[LotusCC]

If you're looking for a basic audio upgrade, I just installed this in my car today.

And this:

And some kicker speakers.

Easy install for yourself. Crutchfield supplies the wiring harness free of charge. I mostly wanted bluetooth, streaming pandora from phone and hands free calling.
I haven't had a chance to set it up yet, but I popped in a cd and it already sounds exponentially better than what was in there.


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[Lancia]

Ideally 90% of your money should be spent on speakers.
Then amps, up to a certain point.
A decent, basic deck is rare.
I like kenwood excellon usually.
Polk speakers are generally the best buy at the low end.
Boston has a good rep and some efficiency, very crucial.
Focal has good higher end speakers.
Many choices when you spend enough.

Amps are poorly specced.
Look at voltage - should be 12 volts - noise -100db, at least -80db - RMS wattage with a distortion rating - should be below 0.05% with ALL channels driven.
Some "100 watt amps" are about 20-30 and not useful at that power.
1% thd power is meaningless.
You need ten times the power you will be using or equivalent headroom- clean.
Go for efficient speakers.
The polk components appear similar, but crutchfield says they are less efficient.
Could be the crossover.

 

[DWebb]

Best bang for you money is put some 5-1/2" speakers in the front and 6-1/2" in the rear.
That made a world of difference in my elise.

 

[Lancia]

Many people recommend marine components especially in an open car, and high vibration.
Especially applies to the head unit.
They often have unique features.

A couple of decent appearing amps.
Note the 1% thd and very high voltage rating.
You can be certain the wattage rating is NOT accurate.
Alpine PDR-F50 4-channel car amplifier — 85 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com
Focal FD 2.350 Ultra-compact 2-channel amplifier ? 105 watts RMS x 2 at Crutchfield.com

Also a mono subwoofer is to be avoided, though most people don't arrange space for stereo subs.

 

[Lancia]

Best bang for you money is put some 5-1/2" speakers in the front and 6-1/2" in the rear.
That made a world of difference in my elise.

Always a good idea to use larger.

Worth mentioning that many companies now use a fraudulent method for measuring drivers.
This is especially important if you are dealing with a reputable company vs others or older drivers.
Drivers are measured across the open cone surface.
Many car speaker companies are now measuring the entire frame, a totally unreliable approach, as they can all be different.
So a "five inch" can actually be a four inch and so on.
A " 6 1/2 " will be 5.25" in the real world, or some other fraction.
Higher end drivers will still be accurately described.
My older Kef Kars are 7" across the cone.
Something to bear in mind.

Also low depth doesn't usually mean low depth.

 

[gooberschnot]

I have jim claytons speaker adaptors for the larger fronts....see my sig' i am more than happy with the sound...the sub makes all the difference.

 

[SwingLo]

Here's your easiest and best bet. All done yourself

Fronts - 5.25 JLs with Clayton rings
Rears - 6.5 JLs
Head Unit - Alpine 143bta. Stream bluetooth from your phone
Alpine KTP power pack. Plug and play

If you more bottom, add a powered sound ordnance b8 sub on the rear shelf behind seat

 

[Sergeant]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone.
I believe I'll be going with Swinglos suggestions. The cost is about what I'm looking for.
Now to get those Clayton rings.

 

[Lancia]

Nothing wrong with it.
I'd check the amp specs though.
It matters.

The pack is 15 to 30 watts per channel.
Great while parked.
Driving? What's the sensitivity on those JL drivers? 89?
Not enough for low power for most people.

You will certainly be happier with the ability to compress audio on the road.

How quiet is your actual car?

 

[holmz]

Nothing wrong with it.
...
How quiet is your actual car?

^This^

The car is so loud that the signal to noise is dominated by the noise. By the time you add more signal, then you have levels of sound that are unhealthy. Best bet is some foam ear buds.

 

[Sergeant]

Good info. After seeing some of the other threads I'm looking into going towards a full blown upgrade. Some of the work done here is amazing and very tempting as well:
C.A.R.S. - Customized Automotive Resonating Systems for Lotus

 

[Viggen]

If you live in a area with a few audio shops I suggest stopping by each of them and asking for their opinion as well as prices. Lots of great products available and like stated numerous brands to choose from.

Most local shops will meet or beat crutchfields prices.....

I do agree that quality speakers and a quality amp make all the difference.