cw42

iTrader: (1)

I have a budget of no more than £300, to upgrade the speakers in MY99. I want to use all the original positions, and keep it stealthy. I want a good bass response as my home system is a full blown DTS/DD with sub. I know that to reproduce similar sound quality in the car would cost me thousands, so I am looking more at the dynamics of the sound, not the volume.
I have a SONY MD HEAD UNIT, with 10 disc cd changer in the boot, rated at 4 * 50 watts( I know it is not that powerful!)
I was thinking along the lines of a set of component fronts, and some 6*9's at the rear for the bass. Or, as my budget is a bit low, would a set of components at the front, and an amp be better, and leave the rears alone until funds allow a future upgrade.
Pics would be appreciated of your installs, as there doesn't seem to be many on this bb.
Your comments and suggestions would be much appreciated,
chris.

smurph

If i were u i would forget the rear fill and buy a decent amp and some components up front. Then when you can afford it add a sub e.t.c

smurph

chiark

As already mentioned, front speakers and a 4 or 3 channel amp for now, then add a boxed sub in the future.

120 quid for front speakers leaves you with 180 quid for an amp. My choice would be something in the Phoenix Gold range at the moment. Alternatively, buy second hand from ebay... I might be selling my soundstream 604 amp (4x75 or 2x75 + 1x300) if you're interested...

Nick.

cw42

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for that info guys, I thought it would be the best way to go, I don't really need surround sound in my car at the moment, so 2 good speakers up front would do the trick.
Chiark, is that soundstream amp the rubicon series? It retailed for around the $500 mark, is that right, email me with how much you would want for it, and have you got any pics of it in situ at the moment, or have you already upgraded? What speakers would you recommend to go with that, bearing my budget in mind?
chris.

chiark

It's not the rubicon, it's the reference 604. Dunno how much it's worth TBH, but they were damned expensive in their time. You could just get a bargain here tho if I decide to sell it... Will let you know when the replacement arrives - a continuum

For speakers, my de facto choice is now the focals as I don't think you can do better for the money (120 quid for the 165 access jobbies)

cw42

iTrader: (1)

Cheers chiark, where could I get a listen to the focals? Local ice shop? or more specialist dealer?
I am currently talking to Reddish Car Audio in Cheadle, nr Stockport, who seem to know there stuff, so may go back to them with your reccommendations.
Mail me with your price and time on the amp, it does sound like a nice bit of kit, and I've no problem buying secondhand, as you seem to be the kind of bloke who looks after his kit,
chris.

cw42

iTrader: (1)

Right, I'm off to sq plus in manchester this morning, to have a look at what can be done.
The website seems very good, and the demo facilities better than most shop displays.
Will let you know how I get on,
chris.

cw42

iTrader: (1)

phew! what a set-up they have there. Very pro looking, but with a 4 week wait at the moment for any installs.
They reccomended that I go for a set of component fronts for now, costing £200 inc. install, and then when my budget allows, going for an amp and sub box setup for the rear, or some 6*9's for the parcel shelf.
Sounds good to me, now to see if I can hear the focals anywhere, keep you informed,
chris.