Replying to Topic 'Professionally installed amp/speaker upgrade?'
Nope, a "decent" sub won't fit. BUT, this is what I'm thinking for you:
And damn... $500 isn't a lot, but I'm gonna try my best here.
Note that all the links I give are REPUTABLE dealers, and I'm trying my best to find authorised dealers for you too.
First off, we're obviously going to either use an amp with high (speaker) level inputs, or an LOC, so we don't have to deal with changing the head unit (which for now, is difficult, and expensive). We're going to leave the rear speakers hooked up to the factory amp. because for one, rear speakers aren't neccessary, and two, well, if the passengers are in the back seat, we can't care TOO much about their listening pleasure, can we? (Your child excluded, of course)
Anyways, in the front, we have:
Directed Studio 3065 components for $230 shipped. These aren't the cheapest out there, but their quality FAR exceeds the price, and blows away lesser sets. I saw a set of MB Quarts for a lot less, on sale on the same site, but frankly, you'll be happier with the Directeds. It's a mellow, smooth sound, as opposed to the harshness of the MB Quart tweets.
And for the sub, we just need something for the kick of the bass drum, and low end fill, nothing outlandish or ostentatious. For that, we'll use:
CDT Audio 10" MS100 minibox sub for $80
Now, for the amp, we're going to use one of my favorite budget brands, and what I'll be using to compete (initially):
US Acoustics USX4065 for $123.
That amp will send 65w to each side of the components at 12.9v, and about 80w at normal operating, 13.8 voltage. The rear channels will be bridged to the sub, sending it 160w at 12.9v, and about 200w at 13.8. you can mount the sub in a TINY .45 cubic foot box, the amp can be mounted on (or IN) the seatback, and it'll take up almost NO space whatsoever.
That also leaves about $70 for wiring, so we're going to head over to KnuKonceptz, to get you a wiring kit:
KnuKonceptz 8g 4 channel amp kit for $24. All you'll have to do is get a 40 amp AGU fuse from Radio Shack to replace the 50 amp unit it comes with. What's that, $0.50?
Last but not least, we need a Line Out Converter. Dave Navone of Autosound2000 makes the best LOCs in the business, so we're going to get:
Navone N774 LOC for $45.
Now, that adds up to just about $500, leaving you to either install this yourself (not recommended for the first timer) or pay about $150 to an installer to do things right. This should give you a good setup for alt-rock, classic rock, ect. and it won't kill your ears either. A system worthy to be called "stealthy".
All the dealer links I gave you were for authorised seller, except for the US Acoustics amp. Crutchfield has them for ALMOST the same price ($9 more); but I wouldn't trust the quality of the newer USB line. However, with Crutchfield's lifetime support, if you ever have a problem you can always swap it out for a new one.
Damn, I'm good.
