I'm an idiot!
 

Ok, I wanna get a new head unit, amp, speakers, and maybe a sub. I was browsing at the store today and was wondering a few things...Say I bought a 460 watt amp. Now how do I buy speakers and a head unit off of that? I don't know ANYTHING about this stuff really, so any pointers on how to piece together a system would be great. A 460 watt amp was just a stupid example :D Any input is much appreciated!! :)

that doesent make you an idiot, man! Go to a smaller local shop. YOu WILL pay more but I find that the equptment is good and they tend to know thier stuff. at least in the Philly area!

Another thing to try at that smaller local shop is asking them to teach you a little bit. If it's a good shop, they will help you out and give you some information `you can use, even if you don't buy from them.

I also visited this site recently - it will give you some real knowledge that you can use in making good decisions. Some technical stuff, but you'll need to know certain facts like how ohms work, how they apply to wattage from an amp, how voltage affects your stereo, etc. if you want to make some good decisions on audio.

This info is NOT just for audiophiles and competitors!! Knowing it can save you tons of money replacing bad components, and help you know how NOT to blow things up or have them sound like shit.

Give it a read - spend the time. Then come back with your questions and I'm sure many people here will be glad to answer them, including me. It's just way too much to answer a "how do I put together a system?" question - the answer would be like 50 pages long!

Go learn. You'll be glad you did. And it's a great feeling to walk into a Circuit City or whatever and KNOW that you have twice the knowledge of the guy who's gonna try to sell you stuff. Nice to be able to call his bullshit, too - and walk out laughing at him.

Oh yeah - the site is at: http://www.eatel.net/~amptech/elecdisc/caraudio.htm

~HH