Well, not exactly from scratch...I have the car. Sorry, poor attempt at humor. Anyway...This is gonna be a long one - Sorry! Thanks in advance!
Finally starting to shop for my best system yet. Although it will be one thing at a time - ahhh, that elusive lottery. I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Chrysler/Infinity package including tweeters in the dash, 6x9's in the front doors and 6-3/4" in the rear doors (all according to Crutchfield, I haven't verified yet) with an amp pushing some undetermined power to them. There is no navigation system.
I am looking for some suggestions from the folks here with all the gold stars under their handle...
What I listen to: honestly, everything. Way less Country, Hip Hop and Rap than anything else, although still fun from time to time - you know, reliving high school when our cars/stereos were our lives... Mainly, I listen to Blues, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Acoustic, Funk, SKA, Reggae, etc. I am a guitarist, so my ear is demanding in regards to accurate, smooth and natural reproduction of musical timbre.
I am trying to decide whether to go full 3 way in the front doors or 2 way. I don't mind the extra time and investment in trying to perfect a 3 way system, after all, isn't that the point of a hobby? But at some point, I would like to cruise and enjoy the stereo without constantly tweaking it.
If I decide on two way I am curious as to whether these http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=SDX7 and a set of tweeters (hopefully, you fine audiophiles can suggest some) will cover all the frequency ranges, or would I cause damage to one or both of them by pushing them to do what they aren't designed for.
If I go 3 way, I was thinking the same mid-bass, a set of 4" mids (again, maybe some suggestions?) and again 'some' set of tweeters, if I can fit it all in my doors...
I am really concerned about the sound quality, cleanliness, accuracy and reproduction value of all speakers as a "set." Since I listen to genres with horns, sax, trumpets, pedal steel guitars, and everything else, the most natural and unforced sounding timbre is important.
I have not decided on any amps yet, although the PDX series appeals to me as a friend has the 5 channel. But are the newest iteration of the PDX's as good as the silver ones from last year? Anyone tried the black ones?
As for bottom end, I currently have an Image Dynamics 12 IDQ (DVC, 2 Ohm) and an old school Orion 275 XTR. But am considering moving to replace these as well. I prefer a 10.
As I live in St. Louis, MO, there are no reputable shops that I have found to go and have a listen. All shops around here only sell Rockford, Boston, Polk, MTX, JL, etc, etc. I am interested in Vifa, Seas, Rainbow, and the like. I have a moderate budget to buy a set of speakers at a time, but we're not talking $200 a piece for tweets...
Again I'm sorry this is such a long post, but my head is reeling from all the studying and research.
Thanks so much everyone!!!!
Jeff