Richey

Hi all,

I would like to upgrade the ICE in my MY03 STi TypeUk to that of a higher standard. My father owns a Rangey Sport with a Harmonn Kardon Logic 7 install and I think the overall flexibility and quality of the system regardless of type of music is fantastic.

I am not looking for a crazy install or to compromise my ear drums

I would just like a high performance setup (Ie, Harmon Kardon) with a quality brand name. The ICE in the car is standard at present.

The budget isn't really a massive issue but I don't want to spend unnesessarily.

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Rich.

NorthDownsScooby

Define "crazy"...?

Define "quality"...?

give us a clue then....

Walk into any reputable car hifi dealer and let us know what they say so we can or

Rich

Richey

This is where I need the advice. I am unsure who makes the best components. I would of imagined Alpine, Pioneer where always up there but I was looking for a system to match the Harmon Kardon, Bose systems found in the high-end cars such as BMW, Audi and Range Rovers.

Budget = 2.5k but again, don't want to spend on unnesessecary bits ie, amps that could power my house and high power subs that blown fookin' eardrums As you simply do not see them in the high end cars.

I will go and see the guys at Sq+ in Manchester and report back on what they suggest.

Rich.

NorthDownsScooby

2.5k OK - you should be able to get something that competes with the Rangey for sure.

Personally I wouldn't get too hung up on the Harmon kardon & Bose brand names. Yeah sure they make some quite nice sounds in car, but their home hifi stuff is generally seen as being rubbish sonically compared to "proper" kit. So what I'm saying I suppose is that you can get better if you pick and choose the best component for the job, rather than just the name.

For reference, £1,500 got me a Kenwood DDX 7025 (double din, DVD/CD/Tuner with amplification), new Kenwood speakers all round, and a Vibe 12" Fli-Trap sub in the boot, including dealer install.

So, for an extra grand what do you want to add or change to the above...?
Options:
1. better head unit: the latest DDX (8027) is around another £400i
2. sat nav - add on this to the DDX is around £600 I think
3. multiplayer - another £200 for a good one if you dont like the single slot;
4. better speakers - probs add another £150
5. add another identical sub - £200
6. build in the subs with their own dedicated amps - another £300
7. parking camera connected to the DDX - £200
8. TV - £300
9. digital radio £300

All prices are obviously "ish" but should be about right for maintaining or increasing the quality you are looking for.

Best decide exactly what you want to play / listen too before going to the dealer. Otherwise your budget is going to be seriously depleted by extra formats and their required boxes.

I'm happy with mine and I'm mad about home hifi if that makes any difference. May go for some more midrange clarity and/or less tweeter sibillance at some point, but apart from that, great !

Rich