Hey its me again. I am planning to purchase and get my sound system installed tomorrow. I already have a sub with an amp installed in the trunk. Can you guys please reply with which package you think would be best (what parts are good) and whether or not it seems like I'm getting ripped off.

Best Audio
A pair of JL XR650-CS Component Set $379
Alpine CDA-7893 Headunit $380
Kit + Wiring $75
Installation $66
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Total $900

(the headunit costs more than Circuit City but it is cheaper installation)
The guy said I didn't really need to change the factory back speakers.

Circuit City
Alpine CDA-7893 Headunit $349.99
Headunit Installation $55
Headunit harness $40
Kit $17.99
Wires $19.99
A pair of Infinity REF605CS Component Speakers $199.99
A pair of Infinity REF6953I back speakers $149.99
Speaker Installation $81
Speaker harness $12
-----------------------------
Total approx. $925

(Circuit City has a lifetime guarantee on all installations)


Boomer Audio
Clarion DX425 Head unit $250 (with install)
4 Memphis Speakers back/front $250 (with install)- not sure which models.
---------------------------------
$500


1)When I change my front component system, is it imperative to change the two back speakers (e.g. as in the first scenario)? Will they be able to handle the wattage of new head unit? How will it sound with only 2 new speakers?

2)Is it necessary to get a 4-channel amp to power the speakers?

3) Is it worth it to upgrade to the Alpine CDA-7894 headunit (MP3 player) for $60 more?

4) I live in Queens, NY. Does anyone know of any other better audio installation places I could go to get a better deal.


Thanks for the all help to all those that reply.


George

 

George,
The prices you listed are way too high. Dont be get stuck on one particular brand or buying from the store. Go to www.yahoo.com, choose "shopping", and type in the product name and model number (e.g. Infinity Reference) You will have a great selection with you can sort by the price. Most of these merchants also sell on ebay, so you gonna get the rock bottom prices. Just make sure you buy "new", not remanufactured. To give you an idea, I just bought Infinity Kappa 6.5 components for $162.00 and a pair of Infinity Kappa 6.5 2-ways for $89.99 from merchant named DiscountJungle.com. You cant beat that.

I would also recommend changing all speakers at once if you're changing the headunit. Once I put on my new Pioneer DEH-840MP, my factory speakers just didn't pull it. That one pair of stock speakers can really worsen the sound.

 

THanks Y2KMaxGXE-R for your help. Does anyone else have any suggestions on brands for speakers and what websites I can go to get good prices (preferably ones with free shipping). Do I need a 4 channel amp, or is the head unit's 60 Watts to each speaker good enough?

George

 

George, sure. I was in the same boat a few weeks ago, when my car was vandalized and I had to replace the H/U..and all factory speakers too, while at it.

Many ppl would say while it is nice to have a 4channel amp to drive some good quality speakers, to me it is just a waist of $$ (really good amps cost a lot). My new Pioneer is 22rms per channel and it is more than I need to power my Kappas. Just .02.

 

I can tell you this, you can definitely get the Alpine's cheaper than that.

I have a CDA-7894 and SQ is definitely up there. Coupled with Inf. Ref all around and a basslink in the back i'm quite happy with the set-up.

Additionally, the Alpine's put out all the RMS power it advertises (in this case 27x4) as tested by Mobile Electronics mags.

The only gripe i have about the 7892/3/4 is the display, during the day it's pretty much washed out - you'll be hard-pressed to see anything since it sits angled and in direct line-of-sight from the sunlight.

For the price i paid for the Alpine, you probably won't find anything better than this as far as Sound Quality and adjustability goes.

P.S. Yes, the additional $$ you pay for the MP3 capability + black-out feature is well worth it.

 

This is how it looks under direct sunlight

Under a shade (Note: The buttons turn amber whenever you go into the settings mode)