What system should I get?

[googlemeh]

My boss drives a Nissan Xterra and wants to get XM radio, along with a better sound system. He asked me to find him a decent setup. Price isn't really an issue. I mean I doubt he wants to spend several thousand on a system. I called AVE and they gave me this setup...

Pioneer Gex-P920xm (XM Radio)

Pioneer TS-C520PRS 5 (Speakers)

Pioneer DEH-390mp (Head Unit)

They gave me the price of $850 w/ installation. I'm not looking for a cheaper installation price or anything like that. What I'm asking is, is this a decent setup? Anyone know of a better setup around the same price? He wants something with a more crisp, clean and more bassy sound to it. He mentioned that he wasn't to interested in having subs. But, if it were the only way to have a more bassy sound, he would get one but he'd want it somewhere he couldn't see it or have it get in the way of anywhere.

[googlemeh]

Anyone? TTT

[Notladstyle]

Good god, give it more than 40 minutes before you bump.

The XM is about 100
the headunit is a run of the mill 110-150 headunit.
the speakers are decent, 200-300 components. Assuming only one pair because u didnt state otherwise.

That means you are paying at least $300 to install a stereo and some speakers AFTER retail markup.

Not really a good deal.

[Notladstyle]

A better bet would be cheaper components and a small 10" in a box which will run you around the same price with MUCH better sound especially in the bass area.

[googlemeh]

He's not into sub woofers. Money isn't an issue. Doesn't want to go with cheaper components.

[TBSpyder]

A deck alone will be a very small improvement over stock if you leave everything else the same. If a sub isn't an option, you need to atleast get a set or two of some decent components and an amp to power them. Pioneer is fine for the deck, but I would recommend something else for the speakers and amp if that's going to be all you have for bass.

[MCOR]

Damn, if we could get that kind of markup, I'd be able to retire in a year! Anyway, deck and XM controller are good units-installed many of them. However, as stated, I would go with another speaker brand. I have become impartial to the JBL GT series. I think they have stepped up their game and sound quality is great for the price. Boston Acoustic is another common decent choice although I believe still overpriced.

Wether you go with the $850 install or not at that shop, straight up-you are overpaying-money may not be an issue, but no one likes being ripped off. My "money is no issue" clients are usually my most educated shoppers when it come to price-that is how they got their money in the first place-and kept it. If he is not going with a sub, good components will be a must so that they can achieve some "bass" reproduction that will be missing. Just my 2 cents.....

[Notladstyle]

Half the time when people say money is no issue, they already bought the stuff and don't wanna feel stupid.

But if he hasn't payed for it yet and you let him, you are both stupid for paying 850 for that equipment.

[Mafiakiller]

i brought my sound system at AVE....but i didnt let them install it (money issue) but lol i didnt think it was going to cost that much. dont quote me on this but i heard that the newer cars cost more to have the shops install it...is that true.
anyways if you want "more" bass i would amp up the speakers

[TBSpyder]

dont quote me on this but i heard that the newer cars cost more to have the shops install it...is that true.
anyways if you want "more" bass i would amp up the speakers

It depends on how much extra labor is involved or additional parts needed. Many newer cars (and even some older ones) require re-wiring, special dash kits, adapters, etc. because their factory systems are more intricate now.

[googlemeh]

Alright guys, here's another way I might go.

JL Stealth Subwoofer
JL Speakers
Alpine Head-unit.

I just got done speaking to Stereorama. Anyone know if this is a decent setup?

[TBSpyder]

The Jl speakers and subs are much better. As far as the stealthbox, I've found them to be hit or miss in different vehicles, but they're usually atleast decent. Usually very pricey though, most times you can get a better sub and a custom box built for less money. But if you want clean and simple, they're a good option.

[galacticmonkey]

How can you not be into subwoofers? I can understand not being into loud bass, but just having a speaker to give you the bottom end that should be there in the music is how it should be.

Get some Kicker components, a nice single 10 in a small sealed enclosure, and run it all off a Sundown SAX-100.4.

[googlemeh]

He doesn't mind the idea of subwoofer. He said he really likes bass. What he doesn't want is to see "ANYTHING" non-factory.

[TBSpyder]

He doesn't mind the idea of subwoofer. He said he really likes bass. What he doesn't want is to see "ANYTHING" non-factory.

He needs to go to a shop that does good custom work and have them do a hidden enclosure. I couldn't tell you without looking at the vehicle, but I'm sure a decent installer could do something either in a cargo area panel, under a seat, or in a foot well. It can be done, any higher end shop will be use to doing systems for higher-end clientel who usually want great sound with factory appearence.

[TJElite]

I've got a ID 10 and a pair of ID 6.5 coax's on a Sundown 100.4 in my 53 Merc, and you can't find any of it.

Hard to quote a job without seeing the truck, though. Equipment wise, with a good headunit and XM, you're around $1200.

Toby