Kiwi's & Aussies - Audio advice, Looking for down under audio advice Options

[drizzt_stylez_nz]

Hey guys,

I realise that there are other topics here on what speakers to get and what not, but the problem is, that in our part of the world, there are a lot of different brands that dominate the market. So what I'm wanting to know from other Kiwis (or possibly even Aussies), is what kind of brands are reccommended?

I've got a Pioneer head unit (DEH-P7650 - got it dirt cheap), and what I think are stock speakers, with a couple of tweeters. What I'm wanting to do, is replace everything that is in there (apart from the HU), and add a sub. Any suggestions on what kind of speakers & how many, brands/kinds of amps and how many, and also, around how much would I be looking to get it installed? Any Kiwis know of any good places?

I mainly listen to rap/hip hop with some R&B, but do crank out the odd Nirvana tune every once and a while, so I suppose I would be looking for a bit of bass. And also, I hate it when stuff rattles when I crank up what I've got, is there any way to lessen/eliminate this?

My budget is $2500 (NZD - inc install), but I suppose I could push up on that if it is reccommended. But like anyone else, I would like to save money wherever possible, without sacrificing quality of course. Also, keep in mind I'm not looking for competition level sounds or anything, just something I can crank up with it still sounding clear with low distortion.

All help appreciated.

Cheers.

[6gcs3nz]

I agree with Ricky. If your HU is not decsent (ie. putting out atleast 50w per channel) then spending money on good speakers/woofers will not show you the results you want for the money spent.

I know people have different opinions when it comes to naming brands. From what I've come across in the NZ market: JVC, Kenwood and Philip HU's are super, but be willing to spend atleast $350-400 for a decent set that should get you basic CD player w/50x4ch output.

I also know sometimes having a hybrid setup is not everyones taste but again, speakers - go with Pioneer. Their Mid range and 6x9's are rock solid for providing major thump for Hip Hop trax with very little to near no distortion at high volumes.

Subs: DO NOT touch Sony. Utter worthless POS IMO. For major big bass kicks get either a Kenwood or Fusion. If you like the really low freq. and the droning BMMMMMMMmmmmm as you drive by....I'd start by looking @ 12". If you can, try pricing a box for it from http://www.trademe.co.nz to make things more affordable. There are good enclosures that ppl have already made.

Also check out http://www.drivingsound.co.nz for retail prices to give you a heads up on what the car-audio $$$ scene is like at the moment. They're a good benchmark for price comparison to show you if you're getting a bargain from elsewhere in NZ.

Anyway - hope this helps. I'm intending on juicing up my system next year, so its awesome to see a fellow 6GC on the track ahead of me. Hope it works out well. Send PICS of the progress if you can