Online car audio/video/alarm/installation help for SD members

Quote from Markr5485 : Hello, I'm looking to install some new speakers and a new stereo in my car. It is a 1998 Subaru Legacy station wagon. Here's what I've come up with on my own: Polk Audio db6501 6-1/2" Component System [crutchfield.com] Pioneer DEH-P4000UB CD Receiver [crutchfield.com] Profile AP400 65W x 2 Car Amp [crutchfield.com] EFX Amplifier Wiring Kit 10-gauge 250-watt w/Patch Cord [crutchfield.com] Total: $466.96 Now, I know that this isn't top of the line stuff (i.e. the amp and wiring kit), but will this make due and sound pretty good? Keep in mind my stock speakers are terrible and almost anything will sound better then them. Also, I am on a limited budget. I'm only 17 years and don't make THAT much money, so I can sacrifice a little bit of quality to get stuff cheaper. Will this give me a fair amount of bass too? It doesn't need to be bumping to the point where other cars get pissed off about it, but I listen to a good amount of reggae and I want to be able to hear the bass properly. Edit: Oh, and I think I'm going to order from crutchfield even though they are more expensive because the include some useful stuff with the order for free, and they also have great support that I can call up whenever I want. If you have a reason I shouldn't buy from them, let me know. I'm open to whatever

Hey,
Let me give you some advice on your system.

First of all, Polk makes great speakers, so that system you chose is not a bad choice.

The deck is more on the simpler lower end side, but since your still young and dont have too much money, that will work. You get ipod controls via usb, enough outputs for multiple amplifiers and a remote control. It might not be the prettiest deck out, but it will do the job.

The amp is very small. It has 65wx2 rms. That means together you will only get 130watts rms (real power). Thats not enough for even entry level subs, so you might want to look at something else with more power. Which brings me to my next point, I dont see a subwoofer and box in your system? Without one, forget havving good bass. Your component set is made to give you good, clear highs, not bass. The mid on your component is their to pick up the lows that bigger woofers cant, but it wont do the job of giving you solid bass. You absoluetly need a subwoofer to get what you want.

The amp wiring kit is extremely thin. Why go 10gauge? I would go at least 8 gauge that way if you ever do upgrade to a bigger amp, you dont have to rewire your car.


If you plan on doing the installation yourself, that might not be a bad price for all that stuff. The amp is sort of a cheap brand, but it'll work. If you plan on getting it professionally installed, you might want to check out your local stores. Sometimes they give huge discounts on installation if you buy the prodcut from them. Many times that comes out to be cheaper than buying it from one place and getting it installed at another. Also, walking into a local store, you might be able to negotiate. If you walked in and told them you have $500 to spend for example, im sure they can do something that way they dont lose the sale.

Let me know if you have any other questions