Car Audio Central - Ultimate Car Audio Forum and Community

I've waited a long time for this, and the time has almost arrived. I am getting my truck lifted and putting some 33's on it here in a few weeks as soon as a check gets here. What is left will be put towards an upgrading my stereo. So, I want some opinions. I haven't been active around here lately, nor in the industry at all the last year and a half. I am thinking I will have around the $1500 range to spend, but like I said, it may be a little less or more.

What I need:

New HU. Considering a Nakamichi CD400. I like the basic look, classy, not flashy. Needs good specs, ie 4v pre outs good DAC etc. $400 or so on eBay.

Components. I'll look to be sure, but I believe stock location is 6.5". Either way I have plenty of room to modify for size. Was considering Arc or RE...not bias to anyone though. Needs to handle 100wrms @ 4ohms. $500 range. (to fit my Arc 2100XXK amp)

The sub is a BIG maybe. I don't really have room for one. The room I have is taken by things such as jumper cables, tow rope, tools etc. I will decide later down the road on this. If I do decide to do this, I am going to fiberglass a box to suck right underneath the seat so that it isn't obvious. I like the stock look...and want to keep it that way.

I am putting a CB radio in too...so that might go into this project now or later. Give me feedback on what you have or recomendations...I'm open to new ideas.

I really like the CD-400. Good unit for the money.

I'm in a similar situation with my truck, I'm trying to cram a system into an 86 Ranger. I believe for sub duty I'm going with an Image Dynamics ID8v3. Best 8" sub I've fooled with, that's in comparison to the RE 8 and the JL 8W3v2 and 8W7. SPL it won't quite outdo the W7, but it's so close and the SQ of the ID is better IMO. If you had the room, I'd recommend you look at the IDQ 10 or the Arc Audio Arc series subwoofers. Excellent SQ, reasonable SPL output, work very well in small sealed enclosures. Price is right, too.

The Arc Audio components are impressive. I also recommend looking at the Alpine Type X comps and the SEAS Lotus Performance comps. I wasn't that impressed by the SQ of the RE comps.

I'd keep my eye on the price of these, though.
http://www.hybrid-audio.com/

Should be very reasonably priced and it comes from one of the best competitors in car audio. Buwalda knows what is needed for a good sounding car.

Jonathan wrote:I'm in a similar situation with my truck, I'm trying to cram a system into an 86 Ranger.

You have to love the 1st gen rangers, I've owned 2.

What kind of truck do you have Jszar?

"You have to love the 1st gen rangers, I've owned 2"

Man, you know it. I just love those trucks, they're so simple and fun to drive.

"You have to love the 1st gen rangers, I've owned 2"

Man, you know it. I just love those trucks, they're so simple and fun to drive.

Jonathan wrote:"You have to love the 1st gen rangers, I've owned 2"

Man, you know it. I just love those trucks, they're so simple and fun to drive.

And simple to install in. I had 2.3's in both mine, great motors. I bought one with a 2.8 in it but only keep it for like 3 days.

Hey Jszar, you had the f-150 right? Extended cab? :

"And simple to install in. I had 2.3's in both mine, great motors. I bought one with a 2.8 in it but only keep it for like 3 days."

Yeah, mines a 2.3. I'm swapping a manual into it to replace the A4LD slushbox. Really easy trucks to get sounding good, nice flat dash, low seating position, doors and kicks not far off axis. I'm pretty confident this install will be one of my better sounding ones due to the acoustics of the truck.

2004 F-150 FX4 Super Crew...full four door pickup.