Mayo

When you say "front stage", are you referring to the speakers? I am running Focal 165V30s front and rear. I purchased them just before I decided to redo the system. If they don't like the sound I told them I would look into the Hertz High Energy components.

If you read the narrative for each picture, they made a shadowbox for the detail brushes because right underneath them is a storage space for all my detailing products. They just came up with some unique ways to utilize the space in the spare tire location.

Here is a link to the latest updates on my new audio system from the folks at Xtreme Vehicle Designs in Noblesville, IN. They've done an outstanding job just in time for the World of Wheels car show in Indianapolis 11-13 Feb. http://www.xtremevehicledesigns.com/latest-work.html?id=801003

Screen is only 6.5" and the USB connection is in front. Good choice though. Thanks for the suggestion.

It's a nice unit but doesn't have a CD/DVD drive. I looked at the Alpine website and their lowest priced AV unit was $700.00.

Sonic Electronix has some good deals but the only drawback is that you don't get the manufacturer's warranty, you get their warranty which is always much less. If the uniy fails then you must send it back to them, not Pioneer. That happened to me when I purchased two Rockford Fosgate amps from them. One was defective and I had to send it back to them. They had to repair it which took over three weeks plus I had to pay shipping both ways.

I don't understand your response but thanks just the same.

Man, you are everywhere! Well, Alpine is the usual suspect but I am leaning towards the AVH-P4200DVD. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/In-Dash/DVD-Receivers/AVH-P4200DVD

Double DIN. Can't get to your link from work because it's blocked. I will have to check it out when I get home. $500 is my limit. I;ve been looking at three Pioneer AV units: AVH-4200DVD, AVH-3200BT and AVH-3200DVD. http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/In-Dash/DVD-Receivers#section=models

2003 Lexus IS300

It's for a 2003 IS300 and I already have a dash kit as shown in the picture. I'm looking for an AV receiver that would fit in the middle area.

Hello everyone, I am replacing everything in my audio set-up including the stock head unit and I was wondering if there is a unit that would fit perfectly in the head unit location? I've always avoided doing this in the past because I didn't want to tear apart the dash and lose that "stock" look but I'm upgrading everything else so I might as well upgrade the head unit too. I am particularly interested in the Pioneer AV head units. Thanks.

Here ya go...... http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/holdamayo/

The guy who installed my current set-up is really against Audison and Hertz and he said that Focal used to own them but because they wanted to "cheapen" their products, Focal sold them off. I cannot confirm whether that's true or not but it sounds like bullshit to me. Hertz and Audison is an Italian company owned by Electomedia. My installer is just so sold on Arc and RE that he won't really listen. To me, the comparison is apples and oranges.

The guy who installed my Focals did say that only the entry level RE subs were made in China. I am considering the LRX 5.1k and either the Hertz ML3000, 2500 or HX250. I will be in touch. Thanks pal.

Outstanding recommendation and advice from everyone. I will look into everything and make an informed decision. How do I get in contact with James? Thanks everyone!

I've actually been leaning towards Audison ever since my installer said he never heard of them or Hertz and he got that opinion from his supplier. I have never heard of Morel or Seas but I'm also not narrowminded to dismis them. Thanks tatt2guy It's ironic you should mention the Bit One because a shop in Indianapolis (Xtreme Vehicle Designs) highly recommended the Bit One. http://caraudiomag.com/articles/audison-bit-one-processor

Agreed. I could pay an arm and a leg but it isn't the price so mush as what I'm getting for my money. Audison recently came out with a 5.1 amp that can run the 2-ways @4ohms and the subs @2ohms Many thanks for the information CHEMMINS. I'm aware of all three and tend to associate Alpine with amps and Polk with speakers. I will definitely look into all three. I have no idea at this point what my amp and sub design will look like but I tend to gravitate towards more "subtle and clean" set-ups. That's certainly an option and at this point I haven't decided which direction I will go.

Hello everyone. I'm new to the SMD community and I am seeking an unbiased recommendation on amps and subs. I have a show car (2003 Lexus IS300) and I am in the process of upgrading my current system. I currently have Rockford Fosgate amps (500.1tbd and 600.4), Boston Acoustic SPG 555 10" sub and new Focal 165 VB 2-ways speakers (F & R). The Focals were just installed about two weeks ago. My next step is to replace my current sub and amps. I am not into the SQL scene but I am more interested in audiophile sound and headroom. My local installer is really into RE subs and Arc amps and is pushing me to go with two RE 10" subs and two Arc amps. I am NOT convinced yet that this is the best way to go and since this is the only equipment he sells I am concerned that I'm not getting an objective/unbiased opinion. I am also looking into Audison amps and Hertz subs so I wanted to find out what you folks think and if anyone has experience with these brands. I still have the stock head unit, a Clarion equalizer and a JL Clean Sweep. I've also included a few pics of my current system. Many thanks for your help.