
Originally Posted by
Fotonista
I'm no Guru, but as far as my experience goes and from what I am reading on your post, I'd say you are leaning towards the SQ to LNC route. If you we're to ask me, I'd focus on building my front stage as clean and clear as possible. I'd scrap the 6X9's and amplified sub is a no-no. If you really want a "realistic experience" then go for separates (2 way or 3 way) and a sealed sub (if space is an issue). Get a 4ch AMP to power your front seps and bridge the two channels for your sub, then you are all set. No more rear speakers, if you still insist in having so, just get a small midrange as these will play only as a rear fill, nothing more. Reason behind this? When you watch a concert, or a live band playing at a bar, do you hear any sound coming from behind? Or listen to them facing the rear? I guess not... All the sound are coming from the stage which is your front, so why should it differ from your car? Your dashboard will be your stage, you and the rest of the passenger will be the audience. Beefing up on a properly installed, properly tuned separates will give you a "sound stage" that will mimic the real thing. No need to spend money on your rear speakers because more often it "defeats" the sound of your front speakers, leaving the impression of either it's coming form the back or your stage is in hte middle of your car.
For the specs, it always boils down to your working budget. Make sure you include the cost of materials such as wiring, deadening, box (and woodworks - optional) plus the labor of your installer (if not DIY). If you know some that has an audio setup, try to listen to them and ask the "traits" of their system so you'll be familiar with what's in the market vis-a-vis with what you want. Should you look for warm sounds, or are you a "bright" listener? Difference of cheap brands with the costly ones, etc.
And the last thing, go to a reputable installer, don't go to those who will drown you with gibberish talk and technicalities, trying to sell you their products and not providing you what you want. It always has to be your choice, not the available product that they have or the promo that they give. A good installer will just give you an option, but if what you want is not in his lineup, he should inform you that you get what you want and they will just install them for you. Avoid being an impulse buyer, your money (hard earned or not) should still be spent wisely. Don't do the same mistake as most of "us" did, we learned the "hard way".
just my 2 cent.