-Rage