I am doing a B18C5 swap in to a 99 CX hatchback. That being said I would like to get the most I can out of a great audio set up. I was thinking on dong a 7.2 system (is that what it is called?) two tens in the trunk two tweeters and speakers in the front (component? each speaker is on a separate channel), four speakers in the back (composite) two amps one for the subs the other for the speakers (I am looking for a crisp clear sound even at high decibels, less distortion) . But I do not know what brands to get or why for any of this. If any one wiser in the ways of audio than I would give there two cents of not only the brands but also why and the pros vs cons.

 

I forgot to add deck and Ipod hook up to that list.

 

Nothing like picking the lightest platform, swapping in a Type R engine, then loading it right back up with weight with an audio system...

But hey, what the hell do I know?

Sky's the limit, but you didn't mention a budget.

And you don't need speakers in the back, so forget them. Subs are okay, but that's about it.

 

Ditto the above^^^

A budget would help.

We did a CRX about a year ago, it had a 1.8L Integra engine installed for autocross.

Customer was concerned about weight but still wanted a system with good clean sound with some sub bass.

We installed an Alpine HU, this one is what I recommend for you... http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-e...-9886

Because he wanted a "stock" look we used two sets of Eclipse SP6500, 6.5" point source speakers, [a component speaker with a "coax/point source" mounted tweeter]... http://www.eclipse-web.com/point/sp6500.html also what I would recommend, unfortunately no longer current, although still available here and there.
The stock plastic speaker housings in the doors were replaced with custom MDF housings and a Dynamat speaker kit, [2sqft] was used.
The stock steel speaker plates were used in the rear and Dynamat, [inside] and rubberized undercoat, [outside] was used on the rear wheel wells.
The tweeters were removed for the rear set.

A JL Audio 300/4 was used to drive the Eclipse SP6500, high-pass on the front, and low-pass on the rear, [x-over point was set at 5000Hz on amp and passive x-overs were not used] the speakers were wired in series with the rear channels on the amp bridges, [for a mono rear fill].

The JL Audio 500/1 was used to drive a single 10" MB Quart, [PWD 254] sub in a spare tire well, fiberglass and MDF, enclosure.

The sub/enclosure and amp, [integrated] was made to be easily removable for autocross.

This turned out to be a very good sounding system, with good bass response even with the sub removed.


Not cheap. 94

 

Good quality deck ie Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse
decent front component speakers
decent rear mid range speakers (components but throw away the tweeters and passive filters)
rears powered by a decent 2CH amp with a low pass filter

But first put some security on it otherwise you might as well gift wrap it for the person that's going to take it from you.

 

You literally have to do your homework and find out which brands you would like to have. Go to your nearest car stereo shop and listen to the equipment before buying. Just don't forget to sound-deaden your car. It will sound like someone's trying to escape out of your trunk if you don't. A high-quality equalizer/crossover from Audio Control wouldn't hurt either. Just like the performance of an engine, a car stereo needs to be tuned to sound superb.

 

budget is 2k

 

I have gone to car stereo stores and audio companies. For the most part they all try to push their own "top of the line products" since expensive does not mean quality or just what they are trying to sell. So I was hoping some one who is savvy about quality would be able to help me muck through all the BS.

 

It has been my experience, [over 30 years] the most dependable HUs, [lowest warranty return rates] have been with McIntosh, Alpine and Panasonic, in that order, we never had any McIntosh equipment come back with warranty issues, but then again it is expensive and very little was sold compared to either Alpine or Panasonic.

The HU is where you should start, everything depends on it.

With amps I would recommend MTX, JL Audio, Alpine (PDX), audisan and McIntosh.

With speakers there are a fair number of good ones with Dynaudio and Hertz at the top of my list.

With subs I would recommend JL Audio.

There are other good brands out there, some less expensive some more expensive, the above are the ones I like and find dependable.

Keep in mind that whatever brand you buy it is only as good as the install, it is very importent for not only SQ but also dependability that proper install procedures are used.
That goes for any part of the audio system.

With a 2K budget you should have no problem getting a quality system, if that does not include install then it will be an above average system.

Hint... buy from authorized dealers only, either online or at your local retail dealer. 94

 

since you do have a light car and it is quick, and your budget is low. I would suggest just buying front components, a headunit, a single sub and a 4 channel amp to push your components and sub. You will find this is very doable on your budget and will get the results you want (ie clear at loud volumes)

In your budget a rockford t6004 or Boston gt-42 will do very well. JL, pdx, audisan, and Mac will put you well beyond your budget.

I did a system in a 350Z two weeks ago with this setup and the GT-42 amp it screamed and was very clear.