I didn't want to hijack Bob's thread about the MP3 Recievers, so I decided to make a new thread.

Ok here's what's going on, I just landed a new job and I've decided that I'm going to buy myself (and my truck) a little present. I decided to buy a new stereo system for my truck (The Xterra, not the 4Runner. The 4Runner already has a good stereo setup)

So I'd like to get some input as to what you guys think about this setup (This is what I've come up with after looking at the different stuff, and reading stuff, and after talking to one of the Advisors at Crutchfield) I'm not really looking to install an amp or a sub yet, I really just want to get the reciever and speakers upgraded first, then later I'll add an amp and a sub (If my fiance' okay's it of course )
Reciever:
Kenwood KDC-MP522


Speakers (Front):
JBL GTO635 6-1/2" 3-way Speakers


Speakers (Rear):
JBL GTO925 6"x9" 2-way Speakers


I'm still having a hard time deciding on which reciever. I'm pretty set on a Kenwood (Because of the free Satelite Radio Tuner deal that Crutchfield is running), it's just I can't decide which one I should get. Here are the Three I'm deciding between...

Kenwood KDC-MPV7019


Kenwood KDC-MP522


Kenwood KDC-MPV6022


I'm leaning towards the MP522, because I really like the looks of it. I'm not too concerned about the hook up an sub to it, because more than likely it will be a long time before I get a sub.

So any ideas/suggestions would be much appreciated (Especially with the speakers, because I am absolutely clueless about speakers) My spending limit is about $250-$300 for the reciever, and about $120 for a pair of speakers.

Thanks

-Braden

 

Anyone have any suggestions other than what I listed? I'm really looking for help on the speakers, because I have no idea what brands are good and which aren't.

So any input would be much appreciated

-Braden

 

Those head units look good to me. I like the MP522 best also. I've owned several Kenwood units and I've never had any complaints about any of them, except for the fact that I think they take and eject the CD too slow. I'm using a Pioneer right now but I wouldn't hesitate going back to Kenwood.

As for speakers, JBL isn't my favorite brand but I think they'd sound good. If it were me, I'd go with Infinity or MB Quart. Kenwood and Pioneer also make good speakers at a cheaper price. What I would do if I were you is go to a local audio store and listen to some speakers to find out which ones you think sound the best. Then order them from Crutchfield, install them and try them out for a few days. If you don't like them send them back for free and try another kind. Yeah, Crutchfield's prices aren't the best out there but they're the only ones I know who have the free return shipping. Otherwise order from a cheaper store and deal with the 15 or so bucks for the return shipping if you have to.

I don't know if you've heard of them, but look up Directed Audio. I have some of their 6x9's and they sound great. It's the same company that makes Viper Alarms. Check 'em out here.

 

I own the Kenwood KDC-MPV5025. It plays mp3s, SIRIUS tuner, and other bells and whistles. the performance of it is great. but i do not like its functionality. It is not intuitive as far as how to use it, I had to study the manual repeatedly to figure out what I thought would be simple things. the buttons are also too small. I don't know if it is just Kenwood or what, but I really think they need to design the interfaces to be more easy to use and intuitive. I mean Volume up/down and track up/down should be the main buttons, should be large and easy to use.
But like I said, the sound quality and performance is great.

 

You can get some really nice components for about 150 dollars... Go here

http://www.thezeb.com/detail.aspx?ID=1083

You will not be disappointed.

 

Those CDT components are supposed to be really good, especially at $149. I'm hoping they are still around when I get paid at the end of the month so I can order them too.

 

They should be, they've been around for at least the last year for that price... And yes they are amazing for that price. I would recommend a separate amp though to power them, head unit power won't do these bad boys justice.

 

Check crutchfield.com

Good prices. Personally I like Polk and Bose for your speakers. And everything you need for installation (including instructions and mounting hardware) for free.

 

For speakers try the company "Dynaudio" I have a pair of the house speakers ... simply the most awesome speaker I have listened to. Expensive? Very. But not overrated like Focal.
I will be getting Dynaudios for my truck when I get back to the sound part of the upgrade.

 

I've noticed the CDTs have been on sale for a while ... my luck they run out next week

 

go with any kenwood excelon, you notice the difference and the lowest priced x is close to those prices with better sound, as for speakers id recommend mb quart or phoenix gold. i run mb quart and planet audios but the pa's are competition and you cant buy them.

 

So what did you decide on?