hey guys
i need some help to fix up my protege 5 with a bumpin sound system

money is no option to a tight system

any suggestions out there?
and do any of you know of a good place to get it done in southern cali? or how about some how-to's?

and please dont tell me to use the search engine, i cant really find what will help me as much as specific info

thanks about!

 

Use the search feature.

I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist.

 

I have an 02 Sedan. So far, I've added a sub and amp (12" Kicker) and upgraded the speakers to Eclipse drop in replacements in the factory locations.

The sub made a big difference, adding low end that the factory setup couldn't start to duplicate. I am only pushing the sub with a 160 watt bridged 2 channel amp, and it is plenty.

The replacement speakers really sharpened up the mid range and highs. I chose the Eclipse brand because I like the sound and they are very efficient. This gives me the most out of the available power from the factory head unit.

My next step will be to add a 4 channel amp to power the speakers. I plan on something in the 40-50 watt range per channel. This should bring out all the detail the speakers are capable of.

Right now, I would have to say I am very satisfied with the upgrades. I wanted to keep spending reasonable on my upgrades, and massive volume wasn't a priority for me.

My single 12 vibrates the rear view mirror when I go up on the volume, and that's plenty for me. I was looking for a "live music" type sound, where the bass is clearly heard as part of the music. I've accomplished this.

The bad thing about starting to upgrade is stopping. I don't really need the amp for the main speakers, but I'll probably get one, because this stuff is addicting!!

After that, I'll probably be happy for awhile, until I start wondering how much better a good set of components would sound upfront. As they will be less efficient, I'll then probably have to upgrade amps, etc. etc.

Good luck with your upgrades. The Protege line is a great platform for audio. It is an easy car to work on, and the results obtained are good, even on a reasonable budget.

 

i love it when money is not an issue! okay, here is what i would suggest for ya:

midrange
-jl audio xr
-a/d/s
-focal utopia
amps
-phoenix gold tantrum
-autotek mean machine
-autotek stealth series
-jl audio
sub(s)
-autotek
-jl audio w7
-image dynamics idmax
-alumapro alchemy
-a/d/s
-focal utopia

i'd recommend fusion but i don't need more ppl running around with what i got.

 

you can go unibrand, and just have all JL stuff, it will sound very nice! but make sure you got mad security on that car or it will be all gone with in a week.

 

The LANZAR Opti and Vibe amplifiers are very good. You can bridge a 2 channel for the Subs, and use the 4 Channel for the front and rear speakers. Don't forget to use a capacitator so you meet the power requirements!
Good Luck!
By the way, Kicker has a great 5x7 speaker, for the front doors!

 

Money is no issue??
Try http://www.sounds-good-stereo.com/index.html

Good brands for unlimited budget kind of folks
Front sound stage
Dynaudio
Focal

Amps
Brax Helix
McIntosh

Subs
Focal
JL Audio
Fusion

 

dave, did you test out those saucer subs from blaupunkt? how much are two twelves?

 

HA! Still not out of the box One Hawaiian except to look at. Not for sale yet, and will probably do as a part of some system for somebody this fall or winter when the weather here drives me back inside. Right now my daughter and I are fishing, biking and playing with the R/C cars too much. Between homework. I can't remember doing book reports when I was in first grade...
So I will let you know what I find out once they are hooked up and live. I keep thinking they might be fun in the RX-7, but if I am going to dead wieght that car I will break out another Velodyne or a Focal...