Ok audio nuts....this thread to give recommendations on equipment brands/models for the budget minded buyer. A lot of us are not going to spend 3-400 on a high-powered mono sub amp, etc.

So post your recommendations on speakers, amps, headunits for under the $200 range.

Thanks!

 

My setup is: JVC KD-S790 head unit (50X4), 2 Pioneer 6 1/2", 220 Watt, 4-way speakers in the doors, and in the back, there are 2 Alpine 200 Watt 2-way speakers, all in a 93 Extra Cab. This system does AWESOME! The bass is very good, and it has very clear mid and highs. The Pioneer 4-ways are SWEET! The prices were: JVC head unit: $200 (though I believe it can be had for ~$150 now), Pioneer speakers: $70 for the pair, and the Alpines I'm not sure of, as they were installed well before I got the truck, but I believe they are around ~$60. So you're looking at around $280 for the system, plus around $20 I spent on top-grade speaker wire and connections. So, around $300 for the whole shebang. After looking at the wimpy wires on the stock harness, I basically bypassed it and wired all four speakers straight into the head unit's harness. I'm very pleased with how it all turned out (I just finished it last night!) I have no intentions of installing an amp or a sub, as everything sounds perfect right now. I actually have the bass turned way down so I can hear the mid and high-range more. Hope this helps!

 

I installed a Bazooka EL series 250w mono amp which powers an MTX 10" sub and it cost me just over $200 and my HU is the Alpine 9833 which I did get on-line for $300 shipped which saved me a bit over $100 compared to a dealer.
I'm sticking to the stock apeakers for now since the thing rocks out enough for me and the sub produces enough "bump" to annoy pretty much all the cars around you at a light.
I eventually wil upgrade the speakers which should run me no more than $250 but for now the system is keeping me pretty happy.

 

DONT BUY A JENSEN AMP.. If your on the CHEAP Jensen is NOT the way to go.

Within the 1st 6 months the amp stopped working (Sometimes it would, sometimes it wouldn't turn on)

Had to wait 6 months to get it fixed as Jensen was in receivership. (sp?)

FINALLY got the amp back, worked for 3 months then DIED. Now Im outta luck.


It was a 600 Watt 4 Channel Amp, Running one 10" Sub 150Watt, and two Boston 6x9 SPeakers $75 watts each


CRAP CRAP CRAP CRAPPY Amps

Spend the money and get something with a good name, when it comes to Amps.

 

Yes low end Jensen is the worst crap you can buy.

Personally, I don't think the stock speakers are that bad. I would go on ebay, snag a single Polk EX or Infinity 1030W for less than 30 + 15 shipping. I got a smaller amp that I could bridge into one channel for cheap on eBay too. When buying electronics make sure they have excellent feedback and the equipment is tested. A good rule of thumb is if no one is bidding on something, there is a reason. To properly use eBay, you must be patient and do research. You could get a sub system (minus wiring which is usually near $50 and assuming you fabricate your own sub box) for well under $200. Crutchfield also has closeout and scratch-and-dent specials if you are not comfortable with eBay.

Hey this is my 100th post. :monkey: :rockband:

 

This is what I am talking about. Making the most out of your system. There is a lot you can do to improve the acoustics if you work it out.

Keep it coming...

 

I think I've put together a pretty decent system. Piece by piece, and ebay really has some great deals if you can find em. Here's the route I took, not necessarily in this order, but this is how I would do it now.
-Alpine HU CDA-9831 (around 240 on ebay a year ago)
-Audiobahn 6.5" 180watt 3-ways in the back panels (40 or so)
-Rockford 4: 60watt 2-ways in the dash(40 or so), but soon going to components
-Audiobahn 12" DVC sub and Lanzar 2 channel (~400 watt bridged) amp (about 150 total) plus the 50 paid for my ported box (though I got from a friend who deals)
-4-channel cheapo amp for separates (around 60)

great sound considering i never really bought anything particularly nice