New Audio System Options

[fastercelica]

Looking to replace all speakers in my 96 gt and add some subs. any recommendations as far as brands? trying to keep it relatively cheap. thanks.

[zonz540]

Having sold/installed about all of the above, i like alpine best for decks, amps, and usually speakers. Kenwood is good if you get their low end stuff. Their high end stuff is just like Pioneer and tends to have issues over time (motorized parts break and oled screens arent quite to production quality). I do like Pioneer decks if youre willing to spend over $300 because they include an eq. Alpine tends to leave any tuning options to their new Imprint system. It costs about $250.
Alpine subs hit a little higher than Fosgate or any of the other brands, unless you have type r or type x. These guys suck power and its best to run them with higher RMS wattage than not. Ive had really great luck with Infinity subs. The old (aluminum woofer) kappa series and kappa perfects have outstanding bass quality and dont require a huge amp like most other subs do. For under 500 RMS, id do Infinity kappa. For over 500 RMS, id do Alpine, Fosgate T series, or the old MB Quart lines from when Fosgate owned them.
Overall, you get what you pay for with electronics. Alpine isnt super flashy or super technical, but they last forever and they definitely take a lot more of a beating than anything other than the cheap Kenwoods ive seen or worked on. Stay away from no-name brands like Dual. Sony stuff sucks, as well... Keep with the stuff you know and dont be afraid to spend a little bit more. It may just pay off down the road.