This is the question I'm asking myself, as I've given myself the task to make a nice sounding system with around $500 of components in my friend's 1994 Holden Apollo.

Atm, she has a Panasonic lower end MP3 head unit (was a Sound4 hu) which has two pairs of 2V preouts I'm sure of, and a 45x4 onboard amplifier.

From here, this is where the fun begins. Currently there is no rear speakers, however a friend with a 97 Toyota Camry (same shape as Apollo) had 6x9's in the rear. Up front supposively there is room for a 6" driver behind the factory grill, but wouldn' tbe surprised if 4" or 5" would be easier.

I want to put an amplifer into the system as well, preferably 4ch which I think may not be possible. Something like a 40WRMS x 4
6x9's aren't my best friend, so another option I was thinking was a 10" subwoofer and then building a box myself to cut costs down.

So what I'm asking is for anyone to recommend any gear that would hopefully put me within the $500 budget, and leave a nice sounding system. I probably won't be doing the installation myself, and have set aside around $300 for that.

*Reason for doing install is because she lent me her car for over a week while my car was in the workshop*

$500 will get you a stereo, wont be a full SQ comp car thats for sure.

if you play your card's right you would be able to pick up some good bargins in the FS section.
i would go for some 6.5in coax (something relitivly decent) a very cheep 4 x 50wrms amp and cheep sub.
it can be done but you will have to keep an eye out.
good example would be my SS ref that i got for $200, 4 x 50wrms and will comftably run nearly any impedence you want and has ample power to run anything!

keep an eye out

Oh yeah, this car ain't going to be entering any SQ or SPL comps. The owner doesn't really give a crap about quality, but since I'm doing the task I want it to sound as good as possible. Loudness doesn't matter.

head unit ~ $150 second hand
amp (4x50wrms) ~ $150 second hand (or jaycar)
speakers (coaxial or splits-think jaycar or second hand) ~ $150
sub (10/12") ~ $50 second hand (or clearance sales, ie fhrx about a month ago)

diy install, cheapo wires (but not ridiculous/unsafe)

From memory the apollo had 6" speakes up front std.

I would look to add a Sub and a 2channel amp and then hi pass the fronts using a cap and add abiance tweeters up high in the dash (i think there is a spot for them already) and prehaps add some 6" speakers in the back parcel shelf.

I think this should keep you well under the $500 and give her a fairly good sounding system. plus leave some money over for you to have the car detailed

I think the definition of 'SQ" really is becoming over/miss used.

I'm guessing by "SQ" you mean good sounding? Who doesn't want a system that sounds good?

$500 can build a decent sounding system.

1. Forget 6x9s

2. Get a decent set of 2 way co-axials $160-200 (Boston Acoustics etc)

3. Buy a really cheap sub like the Kenwood 12" for only $89 at Strathfield atm

4. Spend $250 on an amp, JVC have a 4x50W now for rrp$249

Phil

Firstly buy my pack Im selling,
JVC H/U, Alpine 12" Sub, Alpine 2 chan amp, 6" co-ax's(for rear fill) and carpeted box all for $250. All in as new cond.
Then spend $150 on a pair of Jaycar splits for $150, leaving u $100 for a cheap amp to run the splits, or the sub and use the Alpine for the Splits(built in lo/hi pass filter).

Luke

Good co-axials sound better than cheap splits.

Phil

Jaycar splits sound better than what the price suggests though.

But I tend to agree with you Phil.

im with phill on this one! god coax can sould alot better than a cheep set of splits