Help me spec a stereo system for my 99
 

Looking to put a stereo setup in my 99 daily driver. It's currently got a factory Bose setup and the head unit just died on me so I'm looking to upgrade the entire system.
In my truck I have a Pioneer double din touchscreen, JL components front and rear, two MTX 10" subs, and two amps to drive it all (don't know type of the top of my head). I'm very happy with that setup and hope to get similar quality/loudness in my Miata.

I'll likely do a single DIN with a pocket below for my phone/wallet/etc. A friend recommended doing something that is HD radio compatible because the quality is great. Auxiliary input or iPhone connection is a must. I almost prefer an auxiliary input because I would rather select the music on my phone and not have to scroll through on the head unit itself.

I'd rather not have to amp the speakers but think I may have to in order to get the quality and sound level I'm after. A single sub is most likely required, although I have seen speakers that have really good lows (I don't remember what these were, but definitely not your average speaker).

I'd also like to keep costs in check as much as possible and will be buying everything online/installing myself. I'm familiar with sites such as OnlineCarStereo.com and WoofersEtc.com

Suggestions?

let y8s walk you through this. cake.

1. price and brand is meaningless.
Something like this: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=269-184
or whatever size (same brand / product line) is going to be fine. They are BONUS POINTS because they have neodymium magnets and will save you weight!

Unfortunately the $7 awesome miata woofers are sold out.

But the above will do fine for a "decent" install.

head unit is up to you and it largely doesn't matter until you cross the big money threshold.

-------- BIG MONEY THRESHOLD --------

What y8s would do is this:

Find a head unit you like with good preamp outputs
Get a multi channel processor that does crossovers, eq, time alignment, and whatever else.
like this: http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/pxe-h660/
it's only 250 msrp and paired with ANY head unit, it'll do miracles. I promise.

Get a multi-channel amp (small class T like the arc audio)
http://www.arcaudio.com/product-page...es/ksm1254.asp
4x75 W RMS minimum. 100 is better. too little power is hard to overcome--especially if you run 8 ohm speakers (not a big deal, they just double your amp power requirements)

get some known awesome speakers that are easy to mount. check Zaph Audio's driver reviews.

* tweeters: vifa ring radiators are great. bonus points if you put them in a small waveguide stuffed with OPEN CELL foam.
http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com...iator-tweeter/
or
http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com...tweeter-4-ohm/

* mids/midwoofers
Find something with low distortion, a relatively high Qts (.6 to 1.0) and a decent low end response.
You'll do well if you find an XBL based motor system like the old Adire Extremis. There are a few around if you can find them. GR Research makes some. http://gr-research.com/m165xwoofer.aspx
Or something like the Dayton RS series from parts express.
http://www.parts-express.com/wizards...ton+rs&x=0&y=0

sub...
that I've covered before!
http://fixjunk.org/index.php?title=Miata_Trunk_Sub

rear speakers: you wont need them with the above stuff.

^ saved for later, thanks!

I would disagree with Y8's about brand is meaningless, but the rest is totally legit.

BOSS audio != same quality as even something crappy like Pioneer. ;) Not saying you'll only get quality sound paying $200 per speaker, just stay away from chinatrash.

4 18"s, 8" mids, 6" mids, 4" hi's, 1.25" silk tweets, .75" metal tweens, 6 amps.

Stuffed in this:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1334543644