I want to but a basic stereo and speakers in my Protege5. This is what I am debating on doing:

1. Keep stock HU, get a 4 channel amp, infinity kappa speakers and the bass-link
2. Keep stock HU, get a 5 channel amp, infinity kappa speakers and regular sub in the back
3. Replace stock HU with a pioneer HU, infinity reference speakers and the bass-link
4. Replace stock HU with a pioneer HU, infinity reference speakers, 1 channel amp and a regular sub in the back
5. Have an audio shop install eclipse point sources and 5 channel amp so i can add a sub later and keep stock HU-- Damn thats expensive!!

I'd like everyones opinion, I am trying to keep price and flexiblity of the hatch in mind. If anyone has any other ideas on what I could do let me know.

 

Go with option #4. The pioneer head units are great to have, I kick myself in the *** for getting a JVC. It still works fine but no direct control to the subs. Also, I like the reference series better than the kappa series. But if you are planning to put subs in your car go with the pioneer, or be like me and blow out your amp 3 weeks into it because I couldn't control the subs other than with bass and treble. I also have a pos amp.

 

I'd go w/ #4 too... actualy I am going w/ number 4 . I replaced my HU, got infinity refernces, and am about to buy a sub and amp

If you're going to get kappa's, you'd probably end up wanting a new HU anyway, and I'd go for a regular sub/amp combo over a basslink. Thus, #4 seems to be the most cost effective solution for a good system (if it's not, I'll be pissed)

 

Id say 3 or 4. If u want something with a lil bumping and clear sounding go for 3. Other than that get a nice Infinity PERFECT sub. It would be a good investment. THey arnt that loud...but awsome sound quality...


so jus e-mail me if u need some more help in gettin some good prices.

 

um, #4? ha ha, looks like we all more or less agree on that! how much space did you want to use up in the trunk? i made my box shallow and high so that i wouldn't use up so much space with a generic box.

i second the infinity perfect sub. really nice! inf ref is nicer sounding than the kappas imo.

and don't even think about cost effective systems, cause it doesn't exist when it comes to car audio! in fact, i am about to buy 2 visonik subs tomorrow! ...and i dvd player/screen, 2 headrest monitors, and an eq!

 

i'd go with number 2, you can then save up for the last compontent, the HU and still have great sound in the meantime.

 

Seems like most of you like the references over the kappa series. I heard the references and they sound great so i figured the kappas would be better since it's a higher model. I just gotta go listen to a some kappas and then i can compare.

 

the ref's are smoother imo, but the kappa handle more power. it's all a matter of preference...and what kinda music you listen to.

 

Ahoy,
I have the Infinity Ref 505cs for my fronts and they sound very good. I would recomend them for quality and price.

 

I'd recommend that you not go with option 1 or 2. Here is why:
1. Even if you get aftermarket speakers and amplify them, they'll still sound like crap because the signal from the HU isn't clean.
2. The bass you'll get from the sub(s) will not be near it's potential because the stock HU doesn't have enough voltage.
3. I was running the kappa 572's and while they didn't sound bad, again they weren't up to their potential. I also had 2 perfect 10's and they weren't hitting very clean like they should.
4. You're gonna have to get the RCA converter thing cuz the stock HU doesn't have RCA outs. Plus if you aren't installing the amp yourself most respectable audio shops will decline the job or give you **** because you're running it off the stock HU.
5. And finally, I went with option 1 and after just getting a new HU I feel like a total *** for listening to my shitty system for 6 months.

A new HU makes a day and night difference and that's whats gonna make everything else you bought sound good.

 

hmm~ I'm thinking about getting a new system for my Pro5~

I went to BeamRiders (I live in Vancouver)...and they quoted me $5500 Cdn. for a Pyle 5" LCD HU + 10 disk changer + DVD/VCD/MP3 player + fibreglass work to put a 12" Audiobahn Aluminum SQ sub in the spare tire area + JBL 600.1 sub amp + JBL 1000.1 4 channel + 4 5.25" spkrs and a plexiglass with Mazda emblm cut out to top eveything off....sounds good enough for 55 bills???

 

I have the references in my civic and my friend has the kappas in his Focus, but he has all four kappa's powered with a 4 channel amp. That is the secret. The kappa's sound much better than the perfects, if they are amplified. If you don't plan to amplify 'em get the references. The Kappa's are much better speakers though. Lots of high end speakers require an amp to truely drive the them. I need to get an amp for my MB Quarts soon. I am working on a sponsership though so I am waiting. I have learned one thing with car audio. Wait til you can get what you want because you will not be satisfied if you just settle for something less. I bought the car and went all out and spent almost $2K on the stereo on the second day I had it. I am happy with the system except the amp on the door speakers.

 

That`s the way to go! You`ll get an EQ and sub control with a pioneer head.

I have a pioneer DEH-7400MP with two polk 6x9 in the back. Makes a world of difference over the stock unit. I plan on getting two 10 inch subs and a 1 channel amp to drive them before the summer. I thinks thats the best sound you can get without spending a fortune.

 

Get rid of the factory unit and it improves the value of your car j/k. You can get a nice unit on Ubid for $230 like a Kenwood Z727 including shipping and insurance and factory warranty. That is what I did. I still have to tune in my system after adding the Basslink.

 

Thanks to all who posted. I decided to go with number 3.
This is what I ordered from www.sounddomain.com last week.

Infinity Basslink - $252.99
Infinity Reference5752cf - $57.99
" " 652i - 57.99
Pioneer Premier DEH-P740MP MP3 player - $254.99

They 105% price guaranteed www.etronics.com, I think I got a pretty good deal anyways.