I am trying to put a new sound system in my car and definitely a subwoofer, but after looking around and reading some posts, I am not sure what brand to go with and how to set it up. I've read mixed reviews of just adding a box in the back as it sounds better than having something like a subwoofer than mounted facing up towards the trunk? not fully sure.

 

I have a subwoofer that sits flat in the trunk. The sub is a kicker 12" and it sounds great. My next step is to get an amp for the speakers. I'm currently running kenwood 6x9 speakers in the rear at the moment and they sound pretty clear. I have some pioneers up front that will be replaced soon.

 

A setup like Buggy Disaster has (very nice install BTW) is perfect for these cars. They way the hatch is designed creates a megaphone effect which enhances the bass response in these cars to phenomenal levels when mounted in that configuration.

As far as brands go, your budget will dictate that more than anything. Kicker is a pretty good brand as are most popular mass productions brands such as Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, etc.

Depending on your goal and if your budget allows, some brands that are more known for sound quality are Image Dynamics, Rainbow Audio or Infinity/JBL subs.

Or if flat out SPL is your goal look into brands like Sundown, SoundQubed or RE Audio.

I'm not saying those brands can't sound good, or that the previously mentioned brands can't get loud, but they each are "known" for certain characteristics.

 

Ya, I am currently shopping around for front/rear speakers and probably wont buy a subwoofer as of yet so I can focus more so on the speakers themselves and have more money to spend on them. I saw some Image Dynamics on http://www.sonicelectronix.com/, but the price is pretty hefty. But after looking around at what some people have done to their cars, most of the installation for speakers and subs are pretty custom heavy, so I'm planning on doing it myself instead of having someone like Audio Express do it for me. I just hope I dont mess up
Does anybody have suggestions as to price versus quality as well for speakers? I mean at a certain point I feel like even if some speakers are priced more heavily than others, will the effect be that noticeably significant?

 

It all depends upon how much you want to spend. And as AJ said, your wallet dictates quality.

I'm running a high end Fosgate 10" sub in a downfire box in my avalanche with 300 watts (old skool Rockford Punch 30) pushing it and it rocks. But I am longing for more when I turn it up even though the whole truck vibrates even with the windows and sunroof open.

My 3rdGen is probably getting pair of 12" Sundowns. I heard 1 10" at a show a couple years back and it was very impressive.

 

Here is mine,
2 IDQ12's run off of a MMATS 1400.1
I made the box out of fiberglass.





You can save a lot of money buying used equipment too. That's what I did, and saved a ton.