2003 Ford Explorer system

Ok I have a 2003 Ford Explorer with the factory six-disc in dash cd changer in there, with two Sony Xplod's and an 800 watt Sony amp in a sealed box.  I bought it a couple years ago and have never had any problems, but I'm going away to college in 4 months and want something new, something much more powerful.  I'm guessing that I'm gonna have about $1200 to spend on a new system, so my question to you is what would you do if it were your system.  What would you buy, where would you buy it from, how would you set it up, and so forth.  Thanks guys.

get an alarm! then recalculate your budget.

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a car alarm?  why?

So that 1200 dollars doesnt get stolen. Depends on your neighborhood really, but better to be safe than sorry. I would look into one really good sub than two decent/good ones.

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Volkswagen Golf
Alpine CDA-9851
Alpine MRD-M501
Alpine 12" Type R Ported
Alpine Guy is my hero

If...and when, you have nice stuff......theres ALWAYS someone out there who thinks THEY deserve it more than you do.....GONE!    Protect your investment, no matter where you live!

Justa thought

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Sam, that's a REAL BIG question.  The best thing for you to do, IMO, is to continually read posts on this forum.  You will most assuredly get most, if not all, of your questions answered.  When you get stuck on something more specific, let the forum know.

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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.

alright

Sam, I also have a 2003 Explorer. I can probably assist with any challenges you have on getting stuff out of the truck and/or putting it in.  I'm building my system also, and right now I replaced the 6 disc head unit with a Pioneer DEH-P7600MP, replaced the door speakers with 5x7 Infinity Kappa's and I have an Infinity Perfect 12.1d that I'm going to be putting in with a sealed enclosure. I'm planning on running 400 watts to the sub and 100 watts to the door speakers. I think this setup should sound great and the only thing visible is the sub in the back, but there is also tinted glass back there and a cargo cover so it would be hard to notice it. I'll put the amps under the rear seats.

Let me know how you are coming along, there isn't that much information available on the newer Explorer's. It would be good to trade info, tips, etc..

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2004 BMW 325ci.
Alpine CDA-9885
JL 300/4 and 250/1
JL XR 5.25 comps
Infinity Kappa Perfect 12

alright thanks jdog.  Yeh I've got my system set up really nice in there right now, with a Sony amp under the left middle seat and all the wiring under the carpet and through the door panels.  From the amp I've got the wires coming up the left side to the subs...very clean install.  I have a question though, and you might know.  My Explorer has the factory DVD player for the back seats, and I saw something on Crutchfield that said that, if I took out the factory head unit then the DVD player would no longer work...that can't be right.  It is hooked up to the head unit (6 disc in-dash cd changer) but I'm sure if I replaced the head unit I could still run the DVD player from the back.  Do you know?  Because I really want to get an Alpine head unit in there as soon as possible.  Thanks.

I'm not sure about the DVD, mine didn't come with that option. It is possible that the DVD player is controlled through the head unit, and therefore it won't function without it. I would think if you replaced the head unit with an aftermarket with DVD controls, you could plug it in, but I don't know how it is connected to the factory unit.

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2004 BMW 325ci.
Alpine CDA-9885
JL 300/4 and 250/1
JL XR 5.25 comps
Infinity Kappa Perfect 12

yeh i would've preferred one with the sunroof as opposed to the DVD, but i just got tired of lookin so i ended up buyin the one i have now.  yeh i think the DVD is controlled through the head unit, so I probably would have to buy a head unit with DVD controls.  I'd have to get someone to look at that prolly cause I don't wanna get a new head unit if it's gonna compromise my DVD.