Most cost effective way to beef my 1996 Jimmy sound system?

Question

I'm looking on replacing factory audio in my 1996 Jimmy (4DR). I've been everywhere today, Circuit City, Best Buy etc. I look on-line at stores for prices, go to stores in person. To sum it up, I have a real hard time deciding what to get the most bang for my buck. I have had advice from some employees, but with a busy Saturday I had not much help. Alot of people say buy the parts I want and just have them go install it. I would just like professional answers and help so that I make the right decision and not waste my money and time.

What I want is an in-dash reciever

1 Subwoofer & amp

and (MAYBE) replace the factory speakers.

I would like it all the same brand, but not needed if the quality is right.

I like brands like Sony, Rockford, Kenwood, JL, Alpine.

My budget is around $500-650.

I want a simple system, nothing showroom. The bass doesn't need to wake up the neighbors 5 blocks away, just 1 block would be nice lol.

I dont need a very fancy dash, the Sony Xplod thats like $102. would even be fine, I can always upgrade. I would just like something now so that when I do upgrade I wont have to install over again. Thanks!

Answer 1

Based on your brand preferences, I'd go with a lower-end Alpine head unit.  A single 12" sub in a ported enclosure and a decent monoblock amp should give enough punch for a starter system.  Replace the front speakers, would not worry about the rears for now.  Keep in mind if you're going to have someone else to do the install that you'll have to factor some money for an amp wiring kit & RCA's.  If you're good with simple tools, replacing the front speakers is fairly straight forward and you can save the front speaker installation charge.

Answer 2

If you want something that sounds great you should stay with quality componants.  I think I am a little like you I wanted something that sounded great but I did not care about waking up the nieghborhood.  I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT what I ended up doing with it was replacing the reciever with a JVC cd reciever installed it myself $140 radio and parts,  bought a single JL Audio 10W3v3 2ohm driver $185, Memphis Audio MCD500 amplifier $375.  2 sets of Memphis Audio M class 5x7 at $250 for both.  Most of the installation I did myself over a few weekend at a cost of 950 + tax on the parts the only thing I did not doo that drove the cost up is I had a profession build a custom enclosure to make the install stealthy that ran an additional $400.  The sound is clean and hits really hard for only being one 10 I have had a lot of my friends think I was running more than a single 10.  Memphis audio has other componants that are a little less expensive but still sound very good, I bought their entry level equipment for my work van for around $200 amp and sub.  I would recommend you check them out and see if you have a dealer in your area at http://memphiscaraudio.com  Give them a listen I think you will like them, at any rate I hope this helps a little and good luck..