Best car Audio Setup for $200 - $300?

[Newah]

Hello! First off, I'd like to let you know that I have the double DIN, Monsoon HU, with a speaker on each door, plus a tweeter on each door as well. (So total of 8 speakers) It's all powered by the stock amp in the back. I would really like to keep the stock head unit, other ones just clash with the interior and look unprofessional.

Anyways, I really want to know what you guys think is the best way to get more clarity out of this, as well as a way to play music from my iPhone. With a BUDGET, of $200 (maybe a bit more). I DON'T expect to get a ful system upgrade btw.

I've been thinking of adding an EQ with an AUX in, and maybe adding a flat subwoofer. (There's an add on Craigslist for a flat 12 inch Pioneer subwoofer with enclosure and 1000W amp for $140)

BUT, Clarity is more important to me than subwoofer level bass, so would good mid bass speakers be a better investment?

I have some speakers in my old car, that may be a step up from the stock Monsoon speakers, but I have to check still.

[russtezecustoms]

Im sure you can do somthing with that budget and your goals. I have no suggestions because my goals have been alot bigger for a long time. I currently have more in electrical and i dont have an alt yet.

Edit: good luck by the way.

[95neon_thumper82]

Im sure you can do somthing with that budget and your goals. I have no suggestions because my goals have been alot bigger for a long time. I currently have more in electrical and i dont have an alt yet.

Edit: good luck by the way.

what he said... I'd say scrap your stock speakers and head unit... stop playing through your I phone the DAC sucks get something in a head unit that will play the music on it... use it more for storage. .. that's my move...

[russtezecustoms]

Waoh hey i guess what i said came off too negative. It was not meant that way. Im sure there is some descent equipment out there in your budget. I would just do a google search for cheap car audio. Or check out the for sale adds on here. Sorry if i put off a negative vibe im a little under the weather.

[KMS]

A new headunit would be best. As you can plug in your ipod or use. Have a digital, cleaner sound to come out of the speakers. Then you can add speakers afterwards, then an amp and wiring. And THEEEEEEEEEEEN the good stuff like subs and another amp for those subs while those subs sub in the back of your car so they can sub the sub hz.

[russtezecustoms]

Thats closer to what i was getting at. You can jump the gun and buy equipment that you wont be happy with and wont be worth what you payed for it when you decide to sell in a month or two. This is a great hobbie and the people here on smd are top notch. There are some great "budget builds" on here, unfortinatly most of the "budgets" are at least tripple what you listed. Its better and cheaper to do it right in stages once than it is to do it five-ten times half-assed all at once. Hopefully some of the more budget minded members will chime in. I sencerely wish you good luck.

[Rockford96]

^^^ cant chime in on equipment but dont jump the gun on buying cheaper equip i did and regret it its best to save and do it right the first time

[Toofast4u]

Coming from someone who spent years chasing the perfect system on a budget, don't do it. Not saying you should pull out the rubber band stacks and make it rain Moscani amps and Critical Mass subwoofers. Set aside the system you want with no compromises, make adjustments if need be and go from there.

Doing it right the first time save you both money and time. You'll spend more than you originally though, but you'll be happier for longer.

[Newah]

Okay, we'll then how about I just put hold to a full upgrade (I'm starting college ok the fall, I won't have any more money to put into it for a while)

How will adding an EQ with and AUX in work? Reason I'm liking the idea of an EQ is because when I plug my phone into the EQ, wont it not go through the HU? (which I want I keep stock for now). My phone is my only source of music

This is the EQ I'm looking at.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_46587_NVX-XEQ7.html#tabs

This way I can listen to music from my phone, enhance my sound a little, and keep my stock Head Unit

[john253a]

an eq wont enhance the it can edit whats there already

you need and epicentre (restoration style device) to do that

idd replace the headunit with a nice one, even if you drop your entire 2-300 budget on it you will get a better outcome and basses to start expanding

i take it you have a vw (just guessing from your h/u brand)

personal idd h/u first with stock speakers (and piss off factory amp)

second, front speakers and small sub with a good 4ch

if you looking at slimline subs in 12" idd get a stanard 10" on a budget

headunit (comes with the change pocket to make double din)

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_42778_Pioneer-DEH-P8400BH.html

front speakers (and when you get some funds for good comps put them in rear)

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_43366_Rockford-Fosgate-Power-T165.html

rear speaker

leave stock until you can afford some nice comps up front

amp

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_67855_MB-Quart-OA1100.5.html

subs with that amp any thing around 4-500rms ratted would be perfect

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_34767_Rockford-Fosgate-P3-1X10.html