Hi, I'm only now wanting a stereo so i don't really know much about them but know a bit more after going through a lot of posts these last few days. I want to double check just a few things that i have read here. First is, i should get an american system considering the music i'm going to be playing is going to be a mix. Is this right? second is, getting good quality tweeters and door speakers and getting average 6x9s(for the parcel tray). Is this also correct? Next is, should i invest in a head unit that has an amp combined with it as i will need an amp because of the sub. Is this correct? Also is there a huge difference between a 12 inch and 15inch sub? Thanks

Okay, here goes: 1. Go Jap for all round efficiency. Go Yank for all out grunt and loudness (read amps and sub). Go Euro for sound quality (ie, splits). THESE ARE ROUGH GUIDES ONLY! 2. Go for great front speakers... splits are the way to go. Then go for some average but nice speakers for rear fill. If you want a sub, 6x9's aren't necessary, but handle high volumes better than smaller speakers. 3. Head unit with amp combined?? All head units (bar pro equipment) have in-built amplifiers. But you'll also need an external amp for your splits and sub. Run you rear fill off the unit and get a 4 channel amp to run splits of front two channels and sub off rear two channels (bridged). 4. Yes. 15" subs can reach lower frequencies, but need more power to get running cleanly. With a very powerful amp, and correct boxing, a well build 15" SHOULD perform better all round than a well built 12". Note the emphasis on SHOULD. This is not always the case. Try listening to different setups at car shows and **** to find out what sounds best to you.

thanx again guru

Can i just add, what Burgundy has said there is correct to every last little detail but it also comes down to what music you listen to. If you listen to alot heavier rock type stuff then maybe some of the american splits will be better as the euro ones don't seem to be able to handle it as well. Jap splits aren't known for bass and clarity purely because thats how the japs like their music.

yeah good point my88vl... i forgot about that one. are you being sarcastic ipg?

Yeh i will be listening to a mix of heavier stuff and also techno. Just depends what i feel like. SO what should i get considering i will be playing a mix of music?

also, if you get a couple of subs ect, are you better off sticking some splits or some 6' coax's in the rear anyway for fill.

You don't have to. Rear fill is should only be set up if that is what you want in your system. Techincally, there shouldn't be any at all. The idea is to make a stereo where the music is replicated as per the original recording; as if the band were up on stage in front of you... ie no music from the rear. However, who really cares what is technically crooect??!! I prefer the full sound of a system with a bit of rear fill, and I wouldn't waste my money on splits for the rear to create that.

my system has jbl splits up front, love the sound of em, kenwood 6x9's for fill and 2 12's in the boot, while some people say you don't need speakers for rear fill, spending numerous nights drunk in the back seat in cars without rear fill i find it quite **** only hearing bass, there for not only is rear fill good for all round sound, but polite for passangers in the rear of your car Some original photos have not been recovered yet.

true, true. But when I'm drunk in my car, I'm up front for sure! (in shotgun of course)

Bloody oath, who can cope with the bass blaring out of speakers only inches away from your ear when your pissed. BARF!