I posted this in the audio forum and haven't gotten a response, so I thought I would try you guys.

I've got a 1993 SE with the factory Bose system and I've decided it's time to get rid of it before it causes any more problems than it has. I went and talked to the local stereo shop today and here is what they recommended to me for about what I can spend, figured it wouldn't hurt to get your guy's opinion on this either.

CD head unit: Kenwood KDC-6015
Rear Speakers: Boston Acoustics CX92 6"x9" x2
Front Speakers: Boston Acoustics FX6 6.5" x2

Also considering these in addition to the above system:
Amp: Kenwood KAC-428S 200W x1 Sub:
Kenwood KFC-W2503 10" w/ enclosure

Any thoughts on the above system? I can probably spend a little more than what the above system would cost, can I get better for the same price range?

 

an amp for those bostons some thing like a 50x4 watts i have used boston components and i tried using the power from the HU but wasnt enough ... everthing else sound cool

 

Guido? you a hardcore italian like myself?? or is that name just messin'?
anyways about the system:
im not that big on kenwood, but its alright stuff. as far as the speakers, ive never had boston acoustics so i dont know anything about those. ive never even heard them before. ive tryed alot of different speakers, and the ones i like the best are the 4way pioneers i got now. everyone kept tellin me in the audio stores that polk is the sh*t. i got some and they arent all that great. for the amp...the power it pumps out should be sufficient for the sub you have. for the head unit, i dont know how much that kenwood one your looking at costs, but i just saw my friends eclipse head unit and its awsome. i wish i woulda got one of those.

 

ray89se:
The HU is rated at 45x4 max output, will that be enough or should I look into adding a small amp (Kenwood KAC-748 or KAC-848 maybe)?

thebull:
I'm a slightly oddball mix of Italian, Belgian, Native American, and Irish; go figure. That particular HU runs about $260-280. I'm trying to keep this system from ripping out my pocketbook totally, especially since I don't have nearly the expertise to rip out all the old wiring and install the thing myself and installation isn't cheap.

Thanks for all the help guys, any and all opinions welcome.

 

How much is the Car stereo shop charging you for everything? To take out BOSE and install the new system and everything?

I'm looking to upgrade my stereo sometime as well, I have zero skill in car stereo too.

 

4 speakers of those sizes, yes definatly get that amp, will be mroe then worth it and will sound 110% better then without

 

From what I see, you have a pretty nice system. However, I am not too big on Kenwood's amps. Since you have Bostons (nice choice) that will be stronger on mids and highs, I would recommend getting something like an Alpine, Xtant, or a/d/s amp to drive the other speakers and let your Kenwood drive the subs or you can get an a/d/s PH840 6 channel amp and run the whole shootin' match off that one amp.

 

Yo Bull,

I am getting ready to buy an Eclipse HU (4441) and probably the 8 disc remote changer. From what I have heard, I love it!!!
I can't wait to get that in the Max and have a little fun.

 

Here's my $0.02 worth, Guido:

Kenwood is ok, as far as Kenwood's go. A lot of people swear by them. But everyone has their opinions, as far as which HU is better. I'm partial to Clarion, but I'm looking to buy an Alpine CVA-1000, just for s***'s and giggles.

Boston Acoustic is an excellent choice - excellent power handling capability at an inexpensive price. But just like before, everyone has their own opinion. You might even consider Eclipse, too. They're a bit pricier, but well worth the investment.

As for the amp, the KAC-748 would be a pretty good choice to run your system, at an inexpensive price. I probably wouldn't recommend running the ENTIRE system off of that amp, though.

(hey, prinz, I'll be in the 'Chi' the weekend of 3/16, bro. We oughtta hook up! Can't wait to be back home!!)

Most of my opinions are based upon 10 years of installation experience, but I can't stress enough, "opinions are like @$$holes - everyone has 'em, and some STINK!!)

 

guido

thats max pwer output means its like only 18 watts rms(average) like everyone said get a nice 4 channel amp something with a name u wont be dissapointed.....a real amp that is 50X4 rms would problably have a max out put of maybe
77 watts at 4 ohms.... iver used a rockford 400a4 and an old ppi4200 no problems never ran hott... but bang for the buck would be memphis.... as for polk audio them speaker need pwer to run them..... i my self r using bazooka 4 1/4 coaxials sounds fine to me

 

They're quoting about $680 for the HU, 4 speakers, and labor to rip out the old and put in the new stuff. Labor is going to be about $125-$150 of the $680.

 

Okay, say I totally throw the suggested configuration out the window... Here's basically what I can maybe scrape together.

~$700 for HU + 4 speakers + 4x50 amp(if I need one) + installation

-or if I'm lucky-
<$1000 for HU + 4 speakers + sub & sub-related stuff + installation

What's the best kind of setup I could get for what I'm looking to spend?

-----
Maybe with a little help I can do the install myself, and spend a little more money on the system, any voluteers to help out in Kansas City?

 

alright...some thoughts on it. installation is not difficult at all. you can do probably do it yourself, especially since you can ask questions from people on here if you get stuck.
amps are expensive! dont blow your whole wad on a HU then findout you cant afford the amps you need. the HU i was talking about(the eclipse) was something around like $750. Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse...they are all pretty good stuff. you get what you pay for. I personally hate JVC so i left it out of that list. from experience with home audio and others i know(all that had the same problem) the piece that holds the laser in place breaks on them and then the laser bounces all around and cant read anything.

any HU you buy(Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, Eclipse) for 700 bucks i dont think youll be dissapointed in.

 

Too bad that $700 has to buy me the HU, 4 speakers, and any other misc stuff that it'll need.

 

Yo Nupe, that will be cool. I will have my Eclipse HU installed by then. Hit me up on Email and we can hang out.

 

That is plenty of money to get a good setup. If you look around on the net you can get some good prices. If you drop me an e-mail I'll tell you what I recommend that will be nicer than you expected and a lot cheaper. As far as the instalation its easy. Esspecially since we dont have to worry about installation kits in our max's.

 

Guido- Definitely install this stuff yourself. When I got my max it had one of the back Bose speakers blown, and as I looked into replacing it, well Bose just isn't worth fixing. So I bought headunit, front and rear speakers, and amp to power them and I installed it all myself without any prior car audio knowledge. Just read everthing you can, check twice before drilling, and follow instructions. It's much better to do it yourself so you know how the system is set up. That way, if anything isn't working you'll be able to track down the problem. Any Qs, just post.