No Knowledge - Need Better Sound

[Infern0]

Looking for some assistance from anyone with the time and desire. I have zero knowledge of sound systems nor components. That problem is compounded by the fact I have no desire to. I typically focus on the "go-fast" portion of the hobby. What I do know however is that the stock sound system in these cars is terrible….so bad. I'd like to fix that.

- My Car: 2010 2SS/RS

- Budget: $1K (Reasonable? I know the head-unit will consume most of this. Don't mind going a little over if it's worth the return).

- Listening habits: 99.9% radio, otherwise digital

- My Phone: Galaxy S4 (only mentioning to note that iPhone compatibility features have no weight to me)

- I'm not a base hound so a tower of subs isn't desired. I also typically "listen to my music at a reasonable volume". I prefer quality to quantity.

- I like most prefer the looks of the scosche to the metra

- In addition to the setup proposals to follow, should I disable the center speaker or is that typically only needed if staying with the stock layout?

- Would be fun to have a backup camera (I know there are decent DIYs on here, so it doesn't have to be built in if it saves cost)

- Like most people on a budget, I am patient. Meaning if something is slightly out of budget at the moment, though if I waited for a sale would allow me to elevate the level of performance in a specific area, I can do that.


Any suggestions on a kit would be greatly appreciated.

[Glen e]

If you are going to have all this done, figure at least another $500.....

[Chris-10]

You can improve the sound greatly without changing the head unit. A decent one will run around $600 and up but you can always add that later.

The biggest improvement is too add a good amp. I went with the JL700/5, it runs the door speakers ( I got the jl c2 650's) the decklid speakers ( also went with jl c2's). Honestly the rear speakers don't make a huge difference. It also runs my 10" kicker sub. I used the ******** drop in box.

Huge difference in sound, I'm not a huge bass sound guy but there is plenty with this setup.
Jl c2's front around $150
Jl c2's rear. $120
Ki kicker sub. $120
Jl 700/5 amp. $350
******** fark wire kit and drop in box, I forget the price but but think they were around $250 for both.
Oh yeah, disco the center speaker.
Good luck

[Infern0]

Thanks for the advice, Chris.

[Infern0]

Any other kit suggestions?

[Glen e]

many of us have done very close to what chris has done...it is the easiest, best bang for your buck if you don't want to spend thousands...I went lower and easier, and it still sounds amazing:

Infinity basslink in trunk - combo all in one amp and sub
JL XD400 4 ch amp<<---this is the biggest single item that makes the biggest diff, IMO
JL 650 C2's in front - forget the rear - not worth messing with
the ******** FARK harness that makes it all plug and play....

[JimE]

I agree, an amp alone will wake up the system.

[FLGator75]

Originally Posted by Glen e

many of us have done very close to what chris has done...it is the easiest, best bang for your buck if you don't want to spend thousands...I went lower and easier, and it still sounds amazing:

Infinity basslink in trunk - combo all in one amp and sub
JL XD400 4 ch amp<<---this is the biggest single item that makes the biggest diff, IMO
JL 650 C2's in front - forget the rear - not worth messing with
the ******** FARK harness that makes it all plug and play....

Can you provide links on where these items can be purchased? Thanks!

[Chris-10]

Originally Posted by FLGator75

Can you provide links on where these items can be purchased? Thanks!

I bought the amp and speakers from amazon

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by Chris-10

I bought the amp and speakers from amazon

Me too...
and
FARK harness from ********.com

[Infern0]

Awesome, thanks for the additional insight!

[JimE]

Shop around. Google the model numbers and you will get sources. Amazon has decent prices, but I've heard (haven't verified) that they are not an authorized reseller/dealer. Which isn't a big deal, unless you need the warranty.

[Glen e]

Originally Posted by JimE

Shop around. Google the model numbers and you will get sources. Amazon has decent prices, but I've heard (haven't verified) that they are not an authorized reseller/dealer. Which isn't a big deal, unless you need the warranty.

their reseller gives 2 yr warranty..drill down to the seller...

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[Infern0]

Looking around I see there are a few variations of the JL C2 series. I assume the higher model number, along with the slightly higher price, would represent a better quality? C2-350 vs. C2-650 for instance? Are the C5s any good?

Would there be a benefit to going with a 3-way? Would it even fit?

Does anyone know the mounting size parameter limitations for proper fitment?