Where do i start????

[GTIMK3LEE]

I have a mk3 golf GTI 8v and want to install a nice good quality system but without breaking the bank.
Have read up on this but still a little unsure, im not stupid just not sure what makes etc to use.
So really what amps, subs (1 or 2) etc etc, im a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to cars so
would like the build to look neat as its in a standard car.
Any help or someone selling anything ideal for me would be appreciated.

Regards, lee.

[dragonfly]

Can't go wrong with a decent headunit, components up front and a sub in the boot all amped up.

You really need to hear the speakers to decide what sounds good to you.

An install isn't too difficult to do - it depends on how trick you want to be (amp hidden behind rear interior panel etc).

Do you have a budget in mind?

This thread might help: http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=145678.0

[GTIMK3LEE]

Looked at that thread earlier and looks good, dont want anything on the shelf, no 6x9's etc.
I just dont understand amps and what to use.
I have an alpine head unit and 12cd changer but thats quiet old now so would like a new one,
again no idea what to get.
Doesnt need to be a competition system just nice sound with good bass.
Have the kids now and the only time i get to listen to what i want is in the car so thought i would try this.
As i said dont want to break the bank or i could have just had someone else fit it but wheres the fun in that.
I like good quality stuff and will save up if its what i want.

Cheers for the reply. lee.

[dragonfly]

If you want quality then Focal, Rainbow or Hertz for the front. Headunits are a personal choice depending on features etc - but you can't go wrong with Alpine or Pioneer at around £250+.
An Audiobahn 10 or 12" would be good in the boot.
As for an amp - again you could have a dedicated amp for the sub and one for front speakers or go for a 3/4/5 channel. On some 4/5 channels you can bridge the output to the sub.

If you start going down the building pods and enclosure route then budget accordingly.

[GTIMK3LEE]

Would prefer a dedicated amp for the sub i think and the other for everything else, will start having a look at
headunits first and go from there then i think.
Thanks for the info mate, much appreciated.

Lee.

[tommk3cab]

If you are happy with the HU, it has all the functions you need and it is still in good working order then I really wouldn't change it.

Mostly you will find that newer car stereos are not anywhere near as good quality as they were in the past, they are slowly getting worse.

[GTIMK3LEE]

My old alpine unit is a TDA7570R, ive had it 12 years now and its been in around 5 cars
but is as new, not scratched and functions 100%, best headunit i ever bought.
Its in my van at the moment and plan to leave it in there, has a tape cassette player
behind the motorised facia for gods sake, want something a little more 2010 now.

[tommk3cab]

My old alpine unit is a TDA7570R, ive had it 12 years now and its been in around 5 cars
but is as new, not scratched and functions 100%, best headunit i ever bought.
Its in my van at the moment and plan to leave it in there, has a tape cassette player
behind the motorised facia for gods sake, want something a little more 2010 now.

your choice, don't say you weren't warned

[GTIMK3LEE]

Been looking at the Alpine IDA series so i can link my ipod in, i know what you mean though, have looked at
various head units now and they just dont have the quality look that mine still has even after all these years.
Have had plenty of others over the years, dont care for jvc, sony, pioneer or kenwood, is there any that
are a worthy buy right now??

[tommk3cab]

Been looking at the Alpine IDA series so i can link my ipod in, i know what you mean though, have looked at
various head units now and they just dont have the quality look that mine still has even after all these years.
Have had plenty of others over the years, dont care for jvc, sony, pioneer or kenwood, is there any that
are a worthy buy right now??

It is not even so much about the look, it is the feel (buttons etc) and reliability.

if you can get hold of a pioneer p77mp it would be worth it, or a p88 they are both excellent. not sure about the ipod thing, I wouldn't degrade myself that much;)