As far as a headunit, I've always been partial to Kenwood. That's probably because I've been using that brand since I was 16... Lol!

Resonant Engineering is a great company. A lot of SQ is install dependent. The IDMax is a great SQ woofer. Another you could look into would be the OZ matrix. There's a lot of options.

Do you have to have a DVD headunit or were you wanting to go with just a regular CD player? I'm assuming DVD because you said multimedia...

 

Between the two, I prefer Image Dynamics. The IDMAX is a great sub. What's your budget for a sub?

 

It's best to get a source unit with zero output and let the amp take care of the power to the drivers. I had a Harmon/Kardon unit that had the cleanest sound you could ever listen to, I believe I had a 50 watt U.S. Amps driving the mids/highs. It was super crisp, and very loud with no distortion.

 

Ive been into sounds for a long time and have always wasted loads of money (at least to me its a lot) on what I feel is different and high quality. Ive never quite been 100% happy with any set up no matter how nice or expensive it is. Ive had JL, Focal, Alpine, Digital Designs, Image Dynamics, JBL, Boston Acoustics, Eclipse, Kenwood, MA Audio, and a few others. Hell, one time I even bought this one amp by KOLE audio at a swap meet type sale, it was like $300 for a 1800 watt mono amp. surprisingly it sounded a lot better than i expected.
My favorite for mids and highs would definitely go to Focal. They sound awesome! In my 05 xb I had Focal K2 power component set, pushed with a digital designs 4 channel amp (about 100 watts rms per channel) and I had a 12" Digital Designs 9500 series sub, pushed that bad boy with DD 900 watt rms mono amp. The Focal set was so clean and crisp and it had some nice punch to it. By far the best set Ive ever had. My head unit was by Eclipse, i wasnt very happy with the sound quality but it was super cool cuz it had a 20 gig hard drive that recorded all my music on it and it was my first touch screen double din dvd player. If youve ever had the chance to hear a JBL GTI series subwoofer u would be surprised! With the right set up that thing is a beast!!!
If u can afford the audison amps i hear that they are the best can buy. never actually seen or heard one in real lie though. Hawaii doesnt really have anyplace that sells audison.
Bottom line is. . . . Its all about preference, see what sounds good to your ear and whats reasonably priced and youll be happy. For my new ride I think im gonna get a 12" Alpine type X sub and a matching Alpine amp. Not decided on my component set yet. Ive heard a few set ups with a type x sub and it sounds good u just need a damn powerful amp to push it. For your sub I would recommend either the Digital Designs 9500 seies or the Image Dynamics sub. According to my ear I like the DD, but alot of people I know prefer the ID. good luck with ur sounds homie

 

Too bad the 9500G from DD is anywhere from $500 and up... If they weren't so expensive, I'd have 2 of the 9512G's already!

 

wow. guess i'll just take my 4 8w7's and go play else where.

anyway. good luck on your search. its all about what you like and can afford. i'd say the best thing though would be to actually demo the equipment your looking at in a vehicle rather than a stores showroom. that way you can hear how it sounds in the place its supposed to be in. and since everybodies throwin brands out...... boston acoustic, zapco, memphis, phoenix gold, us amps, re audio.

 

knowing a price range would help us in helping you out. It would ultimately determine what type of system you would get in the SQ range.

But as mentioned numerous times... hearing the speakers will give you the best choice..... some people like high bright sounding speakers and some like strong mid tones, just depends.

 

not to jijack but can I see how you have your setup Dirtyred? Id love to see how you mounted everything.
thanks
-nick

 

Like i said my budget is around $2500.

By the way Im also looking to put sound deadening in my car.

Where is a good place to get a deal on second skin products.

 

I just added 120 sqft of second skin to my box, and its a great product. I got it directly from second skin. I believe thats the best place. I dont think they discount on ebay like some other brands..Ill have to get some pics up.
-nick

 

heres the thread i posted pics in. just scroll down a bit....


https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=219450

 

i installed some cdt components and could not believe how great they sound. definately worth the money.

 

Dirtyred, thanks. I like your setup. Im sure it slams...
-nick