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OK, I'm just looking for some advice here, so don't flame me about searching.

I have Alpine front and rear speakers, and 2 Audiobahn 8" subs hooked to a 1000w max Sony amp. I still have the stock HU. I eventually want to get an in-dash DVD/LCD, but I don't have the money right now, but I want better sound. I've heard that even an inexpensive aftermarket will dramatically increase sound quality. Also, I want some preamp outputs, a RCA sub output, and preferrably a sub control (volume) in the HU. The thing is, since I will be upgrading later, I don't want to spend too much money (try keep it below $150?). What advice do you guys have, considering my specific needs, and price is a VERY big concern. Thanks.

 
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anybody?

(bump)

 
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just looking for opinions, suggestions, anything

 
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ALPINE CDM-9803

I think you can find it on Ebay around $150. I think it would be tough to get a sub-output and volume control for that type of a price. Alpine quality.

CDM-9803

 
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that Alpine says it has a sub level control. Dunno about sub output, but it says:

"Bass Engine® gives you control over the bass and treble sound contour, including the ability to adjust the subwoofer level."

sounds good to me!

 
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Yeah, I saw that after I posted it, I thought the one above that was where the Bass Engine started.

 
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Get a lower-end eclipse deck. Has the best quility and an mp3 deck new I've seen on ebay for $150.

 
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ooh mp3. that would be nice.

Also, I have speakers that can handle 50w RMS, 200w max in the front, 250w max in the rear. Most of the HU's i've seen have 50w....max. Would amping all my speakers make a big increase in sound quality?

 
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Yep, amps would definitely set it off. Since money is an issue, I would try the deck first. It will be a big improvement from stock, then I would move to amps later. The rule my audio guru gave me back in the day was, whatever you amp your lows with, you need 50% of that for your highs and mids.

Example:

150 watts to the subs
You need a minimum of 75 watts for your highs.

I've followed that, and it seems to work for me.

 
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hmm...400watts RMS to my subs...my other speakers definitely can't handle 200watts RMS. the fronts are 200 max.

 
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I was saying total, so maybe 75-100 rms to each speaker.

 
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ahhh...that would work. amping the rest of the speakers is a ways down the road though...gotta get a new HU first.

 
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The Hu will usually give 22w rms per channel, instead of the stock 15w. It's a big improvement by itself, although amps have even cleaner sound.