I just bought a 2000 GSR and although it came with a Kenwood deck, don't remember the actual model and the speakers are stock. I believe says it puts out 47x4. Right now it sounds fairly descent but, I'll eventually upgrade the speakers and possibily add a sub.

My question is should I replace the stock speakers or maybe get an amp instead? I'm going to eventually get both but, which would be a better idea for starting out. If I bought an amp I wouldn't get the speakers for a few months. I have more important things I need

Amp first? Can anyone recommend a good amp? I listen to mainly techno/trance and some R&B once and awhile. I understand quailty means $$ but, I don't want to spend too much on my stereo when my engine is still stock. I also plan to add a small box later. Still have no clue on what size. Good friend of mine just got 2 10" and thats way too much weight added to his car. Maybe, I'd just get a single 10".

Speakers? Any recommendations? Again, just a descent set would be nice. How much would it cost to upgrade the front components first? Can they run off the deck or would I need an amp?

thanks


[Modified by RuskeR, 9:52 PM 12/27/2001]

 

Speakers can sound decent run off the deck, depending upon the deck...

I suggest you wait though, and get both speakers and Amp at the same time... If not, then realize that high end-speakers deserve a high-end amp...

Are you going for sound quality, or SPL (Loudness)? I'm assuming SQ... In which case, ArcAudio makes good amps, and CDT makes good components... They are a little high-end though, and may be out of your price range... But, that is the highest I would go without kickpanels for the car....You wouldn't get a $900 set of Dynaudio 360's and not put them in an enclosure!

You want two-way components or three way components? Either way, CDT has a high-definition series, and lower line that sounds good as well..I'd say the lower line is a good value... MB quart's lower lines are decent as well.. Discus series..hehe..

If you want to go cheaper, Infinity is ok... Rockford Fosgate for amps Or alpine, they make nice amps...still sounds decent..there are many others I'm not mentioning...most are ok..

For the single 10" sub, you said weight was a concern, so I'll steer away from the AudioBahn ALum10x ... possibly get one IDQ 10" sub... that's a good deal...sounds pretty defined if you ask me...not the best, but damn near to it.. Going cheaper? then I refer you to...uh... I don't really know.. I'm more of a high-end guy...I dunno....

Bah.. here http://www.elitecaraudio.com (elite forums) (good articles)
http://www.thezeb.com (store) http://www.termpro.com (forums/articles/some weird services..???)

They can answer the question for you...I'm no good...

 

Thanks for the reply. I'd do both at the same time if I can. What kind of amp would I need if I wanted to get a 10" later?

 

Get the speakers. They are the foundation of any good system and they will make it or break it. You can pump all the watts you want through cheap speakers and it will still sound like ****.

I would say look at the untimate system you want and give it a budget, say $1,500. Spend HALF of that on the speeakers, 1/4 on the HU and 1/4 on the amp.

My favorites are Boston Acoustic, MB Quart and Focal. They are all about equal in price/quality and yes, they are all expensive but worth every penny.

Mike