Need help deciding car audio.

[Sniper82]

On a budget and besides these are only going in a 96 Geo Prizm. Wanting to keep the complete set at $200 but cheaper if possible. I am looking at these:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFC1...html?o=v&tp=97

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB52...html?o=v&tp=97

My question is, is the polks worth the extra? I am currently running Dual brand all away around which sound decent but I want a bit more. I am running a Pioneer 400watt 4 channel amp with a Pioneer Headunit.

The duals I have are the TS55 and TS65. Would I see a difference?

 

[NutBucket]

For budget coaxials I would suggest either Alpine or Eclipse. If you look you can also get Boston Acoustics within your budget. If you go with the BAs, you will definitely see a difference.

Of the two you show, I would definitely spend the extra for Polk. Also, avoid Infinity

Do you have any plans to get a sub? Also, you may find that adding some sound deadening to your doors will give you the upgrade you're looking for. Adding a dynamat-type material to the inner and outer door plus some closed cell foam (and sealing the door) will significantly improve sound quality.

The real question is, how long do you plan to keep the car? Ultimate decider in what path is best.

 

[Sniper82]

I'll keep the car till I can no longer find parts to fix it and will force me to send it to the scrap yard. Could you link me to a set of speakers that would be worth the upgrade from the Duals(which I know aren't anything good) that replaced factory ones?

 

[kornphlake]

First, don't buy from crutchfield unless you need the warranty (not likely for speakers) or you need an install kit (not really useful for speakers) their prices aren't very good.

Second, for $200 you probably won't be able to hear much difference from one brand to the next, but I'd personally stay away from dual. Speakers are the only part of a stereo system that actually make sound, it's pretty easy to hear the difference between a $40 speaker and a $100 speaker, where comparing a $2 cable to a $200 cable or a $80 headunit to a $400 headunit the difference in sound quality won't be as obvious.

 

[Sniper82]

was just using them to lookup speakers and reviews. I will likely shot around the net or go on ebay. Do you all recommend a site to order from with good prices? Unfortunately there is no local audio shops where I live.

 

[NutBucket]

I buy from ebay most of the time. Sometimes, Crutchfield does have good deals though.

 

[kornphlake]

Ebay used to be good but lately I've found better deals on amazon for a lot of things. jr.com usually has good prices on home audio, I haven't shopped there for car audio though. Check craigslist and pawn shops, used car audio is always for sale and easy to find, it's not always a good deal though, be informed before you go shopping.

 

[TechBoyJK]

caraudio.com

check out Hertz

 

[basslover1]

Are you going to do any type of door treatments? Installing a set of coaxils without proper door treatments, is like putting a sub in an enclosure that is missing a panel.

At the very least seal the door off as best you can and decouple the speaker from the door either with a spacer ring, or some type of non-hardening modeling clay, preferably both.

 

[CraigRT]

Keep the setup and get a small sub?
I see sub/box and amp combos go for sale on my local classifieds for as little as $100.