Question:
Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
I think your car is the same inside as my 90. Mine has speakers in the dash, front doors, and rear sides of the back seat. You’re likely to get an almost infinite number of answers to your questions. Since you didn’t indicate to what degree you want the system (for instance, there are tons of subwoofer options from good to "rattle your teeth"), I’ll assume you’re looking for the cleanest sound, yet within reasonable limits. Back when I did the same thing, my choices were a Sony Mobile ES deck (am/fm with cassette), and a Sony disc changer in back. For added adjustment I have a Sony XE90 equalizer, which just happens to fit perfectly in the mounting kit most brands offer for our car’s dash. It’s a half-din size, and fits very cleanly under the deck. You could, if desired, even put another full-din sized unit in the mounting bracket. After all, that pocket under the radio is basically worthless. 
At the time for speakers I went with Pioneer. They had all the sizes I wanted, and offered good specs. They are rated high on DB, which will allow them to play cleaner and louder with less power input. My second choice would have been JBL, but at the time the Pioneers were a better choice, partly for price. Not too sure what to recommend on amps and subs, since so much has changed since I got mine. My amps are pretty small, but they are clean. They are also Sony. For bass I chose a Bazooka amplified bass tube. It offers me enough bass to round out the music, yet is small and not too heavy. The installer was impressed when he put it in, and tested it. The design of our cars helps them to be more efficient. Last, I recommend whatever components you choose, spring for upgraded wires. Get thick speaker wire, high-grade rca cables for your components, and DEFINITELY a large power wire. If you go with big bass, consider a capacitor. Your battery will thank you for it. For a good place to compare what will fit in your car, and see specs, try www.crutchfield.com Best wishes on what will surely be a fine system! Randy We’re living in a world that’s been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit? http://community.webtv.net/DeepGroove/RandysHomeontheWeb
Response:
Hi Nick, Here is what I run in my 88GT Convertible: Nakamichi cd45z head unit Boston Acoustin FX3 3.5"s for the dash powered by a kenwood 4ch amp running at 80×2 rms Polk 5.25 Components 5.25" for the doors powered by a rockford fosgate 400.4 running at 50 x 2 rms No rear speakers at the moment 1 very cheap 10" 4104 MTX sub in a box I built running off the last two channels of the rockford fosgate 400.4 amp, it gets 200×1 rms It is quite difficult to get quality sound in a convertible (at least that has been my experience). I constantly fight with wind noise on the freeway. Also when my top is down the bass is a bit muffled. I am pretty happy with this setup. I can crank the sound and retain clarity to pretty ridiculous volumes. I have owned several kenwood amps and have always been pleased with them. This is the first rockford fosgate amp I have owned and I am growing quite fond of it as well. They are typically a bit over priced (the rockford fosgate amps). You can pick them up online refurbished for dirt cheap. Hope this helps… Andy
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
I like this thread. Where can I get refurbished stuff cheap on-line??? Thanks! Brad
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Nick, Here is what I run in my 88GT Convertible: Nakamichi cd45z head unit Boston Acoustin FX3 3.5"s for the dash powered by a kenwood 4ch amp running at 80×2 rms Polk 5.25 Components 5.25" for the doors powered by a rockford fosgate 400.4 running at 50 x 2 rms No rear speakers at the moment 1 very cheap 10" 4104 MTX sub in a box I built running off the last two channels of the rockford fosgate 400.4 amp, it gets 200×1 rms It is quite difficult to get quality sound in a convertible (at least that has been my experience). I constantly fight with wind noise on the freeway. Also when my top is down the bass is a bit muffled. I am pretty happy with this setup. I can crank the sound and retain clarity to pretty ridiculous volumes. I have owned several kenwood amps and have always been pleased with them. This is the first rockford fosgate amp I have owned and I am growing quite fond of it as well. They are typically a bit over priced (the rockford fosgate amps). You can pick them up online refurbished for dirt cheap. Hope this helps… Andy Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
Go check out ebay. Lots of good stuff on there all the time. Joe Calypso Green ‘93 5.0 LX AOD hatch with a few goodies Black ‘03 Dakota 5.9 R/T CC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I like this thread. Where can I get refurbished stuff cheap on-line??? Thanks! Brad Hi Nick, Here is what I run in my 88GT Convertible: Nakamichi cd45z head unit Boston Acoustin FX3 3.5"s for the dash powered by a kenwood 4ch amp running at 80×2 rms Polk 5.25 Components 5.25" for the doors powered by a rockford fosgate 400.4 running at 50 x 2 rms No rear speakers at the moment 1 very cheap 10" 4104 MTX sub in a box I built running off the last two channels of the rockford fosgate 400.4 amp, it gets 200×1 rms It is quite difficult to get quality sound in a convertible (at least that has been my experience). I constantly fight with wind noise on the freeway. Also when my top is down the bass is a bit muffled. I am pretty happy with this setup. I can crank the sound and retain clarity to pretty ridiculous volumes. I have owned several kenwood amps and have always been pleased with them. This is the first rockford fosgate amp I have owned and I am growing quite fond of it as well. They are typically a bit over priced (the rockford fosgate amps). You can pick them up online refurbished for dirt cheap. Hope this helps… Andy Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
Go check out ebay. Lots of good stuff on there all the time. I like this thread. Where can I get refurbished stuff cheap on-line??? Thanks!
I think Brad must have just awakened from a 4 year nap. I’d rather buy good used from a private seller who is upgrading than refurbished.. just my opinion. Here’s a tip…pay CLOSE attention to feedback for a seller. And especially if this person does a LOT of business thru a "store". Another thing… if you buy a car from a guy who has a car lot, you are not gonna get a bargain. That should be a no-brainer, but it’s easy to fall for it.
Response:
Hi thanks for responding and all the advice. I am interested in the Sony with the small TFT screen and memory card to load up images into the face. It looks really awesome! As far as speakers I think Ford used to use JBL back then so I know they have exact fits. I just don’t know which speakers will produce a good sound quality without hearing allot of "tin". The place I just had my alarm installed at was trying to say that the factory wires were fine, they do sound systems too. That didn’t sound right to me either. Maybe he is under the impression I want something just above stock. I’m gonna check Ebay out and ask a few friends for more advice thanks. -Nick
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think your car is the same inside as my 90. Mine has speakers in the dash, front doors, and rear sides of the back seat. You’re likely to get an almost infinite number of answers to your questions. Since you didn’t indicate to what degree you want the system (for instance, there are tons of subwoofer options from good to "rattle your teeth"), I’ll assume you’re looking for the cleanest sound, yet within reasonable limits. Back when I did the same thing, my choices were a Sony Mobile ES deck (am/fm with cassette), and a Sony disc changer in back. For added adjustment I have a Sony XE90 equalizer, which just happens to fit perfectly in the mounting kit most brands offer for our car’s dash. It’s a half-din size, and fits very cleanly under the deck. You could, if desired, even put another full-din sized unit in the mounting bracket. After all, that pocket under the radio is basically worthless. At the time for speakers I went with Pioneer. They had all the sizes I wanted, and offered good specs. They are rated high on DB, which will allow them to play cleaner and louder with less power input. My second choice would have been JBL, but at the time the Pioneers were a better choice, partly for price. Not too sure what to recommend on amps and subs, since so much has changed since I got mine. My amps are pretty small, but they are clean. They are also Sony. For bass I chose a Bazooka amplified bass tube. It offers me enough bass to round out the music, yet is small and not too heavy. The installer was impressed when he put it in, and tested it. The design of our cars helps them to be more efficient. Last, I recommend whatever components you choose, spring for upgraded wires. Get thick speaker wire, high-grade rca cables for your components, and DEFINITELY a large power wire. If you go with big bass, consider a capacitor. Your battery will thank you for it. For a good place to compare what will fit in your car, and see specs, try www.crutchfield.com Best wishes on what will surely be a fine system! Randy We’re living in a world that’s been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit? http://community.webtv.net/DeepGroove/RandysHomeontheWeb
Response:
Hi Andy, Thanks for the input my convertible will have the same problems I expect. I am going to look for reviews on the Fosgate. -Nick
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Nick, Here is what I run in my 88GT Convertible: Nakamichi cd45z head unit Boston Acoustin FX3 3.5"s for the dash powered by a kenwood 4ch amp running at 80×2 rms Polk 5.25 Components 5.25" for the doors powered by a rockford fosgate 400.4 running at 50 x 2 rms No rear speakers at the moment 1 very cheap 10" 4104 MTX sub in a box I built running off the last two channels of the rockford fosgate 400.4 amp, it gets 200×1 rms It is quite difficult to get quality sound in a convertible (at least that has been my experience). I constantly fight with wind noise on the freeway. Also when my top is down the bass is a bit muffled. I am pretty happy with this setup. I can crank the sound and retain clarity to pretty ridiculous volumes. I have owned several kenwood amps and have always been pleased with them. This is the first rockford fosgate amp I have owned and I am growing quite fond of it as well. They are typically a bit over priced (the rockford fosgate amps). You can pick them up online refurbished for dirt cheap. Hope this helps… Andy Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
Go to www.crutchfield.com they have a complete selection of stereos and speakers, including those hard to find 5×7’s that Ford uses, along with very useful guide to what fits in your car, important due to the limited clearance in the doors. They also have wiring harness adapters so you can plug your speakers and stereo into the cars stock harness without any cutting or splicing. As a matter of fact they used to include the mounting kit and adapters free of charge with your purchase. I have an 88GT convertible. For my application I used an American International mounting kit which retains the front pocket, and am currently running a Jensen head unit (both available from Best Buys). For the woofer I would suggest going with a Bazooka bass tube and save yourself the hassle of installation.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
I just stuck a JBL 2×10" 3-way speaker cabinet in the back, it fits nicely, leaving room for tools and groceries, etc and has plenty of bottom end, especially with the 760watt Sony amp I have pushing it.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have advice on sound systems for an ‘88 Mustang? What I am looking for is a good crisp sound and nice bass. Thinking along the lines of replacing stock 6 six speakers and adding an amp and subwoofer in the trunk along with a new stereo deck by Sony. My question starts with who makes good speakers? Infinity? JBL? How about a good amp? Or subwoofer? Who should I stay away from? Thanks. -Nick
Response:
I have installed many car stereo systems, some even that have won awards and one myth about the wires is that they need to be changed. The truth is that if you are going to just use the head unit to power the speakers, save yourself some time and money and just use the wire that is currently in the car. As far as any speakers that are going to ran off an amp, run your own wires. This will do two things, provide a strong signal, and allow to you to place the amp where you would like it in the car. As far as speaker recommendation goes, you did not specify a budget. A budget would help out tremendously. Also, what type of music do you listen to? A good sub/amp combo would be a JL Audio Sub with a JL Audio or Rockford Fosgate amp. For mids/highs I would look into the Kenwood Excellon Series…They are higher priced than some but are cheaper than the high end speakers. For example, a pair of 6 1/2’s was about 160. I would also look into Clarion Pro Audio, not the Clarions that walmart sells but they Pro Series. They take a lot of abuse and still sound great. If you have some extra money I would purchase a component set, you will be pleased with the difference in sound…Also, for a component set, JL XR’s are great and so are the Rockford Q’s. Infinity Kappa Series and above is also very clean…Thier perfects are great, but they are also priced high. Let me know if you need anything else…. Shane P.S. if you want to see one of the last instals I did check out: http://www.sounddomain.com/id/brainmetz I am still working on the Stang…As soon as it is done, it will be up also.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi thanks for responding and all the advice. I am interested in the Sony with the small TFT screen and memory card to load up images into the face. It looks really awesome! As far as speakers I think Ford used to use JBL back then so I know they have exact fits. I just don’t know which speakers will produce a good sound quality without hearing allot of "tin". The place I just had my alarm installed at was trying to say that the factory wires were fine, they do sound systems too. That didn’t sound right to me either. Maybe he is under the impression I want something just above stock. I’m gonna check Ebay out and ask a few friends for more advice thanks. -Nick I think your car is the same inside as my 90. Mine has speakers in the dash, front doors, and rear sides of the back seat. You’re likely to get an almost infinite number of answers to your questions. Since you didn’t indicate to what degree you want the system (for instance, there are tons of subwoofer options from good to "rattle your teeth"), I’ll assume you’re looking for the cleanest sound, yet within reasonable limits. Back when I did the same thing, my choices were a Sony Mobile ES deck (am/fm with cassette), and a Sony disc changer in back. For added adjustment I have a Sony XE90 equalizer, which just happens to fit perfectly in the mounting kit most brands offer for our car’s dash. It’s a half-din size, and fits very cleanly under the deck. You could, if desired, even put another full-din sized unit in the mounting bracket. After all, that pocket under the radio is basically worthless. At the time for speakers I went with Pioneer. They had all the sizes I wanted, and offered good specs. They are rated high on DB, which will allow them to play cleaner and louder with less power input. My second choice would have been JBL, but at the time the Pioneers were a better choice, partly for price. Not too sure what to recommend on amps and subs, since so much has changed since I got mine. My amps are pretty small, but they are clean. They are also Sony. For bass I chose a Bazooka amplified bass tube. It offers me enough bass to round out the music, yet is small and not too heavy. The installer was impressed when he put it in, and tested it. The design of our cars helps them to be more efficient. Last, I recommend whatever components you choose, spring for upgraded wires. Get thick speaker wire, high-grade rca cables for your components, and DEFINITELY a large power wire. If you go with big bass, consider a capacitor. Your battery will thank you for it. For a good place to compare what will fit in your car, and see specs, try www.crutchfield.com Best wishes on what will surely be a fine system! Randy We’re living in a world that’s been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit? http://community.webtv.net/DeepGroove/RandysHomeontheWeb
Response:
HI Shane, Cost wasn’t a factor that’s why I never mentioned it. That doesn’t mean I will be a foolish spender though. I like the Infinity speakers. How are their 10"Infinity Kappa Perfect 10 VQ subs? What about stereo decks? I am thinking about the Sony MEX-5DI with the TFT front plate to download images into the faceplate. The interior is rather dark so this will help brighten things up a bit too. The down side it doesn’t have a built in amp. Which leads to next question amps. Which amps are good? I am thinking of the Rockford Fosgate 851x or 551. Basically need to run 6 speakers and a subwoofer. Will I need a powered deck too or can I bridge the channels from the amp to cover it all. I have no real experience with this stuff. This car is basically a summer car. Thanks for your help. -Nick
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have installed many car stereo systems, some even that have won awards and one myth about the wires is that they need to be changed. The truth is that if you are going to just use the head unit to power the speakers, save yourself some time and money and just use the wire that is currently in the car. As far as any speakers that are going to ran off an amp, run your own wires. This will do two things, provide a strong signal, and allow to you to place the amp where you would like it in the car. As far as speaker recommendation goes, you did not specify a budget. A budget would help out tremendously. Also, what type of music do you listen to? A good sub/amp combo would be a JL Audio Sub with a JL Audio or Rockford Fosgate amp. For mids/highs I would look into the Kenwood Excellon Series…They are higher priced than some but are cheaper than the high end speakers. For example, a pair of 6 1/2’s was about 160. I would also look into Clarion Pro Audio, not the Clarions that walmart sells but they Pro Series. They take a lot of abuse and still sound great. If you have some extra money I would purchase a component set, you will be pleased with the difference in sound…Also, for a component set, JL XR’s are great and so are the Rockford Q’s. Infinity Kappa Series and above is also very clean…Thier perfects are great, but they are also priced high. Let me know if you need anything else…. Shane P.S. if you want to see one of the last instals I did check out: http://www.sounddomain.com/id/brainmetz I am still working on the Stang…As soon as it is done, it will be up also. Hi thanks for responding and all the advice. I am interested in the Sony with the small TFT screen and memory card to load up images into the face. It looks really awesome! As far as speakers I think Ford used to use JBL back then so I know they have exact fits. I just don’t know which speakers will produce a good sound quality without hearing allot of "tin". The place I just had my alarm installed at was trying to say that the factory wires were fine, they do sound systems too. That didn’t sound right to me either. Maybe he is under the impression I want something just above stock. I’m gonna check Ebay out and ask a few friends for more advice thanks. -Nick I think your car is the same inside as my 90. Mine has speakers in the dash, front doors, and rear sides of the back seat. You’re likely to get an almost infinite number of answers to your questions. Since you didn’t indicate to what degree you want the system (for instance, there are tons of subwoofer options from good to "rattle your teeth"), I’ll assume you’re looking for the cleanest sound, yet within reasonable limits. Back when I did the same thing, my choices were a Sony Mobile ES deck (am/fm with cassette), and a Sony disc changer in back. For added adjustment I have a Sony XE90 equalizer, which just happens to fit perfectly in the mounting kit most brands offer for our car’s dash. It’s a half-din size, and fits very cleanly under the deck. You could, if desired, even put another full-din sized unit in the mounting bracket. After all, that pocket under the radio is basically worthless. At the time for speakers I went with Pioneer. They had all the sizes I wanted, and offered good specs. They are rated high on DB, which will allow them to play cleaner and louder with less power input. My second choice would have been JBL, but at the time the Pioneers were a better choice, partly for price. Not too sure what to recommend on amps and subs, since so much has changed since I got mine. My amps are pretty small, but they are clean. They are also Sony. For bass I chose a Bazooka amplified bass tube. It offers me enough bass to round out the music, yet is small and not too heavy. The installer was impressed when he put it in, and tested it. The design of our cars helps them to be more efficient. Last, I recommend whatever components you choose, spring for upgraded wires. Get thick speaker wire, high-grade rca cables for your components, and DEFINITELY a large power wire. If you go with big bass, consider a capacitor. Your battery will thank you for it. For a good place to compare what will fit in your car, and see specs, try www.crutchfield.com Best wishes on what will surely be a fine system! Randy We’re living in a world that’s been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit? http://community.webtv.net/DeepGroove/RandysHomeontheWeb
Response:
Wow…cost not a factor huh…Just kidding…anyways…The Perfect 10 is suppose to be really good, but they like alot of power…I would recommend either that or a JL w6v2 or w7…if you are going to the use the top of the line equipment…As far as amps goes…I have personally owned several different name brands, I would go for the RF, Rockford Fosgate, amps…They are not the cheapest, but they are built really well…They are also under-rated as far as thier power ratting go…For the sub I would purchase a Class D Mono Amp…Without pulling the specs on the sub, I would prob look at the bd500…Thats 500 watts to one channel…Some may say it is overkill, but I personally like to have extra power…Meaning that I keep the gain on the amp down so I can get more "clean power", meaning no distortion. On most amps, the higher you turn up the gain, power, the more distorition is caused…For the most part, distorition is what blows a speaker, not power…anyways…. For the six speaker setup, I would go with a 4 channel amp and a two channel amp. Run the four channel amp to the rear speakers and the two channel amp to the front. OR Purchase a 4 channel amp and run two channels to the front two speakers, and bridge, keeping left and right integrity, the other two channels to four rear speakers. Or For a one amp solution, Purchase a 5 channel amp and run run two channels to the front two speakers, and bridge, keeping left and right integrity, the other two channels to four rear speakers and finally the last channel to the sub. As far as head units go, I think that the head unit you choose has a ton of features. Not having an internal amp means you have to purchase external amps to run your speakers, but at the same time, it allows you to truley customize your solution. The headunit is really cool looking and does give you the option to change the display which is really cool. As far as internal components, the headunit seems to have the usual features…I really dont think you could go wrong with it. This system could run you alittle bit of money, but it would sound excellent. Let me know if you need any help finding the equipment online or if you want any opinions… Shane
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI Shane, Cost wasn’t a factor that’s why I never mentioned it. That doesn’t mean I will be a foolish spender though. I like the Infinity speakers. How are their 10"Infinity Kappa Perfect 10 VQ subs? What about stereo decks? I am thinking about the Sony MEX-5DI with the TFT front plate to download images into the faceplate. The interior is rather dark so this will help brighten things up a bit too. The down side it doesn’t have a built in amp. Which leads to next question amps. Which amps are good? I am thinking of the Rockford Fosgate 851x or 551. Basically need to run 6 speakers and a subwoofer. Will I need a powered deck too or can I bridge the channels from the amp to cover it all. I have no real experience with this stuff. This car is basically a summer car. Thanks for your help. -Nick I have installed many car stereo systems, some even that have won awards and one myth about the wires is that they need to be changed. The truth is that if you are going to just use the head unit to power the speakers, save yourself some time and money and just use the wire that is currently in the car. As far as any speakers that are going to ran off an amp, run your own wires. This will do two things, provide a strong signal, and allow to you to place the amp where you would like it in the car. As far as speaker recommendation goes, you did not specify a budget. A budget would help out tremendously. Also, what type of music do you listen to? A good sub/amp combo would be a JL Audio Sub with a JL Audio or Rockford Fosgate amp. For mids/highs I would look into the Kenwood Excellon Series…They are higher priced than some but are cheaper than the high end speakers. For example, a pair of 6 1/2’s was about 160. I would also look into Clarion Pro Audio, not the Clarions that walmart sells but they Pro Series. They take a lot of abuse and still sound great. If you have some extra money I would purchase a component set, you will be pleased with the difference in sound…Also, for a component set, JL XR’s are great and so are the Rockford Q’s. Infinity Kappa Series and above is also very clean…Thier perfects are great, but they are also priced high. Let me know if you need anything else…. Shane P.S. if you want to see one of the last instals I did check out: http://www.sounddomain.com/id/brainmetz I am still working on the Stang…As soon as it is done, it will be up also. Hi thanks for responding and all the advice. I am interested in the Sony with the small TFT screen and memory card to load up images into the face. It looks really awesome! As far as speakers I think Ford used to use JBL back then so I know they have exact fits. I just don’t know which speakers will produce a good sound quality without hearing allot of "tin". The place I just had my alarm installed at was trying to say that the factory wires were fine, they do sound systems too. That didn’t sound right to me either. Maybe he is under the impression I want something just above stock. I’m gonna check Ebay out and ask a few friends for more advice thanks. -Nick I think your car is the same inside as my 90. Mine has speakers in the dash, front doors, and rear sides of the back seat. You’re likely to get an almost infinite number of answers to your questions. Since you didn’t indicate to what degree you want the system (for instance, there are tons of subwoofer options from good to "rattle your teeth"), I’ll assume you’re looking for the cleanest sound, yet within reasonable limits. Back when I did the same thing, my choices were a Sony Mobile ES deck (am/fm with cassette), and a Sony disc changer in back. For added adjustment I have a Sony XE90 equalizer, which just happens to fit perfectly in the mounting kit most brands offer for our car’s dash. It’s a half-din size, and fits very cleanly under the deck. You could, if desired, even put another full-din sized unit in the mounting bracket. After all, that pocket under the radio is basically worthless. At the time for speakers I went with Pioneer. They had all the sizes I wanted, and offered good specs. They are rated high on DB, which will allow them to play cleaner and louder with less power input. My second choice would have been JBL, but at the time the Pioneers were a better choice, partly for price. Not too sure what to recommend on amps and subs, since so much has changed since I got mine. My amps are pretty small, but they are clean. They are also Sony. For bass I chose a Bazooka amplified bass tube. It offers me enough bass to round out the music, yet is small and not too heavy. The installer was impressed when he put it in, and tested it. The design of our cars helps them to be more efficient. Last, I recommend whatever components you choose, spring for upgraded wires. Get thick speaker wire, high-grade rca cables for your components, and DEFINITELY a large power wire. If you go with big bass, consider a capacitor. Your battery will thank you for it. For a good place to compare what will fit in your car, and see specs, try www.crutchfield.com Best wishes on what will surely be a fine system! Randy We’re living in a world that’s been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit? http://community.webtv.net/DeepGroove/RandysHomeontheWeb
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