See what I mea by opinions? I could tell you that I've had 4 Clarion and ALL had probs. I'll NEVER buy another Clarion I just don't BASH names. Back in the day I had the Clarion that would control a TV, VCP, up to 2 changer, etc preamp only and the damn radio would overheat, not from install, from factory, couldn't listen to a damn cd for over 20 minutes, that was a $600 radio. Like I said, do a lot of research, you want a reliable radio? Pioneer 6400 and up and great decks, don;t skip and work well for the money, JVC is also underrated, Kamelon sucks, but the other decks are nice, I rarely see a KDS 580 come back. I'm not a big Kenwood fan until you spend about $400 then I like OKAY. Pace yourself on $300-$500 for a NICE deck and you will be very happy, The new Pioneer 6500 just under $300 has f/r/s output, sub control, high pwr, clean display, etc.

 

From personal experience, I find that Boston Acoustic, Rockford Fosgate and Alpine make excellent speakers/component systems. Infinity makes excellent speakers as well, but they tend to blow their crossovers easily.

For subwoofers, I recommend Kickers, hands down. Their Comp are nice subs, but if you want to really pump out the bass, get L5 or L7 squares. I have two 10" L7 square subs in the trunk of the Accord (just waiting for an amplifier ). My friend has the same setup, but in his 2002 Ranger (he has one L7 instead of two), and it is incredible. The squares punch out the same low-end as a 12" with the responsiveness as a conventional 10".

Amplifiers vary. Alpine and Rockford Fosgate seem to make good amps, but it depends. I'm not too terribly knowledgeable in this area.

For headunits, Alpine or Pioneer, preferably Alpine. I've been using them for years, never a single problem, and they're build quality and options are unbeatable.

Don't go to Best Buy for anything but simple stuff like capicators. Their selection sucks, and they don't have a clue how to probably install components.

I'd use Tweeter or a dedicated audio store for install work. Our Tweeter around here is excellent.

Good luck.

And as a recommendation, keep your options open. Don't buy the first thing that sounds good...there's plenty of good audio companies out there.

 

my brother works at an audio store so i have been able to hear many different speakers and compare the different head units. i have grown to like the clarion head units and have the new clarion 835 on order along with sirius satelite radio. the head unit is mp3 compaticle has a 24 bit processor and just seems kickass in everyway, i know the 825 was a good deck and this is an upgrade of it. as far as speakers go i would go either mb quarts or boston acoustics. both are really nice speakers. subs im a JL guy they rock. i havent heard a system that sounds better than 2 JL 13w7s with a jl 1000/1 amp to each. damn did it hit. but theyre W3s and W6v2s also hit very well and sound great. if your lookin more for cheaper subs/amps planet audio have surprised me a lot and sound great. i installed 2 planet 10s not sure wat model and a planet 300 watt amp. and it sounded incredibly for wat it was. sorry for being so long just throwing out some options for ya

 

Ebay is your friend!!!!..you can get a freaking SYSTEM and a half for $1K from Ebay! NEW and some with warranty as well...If I may spend you money..here's a list for your price range.



Alpine Subs...$230.00/Pair Shipped


JL Audio XR650-CSi 6.5" Component System...$215.00/Shipped

SUB AMP.Lanzar Opti Class-D 800 Watts @ 1 Ohm..$160.00/shipped

COMPONENT Amp...Lanzar Opti SL150...150 Watts Per Channel x 2 @ 4 ohm..$150.00/Shipped

Alpine HU..7893...$270.00 Shipped

Wal-Mart 4 channel Wiring Kit 1000 Watts...$25.00 Local Pick-up

BOX Building $50.00

Total is JUST a little Over the 1K budget.

GRAND TOTAL of....$1100.00...WOW....Super Loud..Super Clean..Super Budget!!!!


Good Luck

Mike