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Hello everybody,

I need some help building a system for my 2000 Land Cruiser. I am by no means an audiophile and simply feel that any system will sound better than my stock system. That being said, I would like to build a system that has the most bang for my buck. Doesnt everbody??? haha

My budget (and current ideas) are as follows:

1. Head Unit for under $300 (perhaps an Alpine?)

2. 6 1/2 Components for the Front for under $300
(i am considering MB Quart PCE-216)

3. 5 1/4 Coaxial speakers for the Rear for under $150
(no current ideas)

4. 4 Channel Amp for under $350
(I am considering Alpine F340)

A couple of other questions:

A. I do NOT think at this time I will add a subwoofer to my system so I would like to know which components speakers will provide a more "well-rounded" sound. I have heard that some components have excellent highs and mids but lack a more well rounded sound. I guess that these types of components assume that you have a subwoofer in your system. Any suggestions for components that dont have subwoofer to help them out??

B. I would like to buy my system online as I dont have many stereo stores where I live. Which online car stereo stores do you consider to be reputable??? http://www.onlinecarstereo.com seems to be a good one but I would like to hear what you guys think.

Thanks!!!

Here are just a few ideas I had in mind, some prices, etc. I hope this helps...



Head units:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7yNdl1...lpine+head+unit

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7yNdl1...lpine+head+unit

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7yNdl1...lpine+head+unit

These are all nice head units for under $300.00, overall Alpine makes great Headunits and they aren't all that expensive.

Also try checking out Eclipse, although they offer exceptional headunits they are a little bit more costly.

For the front Components MB Quart is great choice, a couple of my friends have MB Quart and they just love them. They sound exceptional:
http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarA...ProductID=13544
have you considered mounting these in kickpanels? Although this may be a little more costly, and a pain in the ass, mounting 6.5" (But it can be done) you'll be much happier with your over all sound. I'm not quite sure if they make kickpanels for this truck, I know q logic q forms don't offer any, but if all else fails construct your own.

Personally I wouldn't focus all that much on rear fill, but that is up to you, I suggest you read the FAQ section about rear fill. But if you do decide to go that route, coaxils are not what you want. Like I said I suggest reading up on this topic in the FAQ section of the forum.

To read up on whether or not rear fill speakers are right for you visit:

http://www.caraudiocentral.net/foru...thread.php?t=33

As far as an amp goes here are some results from crutchfield for Alpine Amps, in the 60 rms ranges.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7yNdl1...k1%5DUp+ to+60

If you're looking for a higher grade amplifier I’d go with something along the lines of this:
http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/amplifiers/kar_4004.htm

Here are some prices on Arc Audio Amps:
http://www.cbrstereo.com/browseprod...-KAR-400.4.HTML

Also Justin From Detroit has a site/store @ www.Detroitbass.com
which offers quality audio products as well as Arc Audio.


I hope this helps you out a little.
And by the way nice truck.
David

going on an overall budget of $1k and i would suggest getting a sub, it will fill out the sound more than a set of components will.

headunit ($280):
Alpine CDA-9851

front stage ($150):
Infinity Kappa 60.5cs

front amp ($180):
Kicker KX200.2 (70x2)

sub ($110):
Infinity Kappa 100.3

sub amp ($250):
JBL GTO 301.1

the left over money for box/wiring, and dont worry about rear-fill, just run stock speakers off head-unit, with some bass blockers. the sub is a bit underpowered for the amp, but if you keep the gain down, you'll be good.
its kind of mix/macthec, but it would work.
sounddomain is highly reputable, as well with crutchfield. i hate sounddomain cause they ship fedex. and fedex is teh suck.