All,

I'm looking for a simple, resonably good sounding set up for my C2S. I've searched until my eyeballs dried out but still can't really find what I'm looking for. The car currently has an older Alpine 7893 and has the factory Hi-Fi option.

The car is on a slow diet towards RS-lightness. Along those lines I am changing out the door panels to RS clone bits. This will allow me to use basically any front speakers. I intend to ditch the factory amp as well. The rear speakers are already gone, as is the old 12-disc Apline changer. I will not add a subwoofer or replace the rear speakers.

I fully realize that "good stereo" and "lightweight" do not go together, but I do appreciate fast and loud at times. I'm looking for some recommendations with the following rough criteria:

Head unit: Plays digital music-either from an ipod or off a USB I suppose. CD player is not necessary. Enough (best/most?) internal power to drive a reasonably good set of front speakers without needing an external amp. A faceplate that is not too ricer, although silver accents are ok, as the rest of my interior has silver trim bits. No need for nav or satellite radio.

Front Speakers: Best sounding that don't require being driven by an amp (i.e. can be driven by the HU above). Full enough range that a sub is not needed. I am somewhat ambivalent as to co-axial vs. components, as long as the crossovers aren't too big. Simple grills, preferably all black.

Wire: Does running all new wire make any sense in this application? I realize mega-cables aren't necessary, but question how good the stock, 14-year old stuff is and if it matters.

Price is not a main consideration.

Any advice/recommendations/suggestions?

TIA

 

What would be your budget....? If you stick with your alpine head that's fine... For fro go with focals v3..... That's all you're going to need for better then average sound....

 

If you get one of the Alpine head units you can also install this tiny add on amp.
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ktp-445u

For speakers I would go with HAT:
http://hybrid-audio.com/

 

I'd vote Focals also. not the cheapest but great sound.

 

I've been very happy with this setup.
Head unit:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_13080PR...S.html?tp=5684
Door Speakers:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_136ZR65...si.html?tp=106

 

The hybrid audio speakers look good. Do any of them fit the 993 without butchering the the stock enclosures and use factory grills?

 

My head unit is so old it doesn't play mp3s, so it needs to go.

I guess my budget would be $1000-1500, unless that is just 1) stupid or 2) not enough. I'm not too up to speed on current car stereo gear.

 

Mine's so old it takes cassettes.

 

I had the Legatia 6 in my 993 behind the factory grill(non-hifi) it was a very tight fit but worked. They are now in my 964 and I still love them.

A nice thing about the Legatia SE 6 is it uses a neo-magnet and they are super light.

 

Any thoughts on the wiring?

 

Switched to Nakamichi. Sounds good,looks good.

 

Farfelc2s - I have a similar Nakamichi head unit in my car. How did you setup the iPod/USB input?

 

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Someone has to follow this up with a good joke.. I wish I had one.

I ordered a Parrot Asteroid to play my music collection. Not really interested in its GPS capabilities as the screen as well as its location is useless (and dangerous) for that.

 

Mmmm, RS-lightness....digital source like iPod.....no satnav.....

....bundle your iPhone/iPod to a Fiio E7 portable DAC / headphone amp. Use Shure in ear phones for stealth mode, audio technica w1000's are hard to beat for sound and looks at that price.

Otherwise gut your cats, fit some stage II's and a BMC cup filter for a heavenly straight-6 symphony;-)