I need car audio advice and opinions on a set up.?

Shandi Wedge: Well, it's tough to give you a totally thorough answer because you're not exactly clear on what you want other than a good balance of bass and treble.Based on what you've stated you have (or will have) I suspect there will be a good balance. But if you are looking at putting together a sound-quality (SQ) system you may have some issues. First, I can't really speak about the energy speakers because I haven't heard them (or even heard OF them until your post). However, they are relatively expensive and they look cool...so they probably are good (not exactly a scientific analysis but if speakers are fairly expensive and don't look too flashy they're usually good).Assuming they are good, you would be doing them a gross injustice by powering them with performance teknique amplifiers. PT is defiinitely NOT known for SQ...in fact they're not really known for anything other than being pretty cheap. Realize that no matter how good a speaker is, if it has a medio! cre sound-signal being provided by the amplifier then the sound will only be mediocre (a car audio system is only as strong as its weakest link). For good sound quality, I would recommend amplifiers by zapco, cadence, image dynamics, cdt audio, or some other manufacturer well-regarded in the SQ realm.Also, since you sound like someone who is concerned with SQ I would consider getting components for the front. Quality components can make a HUGE difference on SQ and detail, even when guaged against quality coaxials. When I got my first pair of good components I was blown away by the difference and simply cannot go back to coaxials.Although you're not looking to "bump" (I presume), 200W is pretty low for a sub. In order to get deep bass, detailed bass, dynamic bass AND bass that is loud enough to meaningfully overcome road noise I would recommend going with a sub that is 350W RMS+ (I don't think that even 500W RMS would be excessive for you). The same thing that I said ab! out the PT amp for the door speakers would also hold true for ! the subwoofer amp. A crappy amp hooked up to a great sub will only give you decent sound at best. If you do decide to upgrade your amp, get something with a 24db crossover, this will greatly improve the sound quality over an amp with a 12db crossover and will help the bass to blend with the rest of the music. Again, you get what you pay for...for a quality amp in the 350-500W RMS range I would expect to spend about 50-75 cents per watt RMS.A lot of people speak ill of capacitors (with some good reason) as they are essentially a bandaid. But, if you have a minor cut, all you need is a bandaid! Likewise, if your stock electrical-system is only slightly too weak for your audio system then a capacitor will do it's job (from my experience adding a capacitor helps boost the bass a little and keeps headlights from dimming). For the system you are putting together, a 1-2 Farad capacitor would be fine. Ultimately, I would recommend just hooking up the system without the cap a! nd see if you need one. If your headlights dim slightly when the volume is loud then a cap would be a good thing to purchase. If they dim ALOT then you may need a new battery and/or alternator.Lastly, don't rule out a 12". I am HUGE on SQ and have found that 12's are more detailed, fuller-sounding and will more meaningfully reproduce deep bass. Don't get me wrong, 10's sound good too and there are people who prefer them, but as someone who has had many 10's and many 12's, overall my preferance is for 12's. Whatever you do, good luck and hopefully everything turns out the way you want....Show more