I need some recomendations!!! asap

[cochino12]

Ok so here's the deal, I used to manage an audio shop where I installed, sold etc.... but that was like 5 years ago. Now i can still get most brands for dealer cost but I havent paid attention to the new audio stuff for a number of years. I just recently put a bid on a couple hot rods for a friend who builds REAL hot rods, not stereos on wheels (I hope that makes sense) and he is going to let me install the stereo/video equiptment. Anyway I need to build a stereo for around $2k-$2500, $1k-ish of which will consist of an in-dash dvd player. So basicly, I have done a lot of High dollar installs so I am not worried about that, but I am more concerned with picking good quality components for the car. I really like the sound of JL audio, but they are so picky about who they sell to they are pretty much out of the question. So I am looking for suggestions on brands and model numbers here. What does everyone think of HIFONICS? I can get most of that stuff pretty cheap but I dont know which line is best.

If this thread turns into a pissing match about brands I will just delete it. I r would really just like some suggestions on brands and model numbers of good all around quality sounding equiptment.

[ridnlow]

Image Dynamics, CDT Audio, MBquart, RE Audio, as far as speakers and such...
Arc Audio, Diamond Audio, Tru Technology, ED ( that one should get some response) Us Amps, Xtant, Kicker, MTX, Rockford are all solid amps..

[Exalted512]

as an installer, you should know that you cant do much if you dont have any information on the car youre installing in. What size speakers will fit? How many subs do you want? What size? How many amps??
-Cody

[95stroked1500]

that is a tight budget, but dealer cost will help a lot. i don't know the current jvc prices, but they are supposed to be coming up quality wise, with their arsenal line. supposed to be up to par with pioneer. i am also looking into exonic, they have great pricing for video packages, but the head units won't be avail until about march. i have no feed back for the decks, they aren't out yet. their video i saw is very good. the people i have called that have first hand with it, say top notch. no faulty returns, no reman slot machine screens or lap top screens used to make them. i don't think you want a "boomer" for that type of car. look into some crystal comp subs, helix highs, lots of good clean amps. us amps, they are coming out with their more affordable lines here in the next few weeks. hifonics still has good stuff. i'm still digging to get to the bottom of all the new stuff as for how it's rated and what it can really do. everyone talks up their own stuff and down on everyone else. dls, up and coming also has some very affordable lower lines of amps, highs and subs. more sq oriented. i've heard their top end only, very good, but at that price point, i have my favorites in other brands. good luck, lots to sort through. there's a lot of good stuff out there. what brands do you have access to?

[DSZ71]

I really liked my Arc Audio amps when I ran them, and they are not too overpriced either. I also like Image Dynamics for subs and components. I imagine that you dont need something that incorporates 4 15"s, so a nice solid, tight system would sound nice, like a pair of 10s and some 3 way comps up front, or maybe even the Pro Horn comp systems from Image Dynamics. I would also vote for DLS stuff, like Larry said (95Stroked1500) they have a nice mid line of amps (Classic line) and comps as well. Their high end is nice, but $$$. Hifonics like you mentioned offers great performance for the budget minded enthusiast, but still worth recommending at least on their amps like Zues and Brutus lines. Like most everyone else out there said, there is a lot of great stuff out there to choose from and you will be very happy with your choice. Just to mention another name worth checking out is Adire, they make nice subs and nice comp sets as well.