Mike, like you're planning to do, I did my upgrade in phases. Phase 1 was upgrading the dash and door speakers. Just swapping out the dash and door speakers with Focal speakers from Rod made a big improvement in sound quality -- makes you realize just how crappy the stock speakers are.

Phase 2 was replacing the stock head unit with an Alpine unit with XM Radio and Ipod connectivity. While it sounded better than stock and the Ipod integration was great, I realized I needed an amp ASAP because the head unit wasn't supplying enough power to the speakers.

Phase 3 was installing an Audison amp. Now the system is really sounding great for most of the stuff I listen to. I configured the door speakers as subwoofers and it sounded pretty good except for heavy drum and bass and rap/hip-hop. I knew I needed the sub enclosures for the rear.

Phase 4 was the final phase where I installed the sub enclosures and configured the door speakers as mid/bass. Now the system is perfect!

I think you'll be happy with your system. Rod will not steer you wrong. My advice though is not to wait too long for the amp upgrade. Good luck!

 

I bit the bullet and ordered the 4-way system from Rod (amp, sub's, replace all factory speakers). Should be a nice DIY project next week.

 

mikeshaver and skiracer:

How are your stereo installs coming along? I took advantage of the holiday weekend to upgrade my headunit to a double-DIN Pioneer Premier AVIC F90BT satnav. It's pretty cool -- it has iPod (audio and video) support, Sirius radio, plays CDs and DVDs, iGo navigation and built-in Bluetooth. Of course my old iPhone (first generation) would not sync the contacts so I had to upgrade to a new iPhone 3G.





The nice thing about the new AVIC satnavs is that they are based on Windows and completely hackable!

 

I've got my stuff on the way actually. I've gone with a single DIN Kenwood as I don't want to lose the replay ability of my starmate. I also ordered the Audison Amp, wiring kit, and I'm sending him all my panels for Hertz separates up front and hertz full range in the rear. I've also ordered the bare Kenwood subs that he puts in the custom enclosures and I'm going to try and make some boxes for them myself.

I plan to post pics of the process once everything arrives over the next month or so!

 

I'm done w/ the hard part. I replaced my rear factory speakers, door speakers and the dash speakers w/ Rod's Hertz products and installed a very large Hertz amp in the trunk. My subwoofer cables have been run to the rear seats and at this point I'm just waiting for Rod to complete the custom fiberglass enclosures he makes and ship them to me.

Even w/o the sub's, the sound is remarkably improved. The amount of clean power generated by this massive amp is very impressive; such that I can't hear the motor rev when the top is up. Too rainy today in Boulder for a top-down drive, but soon enough!

It took me longer than anticipated, but Rod is extremely patient - I simply took my sweet time and ended up w/ what appears to be a professional installation. Since I'm not too handy w/ tools or all that mechanically inclined, I was probably his most challenging customer to date, but it's all good.

Programmatore - you're now on my list (of fellow Rennlisters who have contributed to the lightening of my wallet as I continue to mod the P-car). Thanks for the great tip on Rod, but you guys are beginning to cost me a small fortune!