I've had multiple "systems" in my car over the years. By system, I mean i've had subs and amps with my original aftermarket surround speakers. Back in summer of '99 I bought some Sony X-plode coax speakers to replace the factory speakers and they've always worked fine. I really wanted to get a component setup since the clarity and bass really weren't what I wanted (without a sub). I went with Audiobahn ABC6002V's up front and AB600T's in the rear since they were fairly cheap from eBay ($100 and $50 respectively). Installed those and it was great. Obviously, they're nowhere near the quality of the other big names out there in components, but they are far better than the old sony coax's. I decided they could probably benefit from more power, so I got an Eclipse EA4100 (4x75w) amp to power them. That really cleaned up the sound and kicked up the bass output a fair amount. The top mount crossovers/levels allowed me to fine tune the sound even more.

Then I decided to get some more bass in the car. Long gone are the days of spl, head-throbbing bass, I wanted something to completely round out the entire audio package. I decided to go with an Infinity basslink (the first version). Everyone of the reviews I had read said that it wasn't the type of sub to rattle the neighborhood but was great for adding the missing bass of most systems. It was exactly the amount of bass I was looking for, especially for the price - $159.99 shipped). Plus with the remote **** I can dial in the bass for the songs i'm listening to in a flash versus adjusting it through the HU.

Then I realized I have had the same CD player since '03 and that I could use an upgrade since I primarily listen to my ipod and it has no real connection for it. Well, I decided to splurge and get an Avic D3. It had every possible feature I could want out of a head unit plus by and far the best looking iPod interface I have seen. On top of those features, having nav is just the icing on the cake. The coup de grāce is that I can take it with me to my next vehicle and match it to the factory lighting in whatever car that may be. So in that reguard, I see it as an investment.

I'm not finished installing everything where I want it (like the amp) and hiding the wires, but the sound quality is exactly what I was looking for and I couldn't be happier with the results. Will post pics when I get everything done.


Installed Cliffs:
Pioneer AVIC-D3 head unit
AudioBahn ABC6002V and ABC600T components
Eclipse EA4100 component Amp
Infinity Basslink

 

rewarding hearing a well balanced audio setup ain't it?

 

oh yeah.

I think my neighboors think i'm crazy now though, I keep finding myself out in my car for no other reason than to play with the Avic and listen to music.

 

haha i did that too after i put in my CD5100. i'd just sit in the car and tune the thing and just go through various CDs.

 

Hm now time to upgrade from the audioblings

 

On a side not, to the OP, I would like to see pics of your car with those wheels. If it isn't too mush trouble. Congrats on the upgrade.

 

Oh and btw, Liz Vicious FTMFW!

 

my car is in the very front with the CF hood in this pic


the wheel gap in the rear is an optical illusion, i only have about a 2 finger gap on flat surface.

 

lol, i just got them. Like I said, I know there are higher quality major brands (MB Quart, et al.) but these are perfectly fine and were far less exspensive. Originally I was on a tight budget, then I completely blew it when I went for the Avic.

 

Looks awesome. Thanks for taking the time to post them.

 

Congrats MadMax!

Can't wait to hear it for myself. I know when you played with my stock system, you were able to pull a fuller sound out of it than default settings did.

Nice picture there I love the car parked to the right of yours!

 

Nice. Car is looking good man. I plan on installing my D3 this week.Where'd you hook the VSS wire up to?

 

Thanks man, I actually haven't hooked up the speed sensor wire yet. The functionality of the gps is fine without it as long as you're paying attention. I get an audible alert of turns basically as I have to take them. I'll hook it up eventually I imagine, but as of right now, it works fine without it being hooked up.

 

poop. I hate doing **** twice. lol looks like I better do some more searching before I install it this week.

 

Nice. My days of over-the-top bass are well behind me, too. There's just no practical need for that kind of SPL aside from competitions.