So I got a ride, okay, it's a car but don't hold it against me. I'm not the type of guy who needs a fancy system. At the same time, however, I want to be able to turn up a good song as I rush down the highway. So basically, I dont want an el cheapo system but I dont want to spend a great deal. As far as speakers go, I'll just be operating a couple 4 or 6" speakers and a couple 6x9 speakers. How many watts should I look for. Furthermore, what should I keep an eye out for with speakers? Is there a key 'ingrediant' that separates the decent from the junk?

Take this stereo for example,
http://hereforgear.com/product_info....roducts_id=629
Is it a piece of junk or something I might be okay with?

I bet ya'll get more high-end questions than this on here.

 

You can go "el cheapo" easy enough. Just about every stereo store has the "el cheapo" room. As far as power, no AMP = No worries. If your just going to run a Head Unit and 4 speakers, your good to go. If you plan on running AMP(s) to the speakers, then the rule of thumb generally is running an AMP with 75% of the speakers RMS power rating. I.E. if the speakers are rated for 50 watts RMS then the amp should be rated at 35 - 40 watts RMS. (RMS power = power AMP produces all day long) You can also tweek power if you bridge the AMP channels, or wire the AMP into a 2 ohm load, but don't worry about that stuff with the "el cheapo" system on your mind....

 

That HU you linked to will work fine. Kenwood makes some decent stuff. For speakers, look for something about 25ish watts RMS, with a high sensitivity rating. If you get something rated for really high power, and are only runing like 15 watts to them off a HU, they will sound like cr@p when you crank it (really distorted bass etc.)

Check out Wally World. They have Pioneer speakers cheap, and they work good enough for what your wanting.

100 bucks on that HU
Like 60 bucks for wallyword speakers
5-10 bucks for a roll or two of speaker wire........and your set. 170ish bucks for all.

 

wow Bartak1, you are THE bargin shopper....

 

This is how it ALL starts... you upgrade the speakers, swap out the head unit... next thing you know you're getting amps, caps, bigger alternators and leaving your wife for your car stereo... well, maybe not the last one... maybe.

 

That last part depends on how good your wife treats you.......

 

Or how well your system treats you...

 

 

 

[QUOTE=UrbanCowboy]So basically, I dont want an el cheapo system but I dont want to spend a great deal. As far as speakers go, I'll just be operating a couple 4 or 6" speakers and a couple 6x9 speakers. How many watts should I look for. Furthermore, what should I keep an eye out for with speakers? Is there a key 'ingrediant' that separates the decent from the junk?

Take this stereo for example,
http://hereforgear.com/product_info....roducts_id=629
Is it a piece of junk or something I might be okay with?QUOTE]

I have never had an issue Kenwood head units. I've used them for 15 years now. If you go to a car audio shop and tell them what you want to spend, they should be able to put together the unit/amp/speakers that will all work together well. Don't let the extra work in wiring keep you from getting an amp. It's all worth it in the end.

With a $150 head unit, you can get a 4channel amp for around $175 that will run 4 nice 3-way speakers for around $200. About $500-$550 total. Not to push Kenwood, but they make some great "average" speakers and amplifiers.

 

Thanks for all the info guys!!!