I just graduated high school and for my graduation gift since my car doesn't have a radio my mom is giving me $200 towards a radio and speakers and my sister and her boyfriend said they'd give me $100 towards it too so basically my budget is $300. I've been doing some research and I think I like these

Radio
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...e-CDE-122.html

Front Speakers
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...nch-P1462.html

Back Speakers
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...ate-P1694.html

All the reviews for those brands seem good but I just wanted to know if you think this would be a good set up.

Thanks

 

Well you have a budget so you have to be happy with it

 

Yeah I know but I was wondering if the stuff I picked out is good or if there would be something else in that price range that would be better.

 

Lots of people like Alpine.

I have the Rockford Fosgate Punch speakers in my F-350 Crewcab, although I am running a Kicker subwoofer. The RF speakers have 150 watts each via a RF Prime 150 x 4 A-B amp, and they handle everything that the amp will produce. A RF 300 x 1 Prime class D amp handles the subwoofer. RF speakers are great for the money. The system will shake the glass in the truck, and there is zero distoration at loud volumes. very happy. No complaints. The system components were recommended by a Sonic tech.

 

Why go BNIB from Sonic when you can buy used on audio forums or eBay?

Honestly........Skip the lower level Alpine. If you are going under 150 for a deck go Pioneer.

Also do you drive an automatic or a Manual? You could look into kick panels and get some 6.5" components and be 100x happier.


J

 

Sonic VS E Bay = A new product and a Warrenty...

I have always liked Pioneer HU's also, however a lot of knowledgable people hate them.

Larger speakers are better if you have a place to install them.

 

Yeah I'd definitely rather buy new and have a warranty for peace of mind.

I saw a lot of people like Pioneer but it seems like more people like Alpine.
Also I wouldn't want bigger speakers if it meant modifications.

86WS6, do you think the punch speakers would still be good without an amp powering them?

 

You can still buy new and have a warranty from eBay. I just have never been happy with Sonic, their prices, or anything else. I understand the desire to have that 'safety net' but did you know some only offer that for a year unless installed by an authorized dealer? Also some only offer it when sold by an authorized dealer and many online companies are not authorized.


Just some food for thought. I've been working off an on with car audio for over 15 years now.


J

 

Thanks a lot for the input. So would you suggest finding an authorized dealer on ebay? Do you know any offhand? Or what other online store do you like?

 

Hi White90iroc, The RF punch speakers are a good choice for the money. Your choice of head units should be fine, however if you pick one with a low wattage rating your system will sound clear, but may not be as loud as you want it to be. I have an older Pioneer HU that was a entry level unit in its day, but produces 100 watts, 25 watts per speaker, although technically that's 50 watts per channel. That HU will power most speakers without any difficulties. I would pick a HU that will allow you to upgrade later. A USB port will be nice. A jack for an I-pod is another feature you may consider. The reason that I suggested Sonic is that they are a factory certified dealer for many brands, so the factory warrentys are honored. They have a listing of which brands the are certified to sell, although they also sell some brands who they are not certified dealers for. The prices at Sonic are cheaper than most, and the tech line does have the ability to discount if you ask. I have a stack of stuff that I have bought off of E-bay that was complete junk, and could never get anyone to honor any sort of warrenty. I call that my learned lesson stack of stuff... That is not to say that all E-bay sellers are bad, just a few. But there are enough for buyers to beware. I have also made some outstanding purchases from dealers on E-bay. If you are not real careful, you can buy someone else's junk. Lots of still new in the box (new-old stock), but outdated stuff gets sold on E-bay. Of course sometimes new-old stock can be that perfect bargan. You have to do lots of research. Charles

 

Hey thanks for the help and sorry I haven't replied back I just got back from vacation. All of this watts stuff is starting to confuse me. I'm going to try and get a hold of my cousin that I don't talk to much who knows this stuff pretty well and see if he can help me out more in person. Whatever I end up going with I'll be sure to post back here with a review.